Karnataka

Tradition and Culture of Karnataka:

Karnataka has a rich cultural heritage and has different customs and traditions. Karnataka's culture proves to be a true delight to every native and tourist. Kannada, the state language is widely spoken accompanied by many others like Kodava Takk, Konkani and Tuli. The traditional attire of the people is sari for women and Dhoti with peta(head gear) for men. The women of Madikeri(Coorg) have a different style of draping the sari. In cities like Bangalore, Mangalore, Manipal the modern generation is well versed with the latest trends in the fashion scenario. Bangalore is acclaimed as the fashion hub of south India. The major religion of the state is Hinduism which is followed by other religions such as Jainism, Islam and Christianity. Some of the major Hindu festivals include Dussehra, Ram navami, Makar Sankranti, Ugadi and Diwali. Karnataka is renowned all over the world for being a pioneer of "Carnatic music". The great saint poets Kanakadasa and Purandaradasa had composed devotional compositions. These compositions are cherished for their simplicity and spirituality.

Fairs and Festivals of Karnataka:

The fairs and festivals in Karnataka is a mirror of the lifestyle of the people of Karnataka. These fairs and festivals attract a large number of visitors from all over the world throughout the year. Some of the major fairs and festivals of Karnataka are:

• Hampi Festival: The celebrations for the Hampi Festival in Karnataka include various programs that keep the spirits of the people high and give them an opportunity to rejoice and relive the glory of their land. The celebrations include dance, drama, music and also colorful puppet shows. There are also beautiful fireworks at display that light up the sky and spectacular processions carried out, all of which recreate the splendor of Hampi. This 3 day cultural extravaganza is one of the most popular festivals in Karnataka.
• Mysore Dussehra: Dussehra is the symbol of victory of good over evil, ‘Dusshera’, which is one of the most auspicious festivals in India, gets a special celebration in the state of Karnataka. Unlike the other places of India, where Dusshera is celebrated only for a day, the royal city of Mysore in Karnataka has its celebrations going for 10 days. Famous as Mysore Dasara, the festival is celebrated in a grand fashion.
• Pongal: Pongal is celebrated almost everywhere in India but with different names. It is the most important festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu to mark the harvesting of crops and is celebrated for four days.
• Kambala Festival in Karnataka: It is a famous rural festival of Karnataka celebrated every year with a lot of enjoyment. It is famous because of the Buffalo Race associated with it. The Kambala Buffalo Race is held with a lot of colors, grandeur and merriment. This rural sporting festival of Karnataka was at one point of time a pastime for the royal family and the tradition was kept alive till it passed on the ordinary men, by the feudal lords of Tulu region.
• Pattadakkal Dance Festival: Pattadakkal Dance Festival is an annual dance festival organized by the Government of Karnataka in the month of January in Pattadakkal, a small town located in the southern state of Karnataka, India. This event is. Dancers perform at the backdrop of the world famous Pattadakal temples a UNESCO World Heritage Site constructed during the 7th and 8th century.

Must Visiting Places In Karnataka:

• Bangalore: (Also known as Bengaluru) is the capital city of the Indian state of Karnataka. Bangalore is third most populous city and 5th largest City in India. It is also known as the Garden City of India. Bangalore is often referred as Silicon Valley of India due to large number of technology companies established in the city.
• Bandipur National Park: Bandipur National Park is one of the well preserved National Parks in India famous for Tigers and other wildlife species. It is located in Chamarajanagar district on the border of Karnataka - Tamil Nadu between Mysore & Ooty. Nagarhole and Bandipur National Park are separated by Kabini reservoir. 
• Chikmagalur: Chikmagalur (also known as Chikkamagaluru) is a hill town located in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka. Situated at an altitude of 3,400 feet at the foothills of Mulliyangiri range, Chikmagalur is one of the best hill stations near Bangalore and also among the most famous tourist places near Bangalore.
• Coorg ( Madikeri): Coorg or Kodagu is a district in Karnataka and Madikeri is the district headquarters. At an altitude of 1525 meters on Western Ghats, it is also known as the Scotland of India. Coorg is the most famous hill stations in Karnataka and among the best hill stations near Bangalore. It is also one of the top destinations of Karnataka Tourism.
• Hampi: Hampi is an ancient village situated on the banks of Tungabhadra River in northern Karnataka. Hampi is a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site. The village stands within the ruins of the city of Vijayanagara, the former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. It is one of the top destinations of Karnataka Tourism and also one of the best heritage sites in India.
• Mysore:  Mysore is the 2nd biggest City in Karnataka. It is the erstwhile capital of the Mysore Maharajas, who ruled the Mysore State between 1399 & 1947. Mysore still retains its old world charm with its palaces, heritage buildings, traditions and temples. At an altitude of 763 meters surrounded by hill ranges from north to south, it is known as the City of Palaces. Mysore is one of the top destinations of Karnataka Tourism and Mysore Palace is among the best heritage places to visit in Mysore.
• Shivanasamudra Falls: Shivanasamudra is a famous waterfall situated in Mandya District of Karnataka State. This is one of the best waterfalls near Bangalore and also among popular one day trip from Bangalore. These waterfalls are also known as Siva Samudram, literally meaning Shiva's Sea. Shivanasamudra is a segmented waterfall with several parallel stream formed adjacent to each other.
• Belur: A temple town situated in Hassan District of Karnataka State and is famous for the grand Hoysala Temple dedicated to Lord Chennakesava, an incarnation of Vishnu. It is the best of three Hoysala temples nominated for UNESCO World Heritage Sites (other two being the temples at Halebid & Somnathpur). It is one of the best heritage sites in Karnataka, situated on Bangalore to Chikmagalur route.
• Gokarna: Gokarna is famous beach town situated in the Uttara Kannada District of Karnataka. It is a famous pilgrimage center and also one of the top destinations of Karnataka Tourism because of its beautiful beaches. The prime attraction of the Gokarna is the Mahabaleshwar Temple which houses the Atmalinga.
• Jog Falls: It is one of the highest waterfal of India located in Shimoga district of Karnataka State. It is located on the Shimoga and Uttara Kannada district border. These segmented falls are a major tourist attraction. The waterfall is locally known as Geruoppe Falls, Gersoppa Falls and Jogada Gundi. Jog Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in India and one of the top destinations of Karnataka Tourism.
• Nagarhole National Park: Nagarhole National Park is one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in South India and also one of the top places to visit in Coorg. Also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, it is spread across Mysore and Kodagu districts in Karnataka. Originally the forest area was the private hunting ground for the Maharajas of Mysore. Nagarhole was converted into a sanctuary in the year 1955 covering an area of 258 sq. km and subsequently enlarged to include the adjoining areas of Mysore district and now extends over an area of 643 sq. km. Nagarhole got National Park status in 1988 and declared as 37th Project Tiger Reserve in 1999.
• Udupi:  It is a famous temple town and the origin of Udupi cuisine which is famous across the world. It is also one of the most famous tourist places to visit in Karnataka, mainly for it's pilgrimage importance and beautiful beaches.
• Dandeli: It is one of the picturesque destinations of Karnataka Tourism. It is quite famous for its gorgeous natural backdrop, wildlife and adventure activities. Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka and is home of various wildlife species such as tigers, leopards, black panthers, elephants, gaur and languor. Dandeli is one of the top white-water rafting destinations in India.
• Murudeshwar: It is a famous pilgrimage and beach destination in the Bhatkal Taluk of Uttara Kannada district in Karnataka. Murudeshwar is a picturesque place situated between Honnavar and Bhatkal. It is bounded by the Arabian Sea and Western Ghats. It is famous for it's pilgrimage importance apart from being a popular beach resort.
• Pattadakal: Pattadakal is a famous UNESCO World Heritage Site in Bagalkot District of Karnataka located on the banks of Malaprabha River. It is a along with Badami & Aihole known as Chalukyan Group of Monuments. Pattadakal is the place where coronation of Chalukyan kings took place.

Cuisines of Karnataka:

The staple food of Karnataka is Ragi and rice especially in the south region of the state whereas folks from coastal regions mainly consume fish curries. The Kannada Cuisine is one of the oldest surviving cuisines and traces its origin to Iron Age. Some famous cuisine of Karnataka are Bisi bele bath, Jolada rotti, Chapati, Ragi rotti, Akki rotti, Saaru, Idli-vada Sambar, Vangi Bath, Khara Bath, Kesari Bath, Benne dose, Neer Dose, Ragi mudde, Paddu/ Gundponglu, koli saaru (chicken curry- Kannada Style), Maamsa Saaru (Mutton Curry - Kannada style), and Uppittu. The famous Masala Dosa traces its origin to Udupi cuisine. Plain and Rave Idli, Mysore Masala Dosa and Maddur Vade are popular in South Karnataka. Kodagu (Coorg) district is famous for spicy varieties of pork curries while coastal Karnataka is famous for many tasty seafood specialties. Among sweets, Mysore Pak, Holige, or, Obbattu, Dharwad pedha, Chiroti, Sajjige, Kadabu/ Karjikaayi are well known.