Mangalore, dotted with palm-fringed beaches, lush green fields and enchanting forests, is sheltered by the soaring Western Ghats on the east and the mighty Arabian sea along the west. This coastal town is a major commercial centre with an important port. The lifeline of the district is the national highway no.17 which runs almost parallel to the sea for over 95 km in the district. Though developed as a business and commercial centre, Mangalore still retains its old world charm. Old, tile-roofed buildings amidst coconut groves, fishing boats silhouetted against the darkening skyline, fishermen hauling in a rich catch of fish, sea food served in spicy coconut curries - all these make Mangalore a good place for a visit. The district also has a number of pilgrimage sites as well places for pleasure tourists.

Hassan is a district head-quarters 194 km from the state capital Bangalore. This quiet and peaceful town, with a variety of accommodations, is a convenient base to visit the ruins, sculptures and monuments at the ancient cities of Sharavanabelagola, Belur and Halebid. Hassan also houses the master control facility of India's space programme.

530 km to the north-west of Bangalore is the ancient town of Bijapur, the capital of the Adil Shahi dynasty. Bijapur has many places of historical, cultural and architectural interest. Well known for it's Gol Gumbuz -- the second largest dome in the world, it is also known for the tomb of Ibrahim Roza, Jumma Masjid and Malik-e-Maidan.

Hospet is best known for its proximity to Hampi, the site of the medieval Vijaynagara empire. Although the city was destroyed by marauders, the ruins give an adequate indication of the glory of those past days. The Tungabhadra Dam at Hospet harnesses the waters of the mighty Tungabhadra river. At the base of the dam is a beautiful garden styled along Japanese lines which is worth a visit.

Nagarahole is derived from the combination of two Kannada words -- 'nagar' meaning snake and 'hole' meaning streams --- true to it's name a number of streams, snake through it's rich tropical forests. Nagarahole is situated in the picturesque districts of Kodagu and Mysore, in southern Karnataka. The Nagarahole National Park was first set up in the year 1955. In 1975 it's area was increased to include a greater expanse of forest reserve. Once an exclusive hunting preserve of the erstwhile rulers of Mysore, the terrain of this park is gently undulating with lush green vegetation, swamps and numerous water resources, rendering it an ideal habitat for a wide variety of animals. Wild-life that can be seen here are the: gaur, leopards, tigers, chital, sambar, elephants, snake, & 250 species of birds. The best season to visit the park is from Sept-May.

Bordering Maharashtra and Goa, Belgaum is one of the fastest growing cities in Karnataka. Belgaum has several large industries, important among them is the INDAL aluminium factory. Belgaum is also home to several divisions of the Indian Armed Forces. The Maratha light infantry has it's regimental head-quarters in Belgaum. The commando school of the Indian Army is also situated in Belgaum. The Indian Air Force has a big airbase near Belgaum.