Karnataka Travel, India

The former state of Mysore, now known as Karnataka, is the place for temple lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, trekkers and beach bums.Yet neighbouring Goa, Kerela and Tamil Nadu, attracts far more tourists.

Bangalore, with its many hotels and fine restaurants, is a good base for exploring the state. Known as The Silicon Valley of India, Bangalore is renowned as much for its Software firms as for its silk saris, for the sprawling Cubbon Park which lies at the heart of the city, as also its prestigious race course.

Mysore, once the capital of a powerful kingdom, has a profusion of palaces and museums. Nearby Srirangapatnam is linked to the memory of one of the old state’s best known rulers - Tipu Sultan. Somnathpur, a few miles away, has a magnificently carved temple. As does Belur and Halebid. For perfection of finish, wealth of detail and sheer artistry, they are unrivaled specimens of the art of temple sculpture.

Hassan, remains the best base to explore Belur and Halebid. Also a short distance away, Shravanbelagola is famous as the pinnacle of the sculptor’s art. A figure 120 metres tall has been carved out of a single piece of granite in 183 AD. Every 12 years, the figure of Gomateswara is ritually bathed by priests and witnessed by millions of devotees.

The state consists of a narrow coastal strip backed by the monsoon-drenched Western Ghats and a drier, cooler interior plateau that runs arid in the far north. It's a major producer of coffee, spices and betel nut, and supplies 60% of the country's silk.