Once the seat of the famous Vijayanagar kingdom, this state offers a balance of natural attractions (forests and wildlife) and architectural splendour The southern state of Karnataka (pop.64 million), once the seat of the famous Vijayanagar kingdom, is a composite tourism destination which offers temples, wildlife, trekking, health spas and unspoilt beaches — an excellent, even if under-promoted balance of natural attractions (forest and wildlife) and architectural splendour. A narrow coastal state sheltered to the east by the monsoon-drenched Western Ghats enclosing a drier, cooler interior plateau, Karnataka is a major producer of coffee, spices and betel nut, and supplies 60 percent of the country’s silk. The capital, Bengaluru (pop. 11 million), is the centre of India’s software and technology industries and one of Asia’s fastest growing metros. Heir to a rich legacy of stone temples, imposing mosques and natural wildlife habitats, Karnataka’s history has been coloured by the religious and cultural practices of several dynasties including the Mauryas, Chalukyas, Cholas and the Gangas. But it was during the reign of the Hoysala dynasty (10-14th century) that many of the architectural marvels including the intricately carved temples at Somnathpur, Halebid and Belur were built. In the 14th century for a brief period Karnataka was under Muslim rule when Mohammed Bin Tughlaq defeated the Hoysalas. But it was annexed again; this time by the Telugu princes Harihara and Bukka of the Vijayanagar dynasty. With Hampi as their capital the Vijayanagar kings ruled Karnataka until 1565, when it was plundered by the united forces of the Deccan sultanates. With the fall of the Vijayanagar empire, the Wodeyars (who were in the service of the Vijayanagar rulers until then) established their rule over a large part of southern India with Srirangapatna as their capital until 1761 when Hyder Ali, one of their generals deposed them. But the Wodeyars were enthroned again in 1799 after the British defeated Tipu Sultan, Hyder Ali’s famous son. The major attractions of this peninsular state are the Mysore palace built by the Wodeyars, the plantation hills of Kodagu (Coorg), the exquisitely sculpted temples at Belur and Halebid, the 55 ft. high statue of a Jain saint in Shravanabelagola, Gokarna beach, the breathtaking ruins of the Vijayanagar kingdom at Hampi and the ancient caves and temples of Badami, set in a stunning red cliffside. Karnataka also boasts some of the largest jungle tracts south of the Vindhyas and the majestic river Cauvery that has its source in Kodagu (Coorg). Comments Vasanthi Panchakshari, a self-employed software engineer in the garden city and a regular traveller within the state: “The best thing about Karnataka is its contrasting cultures. At one end is the ultra-modern IT city of Bangalore, on the other the less-known natural habitats and agricultural belts. And of course there are the awesome ruins of Hampi on the banks of River Tungabhadra. The biggest surprise to travellers is the presence of Israeli and French restaurants in Hampi, one of the world’s most ancient archaeological sites, especially since they don’t…
