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Karnataka
Spice,
sandal, silk and scenery merge to present a state enmeshed in a glorious blend
of the old and new- Karnataka , formerly known as Mysore. Home to 48.6 million
people, it has been able to preserve its past heritage and embrace the vision
of the future with equal elan.
Set against the Arabian Sea with the Deccan plateau in the background, the
state consists of a narrow coastal strip backed by the monsoon drenched Western
Ghats and a drier, cooler interior plateau that turns arid in the far north.
Bangalore, the capital city is a thriving metropolis dotted with lush gardens,
beautiful flowered lined avenues and stately buildings. The atmosphere is
more Western than traditional Indian. Pubs, beer bars, discos are the major
happening places in the town. Dubbed the 'Silicon Valley of India'
it is a major industrial and commercial center well known for its scientific
and research institutions.
Karnataka has some of the most magnificent monuments, temples, palaces, beaches
in India. The Bull Temple at Bangalore, the Hoyselaswera temple
at Halebid and the famous Krishna temple at Udupi are some the major
tourist attractions. Tipu's Summer Palace is a beautiful cool retreat
of wood and soaring arches.A visit to the Chamundi Temple atop a hill
overlooking Mysore and the monolithic,black, Nandi Bull halfway up
is a must.
The people are fun-loving, the pace of life is brisk and it is one of India's
most progressive and liberal states as far as attitudes go.
The major festivals include Dussehra when palaces are illuminated and
processions of bedecked elephants accompany the image of the goddess Chamundeshwari
through the streets.The Vijaynagar festival held in June is the
celebration of the glory of the Vijaynagar Empire. The Karga festival at
Bangalore is held in April where eminent dancers and musicians perform
at festivals held at Pattadakal and Bijapur.
The state witnesses a hot, tropical climate during the summers and the winters
are generally cold.
The best time to plan a visit to Karnataka is between September and February
when the weather is mild, pleasant and cheerful.
