Karnataka, called as Karunadu (elevated land) in ancient times. The course of Karnataka's history and culture takes us back to pre-historic times. The earliest find of the stone age period in India was a hand axe at Lingasugur in Raichur district. The Ashoka's rock edicts found in the state indicate that major parts of Northern Karnataka were under the Mauryas. Chandragupta Maurya, the great Indian emperor abdicated the throne and embraced Jainism at Shravanabelagola. Adding new dimensions to the cultural and spiritual ethos of the land, many great dynasties left their imprint upon the aesthetic development of Karnataka's art forms. Prominent among them were the Chalukyas, the Hoysalas and the mighty Vijayanagara Empire. The Chalukyan's built some of the very early Hindu temples in India. Aihole turned up as an experimental base for the dynamic creations of architects. The Hoysala's who ruled from the 11th to the 13th century chiseled their way into the pages of glory by building more than 150 temples, each one is a master piece in its own way. The amazing dexterity and fluidity of expressions at Somnathpur, Halebid and Belur open themselves to the wide eyed wonder in one's eyes. Vijayanagara, the greatest of all medieval Hindu empires and one of the greatest the world over, fostered the development of intellectual pursuits and fine arts. "The eye of the pupil has never seen a place like it and the ear of intelligence has never been informed that there existed anything to equal it in the world" is what Abdur Razaaq the Persian ambassador had to say about Krishnadevaraya's time.

Tipu Sultan Tomb, Karnataka Travel AgentsThe Vijayanagara empire with its capital at Hampi fell a victim to the marauding army of the Deccan Sultan in 1565 A.D. As a consequence of this, Bijapur became the most important city of the region. This city is a land of monuments and perhaps no other city except Delhi has as many monuments as Bijapur. The Bahmani Shahis and the Adilshahis of Bijapur have played a notable part in the history of Karnataka by their contribution to the field of art and architecture and also by their propagation of Islam in the state.

Hyder Ali and his valiant son Tipu Sultan are notable figures in the history of the land. They expanded the Mysore kingdom on an unprecedented scale and by their resistance against the British, became personages of world fame. Tipu was a great scholar and lover of literature. His artistic pursuits were also many and he made rich gifts to the Hindu temples. Tipu Sultan "Tiger of Karnataka" was killed in 1799 A.D., and the Mysore throne was handed over to the Wodeyar's. The whole of Karnataka came under the control of the British in the beginning of the 19th century. The new state was named as new Mysore and the Maharaja of Mysore was appointed Governor by Independent India. This unified state was renamed as Karnataka on November 1, 1973.

The Badami rulers were the ones who integrated entire Karnataka under one rule as a whole. Badami Chalukyas constructed architectural splendors in Aihole, Pattadakal and Badami, the ruins of which still stand proud as reminders of a rich cultural heritage and history. The Hoysala temples in Belur, Halebid and Somnathpur give you a glimpse into the rich cultural history of Karnataka, South India.

Krishnadevaraya, the greatest warrior ruler of Karnataka turned the course of Karnataka's history. An excellent administrator, scholar and art connoisseur, Krishnadevaraya consolidated Karnataka under the Vijayanagar Empire after Mohammad Tughlaq's army nearly destroyed the Hoysala capital at Halebid.
Vijayanagar flourished in prosperity for a long time till the Wodeyars of Mysore came into the picture. The Wodeyar rulers lost their capital to one of their own army generals, Haider Ali. Haider Ali and his son Tipu Sultan faced British attacks with political assistance from the colonial French armies. In 1799 the British succeeded in annexing Karnataka and placed the Wodeyar rulers back on throne, who managed Karnataka till India gained independence in 1947.

Tourist attractions

Tourist attractions in Karnataka mesmerize you into a delightful state of pleasant reverie as you travel from one exotic destination to the other with India At Its Best.

Arrive in Bangalore, the flourishing IT city of Karnataka, South India and feel ensconced in a soft cool breeze that guides you to the most enchanting tourist attractions steeped in a fragrant air laden with cultural customs and historical secrets. See the Vidhan Soudha; tour Cubbon Park, Bangalore Palace, Bull Temple, Banerghatta and the Lalbagh Botanical Gardens. In fact Bangalore is known as the 'City of Gardens'. See manicured lawns and vast landscaped grounds all over Bangalore on your tours to tourist attractions in Karnataka, South India.

Travel to the tourist attractions in Mysore and see the Indo-saracenic Maharaja's Palace, see the Mysore Zoo, Jaganmohan Palace and Art, Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya and the Sri Chamundeshwari Temple atop the Chamundi Hill.
Enjoy excursions to the Keshav Temple at Somnathpur and Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple at Srirangapatnam during your tours to Karnataka tourist attractions.

Drive to the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary and the ethereal Brindavan Gardens before setting out on a thrilling wildlife adventure at the massive Bandipur National Park that is located at a distance of 80 kilometers from Mysore, Karnataka, South India. Spot wild tigers on your wildlife tours to Nagarhole National Park that is located at a distance of 93 kilometers from Mysore. Indulge yourself at the ethnic market town of Madikeri that is famous for the Huthiri Harvest festival.

Set base Hasan that serves as a perfect point from where to explore the historic and exquisite monuments, ruins and tourist attractions of Sravanbelgola, Belur and Halebid.

See the tourist attractions and beaches of Mangalore; visit the captivating Vijayanagar ruins at Hampi; marvel at the Gol Gumbaz and Jama Masjid in Bijapur and the Mahakuta Temple in Aihole. Tour the monuments of Badami and see the spectacular tourist attractions of Bidar on your Karnataka tours with India At Its Best.
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