Karnataka is a state in southwest India with Arabian Sea coastlines. The capital, Bengaluru (formerly Bangalore), is a high-tech IT hub known for its shopping and vibrant nightlife. Karnataka is bordered by the ArabianSea to the west, Goa to the northwest, Maharashtra to the north, Telangana to the northeast, Andhra Pradesh to the east, TamilNadu to the southeast, and Kerala to the south. It is the only southern state to have land borders with all of the other 4 southern Indian sister states.
Bangalore is nicknamed the “Garden City” for its gardens and parks and was once called a Pensioner’s Paradise. To the southwest, Mysore is home to lavish temples including Mysore Palace, former seat of the maharajas and known for its Dussehra festival. there are numerous places worth visiting in the including Hampi, once the medieval Vijayanagara empire’s capital, that contains ruins of Hindu temples, elephant stables and a stone chariot. the generally accepted one is that Karnataka is derived from the Kannada words karu and nādu, meaning “elevated land”.
Karu Nadu may also be read as karu, meaning “black” and nadu, meaning “region”, as a reference to the black cotton soil found in the Bayalu Seeme region of the state. The British used the word Carnatic, sometimes Karnatak, to describe both sides of peninsular India, south of the Krishna. Karnataka is known for its beautiful yet unpopulated beaches and rich culture. The state is famous for its natural, cultural and architectural heritage and there are plenty of places one can visit on his/her trip to Karnataka.
It was formed on 1 November 1956, with the passage of the States Reorganisation Act. Originally known as the State of Mysore, it was renamed Karnataka in 1973…Devaraj Urs is credited with renaming the Mysore State as Karnataka on November 1, 1973, according to historians, usage of the word ‘Karnataka’ was in vogue some six centuries ago. The history of the state is rich and has the distinction of being ruled by numerous dynasties who enriched it.
Since third century BCE, Karnataka has been ruled by Nanda Empire Mauryan empire, Satavahana followed by Kadambas and Western Gangas,, Kadamba Dynasty, with its capital at Banavasi, the Western Ganga Dynasty was formed with Talakad as its capital. Later Hoysalas gained power and Literature flourished during this time, which led to the emergence of distinctive Kannada literary metres, and the construction of temples and sculptures adhering to the Vesara style of architecture. Next Bahmani Sultanate, Bijapur Sultanate, Moghuls, Nizam , Maratha Empire, British, and other powers ruled it.
In the south Mysore Kingdom, held sway, which after death of Krishnaraja Wodeyar II, was taken over by HaidarAli, he commander-in-chief. After his death, the kingdom was inherited by his son TipuSultan. After India’s independence, the Maharaja, Jayachamarajendra Wodeyar, allowed his kingdom’s accession to India. well connected by rail, road sea and air there are numerous places worth visiting, the state is a major education hub that attracts students from across India and world. There are numerous hotels, resort, lodges that provide luxurious, miid range and budget accommodation.
The state is well known for wildlife, tourist destinations.’ They are Bandipur National Park, Nagarhole National Park, Bhadra Tiger Reserve, Anshi National Park, Kudremukh National Park, Bannerghata National Park. Are the prime attraction. history buffs can tour the places represent the history of Karnataka with tourism to places like Hampi , Badami , Aihole, Pattadakallu, Dambal, Banavasi, Belur, Halebeedu, Mysuru, Vijayapura or Bijapur , Kaluburgi or Gulbarga and Bidar. The state is also well known for its arts, handicrafts and culture. A visit to Karnataka is a mesmerizing experience.
