Karnataka is a state in the south western region of India. It was formed on 1 November 1956, with the passage of the States Reorganisation Act. Originally known as the State of Mysore, it was renamed Karnataka in 1973. The state corresponds to the Carnatic region. The capital and largest city is Bangalore (Bengaluru).

Karnataka is bordered by the Arabian Sea to the west, Goa to the northwest, Maharashtra to the north, Telangana to the northeast, Andhra Pradesh to the east, Tamil Nadu to the southeast, and Kerala to the south. The state covers an area of 191,976 square kilometres (74,122 sq mi), or 5.83 percent of the total geographical area of India. It is the seventh largest Indian state by area. With 61,130,704 inhabitants at the 2011 census, Karnataka is the eighth largest state by population, comprising 30 districts. Kannada, one of the classical languages of India, is the most widely spoken and official language of the state alongside Konkani, Tulu, Tamil, Telugu, Kodava, Beary. Karnataka also has the only 3 naturally Sanskrit-speaking districts in India.

The two main river systems of the state are the Krishna and its tributaries, the Bhima, Ghataprabha, Vedavathi, Malaprabha, and Tungabhadra, in the north, and the Kaveri and its tributaries, the Hemavati, Shimsha, Arkavati, Lakshmana Thirtha and Kabini, in the south. Most of these rivers flow out of Karnataka eastward, reaching the sea at the Bay of Bengal.

Though several etymologies have been suggested for the name Karnataka, the generally accepted one is that Karnataka is derived from the Kannada words karu and nadu, meaning "elevated land". Karu nadu may also be read as karu, meaning "black", and nadu, meaning "region", as a reference to the black cotton soil found in the Bayalu Seeme region of the state. The British used the word Carnatic, sometimes Karnatak, to describe both sides of peninsular India, south of the Krishna.

Karnataka has contributed significantly to both forms of Indian classical music, the Carnatic and Hindustani traditions.

Karnataka is one of the most fast growing states in India. In fact it is considered to be the IT capital of India. Bangalore, the chief IT hub of Karnataka is also the capital city of Karnataka. The cities in Karnataka are some of the most developed cities in India with ample opportunities to go around and have an enjoyable holiday. The cities in Karnataka have excellent places to shop and some brilliant hotels to stay.

About Karnataka: Karnataka, the eighth largest State in India is one of the most beautiful states in the country. Both in area and population Karnataka is an enormous state. The states like Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala surround Karnataka from all sides.
The eastern and Western Ghats that fence Karnataka are the source of many east and west flowing rivers. The most important rivers that originate from these mountains are the Krishna, Kaveri and their tributaries. Karnataka is also considered as one of the most fast growing states in the Indian subcontinent.

Karnataka Cities
Bangalore / Mysore / Coorg / Hampi / Mangalore / Badami / Shimoga / Hassan / Bijapur / Jog Falls / Chitiradurga / Manipal / Hospet / Aihole / Bellary / Bidar / Chikmagalur / Davangere / Gulbarga / Halebid / Hubli / karwar / Kudremukh / Madikeri / Mercara / Pattadakal / Raichur / Shravanabelagola / Sringeri / Srirangapatna / Tumkur / Udupi.

Beaches in Karnataka With a coastline stretching across 320 kilometers along the Arabian Sea, Karnataka down south is one of the top beach destinations in India with home to some of the most secluded and pristine beaches. Dotted with coconut palm, the vast expanse of golden sandy beaches, serene environment, loads of adventure sports activities makes beaches in Karnataka ideal retreat for families as well as couples.

Whereas Gokarna with its 4 balmy beaches - 3 of which could only be explored afoot - is one of the relatively unexplored beach destinations in Karnataka with religious significance, Karwar with its golden sand, and picturesque view of palm-forested hills is one of the most popular beaches in Karnataka.

There are several other Karnataka beaches which offer idyllic retreats to visitors looking for soothing places for beach holidays in Karnataka far from the hustle and bustle of city. Read on to explore all beaches destinations in Karnataka and plan your beach vacation in India.

Monuments in Karnataka The historical monuments in Karnataka consist of temples as well as ancient city ruins, palaces, forts and tombs. Whereas the temples in Karnataka are gems of various forms of architecture including Mysore and Hoyasala art forms exhibiting exquisite carvings and sculpture; the ruined citiy of Hampi, which is inscribed by UNESCO as World Heritage Site, stands testimony to the outstanding Dravidian architecture of South India which manifests itself in several temples, mantapas and exquisitely carved stone structures.

Find details of some of the best and most popular historical monuments in Karnataka which forms the core of things to do when it comes to Karnataka Tourism.

Hill Stations in Karnataka The eighth largest state of India, Karnataka draws attention to it for its amazing tourist spots. Of the 3600 temples in the country it proudly boasts of 609 beautiful temples exhibiting Dravidian architecture to its zenith. Karnataka is just not rock cut temples but it delights one with its spectacular virgin beaches, scenic hill stations and coffee plantations, unexplored forests infested with sandalwood trees, wild life sanctuaries, modern cities and friendly people. Hill Stations in Karnataka are great retreats for those looking for solitude. Undisturbed by commercialization, Hill Stations in Karnataka are undisputedly the favorite destination for tourists.

Kudremukh, Kemmangundi, Nandi Hills, Agumbe, Horanadu, Biligirirangana hills and Mercara are some of the hill stations in Karnataka. Most of the above hill stations are quite mountain towns not much frequented by tourists which has kept them pristine and free of commercialization.

If you are planning for a trip to the hill stations in Karnataka you would be enjoying trekking the scenic mountain slopes, bird watching, visiting the magnificent waterfalls, boating on pristine streams and visiting coffee plantations.

Many resorts with excellent accommodation facilities are available in the Hill stations in Karnataka.

Waterfalls in Karnataka If you are working on your vacation plans this year, you have every reason to keep Karnataka tourism on your agenda. Karnataka is an exotic state of India offering century old heritage, architectural splendors, amazing sea beaches and magnificent cascading water falls. Karnataka, the eighth largest state of India in terms of area, is a land of amazing tourist spots. The cradle of an ancient civilization, Karnataka has to its credit a plethora of rock cut temples; an exemplar of awe inspiring architecture and art. Home to many dynasties, it boasts of many temples and monuments that have been enlisted as world heritage sites. Besides Karnataka has scenic and unspoilt hill stations that are frequented by those seeking the serene. Among these exotic hill stations are beautiful Waterfalls in Karnataka that cascade from great heights.

Known for its water falls, Karnataka can boast of Jog falls of Shimoga District which is one of the highest waterfalls in Asia. Abbey Falls, Achakanya Falls, Balmuri falls, Chunchanakatte Falls are some of the well known falls among the many waterfalls of Karnataka.

Kudremukh National Park and the Waterfalls in Karnataka are listed among the 1001 wonders of the world.

Museums in Karnataka Indian civilization can be traced to Harappa and Mohenjedaro. A country so rich in culture is an interesting place of study. Its various states with different cultures and historical background can be retraced through its assorted displays in various museums.
Museums in Karnataka display the ancient manuscripts and scriptures, art and artifacts of erstwhile rulers of Karnataka.

On your tour to Karnataka you will enjoy the array of spectacular temples and monuments of dynasties that ruled over the Karnataka. History has seen the rise and fall of great dynasties of Hoysalas, Chalukyas and the mighty Vijayanagara rulers in Karnataka. Later the Mughals in the 17th century and the British in the 18th century bestowed to Karnataka another dimension in the cultural and architectural arena.

Museums give you a glimpse of the culture and the civilization of the place. The Museums in Karnataka offer you a complete picture of the State's culture and its history.

Mysore and Bangalore are the two important cities of Karnataka that have art galleries and museums exhibiting the art and craft of Karnataka. Archeological museums display relics of the excavations carried out in various parts of the state. Seat of ancient dynasties Museums in Karnataka display currencies of various periods, collection of paintings a few hundred years old, exquisite jewelry, chiselled brasswares, pottery and natural stones, ivory goods, metal sculptures and crystal works. Tour around the Museums in Karnataka, some of which are enlisted below.

Shopping in Karnataka can be a marvelous experience as Karnataka has much to display to the tourists. It is said that Karnataka is a shopper's paradise. With dazzling shopping arcades and shopping malls strewn all around the state, Karnataka has become a shopping hub in India. With its sparkling silks, sandalwood and rosewood carvings and exquisite handicrafts, Karnataka excels as the shoppers paradise.

What to buy:
Sandalwood sculptures
Incense sticks
Perfumes
Sandalwood Oil
Metal Lamps
Wood Carvings
Inlay Work
Mysore Silks
Mysore Paintings
Bijapur Sarees
Bijapur Jewellery
Bijapur Handlooms
Lambani Jewellery
Handlooms From Guledgudda
Ilkal Sarees
Bangalore and Mysore are well-known for their shimmering silks. Karnataka's legendary silk saris have become an integral part of the modern day dressing. The silk sarees are largely exported to other countries also. Karnataka is the home of sandalwood. Different sandalwood items are available in all over Karnataka. From Karnataka, Shoppers can carry home beads, pendants, carved tables, screens, dinner gongs, boxes, caskets, mythological figures, a host of stationery items, trays, decorative panels made of sandalwood. Inlaid furniture and sandalwood carvings are a favorite with affluent tourists.

The other centers where metal craft is available in abundance are as follows:
Bangalore
Shivarapatna
Kundapur
Shravanabelagola
Bidar

The tourists flock into the different parts of the state throughout the year because of the diverse land features. The coastal regions are hot and humid while the central is more extreme. However, the most recommended time to visit Karnataka is between the months of November and April, when the days remain pleasant.

Summer in Karnataka- From March till May The coastal, north central and the south central are the three zones of Karnataka, which experience varied climatic conditions. For instance, Bangalore gets moderate summer, ranging from 30 to 34 degrees Celsius. At the same time the highest recorded temperature was 45.6 degrees Celsius at the northern part.
The hill stations of Karnataka are great retreat centers, the tourists from the state as well as the other parts of the country visit the hill stations like Coorg, Chikmagalur, Kodachadri and more during the summer season.

You can opt for some fun along the beaches of Karwar and indulge in water activities. The heat of the summer is not extreme in general.

Monsoon in Karnataka- From June till September The coastline of the Western Ghats receives the highest rainfall with an average of about 143 inches, and brings the temperature down. The east region remains hot as it receives less rain fall. The hill stations comes to life in the rains, especially Coorg looks beautiful and refreshing. However, avoid visiting there between May and August as it gets very wet.
One of the best sights to catch during the monsoon season is that of the waterfalls, they pour down with great intensity and providing a spectacular view.

Winter in Karnataka- From November till February The downfall of temperature during the winter is gradual, making it the best time to visit Karnataka. It is not marked by severe cold and dryness. The best time to explore the diverse and exotic flora and Fauna, visit the Bandipur National Park and the Nagarhole National Park at ease. The sightseeing tour becomes more pleasurable and satisfying.
Attend the fest and festivals around this time, the Dussehra celebration and the Makara Sankranthi are celebrated on a grand scale. Coorg and other hill stations charm you with their beauty.