Karnataka, one of the southern states in Indian Peninsula, is gifted with abundant natural beauty and glorious monuments, built by the earlier mighty rulers like Vijayanagar empire, Hoysala dynasty, Chalukyas etc. Tourists are attracted from all over the world to this enchanting land to admire the rare beauty of these ancient monuments and the natural beauty. Karnataka also has wild life sanctuaries and beautiful waterfalls. Though there are many interesting places in Karnataka, only just ten top places are given below -
1. Bangalore
The bustling city is the capital of Karnataka, and also the fastest growing cosmopolitan city in Asia. It was known as Pensioners’ Paradise, and City of Gardens, but now it is more known as the Cyber City, and Silicon Valley of India. Blessed with salubrious climate, gardens, parks, natural lakes, architectural landmarks, shopping malls, best restaurants and pubs, Western and Indian music concerts, Bangalore is a tourist paradise.
2. Mysore
The Imperial city of Palaces lies 140 kms away from Bangalore. Mysore is also blessed with excellent climate and rich heritage, magnificent palaces, beautifully laid out gardens, and zoo.
3. Mangalore
Mangalore is a beautiful scenic city, abundant with lush green surroundings, narrow winding
streets, lofty coconut trees, unique tile-roofed houses, beautiful beaches, ancient temples and churches, located 357km west of Bangalore.
4. Madikere
This picturesque, charming town is situated at an elevation of 5000 ft above sea level, offering you breathtaking views. Madikere is the headquarters of Kodagu (Coorg), called as Scotland of India. Kodagu is one of the most beautiful hill stations in India, and also produces some of the world’s best coffee, honey and spices.
5. Hampi
Located 350 kms away from Bangalore, Hampi was the capital of famous Vijayanagar Empire, who ruled South India from 14th to 16th century AD. After the destruction by the invaders, what remains today is the ruins of Hampi, scattered about 26 sq.km in area, amidst giant boulders and vegetation, silently telling the stories of the glorious period of their rule. Hampi ruins, a world heritage site today, is packed with giant temples, palaces, market streets, aquatic structures , fortifications and an abundance of other ancient monuments.
6. Belur-Halebid
Located 220 kms from Bangalore, on the banks of river Yagachi, in Hassan District, Belur was once the capital city of the Hoysala dynasty, who ruled Karnataka during 11th and 12th centuries. They constructed the beautiful star shaped Chennakeshava temple at Belur, which took 103 years and 3 generations to complete the task. 16 kms away lies Halebid, which is also famous for its magnificent temples, set up on raised platform. Halebid was their earlier capital during 12th and 13th centuries AD, when it was known as Dwarasamudra. Even after 87 years of laborious work, the task was never completed at Halebid. One can spend days together admiring the beauty of these architecture marvels.
7. Shravanabelagola
Located 147 kms from Bangalore and 83 kms from Mysore at Hassan District, Shravanabelagola is one of the most popular Jain pilgrim centers . Shravanabelagola is wedged between Vindhyagiri and Chandragiri hills. A giant monolithic statue (58 ft) of Bhagawan Bahubali (Lord Gomaetheswara), said to be the world’s largest monolithic statue, is standing on the Vindhyagiri hills as a monument of peace.
8. Badami
This historic town is famous for the cave temples built by Chalukya kings, who ruled Deccan in 6th and 7th centuries and Badami was their capital. Among the rock-cut and structural monuments, the most richly decorated are the cave temples, which are carved into the cliff on the southern side. There are four such cave temples in Badami. The natural surroundings enhance the aesthetic appeal of these cave temples.
9. Pattadakkal
The sacred complex at Pattadakal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is situated on the banks of the River Malprabha. Pattadakal is famous for its 8th-century temples, built by Chalukya kings during their reign. These are built in the combination of North Indian and South Indian styles.
10. Bijapur
Located 530 kms from Bangalore, Bijapur is famous for the historical monuments like Gol Gumbaz, which is the second largest tomb in the world. In the circular balcony of Gol Gumbaz, visitors can witness its greatest marvel. There are more monuments in Bijapur, such as Jumma Masjid, Ibrahim Roza etc. Bijapur was the capital of Adil Shahi dynasty who ruled this land during 13th century.
By: Lakshmi Menon
Posts Tagged ‘Abundant Natural Beauty’
Top Ten Places To Visit In Karnataka, South India
December 20th, 2009Top Ten Places to Visit in Kerala, India
November 22nd, 2009
Kerala, the land of coconuts, also called as God’s own Country, is situated between the Arabian Sea at the west and the Western Ghats to the East, on the southern region of India in Asia. Kerala is India’s cleanest and most advanced society with hundred percent literacy. The whole Kerala is blessed with abundant natural beauty.
1. Munnar – The beautiful hill station of Kerala, with vast tea plantation, is a paradise for nature lovers, trekkers, photographers, and campers is in Idukki. You can also enjoy a fantastic boating in the beautiful Madupetty Lake, visit Eravikulam National Park and see Nilgiri Tahrs in groups, Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary, Kumili, and more.
2. Kottayam – the much sought after holiday destination of backwater at Kumarakom. You can also visit the popular bird sanctuary here, enjoying the breath taking beauty of the surrounding Vembanad Lake, Peermad Health Resorts, Idukki Reservoir, one of the major Hydroelectric projects in Kerala, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary at Thekkady, the famous Pilgrim centre at Sabarimala.
3. Kochi (Cochin), the queen of Arabian Sea has a lot to offer, such as Chinese net, Kochi Fort, St.Francis Church, Jewish Synagogue, Dutch Palace, temples, museums and more.
4. Thiruvananthapuram, (Trivandrum) – The capital city of Kerala has a lot to offer – Beaches like Kovalam, Shanghumugham, Varkala, Temples, Museums, Palaces, Veli tourist village, Kalari Payattu, and more. Also beautiful Kollam (Quilon) with Museums, Beaches, Ashtamudi Lake , Temples and Wildlife, is not far away.
5. Kannur (Cannanore) – Arabain Sea washing the sands on the long beaches like Muzhappilangad with drive-in facilities, and other beaches; Ezhimala hill with medicinal herbs, Pazhassinikadavu Snake Park, Pazhassi Dam, Temples, Arakkal Kottaram and Ayurveda Resorts. You can also visit the nearby fishing village Beypore to see the fishermen building the wooden country boats, and Thalassery (Tellicherry) just 70 kms away, the Church built by the famous European Scholar of Malayalam Dr. Gundert, and Gundert Bungalow.
6. Kozhikode (Calicut) – Historic town on Malabar coast, Beaches like Kappad, Museums and Art Galleries, Temples, trekking, backwater and more.
7. Wayanad – Plantations of coffee, tea, pepper, rubber and cardamom, the hillock at Kalpetta with Jain cave shrines, Sulthan Bathery, magnificent glass temple at Koottamunda, Chembra Peak, Pazhassi Tourist Resort, Vyittri, Lakkidi, and the famous Wayanad wildlife Sanctuary.
8. Thrissur – Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple, Kerala Kala Mandalam at Cheruthuruthi for teaching classical dance in Gurukul system, Punnathur Kotta, and Vadakkunnatha Shiva Temple, and Thrissur Pooram.
9. Alappuzha – popularly called as the Venice of the East, with intricate net work of canals, backwaters, and bridges, along the Vembanad Lake. Beach, Nehru Boat Race and more Aranmula Vallom Kali, Ambalapuzha Krishna Temple, Aranmula Partha Sarathy temple, special metal mirrors called “Aranmula Kannadi”, Mannarshala Snake Temple.
10. Palakkad – Picturesque place at the foot of Western Ghats is the Gateway to Kerala, with misty mountains, rivers and forests. Apart from Palkkad Fort, Kalpathi Shiva Temple and Malampuzha Dam, wildlife sanctuaries like Parambikulam and Silent Valley National Park are also here.
During the harvest festival Onam, the beauty of Kerala further enhances and becomes more colorful.
By: Lakshmi Menon
