With the sixth largest state in India by area, Karnataka is an amazing storehouse of natural splendour, rich historical heritage and diverse cultural traditions. Not only that, it holds 5.05% of the total population of India with a rank of 8th out of 29 states and seven union territories. The capital city of the Karnataka State, Bangaluru, which was formerly referred to as Bangalore, has been given the sobriquet “Silicon Valley of India” because there were many developments at its place within a very brief span of time that gave it this name. Nevertheless, Karnataka is not just known for being a technologically advanced metropolitan area.
A Karnataka travel guide would be incomplete without a dip into its past. Some magnificent sculptural works have been left behind by some eminent dynasties like Chalukyas, Hoysalas and Vijayanagara Empire in this historical region. These structures continue to fascinate many tourists even today. The World Heritage sites Hampi and Pattadakal, both listed with UNESCO, are supreme examples ever built on earth.
In terms of culture, Karnataka is also a melting pot of centuries-old customs. The people who live in the state, from various linguistic groups and religions, each contribute to the formation of distinct local cultures. Kannada happens to be the official language spoken but there are other languages like Tulu or Konkani that you may come across across different parts of Karnataka State.
Wildlife enthusiasts must also consider including several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in their Karnataka itinerary. It has 21 wildlife sanctuaries and 5 national parks including Bandipur National Park, its renowned one. These protected areas are a habitat to various forms of flora and fauna including for instance tigers, elephants as well as different species of birds.
Any Karnataka tourist guide would not leave to mention about its lovely coastline. With a coastline stretching 320 kilometres along the Arabian Sea, Karnataka boasts beautiful beaches like Gokarna or Murudeshwar that are ideal for those who want peace, sea, sand and sun.
So, if you are looking for some spiritual experiences, then Karnataka is blessed with many important pilgrimage sites. The Statue Of Gomateshwara in Shravanabelagola is an attraction to Jain pilgrims and history enthusiasts, standing at an amazing height of 57 feet.
While planning your visit, explore different Karnataka Tour Packages, which will help you make the most out of your trip. Such packages often include tours to popular locations like Mysore, renowned for its grand palace or Coorg, with coffee plantations among foggy hillsides.
The rise in the number of people visiting Karnataka recently indicates that Karnataka tourism has been expanding over the years, making it third in India's most-visited state (2014). There have been infrastructural developments coupled with various accommodation facilities ranging from luxury resorts to community-based homestays.
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Karnataka Travel Packages have been customised to ensure they meet the needs of all adventure lovers who would like to trek the Western Ghats, history buffs who want to see old sites and food lovers eager to try out local dishes.