Karnataka - A Mix of History, Culture and Landscapes

Lying on India’s stunning southwestern coast, Karnataka gives you the pleasure of experiencing fabulous coasts and exhilarating hills. Host to some of India’s largest and most powerful dynasties over the centuries and a melting-pot of communities and tribes, here is a state that will see you journeying across some outstanding heritage trails that carry a brilliant legacy of history, art, culture, and architecture with its temples, palaces, forts, mosques etc.

You could start your tryst with nature on perhaps one of its beautiful, unspoilt beaches – Karnataka boasts one of the longest coastlines in India. Climb up the magnificent Western Ghats – home to forests, wildlife sanctuaries and some of the rarest and most endangered species of flora and fauna. If you crave adventure, the craggy wilderness is a climber’s paradise with its hills and ravines. Explore the spice routes in the fragrant foothills of Coorg, with its coffee and spice plantations, lovely homestays, old-world hill stations, gushing waterfalls, and great trekking trails. Choose from a range of superb art and crafts to take home – Karnataka is legendary for its delicate and aromatic sandalwood carvings, gorgeous silks, the gold-leafed Mysore style of painting…and much more.

Karnataka has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Hampi and the Group of Monuments at Pattadakkal. Hampi ruins are is India’s equivalent of Angkor Wat and is one of the most awe inspiring architectural sites in India.Karnataka is one that offers a bit of everything, heritage, beaches, plantations, wildlife, bird watching, craft, culture, cuisine and much more. Karnataka is one to arrive for a wholesome “Real India” experience.

Badami

Badami, now a somewhat obscure village, lies in north Karnataka’s Bagalkot District. Between the 6th and 12th centuries CE, one of the most influential and powerful dynasties to rule the region were the Chalukyas, who contributed greatly to the legacy of the state. Badami was the splendid capital of the great Chalukya kingdom. You can see evidence of its former glory in its spectacular cave temples and fort.

Carved out of sandstone rocks, and built over a period of time, the set of four cave temples stand on the precipice of a hill, overlooking the surrounding valley. Blending two different styles, the cave temples are the legacy of a golden age of building styles. They were the earliest examples of a temple architecture style that would be celebrated across South India over the next few centuries. The first three cave temples are dedicated to Hindu deities such as Siva, Vishnu, Brahma, Indra, and Parvati, and displays exquisite sculptures. Cave four is a Jain shrine with stunning sculptures of Jain saints. The temples are connected to each other by flights of stairs. When you finish with the caves, you will see the Bhuthanatha Temple on the opposite hill, across from the tank.

In the 18th century, Tipu Sultan, the legendary ruler of the Deccan, built a fort on top of the Badami Hills. Apparently magnificent cannons were placed at vantage points. It’s a steep climb up but you’ll be rewarded with superb views of Badami. The Archaeological Museum here is a repository of some fine sculptures, perfectly preserved panels, and sculpted panels depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.

Badami is typically visited as part of a heritage itinerary combining Hampi and Bijapur.

Bengaluru

Karnataka’s capital city Bengaluru (earlier Bangalore) has evolved from a laidback old-world city of gardens, second-hand bookshops, and nostalgia-evoking filter coffee shops to a glittering hub of India’s IT industry and mecca of the upwardly mobile. The city has expanded, glitzy malls have sprung up. Chrome and steel buildings welcome IT workers; pubs, nightclubs, fabulous restaurants, world class hotels make the city more vibrant…even as traffic is chaotic.

Amidst these transformations, Bengaluru has stayed remarkable for the way it has managed to retain some of its earlier ambience, protect its green spaces, and preserve its striking colonial heritage. Old temples and colonial-era churches, bougainvillea-wrapped bungalows, traditional South Indian breakfast and coffee homes (must try MTR or the Mavalli Tiffin Room), heritage homes, friendly Anglo-Indian neighbourhoods, crowded old bazaars, flowers in full bloom everywhere, and a vibrant culture of literature, theatre, music (especially jazz and contemporary rock), cinema, dance, crafts, and art.

Bengaluru is blessed with a pleasant climate all year round and is considered one of the most progressive and cosmopolitan cities of India. A sights tour of the city has plenty to offer – such as the Vidhan Soudha (Legislative House), Cubbon Park, Lal Bagh, Bengaluru Palace Grounds (host exhibitions, festivals, crafts fairs, and concerts), Ranga Sankara (if you love theatre), Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath (art school), and the Visvesvaraya Museum among other attractions.

Hampi

Karnataka’s spectacular architectural wealth perhaps reaches its apex in the austere, grandiose ruins of the group of monuments at Hampi. One of the most extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Hampi was once the glorious capital of the mighty Vijayanagara Empire. The ancient Vijayanagara Empire was celebrated for its power and treasures and was a showpiece of imperial magnificence. Conquered by the Deccan Muslim Sultanate in 1565, the city was pillaged for months before finally being abandoned. Today the travellers arrive here to see the remains and visualise the glory of the bygone era.

Spread over 26 sq. km, Hampi’s backdrop comprises a surreal landscape of precariously perched giant boulders flanked by hillocks with the River Tungabhadra flowing right through. Marvel at the distinctive splendour of the Vijayanagara style of building in the exquisite temple complexes here at the Sacred Centre, of which the Virupaksha Temple is outstanding. The Royal Centre comprises palaces, baths, zenanas (the part of a house used for the seclusion of women), and military structures that were once the citadel of the Vijayanagara kings. Especially interesting here are the Queen’s Bath, a water pavilion; Mahanavami Dibba, a massive 14th century platform; Hazara Rama Temple meant for royal worship; the Lotus Mahal; and the Elephant Stables.

A small museum near the base of the Matanga Hill displays several enlarged photographs of Hampi taken in 1853 by a British photographer. The beauty of Hampi is that it isn’t only for heritage and history travellers. Hampi’s enormous rocks are a hotspot for bouldering – offered here along with equipment and instructors.

An audio-visual treat awaits connoisseurs of art and music, at the Hampi Utsav – a three-day mega cultural festival of dance, drama and music.

Hampi, along with Badami and Bijapur, is the heritage golden triangle of Karnataka.

Hassan

Located in the south-western part of Karnataka, the district of Hassan has abundant natural beauty and is rich with history. Hassan reached the zenith of its glory during the reign of the mighty Hoysala Empire who made it the seat of their rule. Hassan is a veritable treasure trove of the unique Hoysala architectural tradition (vesara) and sculpture, the best specimens of which are at Belur and Halebidu. Sravanabelagola, studded with Jain monuments, is a renowned Jain pilgrimage site.

The twin-like cities of Belur-Halebidu are separated by a short drive. Both were home to the Hoysala dynasty for three centuries (mid-11th – mid 14th centuries). The Belur-Halebidu temples are defined by intricately carved walls and sculptures in ivory and sandalwood. Standing on a star-shaped platform – the hallmark of the Hoysala architectural style – Belur’s Chenna Kesava Temple is a 14th century edifice that shows off fine stone filigree work. The Hoysaleswara Temple at Halebidu was built in 1152. Uniquely, it has two shrines on the same platform (also star-shaped), both dedicated to Shiva. The Shantaleswara Temple, the second temple here sits on a star-shaped platform with exquisite sculptures. Just as in Belur, many sculptures here are three-dimensional, with the back of the figures carved as intricately as the front.

Sravanabelagola has been a centre of Jain religion, art, and architecture for over 2000 years. Vindhyagiri and Chandragiri are the two famous hills here.

Standing atop the Vindhyagiri Hill is the awe-inspiring monolithic statue of Gommateswara, dedicated to the greatly revered Jain monk-saint Bahubali. Carved from a single block of granite, the exquisitely proportioned 57-foot high monolith was commissioned by the Ganga dynasty around 983 CE and is one of the largest free-standing statues in the world. Gommateswara is sculpted with all themahapurusha lakshana (signs of a great man) such as long earlobes, broad shoulders, and strong arms. The expression of absolute serenity on his face represents total renunciation and harmony. The Mahamastakabhisheka festival, held once in 12 years (next in February 2018), is a spectacular ceremony in which the statue is anointed with water, turmeric, rice flour, sugarcane juice, sandalwood paste, saffron, and gold and silver flowers.

The Chandragiri Hill has older and richer monuments that date back to the 8th and 6th centuries CE.

Hospet

Located in the Bellary District of north Karnataka, the 16th century city of Hosapete (or Hospet), lies on the banks of the historic River Tungabhadra. The significance of Hospet lies in its proximity to the World Heritage Site of Hampi, which is a mere 13 km or so away. For travellers who want to experience Karnataka’s glorious heritage, Hospet is the perfect gateway to the stunning ruins of the mighty Vijayanagara kingdom in Hampi.

Hospet is home to many hotels and resorts that serve as base points for travellers exploring Hampi area.