One has to spend time in Karnataka to savour its many delights. For sheer beauty, there are few places that can excel the string of lakes that constitute the Sharavati system or the confluence of the Hemavati and the Cauvery rivers, just above the Krishnaraja Sagar. River Cauvery is the lifeline of Karnataka.
One of the major attractions of tourism in Karnataka is the sea beach. The western part of Karnataka lies close to the Arabian Sea. As a result this place is blessed with a beauty that is indescribable. Lying there, on a moonlit night, amidst the gathering sounds of the waves scudding against the black basalt shore, and listening to the whisper of winds through the casuarinas, or sitting in the shade of a coconut grove, sipping the tender-coconut water, time flows untroubled.
The coastline of the state stretches to a whooping 320 kilometer. From Karwar in the north to Ullal in the south, it is one long stretch of sparkling white. The beaches in Karnataka are located at Karwar, Kurumgad, Marawanthe, St. Mary`s Island, Malpe, Kaup and Mangalore.
In the north of Karnataka is Hampi that was the capital of the old Vijayanagar Empire. These medieval ruins cover around 26 sq. km. Hampi is at a distance of 14 km from Tungabhadra Dam and on the outskirts of Hospet, a town connected to other cities by an excellent train service. The ruins of Hampi include the Virupaksha Temple. The central hall of this temple was raised by the emperor Krishnadevaraya to commemorate his coronation in 1509-10.
There are few but amazing hill stations in Karnataka. nestled away from the din and bustle of city and amidst the unsullied beauty of nature these are perfect spots to spend to spend time with family and friends. Agumbe, Kemmangundi, Kundadri and Kodachadri are easily accessible from Bangalore.
Karnataka is an important historical site too. As a result the state is dotted with forts, palaces and museums. With mountains as a major part of its landscapes the state was ideal to build impregnable forts. the history of most of these forts are also steeped in legends. Chitradurga Fort, Gulbarga Fort, Bidar Fort, Bellary Fort and Fort and palace of Tipu are worth visiting. Other historical sites are Lakkundi, Somnathpur, Halebidu and Adi Chunchanagiri.
One can also drop in at Malnad. It is located in the foothills of the Ghats, one of the wettest region in India, is celebrated for its teak and rosewood, its areca and bamboo, its pepper and cardamom.
At Gulbarga are the remnants of a fort originally built by a Raja Gulchand and later developed by Allauddin Bahmani, founder of the kingdom of that name. The fort covers several hectares and includes the Jami Mosque with 37,600 sq. feet.
Mysore, capital of the erstwhile princely state of that name, is famous for its jasmine, known locally as Mysore Mallige, whose fragrance has been widely celebrated in song. It is also famous for its silk and sandalwood, its palaces and its leisurely way of life.
