Destinations
Enroute
 Karnataka
is nature's kaleidoscope at its best. Lush green forests. Cool
blue seas. Virtually endless plains. And hills that almost touch
the sky. Add to these list timeless temples, fascinating festivals,
ageless monuments, peerless palaces and proud people. Whether
you seek excitement, solitude, romance or faith, Karnataka has
a world awaiting to be discovered. Welcome to the state of Karnataka.
Bangalore
The capital of Karnataka is known as the Garden City because
of its salubrious climate and greenery. Perched 3,250 feet above
sea level, temperatures seldom exceed 30oC (88oF). Founded by
Kempegowda, a powerful chieftain, the city is unique with its
rich cultural heritage that coexists with its modern day technological
and industrial achievements. Today Bangalore is popularly known
as India's Silicon Valley.
Mysore
Beautiful city of Mysore, is known for its fine craftsmanship
in wood, ivory, sandal-wood and for its silk. Visit the Maharaja's
Palace, which is lavishly decorated in a mixture of styles.
Also visit the Zoological Garden, Mysore Arts & Crafts centre
and then proceed to the Chamundi Temple on a hill above the
city. Visit Sriringapatnam from this small Island fortress -
town straddling the river Cauvery came the two brilliant Muslim
leaders Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan, who ruled a powerful
empire comprising much of Southern India for 40 years.
 Tipu
Sultan - The Tiger of Mysore- became the most dreaded
foe of the British in the south, and inflicted two punishing
defeats on the forces of East India Company before at last being
overcome in 1799. Tipu was killed and his town razed, but his
elegant Summer Palace, or Daria Daulat Bagh remains intact;
the British kept it for their own use. Later Duke of Wellington,
lived here for a spell while serving as governor of Mysore.
Kabini
Rajiv Gandhi National Park, Nagarhole (Kabini), the hunting
retreat of the Mysore Maharajas, is definitely the perfect destination
for wildlife lovers in South India. The excitement starts with
a safari into the heart of the park, where you are sure to spot
wild animals in their natural habitat. Some of the popular sightings
are elephant, gaur, sambar, chital, wild boar and the more exclusive
predators like tiger and leopard. A bird watcher's paradise,
the park is home to over 300 species of birds, many of which
are endemic to these jungles.
Hassan
Halebid and Belur driving through lush tropical landscapes.
Built in the 12th & 13th Century in the super baroque style,
these temples are carved of stone and are truly magnificent.
As one architect and critic said "These friezes carved
with a minute elaboration of detail are one of the most marvellous
exhibitions of human labour to be found even in the patient
East". The temple at Belur is famed for its profusely ornamented
exterior, and the one at Halebid for its sculptured figures
and open air museum. Also visit the colossal monolithic Jain
statue, 57-ft high, which stands on top of a steep bare hill.
Belur
 Once
known as Dwarasmudra, the capital of the Hoysala empire between
the 11th & 13th centuries. Today it is known for its exquisite
Chennakeshava temple built in the 12th century - the only living
temple of this region. It is one of the finest examples of Hoysala
art & architecture. Made of local soap stone, easy to detailed
carving, the stone hardens and turn into vibrant black with
time and oxidation. The façade of the temple is filled
with intricate sculptures and frenzies. Elephants, episodes
from the epics, sensuous dancers, they are all there awe-inspiring.
Halebid
The temples of Halebid - like those of Belur bear mute testimony
to the rich, cultural heritage of Karnataka. The Hoysaleswara
temple, dating back to the 12th century, is astounding for its
wealth of sculptural details. The walls of the temple are covered
with images of Gods & Goddess, animals, birds and dancing
girls - yet no two facets of the temple are the same. The magnificent
temple is guarded by a Nandi Bull.
Hampi
Hampi, the seat of the famed Vijayanagara empire was the capital
of the largest empire in post-Moguls India, covering several
states. The Vijayanagara empire stretched over at least three
states -Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh. The destruction
of Vijayanagar by marauding Moghul invaders was sudden, shocking
and absolute. The ruins of Hampi of the 14th Century lies scattered
in about 26 sq. km area, amidst giant boulders and vegetation.
Badami
 Badami
is picturesquely situated at the mouth of a ravine between two
rocky hills. The exquisite sculptures and the rust red sandstone
cliffs of Badami tell many a tale of yore. The first sculptural
embellishment to dazzle the eye is the 18 armed Nataraja striking
81 dance poses. Badami once the former second capital of the
Chalukya dynasty. Here the cave temples are hewn out of solid
rock, in a magical setting of hills above a lovely reservoir.
Aihole
Famous as the cradle of Indian temple architecture - has over
125 temples, all intricately carved and rich in detail. The
oldest temple here, is perhaps the 5th century Lad Khan. The
Durgigudi is particularly interesting and unique, being circular
in shape and surmounted by primitive gopuram. The Hutchmall
temple, the Ravalpadi cave temple, the Konti temple complex,
the Uma Maheshwari temple, the Jai Meguthi temple and the two-storied
Buddhist temple are the other attractions at Aihole.
Pattadakal
It has 10 major temples representing early Chaalukyan architecture.
It lies on the banks of the river Malaprabha and used to be
the place where the Chalukyan Kings (7 to 9 century) were crowned.
The oldest temple in this group is the Sanghmeshwara. The Mallikarjuna
temple has pillars depicting the birth and life of Krishna.
The largest of the temples, the Virupaksha has sculptures and
panels depicting scenes from the epics, the Ramayana and Mahabhararta.
The Papanath temple in the northern style has impressive carvings
on pillars and on the ceiling.
Goa
 Also
known as "Pearl of the Orient" and a "Tourist
Paradise", the state of Goa is located on the western coast
of India in the coastal belt known as Konkan.
The magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendors
of its temples, churches and old houses have made Goa a firm
favourite with travellers around the world. But then, Goa is
much more than just beaches and sea. It has a soul which goes
deep into unique history, rich culture and some of the prettiest
natural scenery that India has to offer.
|
Destinations
