Karnataka

Karnataka is a state in South West India created in 1956. It was originally known as the State of Mysore and renamed to Karnataka in 1973. Karnataka is bordered by the Arabian Sea and the Laccadive Sea to the west, Goa to the north west, Maharashtra to the north, Telangana to the North east, Andhra Pradesh to the east, Tamil Nadu to the south east and Kerala to the south west. 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'.

Karnataka's people are as varied as its land. The northerners are mostly Lingayats, coastal Karnataka is inhabited by fisherfolk, Portuguese influence can be seen in Mangalore, Adivasi communities live mostly in the north and the west. The Coorgs of the Kodagu region have a distinctive culture of their own. Successive Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim rulers dominated the region leaving a trial of architectural wonders. Throughout the state are some of the greatest religious monuments in India. The simplicity of Karnataka's countryside is balanced by the grand palaces and formal gardens of Mysore, the youthful cosmopolitanism of Bangalore and the relics of both Hindus and Muslims of centuries royal living.

The state throws a wide range of locations and spots for the one struck by wanderlust whether he is an adventurer, an explorer or the one who is simply smitten by unraveling scenic surprises. Main tourist attractions of Karnataka are Bangalore, Mysore, Coorg, Nagahole National Park, Gokarna, Hampi, Aihole, Hospet and Badami.