About Karnataka

The former state of Mysore, now known as Karnataka, is the place for temple lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, trekkers and beach bums.Yet neighbouring Goa, Kerela and Tamil Nadu, attracts far more tourists.

Bangalore, with its many hotels and fine restaurants, is a good base for exploring the state. Known as The Silicon Valley of India, Bangalore is renowned as much for its Software firms as for its silk saris, for the sprawling Cubbon Park which lies at the heart of the city, as also its prestigious race course.

Mysore, once the capital of a powerful kingdom, has a profusion of palaces and museums. Nearby Srirangapatnam is linked to the memory of one of the old state’s best known rulers - Tipu Sultan. Somnathpur, a few miles away, has a magnificently carved temple. As does Belur and Halebid. For perfection of finish, wealth of detail and sheer artistry, they are unrivaled specimens of the art of temple sculpture.

Hassan, remains the best base to explore Belur and Halebid. Also a short distance away, Shravanbelagola is famous as the pinnacle of the sculptor’s art. A figure 120 metres tall has been carved out of a single piece of granite in 183 AD. Every 12 years, the figure of Gomateswara is ritually bathed by priests and witnessed by millions of devotees.

The state consists of a narrow coastal strip backed by the monsoon-drenched Western Ghats and a drier, cooler interior plateau that runs arid in the far north. It's a major producer of coffee, spices and betel nut, and supplies 60% of the country's silk.

Capital:  Capital : Bangalore (Garden city of India)

Area:  Area : 191,791 sq km


Population:  Population : 52.7 million

Climate:  Climate :
Summer (March to June) - Warm
Monsoon (July to September) - Warm
Winter (October to February) - Cool


Languages:  Languages Spoken : Kannada, Tulu, Konkani, Kodava, Hindi, English

Best Time to Visit:  Best Time to Visit : September to February


People of Karnataka:  
The people of Karnataka represent a harmonious blend of native communities and people who have migrated from neighbouring states. Known for their amiable and friendly nature, the Karnataka people have proven to be great hosts for visiting tourists.

People from the neighbouring states, viz., Marathas, Tamils, Malayalis, have co-existed peacefully with their indigenous counterparts and have contributed to the growth of their adopted homeland. In recent years, due to the rapid development of the IT industry, young professionals from different parts of the country have made Karnataka their homeland.
The Kodavas of Coorg are one of the prominent ethnic tribes and are known as a warrior race. Throughout ages, the Kodavas have preserved and nurtured their distinctive cultural traits.