Karnataka boasts of a rich history and has been home to a multitude of religions, cultures and kingdoms. It has two world heritage sites at Hampi and Pattadakal and many other fascinating monuments. The state’s wildlife sanctuaries offer up close and personal encounters with tigers, panthers and many other species. Adventure activities, festivals and art forms, isolated beaches, beautiful hill stations with coffee plantations and shopping galore truly make it India’s “theatre of inspiration”, as the motto of Karnataka Tourism says.

Bangalore: The capital city of Karnataka is one of the most happening places in India today. Also known as the Silicon Valley of India for its ever-growing software industry, Bangalore has become home to a vast majority of young software professionals from all over the country. The “Garden City” exudes a charm of its own with all its greenery, its legacy of colonial buildings and its numerous restaurants, cafes and pubs. Its cosmopolitan atmosphere, exciting nightlife and shopping facilities make it an immensely popular destination.

Mysore : The lovely hometown of the popular Indian writer, R.K. Narayan, is famous for the largest palace in India, its sandalwood and its arts and crafts.

Hampi: The site of the fabulously wealthy 14th century Vijayanagar Empire, the majestic ruins of the last great Hindu empire you see at this World Heritage Site paint a picture of an ancient kingdom rich in culture. The ruins of temples and fortifications with their sculptures and frescoes still exude an irresistible aura of power and beauty and have been described as the “world’s largest open-air museum”.

The architecture and sculptures at Belur, the ornate temples of Pattadakal, the awe-inspiring cave temples of Badami and the rock cut caves of Aihole provide further evidence of Karnataka’s rich historical heritage.