| INDIA TRAVELS >>
KARNATAKA |
Over the centuries, the lush green state
that occupies a vast chunk of India's southwestern
seaboard and much of the Deccan plateau saw
numerous kingdoms rise and fall, powerful
dynasties that left legacies of impressive
palaces and monumental cities that now lie
scattered throughout the interior, some of
them well off the beaten track, but worth
the effort and time it takes to seek them
out.
The post-independence state of Karnataka,
unified in 1950 on the basis of common language,
is predominantly made up of the once-princely
state of Mysore and the Berar territories
of the Nizam of Hyderabad's kingdom. Once
one of the richest cities in India, Hyderabad
is now the vibrant capital of neighboring
Andhra Pradesh, and a possible excursion from
Bangalore, state capital of Karnataka. Bangalore,
in many ways the country's most "Western"
city, is today famous for its energetic nightlife
and highly evolved computer and technology
industries. Although it offers little by way
of sightseeing attractions, it's a great place
to relax; you can shop by day and explore
the bars and clubs at night before taking
an overnight train to explore the ghost city
of Hampi. This great medieval Hindu capital
of the south is said to have once rivaled
Rome in size and wealth. The ruins of the
14th-century Vijayanagar kingdom are set in
a boulder-strewn landscape that proves fascinating
in its own right -- deservedly Karnataka's
most famous attraction.
Karnataka's other primary destination is Mysore,
the famous "City of Incense," where
vibrant markets are perfumed with the scents
of jasmine, musk, sandalwood, and frangipani.
Ruled by India's most enlightened Maharajas,
Mysore is home to some 17 palaces, of which
Amba Vilas is arguably India's most opulent.
Just a few hours south of Mysore is Rajiv
Gandhi National Park, home to herds of wild
elephant and the more elusive Bengal tiger.
Northward lie the "Jewel Box" temples
built by the mighty Hoysala warriors in the
cities of Belur and Hal, best reached via
Sravanabelgola, home to one of the oldest
and most important Jain pilgrimage sites in
India: an 18m (60-ft.) statue of the naked
Lord Gomateswara, said to be the tallest monolithic
statue on Earth and one of the most spiritually
satisfying destinations in India.
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Culture
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Karnataka
possesses a rich cultural heritage. The folk
theatre has an ancient and rich tradition,
the two principal forms being Yakshagana and
the puppet theatre.
'Yakshagana' is akin to Kathakali of Kerala
in the choice of its elaborate costumes and
vigorous dancing. 'Bhootada Kunita' (Dance
of the Divine Cult), 'Nagamandala' and the
demon dance are some quaint rituals prevalent
only in Dakshina Kannada coastal area.
Sravanabelagola, near Mysore, has a giant
1,000-yr-old stone statue of Bahubali, the
Jain saint. Huge monolithic Jain statues are
peculiar to the Kannada culture. |
Handicrafts
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| Karnataka
is famous for its aesthetic craftsmanship
in sandalwood and rosewood. Eye-catching items
of furniture, in-lay work, coffee tables,
wall hangings etc. are worthwhile purchases.
Rich silks, wooden toys, leather puppets,
Bidriware and other artefacts make ideal mementos. |
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