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 ‘Coconut Trees’
Top Ten Places To Visit In Karnataka, South India
December 20th, 20095 Things You Must Do and See in Kerala, India
December 5th, 2009
Kerela is a city and region which sits at the Southern tip of India and which provides this country with some of the best beaches, most scenic views and most exotic holidays. Below we look at five things you really should see and do in Kerela in India.
1. Take an elephant ride with a guide through the Periyar Wildlife Park. Your guide will walk you past low-hanging trees where the monkeys watch you as you pass by. It’s a great opportunity to commune with nature. The sanctuary also offers visitors cruises on the lake as well as guided treks to the ruins of the Mangala Devi Temple. Herds of wild elephants can be seen coming down to the lake to play and bathe.
2. Watch the Kathakali form of theatre. It includes acting, dancing, literature, and music. Various stories from the Mahabharata and Ramayana are enacted through dance. The dancers, musicians, and makeup technicians undergo many years of training prior to starting work for a stage performance. The actors/dancers lend visual appeal to the singing through their facial gestures, movements, and dancing. The eyes and their expressions play a major role in the dance and in interpreting the song. You can sign up to learn the Kathakali at Kerala’s Kalamandalam. The Bharat Natyam is a similarly interesting form of dance.
3. Take a cruise on the backwaters of Kerala. The backwaters are a network of lakes, canals, rivers, lagoons. The banks are covered in lush greenery and coconut trees sway by the wayside. Birds and animals can be spotted through the foliage. Cruises on rice boats could last from a few hours or a day trip to a few days. They could be the perfect romantic getaway, especially on a bright moonlit night. Get a guided tour or make your own way through what is officially known internationally as the Venice of the East. As you ride, your personal chef will cook up a traditional Keralite meal that’s perfect for the occasion and surroundings.
4. Practice a holistic lifestyle with yoga in the early morning and an ayurvedic massage from trained masseurs during the day. Take a refreshing medicated bath or mud therapy to cure any aches and pains from your regular lifestyle and try the herbal diets that come highly recommended.
5. Visit the Snake Park located at Parassinikadavu, Kannur. The park is unique throughout India and is home to many different species of snakes. It features three snake pits and fifteen glass cases as well as two large glass houses for the King Cobras. A professional handler conducts a snake demonstration every hour to an enthralled crowd.
By: Orson Johnson
Things to Do in Thiruvananthapuram, South India
November 4th, 2009
There are many things you can do in Thiruvananthapuram, previously called as Trivandrum. This beautiful city is the capital of Kerala State in South India.
1. Kovalam Beach
If you are a beach lover, you can’t miss the world famous Kovalam Beach. The coconut trees fringing the shores of the beach gives a spectacular look. Ayurvedic massages are also available here.
2. Padmanabhapuram Palace
A must visit place, located 60 kms away from the city station. It was the seat of the Travancore kings, with 127 rooms spread across a 6.5 acres complex. It is the biggest wooden palace in the whole of the country.
3. Sri Padmanabha Swamy Temple
This is a Vishnu temple with a massive fort gateway built in Dravidian style and the shrine is 18 feet high. Only Hindus are allowed here with the traditional dress. The entire temple is carved with stories and figures from the Vedas and it is also the historic landmark of Thiruvananthapuram.
4. Napier Museum
Spending few hours in this 19th century museum is an enriching experience. You can see the collection of archeological and historical objects including bronze idols and ivory ornaments here which is located near Mascot Hotel (near PMG Junction).
5. Sree Chitra Art Gallery is a haven for art lovers. You can see some master pieces of art work of Kerala’s famous artist Raja Ravi Varma and other contemporary artists here.
6. Kuthiramalika Palace Museum
Located on the south-eastern side of Padmanabhaswamy temple, it is also known as Puthen malika.
It is a fine example of traditional Kerala architecture, housing the king’s collection of musical instruments and variety of arms.
7. Veli Tourist Village
If you are vacationing with your family the children would love a visit to Veli Tourist Village. There are many things for them to enjoy there.
8. Zoologicial garden
Placed in a well planned botanical garden, the park has some of the rare species of wildlife.
9. Suchindram Temple
Built in the best traditions of South Indian temple architecture, you can’t miss the exquisite beauty of the
structure and its carvings.
10. Kanyakumari
If you have time in your hand, you can travel another 3 hours and be there at the famous Kanyakumari where the three seas meet. Many attractions await you here such as the beach, Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Gandhi Mandapam, Thiruvalluvar statue, kanyakumari Temple etc.
By: Lakshmi Menon
