Karnataka with its capital at Bangalore is the country's 8 th largest state. It is located at
Deccan Plateau , and is surrounded by
Maharashtra to the north,
Arabian Sea to the west,
Goa to the northwest,
Kerala to the southwest,
Andhra Pradesh to the east and
Tamil Nadu to southeast.
Karnataka is popularly known for
Carnatic Music through out the world but it has given much more to the world than this unique form of Classical Music. With its rich culture and traditional magnificence, it has attracted tourists from all parts of the world. It is among the world's most ancient civilizations and is home to two of the World Heritage Sites -
Hampi and
Pattadakal . The temples at
Aihole, Badami and
Pattadakal in Bijapur district are a must visit for all art lovers. The temples of
Halebedu, Belur and
Somanathapura are great and unique architectural achievements. Some other famous tourist spots in Karnataka include
Jog Falls, Shivasamudra Falls, Abbi Falls, The Irrupu falls, Manikyandhara, Kallatti Falls and
Chunchanakatte Falls.
The Hill Forts of
Karnataka
such as
Nandi Hill, Savanadurga, Madhugiri, Pavagada, Midigeshi, Ucchangi, Jamalabad, Manzarabad, Kavaledurga, Chitradurga ,
Basavaraja Durga, Devagad, Kurmagad, Shahapur, Shorapur, Nargund fort, Parasgad and
Vallabhgad forts are also very popular with tourists.
Karnataka's forests and wildlife are its priceless natural heritage. The State boasts of some of the largest jungle tracts in the south of the Vindhyas.