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 ‘Hill Stations In India’
Top Ten Places To Visit In Karnataka, South India
December 20th, 2009Shillong – The Scotland of North East India
December 17th, 2009
The declaration of the independent state of Meghalaya by the late Mrs Indira Gandhi brought into focus a small, yet extremely charming destination by the name of Shillong. The capital of Meghalaya, where the clouds reside, or the abode of heavens, is what aptly describes this small town – now almost a city. It is a two and half to three hour journey by road from Guwahati. The drive itself, with its breath taking beauty prepares you for the lovely destination beyond. Almost as a gateway to Shillong and enhancing its beauty is the huge Barapani Lake which also happens to be a major source of water to these hilly areas. The uphill drive thereon mingled with tall pine trees and the unmistakable chill in the air announces the arrival of Shillong.
Like most other hill stations, Shillong is marked by its rambling houses and small flower pots which carry more flowers than they can hold. The air of Shillong almost hits you with its freshness and sudden chill. Unlike most hill stations in India, Shillong is quite big, not only in size, but also in its wide roads and ample shopping destinations. The beauty here is not only restricted to its locales but also intricately connected with its people. Inhabited mostly with the Khasi, Garo and Jaintia tribes, Shillong is almost the face of the north east. The predominant Khasi tribe, which is incidentally matriarchal, shows off its ladies with great panache. A walk in the brightly lit ‘Police Bazar’ streets is a must for witnessing the highly fashion conscious beauties of Shillong. Walking down its enchanting roads, rather than driving around, is the way to experience the true essence of Shillong, like exchanging pleasant “Khubleis” with the betel nut stained, pretty Khasi’s carrying babies on their backs.
Like most tourist places, Shillong has more than its fair share of attractions. Built by the British as a summer capital and education centre for their children, Shillong boasts of some of the biggest and best convent schools.
Other places of interest like Wards Lake, Shillong Peak and the three magnificent waterfalls of Bidon, Bishop and Elephanta, make for a full itinerary. Most tourists visit upper Shillong, the beautiful golf course and graceful churches. The uniqueness of Shillong comes from the fact that one never gets bored here. Even a month long stay seems not enough to appreciate its true beauty. The more one sees, the more fascinating it becomes.
As in most hill stations, night comes on suddenly and with great stealth. Gazing down the hills, you can witness the mesmerizing sight of millions of fireflies lighting up the mountains. One takes back the image of a charmingly, refreshing place where the orange blossoms vie with the forget-me-nots and tiny children in their blazers walk up the lovely streets.
By: Maitreyee Chowdhury
