The vast stretches of coastline, enclosed by hundreds of miles of tall, waving palm trees and coconut groves add to the beauty of Karnataka, which is popularly termed as ‘God’s own country’. The state of Karnataka has emerged as the most happening place of the country. Bengaluru, the capital of Karnataka has undoubtedly brought ocean of change for the state. This metropolitan city is known by different names, such as Manhattan of India, Silicon Valley, and the Garden city of India. It is one of the most urbanized and industrialized cities of the nation. Tourism in Karnataka has developed tremendously, attracting millions of tourists every year. Karnataka has a moderate and pleasing climate that makes it favorable for a flourishing cultural and commercial enterprise. The major tourist destinations are Jog Falls, Maple beach, Karwar beach, Mysore palace, stones temples of Halebid and Belur, Golgumbaz of Bijapur and the list goes on and on. Karnataka is actually the key to explore the enchanting beauty of nature.

History of Karnataka

The name Karnataka is derived from two separate Kannada words ‘Karu’ and ‘Nadu’ which means elevated land, though there is another meaning to it. As Karu means black, and Nadu means region, the name may be in reference to the black soil found in the Bayaluseemae province of Karnataka. The history of Karnataka is very rich, owing to the fact that it has been successively ruled by Buddhist, Hindu and Islamic dynasties. Jainism also established their ancestry here. During the first millennium, Karnataka was dominated by governance struggles between empires that controlled the Western Deccan. During the medieval era, the Islamic invasions forced the less powerful states of the South to come into alliance with the Vijanagars, those emerged as the landlords. In the year 1761, Muslim invaders, along with French support, seized the throne, and later on his son Tipu Sultan, turned Mysore into a strong empire in the South.

Culture of Karnataka

The state of Karnataka is a treasure island of rich heritage and culture. There are several ritualistic dance forms that are usually referred by generic term Kunitha. The major art forms are Puja Kunitha, Dollu Kunitha, Pata Kunitha, Suggi Kunitha, Govara Kunitha, Yellammana Kunitha, and Kamsale. Some of the popular classical dances are Kathak, Kuchipidi, and Bharatnatyam. Yakshagana is another dance-drama ritual unique to Karnataka. Hindusthani and Carnatic music are most popular genres of music in Karnataka.  The major festivals of Karnataka include Hampi festival, Vairamudi festival, Tula Sankramana, Dussehra, Sri Vithapai fair, and Sri Shidlingappa fair, and the famous Kamabala or buffalo racing festival.

Tourism in Karnataka

There are numerous natural and man-made marvels in Karnataka for tourists, as it is blessed with diverse topography and rich history and boasts of wide assortment of scenic locations and primeval temples. The most renowned tourist attractions are Nagarhole National park, Bannerghatta National park, temples of Belur and Hampi, cave temples of Badami, and the monuments at Pattadakal. There are some famous waterfalls in Karnataka which include Jog Falls, Gokka Falls, Shivanasamudra Falls, and Magod Falls. Moreover, there are numerous popular beaches, such as Murudeshwara, Gokarna, and Karwar. Karnataka is blessed with abundant flora and fauna that makes it the top rated tourist destination of the country.