This state is famous for temples that are also architectural delights. But Somnathpur is only hors d`oeuvre to the main architectural course. However the temples at Halebid, Belur, Badanii, Aihole and Pattadakal are also known for their architectural grandeur. This is probably the reason why Karnataka has been called the cradle of India`s temple architecture. Some are freestanding structures, others have been carved out of granite hills.

First were the cave temples of Badami and Aihole, carved in the second half of the 6th century AD. By the beginning of the 7th century, the transition from the rock-cut medium to structural techniques was already underway. Belur is a striking example of the latter, as is Halebid.

What is striking about the religious places of Karnataka is not the Hindu temples but the Jain pilgrim centers. Amongst these Shravanabelagola has to be mentioned. It has the largest monolithic stone statue of the Bhagavan Gometeshwara Bahubali. Devotees from all over the sub-continent gather here to pay their homage.

Besides this there are other religious sites in Karnataka that include Gokarna, Udupi, Mookambika Temple, Dharmasthala, Iskcon Temple, Yellamma Temple, Venur, Sringeri, Karkala, Inam Dattatreya Peetha, Talacauvery, Banavasi, Khwaja Bande Nawaz Durgah, Sharanabasaveshwara Shrine, Basavakalyan, Gurudwara Nanak Jhira Sahib-Bidar, Banashankari, Koodalasangama, Murudeshwar, Siddhaganga, Shivaganga, Devarayanadurga, Nanjangud, Melkote, Talakad and Mudabidri.

Nature Tourism in Karnataka: The greenery, the heavy rainfall and the sprawling flora and fauna encourages the wildlife to thrive. The national parks here include:-

Rajiv Gandhi National Park (Nagarhole)

B R Hills Sanctuary

Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary

Kokkrebellur Pelicanry

Kaggaladu Heronry

Bannerghatta National Park

Anshi National Park

Gudavi Bird Sanctuary

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary

Kudremukh National Park

Chamarajnagar

Dubare Elephant Camp

Waterfalls in Karnataka are an important tourist attraction. The presence of lofty peaks and abundant rainfall has resulted in the formation of these waterfalls. It is difficult to put the beauty of these sites into words. For some places experience alone can speak. The adjoining areas of these waterfalls have also developed as picnic spots. Trekkers can also enjoy the beauty of these places. The places worth checking out are as follows:-

Abbey Falls

Hebbe Falls

Iruppu Falls

Jog Falls

Kalhatti Falls

Lalguli Falls

Magod Falls

Sathodi Falls

Shivasamudram Falls

Unchali Falls