The Southern Oasis
It may be an economic powerhouse but there’s more to Karnataka than technology and industry

By Neville Jude de Conceicao
Karnataka might be surrounded by tourism powerhouses like Goa and Kerala, but that does not mean Karnataka doesn’t conut. Being the eighth-largest state in terms of area, the state’s tourism slogan, one state, many worlds' is apt. At one end, you have the sun-baked regions of North Karnataka, while down south lie some of the wettest regions in the country. Then, there are the serene beaches, tranquil hill stations, and of course, India’s very own Silicon Valley, Bangalore. With its varied topography, climate, and rich history, Karnataka makes a great destination that can surely fulfil all your holiday wishes: Art and culture again differ from region to region. Tourists are spoilt for choice when it comes to exploring Karnataka’s treasures, be it ruins or modern day marvels!

Bangalore
Bangalore, or Bengaluru, which serves as the capital of the state, is a city that is fast becoming one of the fastest-growing urban areas in the world. It’s a melting pot of different lifestyles from all over the globe. After the IT boom, Bangalore turned a page and moved from being the ‘pensioner’s paradise’ as it was once known more than 20 years ago, to being known as India’s Silicon Valley. Here, one can entertain themselves with various activities. Bangalore can also be considered India’s Rock City and has been a destination for many famous rock bands, most recently, Metallica.

Mysore
If you feel like slipping some regal flair into your itinerary, head to Mysore, just a few hours’ drive away from Bangalore. Mysore is the seat of the erstwhile Maharaja of Mysore, and with Maharajas come palaces: Mysore Palace stands in all its grandeur at the centre of this city. Come Dussehra, and the palace is adorned with lights. The famous elephant procession, also known as Jumbo Savari, is also worth watching.

Coorg
Just 120km away is the Kodagu district, commonly known by its Anglicised name, Coorg. Known as the 'Scotland of South India', this region boasts of excellent climes with lush greenery and rolling hills. This region is also known as the Coffee Pot of India - producing some of the finest coffees in the country. Coorgis, the warrior clan who hail from this district, believe themselves to be descendants of Alexander the Great himself! Many of our greatest military leaders hail from Coorg, most notably Field Marshall KM Cariappa and General KS Thimaya.

There are several tourist spots in and around Coorg - apart from the coffee estate home stays - that make for great getaways. Nagarhole National Park is home to the Royal Bengal Tiger as well as to other species of wildcats. Talakaveri is the source of the river Kaveri and is host of one of the only two temples in India and South East Asia dedicated to Lord Brahma. On the outskirts of the district is a small town called Bylekuppe, home to Tibetan refugees. Here one can find the Namdroling Monastery, home to three 40ft golden statues of Buddha. After having a divine moment, one can treat oneself to some heavenly Tibetan delicacies like momos and thukhpa.

Hampi
The mighty kingdom of Vijaynagar occupied a large section of Southern India, and its capital Vijayanagara is the modern day Hampi (a World Heritage Site), host to the ruins of this once-great empire. There are more than 500 monuments, amongst them being temples, palaces, bastions, royal pavilions, and other structures; the most well known monument of these being the Vittala Temple.

Beaches
Karnataka has 320km of coastline and some of the most spectacular beaches in India. The best-known beach, at least among backpackers, is Gokarna. This small town shares the border with Goa. Probably one of the reasons why Gokarna is on the beach destination map in India is because it has a beach in the shape of the Hindi letter om; the other reasons being affordable food and lodging. Just south of Gokarna lie the picturesque beaches of Karwa, so idyllic that it was these beaches that made Rabrindranath Tagore pen down his first play. Other beaches are the Malpe beach, just 6km away from temple town Udupi. From here, one can take a boat ride to the nearby St. Mary’s Islands, a destination for geo-tourism. St. Mary's Island beach is special for the unique formation of basalt rocks that have crystallised into whole columns and split into vertical hexagonal blocks.

Cuisine
Cuisine in Karnataka is as diverse as that in any other Indian state. It differs from region to region and is also influenced by neighbouring states. The ever-so-famous masala dosa originated from Udupi! Udupi has its own cuisine, mostly vegetarian. The Coorgis, on the other hand, are known to love their non-vegetarian dishes. Pandi Curry, which is a Coorgi dish, is something to always look forward to when in Coorg. Mangalorean cuisine is heavily influenced by its location, and hence, seafood plays an integral part in its cuisine. But when you do land in Mangalore, and if you aren’t a seafood fan, sink your teeth into some chicken ghee roast and neer dose, a typical Mangalorean dish.

The slogan “one state, many worlds”,is rather apt beacuse if you do choose Karnataka as a holiday destination, you will definitely be faced with a dilemma of where to go and for how long! So it does leave you no option but to visit again and again and again without being left disappointed. In the words of a Kannadiga, banni! (come!)