Karnataka

A perfect melange of stunning cultures, history, taste, scenic beauty and ancient dance forms ? Karnataka has almost every lure to keep travellers hooked forever. It is an astonishing fact that this state is the sole owner of 507 of the 3600 centrally protected monuments in India. Karnataka leaves every traveller awe-struck with its exciting national parks, ancient ruins, pristine beaches, revitalizing yoga centres and legendary hang-outs which cannot be found anywhere else. Here you can find Asia?s biggest population of elephants as well.

Here are the top places to visit in Karnataka

Mysore
Drenched into an ancient history, Mysore paints the rich past of India in a magical way. Visit here to eyewitness an ideal blend of old and new. The grand Mysore Palace of the city is known for its royal structure and decorative interiors. Jagan Mohan palace is also visited by every traveller to explore its rich history and unmatched Hindu style architecture. The city?s Lalith Mahal Palace, built in 1931, features a rich royal two-storey composition and remains on the itinerary of every traveller.

Belgaum
Belgaum is all about spending your holiday in the lap of cultures, history and nature. It is an industrial town housing some of the largest universities. Some of the most visited places in Belgaum remain Belgaum fort, the Kittur Chennama Fort, Gokak Falls, the Doodh Sagar Falls, etc.

Bellary
Bellary has been ruled by many legendary rulers in the past, including Mauryas, the Satavahanas, the Pallavas, the Kadambas, etc. All of them left their marks on its soil which can still be seen in its ancient marvels. It's barren, rocky scenery gives a perfect backdrop to the very beautiful Hampi. The former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, Hampi monuments cover over 4,100 hectares and house regal and sacred complexes, temples, shrines, pillared halls, and structures. The Bellary Fort also deserves a vista due to its historical tales.

Mangalore
The Port City of Karnataka, Mangalore is perfect to treat yourself with ample of nature all around. The city is blessed with coconut palms, temples and beaches. It is far away from tiring city life and treats you with attractions like Mangaladevi temples, KREC beach, Someshwara beach, Panambur beach, Tannirbavi Beach and Seemanthini Bai Bajai Museum.

Bangalore
Bangalore is often termed as the Silicon Valley of India. It is a booming IT hub where many multinationals have flourished. It perfectly blends past and present which can be seen in its cultures, lifestyle and attractions. Visit the grand Bangalore Palaceto understand the history of the city. Also do spend some time around the MG Road, the liveliest area of the city with many shops, restaurants and entertainment options.

How to Reach
Karnataka has 6 airports in Bangalore, Mangalore, Hampi, Hubli, Belgaum, Bijapur and Mysore. The state has a good rail network as well which connects it with all parts of India. Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation also runs many buses connecting all other major cities and states.