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Karnataka India Tourism
Karnataka India Tourism
State Capital : Bangalore
Population ('000s in 1991)
: 44,977
Area ('000 sq. km) : 192
Females
per 1000 males (1991) : 960
Literacy rate (1991) : 56
Ratio of urban population (1991) : 30.9
Principal
Language : Kannada
Overview
of Karnataka
Karnataka is renowned the
world over for its Incense Sticks and a unique form of classical music, the Carnatic
Music. Besides, it is also a capital for Silk, Sandalwood, Coffee and Arecanut.
The state is one of the fastest growing in India, through rapid industrialization
and software production. The state capital, Bangalore, is called the cyber capital
of India or referred as Silicon Valley of India. The state is bounded by Tamil
Nadu and Kerala in the south, Maharashtra in the north and by Andhra Pradesh in
the east. Most parts of Karnataka lie on the Deccan Plateau, it is nature's kaleidoscope
boasting diversity in flora and fauna, hills, miles of palm groves lined coastline.
The state has a colourful history, mosques, temples, churches and many forts to
explore in your
south India tour package .
History
of Karnataka Karnataka's find of the pre-historic times from Stone
Age include among others a hand axe at Lingasugur in Raichur district. The great
Indian emperor Chandragupta Maurya, from the early era is known to abdicate his
throne to embrace Jainism at Shravanabelagola. Karnataka carries many imprints
of the dynasties that ruled here. Prominent among them were the Hoysalas, the
Chalukyas, and the mighty Vijayanagaram Empire. In the post independence era,
the Kannada-speaking areas were grouped along with the princely state of Mysore
to form Karnataka in 1973.
Hills
and Beaches of Karnataka
Garden city Bangalore, Jog Falls, the beaches
of Karwar, Marwanthe, Malpe, Murudeshwar, and Mangalore; Bidar, Golgumbuz in Bijapur,
the stone temples of Belur and Halebid, Mysore Palace; hill stations like Nandi
Hills, Kemman Gundi, Madikeri, Biligirirangana hills, and Kudremukh; the list
is simply endless.
Capital of Karnataka
Bangalore is one of the most industrialized cities of India,
and yet a leading city of most beautiful gardens. The favourable weather condition
throughout the year makes Bangalore a commercial and cultural hub. The capital
city has more acronyms than any other like the Garden City of India,
Cyber
Capital of India , Hi Tech City,
Silicon Valley and
India's Manhattan.
Tourism in Bangalore boasts of friendly people
and docile weather throughout the year. The legendary king of princely state Mysore,
Tipu Sultan, chose the city as its summer capital. The city has much more to offer
in the
south India tours than just a stay for sightseeing.
Occupation in Karnataka As with any other
Indian state, agriculture is the major occupation of people of Karnataka. The
state has also made significant industrial growth and makes reasonable contribution
to the health of Indian economy. Karnataka is well known for its silk and
handicrafts
in sandalwood since scores of years. The state is rich in mineral ore,
and supplies all of India's gold. The other mining activities for ores in the
state include copper, chromite, iron, mica, magnesite, etc. The production of
electric power, besides other methods, is done by harnessing Cauvery, Sharavati,
and Kali rivers.
Culture
in Karnataka
Karnataka possesses a rich
tourism of cultural
heritage in the form of Carnatic Music, an ancient and rich tradition
of folk theatre. The two principal art forms are Yakshagana and the puppet theatre.
'Yakshagana' has similarities to that of Kathakali of Kerala as it also makes
the choice of vigorous dancing donning elaborate costumes. Coastal areas of Dakshina
Kannada still continue to follow the rituals like 'Nagamandala', the demon dance
and 'Bhootada Kunita' (Dance of the Divine Cult). Huge monolithic Jain statues
are peculiar to the Kannada culture; one such giant stone statue of Bahubali,
the Jain saint, situated at Sravanabelagola, near Mysore, is nearly 1,000 years
old.
Shopping and Handicrafts of Karnataka
Aesthetic craftsmanship makes Karnataka famous for picking up mementos in rosewood
and sandalwood carvings of Mysore; metalware ambossing and castings of Udipi,
Karkala and Nagamangala (Mysore); Silk sarees and garments of Mysore and Bangalore;
leather puppets and wooden toys; wooden carvings including furniture and sandalwood
carvings of Shimoga and Mysore; vegetable-dye paintings of Mysore; artistic Jewellery
and handlooms of Bijapur; silver filigree and metal inlay craft called Bidriware
of Bidar; nomadic style embroidery of Dharwad and Hubli; terracotta pottery of
Belgaum; variety of handlooms of Sandur and Gulbarga; laquerware of Channapatna.
Cuisine
in Karnataka
Regional food habits in Karnataka may differ vastly
due to locally available ingredients; nevertheless, the entire state is blessed
with a rich culinary heritage. The vast culinary repertoire result is a richly
varied spread of North Karnataka, South Karnataka, and coastal region and Kodava
cuisines.
Mangalore Tourism presents almost endless
variety of rice based spicy fish delicacies, chicken curries, and pancakes, steamed
and baked preparations, spicy mango pickles, rice flour rotti and so on. The
Tourism
in Udupi region offers vegetarian delights in masala dosa, sambar, rasam,
raw green bananas, sour jackfruit, dry curries and more. The
Tourism in
Kodagu region is known for pork curries, succulent chicken curry, and
bamboo shoot curry with rice noodles. The people in the
N. Karnataka
serve wheat, millet, and sprouted grams preparations with their specialty in brinjal
and other spicy curries, followed by sweets like peda, Gokak khardantu, Belgaum
khunda, and many other variations.
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Kerala
State Capital: Thiruvananthapuram
(Popularly called Trivandrum)
Population ('000s in 1991): 30
,500
Area ('000 sq. km): 39
Boundaries:
Arabian Sea in West, Tamilnadu in Southeast, and Karnataka in North East
Main
Port: Kochi (Cochin)
Sea Shore: 580 Km.
Official
Bird: Nightingale
Official Animal: Elephant
Official Tree: Coconut
Religions: Hindu,
Islam, Christian
Females per 1000 males (1991): 1,036
Literacy rate (1991): 99.99%
Ratio of urban population
(1991): 26.4
Climate: Tropical
Summer:
February – May (Max.33 o C Min. 24 o C)
Monsoon: June –
September (Max.28 o C Min. 22 o C)
Winter: October – January
(Max.32 o C Min. 22 o C)
Principal Language: Malayalam,
English
Old and Recent History
of Kerala
As per the legendary belief, Parasuraman, who is considered to be the sixth
incarnation of Lord Vishnu (one of the Trinity, believed to provides sustenance
to the life-form), threw his axe into the sea from Gokarnam (near Mangalore
that is in Karnataka state now) only to find that the sea retreated from where
his axe fell to give birth to Kerala. But geologists believe that the under
sea movement of earth caused the creation of this land. The myths and legends
of Kerala are not directly in contrast with the scientific explanation, hence,
giving strong credence to the belief.
Historians
go on to believe the existence of civilization in Kerala between 5000 BC and
3000 BC, as the discovery of Microliths point to belonging around 4000 BC.
Kerala is a land which always encouraged trading and traders from distant lands
have been coming here since ancient times. King Solomon's ship is believed to
have visited "Ophix" (Trivandrum of today) around 1000 BC. The Malabar,
Cochin and North Travancore, which are all part of present-day Kerala, were reigned
over by Keralaputras or the Cheras, as they were called during those days. The
early trading visitors were Phoenicians, the Arabs, the Chinese, and the Romans
who came in search of spices, sandalwood, peacocks, and ivory. The traders from
different religious beliefs introduced and left their mark in the form of Christianity
and Islam. The big influx of European traders started in 15 th Century, which
earlier included the arrival of St. Thomas the Apostle, Prophet Mohammed's disciple
Malik Ibn Dinar, Vasco Da Gama – the famous seafarer from Portugal. The aroma
of Kerala spices spread far and wide bringing in more and more traders from different
and distant places. This continued contact with the people from different parts
of overseas, the Kerala of today exhibits cosmopolitan outlook.
Overview
of Kerala Tourism – God's Own Country! Kerala is simply a magic
land in the form of lush green spread as narrow fertile strip on the south-west
coast of India. It has the Lakshadweep Sea on the one side and the Western Ghats
on the other. The entire landscape of
Kerala tour package is
dominated by refreshing coconut palms, cashew nut and mango trees, and predominant
rice fields. The entire state with Western Ghats are intertwined with extensive
ridges and ravines, misty peaks, dense tropical forests that give shelter to varied
form of flora and fauna – birdlife and wildlife, and soothingly pristine beaches
merging at places with the scenic
Kerala backwaters along the
coastal lagoons leading you to enjoy rich culture on its land, during your
south
India tour . Every district in Kerala has its own unique cultures and
heritages for the tourists to fully enjoy the vast variety that we as your
tour
operator in Kerala present in this land of
God's Own Country!
Kerala
- Ahead Always!
Kerala has been a seat of learning since ancient
times. Geographical measurements show Kerala covering only about 1.5% of total
area of India, making it one of the smallest states of the country. Kerala has
three natural divisions, backwaters and sea, the sandy coastal region with coconut
groves, and big, green carpet of paddy fields. The midland region forms hills
and valleys growing agricultural crops that include rubber, coffee, tea and spices.
The dwindling of its educational assets was arrested in time by the early concern
by the public and authorities. Kerala once again made a head start to emerge as
most progressive and literate state of India.
Hill
Stations in Kerala The Western Ghats has an impressive range of
mountains that make a kind of wall from the southern tip of Kerala merging in
the western range up to Mumbai. The principal hill stations in Kerala are Ponmudi
in south Kerala, Thekkady and Munnar in central Kerala, and Wayanad in north Kerala.
The brief goes as following:
- Ponmudi Tourism: Situated
in the Trivandrum district, the hill station attains an altitude of 915 m above
sea level presenting enchanting scenery and providing pleasant climate amongst
its tea plantations. The place has deep forests making it ideal for hiking and
trekking.
- Charalkunnu Tourism: Situated in the Pathanamthitta
district, the picturesque hill station presents a panoramic view of the valley.
One can enjoy the comfortable and relaxed stay at the lodgings around.
- Wagamon
Tourism: This hill station in the Kottayam district is particularly liked
by trekking enthusiasts as it attains height of 1100 m above the sea level. The
cool climate makes the stay therapeutic to mind and body like Ayurveda.
- Elaveezhapoonchira
Tourism: It is considered a very good picnic spot surrounded by picturesque
and most beautiful hillocks.
Munnar
Tourism : The hill station in Idukki is 1600 m above sea level
and was used by British Government in South India as their summer resort.
The confluence of three mountain streams of Mudrapuzzha, Kundala and Nallthanni,
and the sprawling tea plantations make Munnar as one of the most popular
hill stations in Kerala. And here lies the highest peak of South India –
Anamudi at 2695 m which is most ideal of all for trekking. - Peerumed Tourism: Surrounded
by rolling hills and valleys offering view of coffee, tea, rubber and pepper plantations,
it is situated on the way to Thekkady. It was once a summer retreat of Travancore
Royals.
- Nelliyampathy Tourism: One of the fascinating
hill stations in Palakkad (earlier known as Palghat) district has breathtaking
evergreen forests in the Sahyadri Ranges attaining height from 467 to 1572 m above
sea level, providing panoramic view of a portion of Palakkad.
- Attappady
Tourism: This beautiful mountains range in Palakkad district is complemented
by forests and rivers, and is also the habitat of some local tribes. The Malleswaran
peak of the range is worshipped as Sivalinga, more fervently during Sivarathri
festival.
- Dhoni Tourism: This hill is also in Palakkad
district and is more particularly the source of enjoyment for trekkers, sweating
three hours to reach the peak.
- Tusharagiri Tourism:
It is also one of the f amous trekking tracks, located in Kozhikode district,
near Vythiri in Wayanad. The hill has evergreen dense forests that provide shelter
to many exotic birds and certain wild animals.
- Wayanad Tourism: The district provides hilly places like
Tourism in Pakshipathalam which can be accessed only by
trekking and is home
to
few rare species of birds; Chembra Peak Tourism has Chembra
as the highest peak at 2100 m above sea level and finds favour with trekkers;
Tourism in Lakkidi situated at 700 m serves as gateway
to Wayanad where there are luxuriant forests, lofty peaks
and gurgling streams.
- Kannur
Tourism: It is in Kannur ranges that the famous and enchanting Pythal
Mala hill station is situated where Kerala border touches Karnataka,
attaining a height of 4500 feet and is rich in flora and fauna; Ezhimala
is a beautiful, small hillock which is 300 m high.
- Kassarkod
Tourism: The famous hill of Ranipuram in Kassarkod
has evergreen monsoon forests and grasslands and is famous trekking trails at
750 m above sea level.
Beaches in Kerala
Kerala
Beaches Tours are one of the most important tourist attractions in
Kerala. Most of it is still in a pristine stage, giving a chance to the wanderer
to enjoy these stretches in relative peace. Kerala has long stretches of silvery
beaches for those interested in the Sun. Though
Kovalam Beach
is the most popular beach
in
Kerala, there are many other beaches like
Varkala Beach, Cherai Beach,
and
Alleppey Beach on the southern stretches of
the state which are almost as good. There is good number of beaches on the northern
stretches like
Kappad Beach which we know as
tour
and travel agent in Kerala , are still unspoiled, beautiful, and not
too crowded. The miles of silvery sand beaches with swaying coconut palm trees
in the districts of
Kannur and Kassargod Beaches provide open
sunbathing and resorts too, very close to the fishing hamlets. With the increase
in demand for the infrastructure, the crowding at beaches is also bound to increase
in proportion. The list of beaches given below also provides information as
to which of the airports and/or railway stations are in close proximity.
Sr. No.
| Beach
| Airport
| Railway Station
|
1.
| Kovalam Beach
| Trivandrum
| Trivandrum |
| 2. | Shangumugham Beach | Trivandrum | Trivandrum
|
| 3. | Veli Beach | Trivandrum | Trivandrum
|
| 4. | Varkala Beach | Trivandrum | Kollam
|
| 5. | Kollam Beach | Trivandrum | Kollam
|
| 6. | Alleppey (Alappuzzha) Beach | Cochin (Kochi)
| Alleppey |
| 7. | Fort Kochi Beach | Cochin
| Cochin |
| 8. | Cherai Beach | Cochin
| Cochin
|
| 9. | Calicut Beach | Calicut | Calicut
|
| 10. | Kappad Beach | Calicut | Calicut
|
| 11. | Thalassery Beach | Calicut | Thalassery
|
| 12. | Muzhaplangadu Beach | Calicut | Thalassery
|
| 13. | Payyambalam Beach | Calicut | Kannur
|
| 14. | Bekal Beach | Calicut | Kassarkod
|
Kerala
Backwaters
For
the visitor, a
trip to Kerala offers some unusual ways of
travelling around an intriguing mosaic of cultures as presented by
Visit
India South in the chosen program of
South India Tourism .
The
Kerala backwaters trip is perhaps the most enchanting
way of getting around. It is of immense fun, particularly when getting to enjoy
the traditional Kerala cuisine that is cooked on board the Kettuvallam (houseboat)
while it ambers along the coastal lagoons with intertwining from between the
swaying coconut palms.
Backwaters of Kumarakom between
Alappuzha (Alleppey) and Kottayam (Kollam) are a popular tourist destination.
Backwaters of Kuttanad region, the rice bowl of Kerala, are
also very famous. This area is probably the one and only place in world where
farming is done below sea level. The Kollam-Alappuzzha stretch of the
Kerala
backwaters houseboat trip is a tourist favorite. An overnight stay
on the houseboat is simply a lifetime experience, besides you get to see some
of the best and most picturesque
beaches in Kerala India .
Kerala is one of the most sought after tourist destinations for it provides
soothing, amenable, and relaxed atmosphere.
Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks of Kerala
•
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: Gentle
waves and cool breeze giving company on a boat ride through the
Vembanad
Lake provide the perfect setting to bird watching of migratory as well
as resident birds, like: Siberian cranes, parrots, flycatchers, wood beetle, larks,
teal, egrets, herons, and many others.
•
Chinnar Wild
Life Sanctuary: Set amongst the unique thorny scrub jungle, besides
a variety of avian population, it is also home to a wide range of wild animal
that include: Tiger, panther, elephant, gaur, wild dog, Nilgiri Tar, spotted deer,
lion tailed macaque, and barking deer.
•
Eravikulam Wild
Life Sanctuary : It is protected as National Park with much of the area
at a height of 2000 m. One may come across avian species of grass owl, wood pigeon,
jungle crow, black winged kite, etc., while the wild variety include Tiger, panther,
barking deer, sambar, jungle cat, wild dogs, giant Malabar squirrel, etc. The
jungle is home to Neelakurinji, one of the rare flowers that bloom once in twelve
years.
•
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary: It is situated on the banks of the
river Periyar. Dr. Salim Ali the famous Ornithologist was said to be the main
force behind the formation of this sanctuary. From amongst 253 species of birds
found here, the important ones include white-breasted water hen, large falcons,
hornbill, grey jungle fowl, jungle bush quail etc.
•
Idukki
Wild Life Sanctuary: The sanctuary is set amongst the pristine forests
and green hills, prompting many to fully make use of the scope for trekking it
offer.
•
Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary: The scenic
beauty of the area is an aspect one can also see in the eyes and gait of the resident
wild animals like elephants, monkeys, bison, sambar, and wild bear. There are
some famous tea gardens in the vicinity of the park. The boating and trekking
at Thekkady makes your visit a memorable experience.
•
Parambikulam
Wildlife Sanctuary: Set at a distance of 130 Kms from Palakkad, this
wild life sanctuary is offers a fascinating sight of rare wild animals. A boat
ride in the Parambikulam reservoir is definitely an enthralling experience.
•
Muthanga Wild Life Sanctuary: A home for herds
of elephants, deer, bear, and wild pig etc., Muthanga Wild Life Sanctuary has
become a major centre of tourist attraction.
•
J.P. Smrithivanam
and Deer Park: Tourists enjoy watching the deer and other animals moving
freely around. An elephant ride is an enjoyable experience to traverse the Valayar
forest.
•
Snake Park: It is at a distance of
about 16 Kms from Kannur on the way to the Parassinikkadavu temple. It is the
only place where a combination of Ayurveda and Allopathy treatments are provided
for curing snakebites.
Ayurveda in Kerala
AYURVEDA - THE OLDEST MEDICAL SYSTEM: Ayurveda brings perfect
harmony of
Mind, Body and Soul . Ayurveda is undoubtedly believed
to be well researched and the oldest treatment method in the world (nearly 5000
years old). The literal meaning of Ayurveda is 'Science of Life'. It is a system
of preventive medicines arresting the onset of sickness and disease, on an individual
basis as every person has a different body constitution.
We
as your
travel agents in south India know it fully well as
to which out of the many Ayurveda resorts would be better than the other for
a particular treatment.
As identified in
Ayurveda Health Care ,
the human body comprises of 'Vatha', 'Pitha' and 'Kapha', collectively called
‘Tridoshas'. When one of three dominates other two, this imbalance causes the
illness. The physical and emotional characteristics are so reflected in the personality
of a person. In a healthy person, all these ‘Tridoshas' function in perfect harmony
with each other, as also with the acknowledged five basic elements (Air, Water,
Fire, Earth and Ether) of the Universe.
Ayurveda fully acknowledges the
existence of germs that spread the diseases. But the approach of Ayurveda is different
from Allopathy or other systems of treatment. Ayurveda strengthens the immune
system of body to fight the disease or infection instead of using antibiotics.
Ayurveda eliminates all toxic imbalances from the body and thus regain resistance
and good health. Patients from all over the world are coming here to benefit from
Ayurveda treatment packages as arranged by
Visit India
South in Kerala and many other places of choice in your
south
India tour package . Besides curative package for the ailments, people
with good health in general also benefit from restorative
Ayurveda Detoxification
Package, Ayurveda Rejuvenation Package, Ayurveda Stress Relieving Package, Ayurveda
Weight Reduction , etc., all without any side effects. The benefits become
many folds when joined with the guided
Ayurveda, Yoga and Meditation.
Fully enjoy the
Ayurveda Tourism with us.
General Cautions: •
Blood parameters should be checked and kept at a safe level before starting any
of the intensive treatments.
• 'Pizhichil' (Oil massage) is not
recommended for persons with serious liver and renal problems.
•
'Sirodhara' (Head bath with medicated milk or oil) is not recommended in case
of cerebral thrombosis.
• Intensive Steam baths should be done
under the guidance of the physician.
• Whole body 'Navarakizhi'
is not recommended for patients suffering from diabetes, obesity, serious cardiac,
hepatic and renal patients.
Art
and Culture of Kerala
Kerala is one such state in south India that
has evolved as a unique culture. Kathakali, one of the dance forms of Kerala considered
being amongst the oldest Indian Dance styles to the graceful Mohiniyattam, with
the vibrant and distinct music unique to the land. This dance drama
is performed by mostly male artist. The message of the story is conveyed through
very expressive facial movements and synchronous mudras (hand gesture). The other
popular
dance forms in Kerala are Bharathanatyam, Chavitu Natakom,
Ottamthullal, and Margam Kali. In the Malabar region, the dance form Oppana
is also very popular. Kalaripayattu is the martial art in dance form of Kerala.
There are various religious and cultural festivals to be enjoyed in
cultural
tourism of Kerala , like Sreekandeswaram Temple at Trivandrum, Nishagandhi
Dance festival, Pooram festival, Onam festival, Pongal Utsavam, Theravattam festival,
etc.
Visit India South as your
Kerala tour operator
would help meet all your cultural interests.
Pilgrimage
in Kerala
Kerala has a good mix of religions, Hindu, Islam and Christians,
and so are the places of
pilgrimage tourism in Kerala .
Sabarimala
Sree Ayyappa Temple, Vaikom Siva Temple which is one
of the oldest Siva Temples in the world, St. Mary's Church at Cheriyapally, Thirunakkara
Siva Temple, and Thazhathangadi Mosque believed to be 1000 years old, Diocese
Good Shepherd Church at Kottayam, Gothic style Dioceses Church
Vimalagiri
(Angathattu Palli) and
Orthodox Syrian Church at Kottayam,
and Ettumannoor
Siva Temple , etc.
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