Karnataka ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ) , India

Nandi Hills, Bangalore, Karnataka


Karnataka ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ) is a state in southwestern India covering 191,791 sq km (74,050 sq mi) and has a population of 55 million people (2011 estimate). Formerly known as the State of Mysore, it was renamed Karnataka in 1973. Its capital and biggest city is Bengaluru.

The land where Karnataka is located has been inhabited since paleolithic times. The discovery of gold from Karnataka in the ancient Indus Valley city of Harappa suggests that there has been trade between these two areas as early as 3,000 BC. Karnataka has been part of different empires through history, among them the Nanda Empire until the third century BC, the Mauryan Empire, the Rashtrakuta Empire and the Chalukya Empire, to name some.

Hebbe Falls, Kemmangundi, Karnataka


Geographically, Karnataka can be divided into three main zones: Karavali in the coast, Malenadu in the Western Ghats and Bayaluseeme in the Deccan plateau. The highest peak is Karnataka is the Mullayanagiri hills, which reach a height of 1,929 m (6,329 ft).

Karnataka experiences four distinct seasons. The areas along the coast receive more rainfall than the hinterland. Karnakata has the second-largest area of arid land in India. The coolest months of the year are January and February while the hottest is around May.

The state of Karnataka comprises 30 districts which are further subdivided. The six biggest cities in the state are Bangalore, Hubli, Mysore, Gulbarga, Belgaum and Mangalore. The official language of Karnataka is Kannada, which is understood by some 64% of the population.

Nandi Temple, Bangalore

How to go to Karnataka

Bengaluru International Airport (BLR), located 35 km to the north of Bangalore, is the main international airport serving Karnataka. It receives flights not only from major cities in India but also from Dubai, Frankfurt, Kuala Lumpur, London, Paris and Singapore.

Main Cities in Karnataka

Main Sights in Karnataka

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