Karnataka is one of the four southern states of India. Previously known as the state of Mysore, Karnataka got its present name in 1973. The present boundaries of the Karnataka state were decided in 1956 by the State Reorganisation Act. Kannada is the official language of the state. Karnataka is sub-divided into 27 districts and it is the 8th largest Indian state by area and 9th largest by population. The city of Bengaluru / bangalore; also known as the Silicon Valley of India, is the capital of Karnataka. Karnataka is situated in the southern part of India and is bordered by the Arabian Sea to the west, Goa to the northwest, Maharashtra to the north, Andhra Pradesh to the east, Tamilnadu to the southeast, and Kerala to the southwest

The capital of the Early Chalukyas, Badami is picturesquely situated at the mouth of a ravine between two rocky hills, Badami is famous for its cave temples - all hewn out of sand stone on the precipice of a hill. The largest and most ornamental is the third cave temple dedicated to Vishnu. Overlooking the cave temples is a reservoir dotted with temples dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva. Also a must are the Bhutanath temples that lend their name to the lake beneath the cave temples.

The multifaceted capital city of Karnataka, dotted with modern marvels, lush boulevards, historical monuments & bustling shopping plazas, Bangalore, aptly called the Silicon Valley of India, is every tourist's dream travel destination. Bangalore, the fifth largest city in India, is the perfect blend of natural beauty and man-made marvels of architecture and technology. Blessed with a salubrious climate and dotted with beautiful parks, its tree-lined avenues, its trendy, yuppie downtown, and the software flood, Bangalore truly offers one a picture of striking contrasts. Bangalore located 1,000m above sea level is one of the most 'happening' places in India. Bangalore, which literally means the 'town of baked beans', was founded by Kempe Gowda, a chieftain of the Vijayanagar Empire, around the 16th century. He built four towers in four directions to specify its boundaries. However, Bangalore has far exceeded these limits since.

Travel to Southern Banaras Belur, the temple town is located 34 kms from Hassan. Famous for its exquisite temple, Belur is known as the Dakshina Varanasi or Southern Banaras. The serenity of Belur is attributed to the celebrated Chennakesava Temple built by the Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana in 1117 A.D to commemorate his conversion from Jainism to Vaishnavism.

In the northern-most part of Karnataka lies Bidar - a tiny district steeped in history. As you enter the town, the Bidar Fort welcomes you with five darwazas (gates) that lead into a little town nestling within the ramparts. Enter from the Gumbaz Darwaza and steps lead you to the Rangin Mahal.

The ancient town, dotted with mosques, mausoleums, palaces and fortifications, was the capital of the Adil Shahi Dynasty. Once the capital of the Adil Shahis, it was a city that "exceeded anything of its kind in Europe". Even today, it retains its dignity and royal grandeur. Still strongly Muslim in character, Bijapur has many places of historical, cultural and architectural interest. Even though many of the structures were damaged by Aurangazeb, Bijapur remains a must-see town.

- Easily one of the most attractive regions in India, Coorg or Kodagu is an enchanting expanse of natural tourist spot that nestles amid the hills and valleys of the picturesque Western Ghats. The Kodagu people have always stood apart handsome, brave and hospitable. A distinguished martial tradition has given the Indian Army several Generals and Brigadiers.

The district takes its name from the headquarters town of Chikmagalur, which literally means younger daughter’s town. The town is situated in a fertile valley, south of the Baba – Budan range and is surrounded by lush coffee growing hills. A centre of education, trade and commerce, the town enjoys a salubrious climate and has venerated monuments of all religions.

Gulbarga the district headquarters, was formerly know as Kalburgi. The town rose into prominence during the early Bahmani period when the founder of this dynasty shifted his capital from Daulatabad. Gulbarga continued to be the capital of this kingdom till about 1424 AD.

Hampi, the land of surprises was founded in the middle of 14th Century by two local princes, Hakka & Bukka. The Vijayanagar Empire came to be celebrated for its might and wealth and as a show piece of imperial magnificence. Vijayanagara is such that the pupil of the eye has never seen a place like it... " So eulogized Abdul Razaq, a Muslim envoy who visited Hampi.

The picturesque town of Hassan is located in the heart of Malnad. Having a very pleasant climate throughout the year, Hassan 194 kms from Bangalore is the entry point for Belur, Halebid and Sravanabelagola. Sravanabelagola is a famous Jain pilgrimage with a 17 m high monolith of lord Bahubali standing tall. Belur was once the capital of the Hoysala kings.

Hospete formerly Hospet is a city in Bellary District in northern Karnataka, India. Hosapete is on the Tungabhadra River, 12 km from Hampi, the site of the ruins of the medieval city of Vijayanagara, former capital of the Vijayanagar Empire.

Mysore is the erstwhile capital of Wodeyars, the rulers of Mysore State. The Wodeyar family ruled Mysore since 14th century except for a short period of 40 years when Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan were the rulers. Today Mysore is one of the major cities of Karnataka. Mysore has emerged as a thriving market for exotic sandalwood & incense, the Mysore silk sarees and stone-carved sculptures.

Raichur district was once known as Kishkindha, the legendary kingdom of the Vanaras (Monkeys) in Ramayana. Raichur is also associated with episodes from the Hindu epics. The Ramayana and Mahabharatha. Many pre – historic sites and neo – lithic artifacts can be found in this district. Raichur town is also a place of considerable historical importance.

Shimoga is a true picture of nature’s bounty – landscapes dotted with waterfalls, swaying palms and lush paddy fields make for picturesque locales. Shimoga, almost central on the Karnataka map is the rice bowl of the state. The rivers Tungabhadra, Sharayathi, Varada and Kumudayathi inundate the luxuriant greens of the region. Shimoga was ruled by the great Indian dynasties of the Kadambas, Gangas, Chalukyas, Rastrakutas, Keladi and Vijaynagar Kings. Shimoga was established by Keladi rulers. It reached its pinnacle during the rule of Shivappa Nayaka around 1600 A.D.