The cultural heritage and the historical monuments speak volume about the glory of the by-gone days of Karnataka. The antiquity and exoticism of this place can win over any kind of travellers. Temples, palaces and forts will be part of the historical sites of Karnataka. The striking features of these monuments are that most of them have been built by carving rocks. Temples and other religious institutions mirror the beliefs and traditions of a society. The entire Indian culture, religion, beliefs, customs and conventions exist within the microcosm of Karnataka.

Lakkundi
Rightly called the city of temples Lakkundi reflects the grandeur of the era of Chalukya dynasty. Naneshvara temple, Jain "Basti" and other temples adorn the region. The architectural beauty of the city is remarkable. Typical South Indian styled monuments with lofty towers; pillars, verandas, parapet and the outer walls are richly decorated. This monuments date back to 9th and 10th centuries. Besides these ancient buildings, there are around 10 to 15 Hindu and Jain temples here.

Chitradurga Fort
Legends and beauty encompass the Chitradurga Fort. The reference to this fort or durga can be traced back to Mahabharata, one of the famous Indian Epics. This particular monument is also known as `Kallina Kote` fort. Located on the highway between Bengaluru and Hospet, it reflects the military power of the Nayak Palegars. There are several temples within the rocky structure of the fort. The oldest temple here is the Hidimbeshwara temple. Besides this fort, there are other tourist attractions too at the district, which, in turn, has derived its name from the fort, Chitradurga. It is one of the popular historical sites of Karnataka.

Gulbarga Fort
Built by Raja Gulchand, this massive structure stands tall in the Gulbarga Ditsrict of Karnataka. The Gulbarga Fort was built by 13th century. The fort passed through many hands after its original builder. Bahamani Sultan Sikandar-i-Sani Ala-ud-din Hasan Bahaman Shah-al-Wali and Adil Shah also incorporated changes in the fort. A fort generally reflects the military power of a kingdom and one like this would have been a prized possession for its owners. Located in the city of Bijapur this heritage site is accessible from major cities.

Bidar Fort
The first thing that a tourist will notice while touring Bidar Fort is its colour. Built out of red rock the fort stands majestically in Karnataka. This particular fort dates back to 15th century and is located in the heart of the city. The Rang Mahal is the most interesting part of Bidar Fort that is exquisitely designed. High walls, intricately carved pillars and lofty gateways are the main attractions of Bidar Fort. This fort spells out the expert artisanship and the military power of the ten contemporary rulers.

Somnathpur
At the border of Karnataka and Kerela lies the religious site, Somnathpur. Temples are the main attraction here. The temple of "Prasanna Channa Kesava" is located here. The principal deity of this temple is that of Lord Krishna or Keshava. The tourists can also check out the idol of Lord Vishnu, popularly known as Janardana. This star shaped temple with triple towers reflects the expertise of the artisans of Hoysala Empire. The outer walls of the temple have been richly decorated with the engravings of several Gods, Goddesses and stories from Holy Scriptures. Hence, this place is an important historical site too.

Halebidu
Formerly known as Dwarasamudra, Halebidu flourished during 12th-13th centuries. Then it was the capital city of the Hoysala Empire. The Hoysaleshwara Temple in Halebidu is an important historical monument. On one hand it portrays the religious beliefs of the people and on the other hand it is a living example of the architectural grandeur of the bygone days. The city flourished under Veerabhalla II. The scenic beauty of the place is also outstanding.

Forts and Palaces of Tipu
Tipu Sultan is probably one of the most revered rulers of all times. The Fort and Palace of Tipu epitomizes Mughal Architecture. While most of the south Indian monuments are essentially built in Indian style, this structure stands out because of a different style. The fort reflects the intelligence and military power of both Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. Hyder Ali started the construction of the fort but it was Tipu who completed it. The monument is divided into parts-fort and palace. The palace mirrors the aristocracy of the brave hearts as a result today Fort and palace of Tipu is an important historical building in Karnataka.

Bellary Fort
Bellary Fort is over 3000 years old. Hanumappa Nayaka constructed it under the Vijayanagara Empire. Hyder Ali overtook the fort in 1769 captured and renovated it with the aid of a French engineer. This fort has been carved out of a single rock. The fort is situated on Ballari Gudda, the second single rock mountain in the world. It is one of the most interesting spots in Karnataka.

Adi Chunchanagiri
Adi Chunchanagiri is located in Mandya, Karnataka. The travellers can either treat it as a historical site or as a place for relaxation. The main historical attraction of this place is Gangadeshwara Temple. People from all over the place come to see its beauty as well as enjoy the scenic beauty of the place. There is also a matha known as the Adichunchanagiri Mutt. The religious mores of the people are clearly reflected through the Bhairava worship, which is quite popular here.

These historical sites of Karnataka show the diversity of the temples and their scenic beauty that leaves the visitors enthralled. Nowhere in India will one find such a variety of monuments.