India Guide
Karnataka
Created in 1956 from the princely state of Mysore, KARNATAKA marks a transition zone between northern India and the Dravidian deep south. Along its border with Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh, medieval walled towns, studded with domed mausoleums and minarets, recall the era when this was a Muslim stronghold. The coastal and hill districts that dovetail with Kerala are quintessential Hindu south India, lush with tropical vegetation and soaring temple gopuras. In between are scattered several extraordinary sites, notably the ruined Vijayanagar city at Hampi.
Karnataka is one of the wettest regions in India, its climate dominated by the seasonal monsoon, which sweeps in from the southwest in June. Running along the state's palm-fringed coast, the Western Ghats, impede the path of the rain clouds east. As a result, the interior is considerably drier, though two osacred rivers, the Tungabhadra and Krishna, flow east across this sun-baked terrain.
Karnataka's principal attractions are concentrated at opposite ends of the state. Road and rail routes dictate that most itineraries take in the go-ahead, modern state capital, Bengaluru (Bangalore). Second city Mysore, appeals more for its Raj-era ambience, nineteenth-century palaces and vibrant markets.
Few Western tourists visit the famous Krishna temple at Udupi, and fewer still venture into the mountains to see India's highest waterfall at Jog Falls, set amid spectacular scenery. However, atmospheric Gokarna, further north up the coast, is an increasingly popular beach hideaway for budget travellers.
Winding inland from the mountainous Goan border, NH-4A and the rail line comprise sparsely populated northern Karnataka's main transport artery and lean towards this region's undisputed highlight, the ghost city of Vijayanagar, better known as Hampi. Scattered around boulder hills on the south banks of the Tungabhadra River, the ruins of this once splendid capital occupy a magical site, while the ancient bazaar is a great spot to hole up for a spell.
Highlights
1 Bengaluru (Bangalore) Booming silicon city offers the best shopping, nightlife and dining this side of Mumbai, not to mention a few great parks.
2 Mysore The sandalwood city oozes relaxed, old-world charm and has lots to see, including the opulent Maharaja's Palace.
3 Gokarna This vibrant Hindu holy town is blessed with exquisite crescent beaches and is ideal for serious unwinding.
4 Hampi The crumbling remains of the Vijayanagar kingdom, scattered among a stunning boulder-strewn landscape bisected by the Tungabhadra River.