Situado en el suroeste de la India, el estado de Karnataka está bañado por las aguas del mar Arábigo y es el octavo más poblado del país. Conocido hasta 1973 como estado de Mysore, se cree que su nombre deriva de la unión de los términos karu y nadu, que significan “tierra alta”.
The successive dynasties that ruled the Deccan have had a great influence on architecture and the arts, leaving a legacy of great monumental heritage which, together with nature, traditions, animal life and cuisine, make Karnataka a must-see destination in 2023.
Its extensive catalogue of proposals includes Hampi, Pattadakal and the Western Ghats recognised as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO, unique protected monuments, wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, hill stations, waterfalls, white sandy beaches and a huge variety of birds, elephants, tigers… Surprised?
Bengaluru, the state capital
The city brings together the ancient and the modern, the most ancient traditions and the most avant-garde events that give a warm welcome to the visitor. Known as the “Silicon Valley of India” as one of the world’s top ten IT destinations, its historical monuments reflect a glorious past and its cultural and recreational activities range from traditional dance and music to high-tech amusement parks, golf courses and a lively nightlife. And in its streets, the finest silks and the most aromatic sandalwood share space with international brands and world-class shopping malls. Its year-round spring-like climate invites you to enjoy its gardens, parks, tree-lined avenues and lakes, earning it the nickname “Garden City”.
An open-air museum
It is safe to say that there is no other state in the country with so many important monuments. The cave temples of Badami with the eighteen-armed Nataraja in eighty-one dance postures, guarded in one of its caves; the impressive palace of the “Royal City” of Mysore; the Hoysala architecture at Belur and Halebeedu with its twin temple cities; the Durga temple at Aihole which earned it the title of “cradle of temple architecture”; the Gol Gombaz and its majestic dome, the second largest in the world without pillars and with the mystical Whispering Gallery; and of course, the two World Heritage Sites. Hampi, known as the “City of Victory” with the musical pillars of the Vijaya Vittala temple and described as a city of opulent palaces, marvellous temples, huge fortifications, baths, markets, aqueducts, pavilions and elegantly carved pillars, where merchants traded diamonds, pearls, fine silks, brocades and horses.
And Pattadakal, with its beautifully chiselled temples that testify to the richness of Chalukyan architecture. The 8th century temples of Jambulinga, Kadasiddeshvara and Galaganatha with their shikaras or curvilinear spires are worth a visit here. The ornate Papanatha temple is another impressive piece of architecture, with its delicately chiselled ceilings and a main hall of sixteen pillars. These are just a few of the state’s architectural gems.
Karnataka is one big party
In Karnataka, artistic expressions are passionate. Vivid colours, beautifully decorated costumes, smooth but powerful movements and lively music, along with the epics of fables, make art and culture a melting pot of sensations.
These exciting artistic manifestations are evident in the “heavenly song” or “Yakshagana”, a traditional theatre with over four hundred years of history, which brings together dance, music and literature and is known for its extemporaneous dialogues, colourful costumes and dynamic dance forms; in the Dollu Kunita, a powerful drum dance accompanied by aerobic movements, synchronised group formations and occasional shouts; the Veeragaase, a vigorous dance based on Hindu mythology with intense dance movements; the Dasara, a ten-day festival held in Mysore to commemorate the victory of the goddess Chamundi over the demon Mahishasura; or the Bengaluru Karaga, a nine-day festival held in the heart of Bengaluru.
Nature and Wildlife
The gods gave Karnataka a privileged natural environment with deciduous forests, waterfalls, verdant landscapes, deep valleys, wildlife and pristine beaches lining its 320 km of coastline. With the majestic Western Ghats, which run along the western edge of the Deccan Plateau and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the region’s endemic flora and fauna are the pride of these jungles. Green and lush forests flow westwards with rivers that in some cases turn into spectacular waterfalls such as Jog Fall in Shimoga, the fifth highest waterfall in Asia with a height of over two hundred and ninety-one metres, or Shivanasanudra Falss and Irpu Falls, known for their impressive monsoon falls. The first two have been included among the 50 best waterfalls in the world, according to the World Waterfall database.
And then we come to the coast, where the gentle waves, golden sand and vertiginous cliffs are the scene of the Karwar beaches that inspired the great Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore; Gokarna with the Om beach, which is shaped like Om, syllable and sound and one of the most sacred mantras of the Dharmic religions and Kaup which, besides the beach, has a ruined fort and an old lighthouse 100 feet high, where you should visit the ruins of the two temples of the goddess Mariamma and Jain Basadis. And we finish on the island of Santa Maria, declared a National Geological Monument and where the cross that Vasco de Gama placed there when he landed in 1498 is preserved.
In terms of animal life, Karnataka has the largest population of tigers in India and on the banks of the Kabini River you can admire the largest congregation of Asian elephants. Painted storks on the banks of the Cauvery, sloth bears, crocodiles, deer and sambars (medium-sized brown-coated deer) can also be seen in the dense forests of the state. The Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, ideal for bird watching and the Kokrebellur Pelicanarium are also must-see places to discover the varied wildlife of Karnataka.
Not surprisingly, this natural paradise is best for adventure activities such as rafting at Dandeli, Kemphole, Sitanadi and Netravati; coracling, canoeing, kayaking and windsurfing at Honnemaradu and scuba diving, water skiing, sailing and water sledging at Devbagh. A paradise for trekkers, the Golden Trek from Karwar to Gokarna is recommended, or hike to Tadiyendamol, the highest peak in Kodagu, from where you can see the distant Arabian Sea. But if you’re looking for rock climbing, head to Ramanagara, near Bengalaru, Savanadurga, Tumakuru, Kanakapura or Hampi.
After so much excitement, our bodies are crying out for a refreshing rest. In the natural enclave of Karnataka there is the possibility of staying in nature and adventure camps or resorts that, in addition to all the comforts, offer the possibility of different adventures such as safaris to discover the fauna and flora, encounters with local communities and all kinds of activities in nature.
Resorts such as Jungle Lodges & Resorts with sixteen properties across the state, Kabini River Lodge rated by Yatler’s Travel Guide as one of the top five wildlife resorts in the world or Devbagh Beach Resort with spectacular views of the azure Arabian Sea, guarantee an unforgettable experience.
Travelling on a historic train
Luxury in Karnataka has a name of its own, The Golden Charriot. Considered by Vanity Fair as one of the seven best luxury trains in the world, The Golden Charriot is the only luxury train in South India, where you can relive past eras of glorious kingdoms, helping you discover the empires that forged the history of these lands. A journey of kings and queens complete with two fine dining restaurants, a lounge bar, spa and fitness centre.
A rich culinary heritage
Karnataka can also boast of its cuisine. The flavours are as diverse as the state itself and the sumptuous foods vary from region to region. Its cuisine is based on local ingredients and traditional techniques, as well as the vast culinary repertoire that encompasses the earthy flavours of northern Karnataka, the spicy dishes of the coastal regions and the unique Kodava cuisine. The end result is a blend of the most exotic dining experiences.
Karnataka is a land that amazes with every step you take, almost lyrical in its natural beauty. Shaped by diverse influences over the centuries, it is a unique mosaic of colours, sounds, flavours and much more. Karnataka offers everything you are looking for.
