Karnataka, India is one of the most controversial states in the country. Skyscrapers are juxtaposed with slums, and the clean streets of Mangalore are juxtaposed with the muddy beaches of Gokarna. This state will surprise you with its authentic culture and beautiful nature.
General information
Karnataka is the eighth largest state in the country (191,791 km2), located in the southwestern part of India. It is home to over 60 million people who speak Kannada (the official language), Urdu, Telugu, Tamil and Marathi.
Karnataka borders the states of Goa, Maharashtra, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. It is located in the Deccan Plateau region, and the highest point of Karnataka is considered to be Mount Mullayanagiri (1929 m above sea level). The distance from north to south is 750 km, from west to east – 450 km.
The economy is based on agriculture. More than 55% of the population is employed in this field. People grow beans, corn, cotton, cardamom, and nuts. Karnataka is known as the largest producer of flowers and raw silk in India.
The state has 5 national parks and 25 nature reserves. There are more than 26,000 ancient monasteries, palaces and caves, many of which are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The most famous sights of Karnataka in India are located in different parts of the state, so it will take more than one day to see all the interesting places.
Cities
The state of Karnataka consists of 30 circles, the most populous of which is Bangalore. The largest cities are Bangalore (10 million people), Hubli (1 million), Mysore (800 thousand), Gulbarga (540 thousand), Belgaum (480 thousand) and Mangalore (500 thousand). The total number of cities in the state is more than 70. From a tourist point of view, the following localities are of interest.
Bangalore
Bangalore is a city in the southern part of India with a population of 10 million people (the third largest in the world). It is a recognized center of electronics and mechanical engineering in India, as well as the city with the largest number of universities.
Tourists visit this part of the country to buy quality Indian goods, attend local festivals and see the following attractions: Kubbon Park, Wonderla Amusement Park and the Art of Living International Center.
For more information about the city, see this article.
Mysore
Mysore is an Indian city 220 km from Bangalore, famous for its palaces and parks. There are 17 palace and park complexes built during the royal family. The most famous is the Mysore Palace, which for centuries was the main residence of the rulers.
Also in Mysore, tourists will be able to see a large number of temples and monasteries.
Mudeshwar
Mudeshwar is a small town on the shores of the Arabian Sea, known for its clean beaches and a small number of tourists (usually Indians themselves relax here). There are only two famous attractions here – the giant statue of Shiva on the embankment and the gopuram tower.
The first attraction is the second largest statue of Shiva in the world (the tallest is in Nepal), and you can see it from anywhere in the city.
And gopuram is a traditional tower for the southern part of the country, which serves as the main entrance to the temple. The sanctuary itself is much smaller and more compact. Mudeshwar Tower is considered the highest in Asia – its height is 75 meters.
These attractions are relatively new. So, the statue of Shiva in Karnataka began construction only in 2002, and the tower was restored in 2008 (the exact year of its construction is unknown).
Gokarna
Gokarna or “city of temples” is a popular destination for pilgrims and people interested in Hinduism. There are a large number of temple complexes and sculptures of deities, the most famous of which is the stone figure of Shiva.
Be prepared for the fact that this is not a tourist city at all, and a very dirty city, which, nevertheless, has a very strong energy. There are not too many tourists in this part of Karnataka, but you can meet Brahmins, for whom Gokarna is considered one of the most prestigious cities in India.
Hampi
Hampi is one of the most ancient and mysterious cities in India, built more than 500 years ago. Already in the early Middle Ages it was a full-fledged city with water supply, sewerage and a large army (40 thousand people). Here, tons of diamonds and gold were mined.
This would have continued, but in 1565, the Islamic army defeated Hampi, and only ruins remained of the city, which people from all over the world come to see today. Main attractions of Hampi: Virupakshi Temple, Stone chariot, Lotus Palace.
Mangalore
Mangalore is a city with a population of 3.5 million people, located 350 km from Bangalore. Recognized as the cleanest city in India and one of the best places to do business. The tourist industry is poorly developed here, and there are no noisy tourists, merchants and dirty beaches. Mangalore is known in India for its wide roads, “quiet” areas and unspoilt nature.
The population is 500 thousand people, most of whom speak Tula. Some also speak Konkani and Kannada.
The main way to earn money for local residents is to work in the port and process coffee, cashews and tea.
Belur
Belur (or Velapuri) is a city famous for its temples and sculptures of deities. The most popular attraction is the Chennakeshava Temple, built in 1117 by the Hoysala king Vishnuvardhana. On the facades and walls of this building you can see the figures of hundreds of dancers, which, according to legend, symbolize the transition from Jainism to Vishnuism.
In addition to the main temple, the complex has a fish pool and a number of small structures.
Belur is home to only 20 thousand people who speak the Kannada language. Interestingly, 77% of the population is literate (this is a very good indicator in India).
Natural attractions
The state of Karnataka in India is one of the driest in the country, as it is located on the Karnataka plateau (mainly in the southern part). The northern half of the state is the mountainous region of Nilgiri, as well as the Western and Eastern Ghats. These places are characterized by dense forests, many rivers and waterfalls.
There are 5 national parks and 25 nature reserves in Karnataka.
Jog Falls
One of the most visited national parks in Karnataka is Jog Falls. To be precise, this is not even the name of the area, but the name of one waterfall consisting of 4 streams:
- Rocket – the most powerful and” fast ” stream, which has a characteristic sound.
- Rani is the most tortuous and changeable (it disappears first during a drought). Hindus say that it is similar to the dance of an Indian dancer.
- The Raja stream falls from the highest height, while not creating a strong noise and spray.
- Rumbling – the noisiest.
Hundreds of tourists from all over the world come to see the waterfall every year, and it is best to do this during the rainy season – from June to October it is the most full-flowing. This Karnataka attraction can be reached from Sangara (30 km) or Bangalore, where the international airport is located. Oddly enough, travelers recommend coming to the waterfall on weekends – when there are a lot of tourists, the Indians open the dam, and the amount of water increases noticeably.
At the bottom of the waterfall there is a small lake where everyone can swim. You can go down to the foot of the attraction by a long staircase consisting of 1200 steps. The main thing is to remember that it is quite slippery there, and the water flows are very powerful.
Near the waterfall there is a toilet, shower and a small cafe. If you want to spend a few days in the area of this landmark in the state of Karnataka in India, tourists are advised to stay in the resort of Honnemardu.
The cost of a visit is Rs 100.
Western Ghats
The Western Ghats are a mountain range in western India that runs through the states of Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Kanyakumari. The length is about 1,600 km.
In this national park you can see:
- unique green mountains that look like hills;
- tea plantations;
- the surroundings of Kundale Lake, where unusually tall trees grow without branches and leaves;
- spice plantations;
- waterfalls;
- a huge number of rare plant species.
While walking through the national park, pay attention to animals and birds – there are rare species here.
Set aside a whole day to visit this natural attraction – there are a lot of interesting places here, and you won’t be able to get around them all quickly. Many tourists recommend renting a car or a full-day tuk-tuk.
Bandipur National Park
Bandipur is one of the most famous and largest national parks in India. It gained its popularity due to the huge territory where you can find:
- unique forests (for example, teak);
- blooming meadows;
- green hills with beautiful views of the surrounding area;
- hundreds of rare plant and animal species.
Walking through the national park will not work – the territory is very large, and you need a car or a sightseeing bus. If you have the opportunity to choose, then tourists recommend traveling through the national park by jeep.
Bandipur is divided into several zones, each of which is designed for certain birds or animals. For example, there is a territory where herbivorous animals live: zebras, gauras, zambaras, and axisas. In this part, the most visited elephant nursery is considered. If we talk about predators, then on the territory of the national park there are red wolves, leopards, tigers and sponge bears.
When traveling, be sure to pay attention to the birds. In Bandipur, you can meet peacocks, tragopan satyrs, cranes, Asian paradise flycatchers, Himalayan monals. There are also many rare species of butterflies that fly on the territory of nature reserves.
- The cost of visiting the attraction is 200 rupees.
- Opening hours: 9.00-18.00.
Weather and climate
June-October (rainy season)
Karnataka has a sub-equatorial and tropical monsoon climate, which is why it is always very humid and hot. The year is divided into 3 seasons, the most turbulent of which is the rainy season. It starts in June and ends in mid-October. Usually, the temperature is kept in the region of +27°C — +30°C, and the amount of precipitation reaches 208 ml. At the same time, the number of windy and cloudy days is 25 per month.November-February
The best time to visit Karnataka is from November to February. The thermometer columns do not rise above +30 °C, and the number of sunny days in the month is at least 27.March-May
The time from March to May is the hottest. The temperature does not fall below +30 °C, and often it is above +35°C, which is aggravated by high humidity.
So, if you want to sunbathe on the beaches and swim in the sea, come between November and February. If your goal is to visit natural attractions, then you can also consider the rainy season, because at this time the rivers and waterfalls are much more beautiful.
Interesting facts
- Bangalore is often called the city of universities, because it is home to the largest number of higher education institutions in India.
- Karnataka is a fairly poor state, which, moreover, is not spoiled by tourists.
- Mount Ana Mudi, located in the Western Ghats Nature Reserve, is the highest point in India south of the Himalayas.
- One of the first hydroelectric power stations in Asia was built in 1902 on the Kaveri River.
- In the state of Karnataka, you can find gauras – these are the largest representatives of the bull family.
- Jog Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in Asia, with a height of over 250 meters.
Karnataka, India-one of the cleanest and most beautiful states in the country, which is worth visiting for real travelers.