Known as the ‘garden city', Bangalore is the attractive capital of the South Indian state of Karnataka, set on the Mysore Plateau. Leafy, cosmopolitan and well structured, it’s easy to see why the city has been named ‘most liveable city in India’. Wide boulevards are lined with a great variety of restaurants and tea stalls, where food lovers can delight in a smorgasbord of south Indian flavours. It is also known for its booming IT industry, and this factor, coupled with an effort to preserve its colonial heritage, has created a modern and sophisticated metropolis.
Mysuru, previously known as Mysore, is the cultural capital of Southern India and Karnataka's second-largest city. Known for its efficiency, fantastic structure, and cleanliness, it is a pleasure to visit; at the same time, it has retained its historic atmosphere. Filled with enthralling Hindu palaces and hosting vibrant festivals regularly, the city is an excellent place to begin an exploration of Indian heritage. The grand Mysore Palace or Amba Vilas is a must-see, especially during the Dasara Festival when lit up by 100 000 bulbs. A browse of the legendary sandalwood and silk products made locally should also be an activity high on visitors’ itineraries. Animal lovers should make sure to visit the Bandipur Sanctuary, part of the Venugopal Wildlife Park, to see ‘guar’ (Indian bison), and spotted deer.
As one of the oldest towns in India’s Karnataka State, Hassan has a long and rich history. The town was founded by Channa Krishnappa Naik in the 11th century and remained under the rule of the Hoysala dynasty until the 13th century. It is the unique Hoysala architecture of this time that has made Hassan a popular tourist attraction as, during this period, numerous architectural marvels including a number of exquisite temples were constructed, many of which remain well-preserved today. However, it is not only the diverse variety of temples and unique architecture that draws visitors to Hassan, but also the town’s lovely markets, delicious local cuisine and remarkable natural beauty of the town itself and its extraordinarily scenic surrounding areas.
Set on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, Hospet, also known as Hosapete, is the largest city and district headquarters of Karnataka's Vijayanagara District. Rich in history and culture, Hospet serves as a wonderful base for exploring the historical ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire. Prodominetarly distributed in the twin cities of Hospet and Hampi, the ruins have been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although mainly used as a stopover point for those travelling from the west coast to Goa, sightseers who decide to spend additional time in Hospet are rewarded with fascinating attractions. The famous Tungabhadra Dam, the Fort Town of Karnataka, the charming town of Chitradurga, the King's Balance and the vast collection of beautiful temples are all well worth visiting.
