KARNATAKA

Karnataka, or Karu-nadu (lofty land), is the sixth largest state in the Union of India. It is so named because it lies on a high plateau. Located on India's lower West Coast, the state boasts a rich and varied history.  

From the 3rd century B.C., the region was controlled by a succession of great Hindu rulers. These included the Maurya, Satavahana, Kadamba, Chalukya, Rastrakuta, Hoysala and the mighty Vijayanagar dynasties. In the mid-18th century, Hyder Ali, a Muslim ruler, conquered the region. In 1767, the four Mysore Wars between Ali and the British began. They continued under Hyder Ali's son Tipu Sultan until 1799, when the victorious British assumed control. In 1947, the state of Mysore became part of independent India. In 1973, its name was changed to Karnataka.

Today Karnataka is the eight largest state in the Indian Union. Encompassing an area of 191,791 sq kms (74,051 sq miles), the state is home to a population of approximately fifty two million seven hundred and thirty three thousand nine hundred and fifty eight people according to the 2001 census. The local language is Kannada, but English is widely spoken in the main cities. Just inland from the coastal plain along the Arabian Sea, the Western Ghats rise to an average altitude of 760 mts (2,500ft).

Karnataka is a treasure trove of tourist delights. From a dazzling array of ancient sculpted temples to modern cities, scenic hill ranges and virgin tropical forests to endless beaches…Karnataka has them all. With Bangalore, Karnataka's dazzling capital city as your base camp, you can transport yourself to the magnificent past, discover the state's wildlife treasures, or relax in the lap of a cool hill station.