About Karnataka

Karnataka (Kannada: ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ, pronounced [kəɾˈnɑːʈəkɑː]) is a state in the southern part of India. It was created on November 1, 1956, with the passing of the States Reorganization Act. Originally known as the State of Mysore, it was renamed Karnataka in 1973.

Karnataka is bordered by the Arabian Sea to the west, Goa to the northwest, Maharashtra to the north, Andhra Pradesh to the east, Tamil Nadu to the southeast, and Kerala to the southwest. The state covers an area of 74,122 sq mi (191,976 km²), or 5.83% of the total geographical area of India. It is the eighth largest Indian state by area, the ninth largest by population and comprises 29 districts. Kannada is the official and most widely spoken language. Kannada is the only language in which you can write what you say.

History of Karnataka

The state of Karnataka was the region where the Badami Chalukyas ( 500-750 A.D ), the Rashtrakutas ( 750- 970 A.D ) the Hoysalas ( 1100-1400 A.D ) and the Vijayanagar empires flourished. These regimes were followed by the remarkable rise of Hyder Ali & Tipu Sultan and the Wodeyar family of the princely State of Mysore. After independence in 1947, the amalgamation of the Mysore State with the Indian Union took place with rechristening as Karnataka. The rich geography of the region has been admired. The rivers Krishna and Kaveri make it a green and pleasant land. The Western ghats boast of an extraordinary bio-diversity. The Coorg plantations waft the fragrance of coffee. The literary tradition in Kannada is redolent as well. The architecture of Cheennakesava temple at Belur makes it a jewel among temples. The graceful faces of the Kannadigas are frozen as friezes in the Madanika brackets. But the stone sculptures come alive, even as we behold them. The religious streams of Hinduism Buddhism, Jainism, Christianity and Islam flow in harmony.

Karnataka is an ancient land with a history of over 1,500 years. Here, you can delve into centuries old architectural marvels, walk through famed monuments, get mesmerized by imposing world heritage structures, explore ancient rock-cut caves, experience breathtaking natural beauty, listen to spiritual chants, wake up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee with wildlife surrounding you or feel the tranquillity of endless beaches.

Flora & Fauna

The forest area of Karnataka encloses an area of 38720 km². The common species of flora include Lagerstromia Lanceolata, Adina cordifolia and Careya arborea, Dalbergia Latifolia, Terminalia paniculata, T. Tomentosa and vitex altissima. The tree species found here are Iphigenia mysorensis, Derris indica, Barringtonia racemosa, Cassia fistula, Prosopsis julifora, Dipterocarpus indicus, Caryota urens and Dillenia pentagyna and Zizyhus Mauritania. Eucalyptus trees are found in abundance in the Western Ghats.

In the forests there are 25% of elephant population and 10% of tiger population. The fauna includes mammals such as the tiger, leopard, elephant, slender loris, gaur, wild pig, pangolin, the Malabar giant squirrel mouse deer, bonnet macaque, common langur and barking deer. The bird species found here are ruby throated bulbul, Indian Shama, Malabar whistling thrush, orange Headed Trush, paradise flycatcher, the great Indian Hornbill, cormorants, darter, white ibis, great stone plover, cliff swallow, spoonbills, lesser whistling teal, Open billed storks, pained storks, Thickknee, stony plover, pied and common kingfisher, Paradise flycatcher, racket-tailed drongo and bluethroated barbet.

The important national parks found here are: Anshi National Park, Bandipur National Park, Bannerghatta National Park, Kudremukh National Park and Nagar Hole National Park. The wild life sanctuaries here are: Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary, Adichunchanagiri Peacock Sanctuary, Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary etc.

Karnataka is the dream state to Travel and live there। You can find forest camps, Adventures Clubs, National Parks, Bird Sanctuaries, Trekking places, Palaces, Water falls and green, green every where. So visit Karnataka once in a life time and enrich your sweet memories.

Everything in Karnataka is an intense experience. Enjoy the diversity and rich heritage of Karnataka.