Karnataka is a land of sharp contrasts. It has a 200 mile coastal strip on the Arabian sea and hilly tracts on the Western Ghats. The state is served by the Tungabhadra River in the north and the Kaveri in the south.

From second century B.C. to second century A.D. the Satvahana dynasty ruled. Followed by the Kadambas, the Gangas, and the Chalukyas. In 1565 the Vijaynagar kingdom of Hampi was destroyed.

Best period to Visit
The entire year round. Favourably October - March.

Places to Visit:

Bangalore-
The world's 7th fastest growing city is extremely picturesque with avenues lined with colourful trees. 
Vidhan Soudha is a spectacular building with massive sandalwood doors.

Mysore-
The Amber Vilas City Palace is the most prestigious of Mysore's monuments. It has the legendary throne of the Pandavas weighing more than 550lbs in solid gold, ivory and silver.
Sri Jay Chamrajandra Art Gallery contains paintings by Raja Ravi Verma, ceramics, sandalwood, ivory etc.
St. Philomena's Church is built in the neo-Gothic style and is one of the largest and most beautiful churches in India.
Chamunda Hills are topped with a 2000-year-old temple of Goddess Chamundi with a monolithic bull or 'nandi'.
Brindavan Gardens are magnificently terraced with sparkling fountains and colourful lighting.

Srirangapatnam-
is a small island on the Kaveri River. Srirangapatnam Fort is certainly worth a visit.
Sriranganath Temple is the biggest of the three island temples.
Krishnasagar Dam is built by stone without any cement and is an architectural feat.

Somnathpur contains a perfect Hoysala temple.

Sravanabelagola-
has the famous Gomateshwara statue on the Vindhyagiri Hill. Belur boasts the Chennakeshava Temple which is worth a visit.

Mangalore-
is an ancient port on the Arabian sea with a quaint charm.
Mangladevi Temple, Kadri Hill, St. Aloysius College Chapel and Krishna Temple are worth visiting.

Madikeri-
is known for its coffee plantations and oranges.

Karwar, Sauparnika, Malpe and Ullal are some of the enchanting beach resorts.
Jogfalls are probably the most beautiful falls in the world, on the Sharavati river.

Hampi-
Virupaksha Temple, Vithala Temple, Kodanda Rama Temple are worth seeing.
The Lotus Mahal is unique in stucco ornamentation and exquisite arches.

Aihole-
has 125 temples. Durga Temple, Lad Khan, Ravana Phadi Cave Temple, Meguti Jain Temple, are some noteworthy ones.

Archaeological Museum displays rare sculptures. Virupaksha Temple and Mallikarjuna Temple are also worth visiting.

Bijapur Gol Gumbaz, the tomb of Muhammad Ali Shah with its dome of 40 metres diameter is second only to St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Jama Masjid, Mihtar Mahal, Ibrahim Roza, Taj Baoli, Jodi Gumbad, Malik-i-Maidan are some other interesting sights.

Arts and Crafts:
Sandalwood artefacts. Rosewood furniture. Silks. Joss sticks. Table tops with inlaid work.

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