Guest Contribution by Akanksha Jain – A travel Enthusiast and budding content writer. This blog post details our Akanksha’s experiences in Karnataka where she lists down her favorites from Karnataka. Karnataka is a southern state of India which is known for its natural beauty, blue mountain range, heritage and of course food. I am sure you would get some serious travel goal after reading this blog post on Karnataka.

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As a kid, I always found the train journey exciting. My sister was studying in Hubli, so we made it a point to visit her once in a while. Then I got introduced to this part of India that came with lush green country side scenes, picturesque fields with tall palm trees that contoured all along. Looking through the window, I just got this feeling to somehow stop the train right in the middle of nowhere only to sit an admire the beauty that the land had to offer. Karnataka, the lovely land full do greens has some real freshness in stock which is never enough.

So, you know you are in Karnataka, when the nature is gathered to welcome you with its excellent charm, waterfalls, lands draped in fresh greens, as far as the eyes could see. I established a never ending bond with this state and recently, have been visiting Bangalore. My personal favourite from this state is always going to be Hampi, as the city has a distinct feeling about it. A perfectly resting state in the arms of nature, is a tourist delight at any given time.  If, you want to get lost in the divine beauty of nature, Karnataka might just be right up your alley.

Savour on the rich South Indian flavours while surrounding yourself in the pure sandalwood extravagance and ornate the beauty of gajra, all on the streets of this rejuvenating state.

You can’t get enough of this state, as it comes with all the richness in terms of living and exploring. The state has been home to some of the most powerful philosophers, saints, kingdom and musical bands. Additionally, the state is marked by distinctive geographical features ranging from vast coastlines to tropical rainforests, plain areas and lush green hills.  Karnataka, the state that was originally named as Mysore state and was formed on 1st November 1956 is going to hold you back with its natural charm and interesting finds in most of its cities.

Karnataka – List of favourites

With “One State, Many Worlds,” as its slogan you can expect a lot while exploring this southern gem.  If, you are all set can plan a week or two exploring You can easily spend weeks exploring what Karnataka has to offer without running out of things to do and places to be. Here’s our list of favourites to give you a heads up over a cuppa filter kaapi.

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Visit Karnataka for Indian Flag

We will start from letting you know something about Indian flags. Karnataka Khadi Gramodyoga Samyukta Sangha (KKGSS) in Bengeri in Hubli is the only unit in India that is an authorized manufacturer and supplier of the Flag of India. It was established in 1957 and the khadi flag conforms to the Bureau of Indian Standards benchmarks.

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Visit UNESCO World Heritage Site at Hampi

Hampi that is a UN World Heritage Site belongs to Vijayanagara Empire and comprises the most famous set of archaeological remnants. The empire lasted longer than the Mughal Empire and covered an area that was comparable if not larger.

The popular celebration, Hampi Festival, locally known as Hampi Utsav, depicts the rich culture of Hampi and includes puppet shows, dances, music and fireworks as a part of the celebration.

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Visit birth place of Tipu Sultan

Devanahalli, the site of the new Bengaluru airport, has a rich history since the ages of Rashtrakutas to VIjaynagaram. It is most famous for its association with Morasu Wakkalu family who built a Mud Fort in 16th Century which later became the birth place of Tipu Sultan.

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Visit Oriental Research Institute for oldest manuscript of Chanakya’s Arthshahtra 

One of the world’s oldest and finest treatises on statecraft, Chanakya or Kautilya’s Arthashastra economic policy and military strategy that was written in 4th century BC has found its origin here.  The Oriental Research Institute set up as the Mysore Oriental Library in 1891 has the oldest surviving manuscript of the Arthashastra. The manuscript was discovered by Scholar and Indologist, Rudrapatna Shamasastry in its original Grantha script in 1905, then he translated it into Sanskrit in 1909 and after that in English in 1915. This gave Indians and the world a masterpiece.

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Visit Oriental Research Institute for oldest manuscript of Chanakya’s Arthshahtra 

Under the patronage of Maharaja of Mysore, Silk productions started in Krnataka which is now famouse across globe as Mysore Silk. Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation Limited (KSIC) the proud owner of Patent registered Mysore silk.

Karnataka state is a hub of silk production as it accounts for more than 85% raw silk production in India. The sarees are special as they use pure silk and pure gold zari, that is a kind of thread which is used for weaving. These sarees are woven and handcrafted in a factory in Mysore city.

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Experience visual delight called Mysore Palace in night

The Mysore Palace aka Ambavilas Palace is a superlative visual delight at night and boasts of a goergeous architecture which is Indo-Saracenic in style – a blend of Hindu, Gothic, Mughal and Rajput style. This palace is the most visited by tourists after Taj Mahal. It has many unique room and temple structures.

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Hoard coffee when in Karnataka 

Popular Coffee  Production Centre is also under Karnataka’s name as it accounts for 59% production of Coffee in India. So, while you are hear, hoard on the best quality of coffee to get back home for all the late night works and studies.

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Relish Famed Rawa Idli of Karnataka

Now, for the foodies, Rava Idliwas first prepared in Karnataka. The history behind it is as interesting and dates back to world war 2 when there was a lack of rice to prepare the idlis, MTR came up with an idea to use Semolina instead of rice and in this experimental process we got introduced to this delicious breakfast item called Rava Idli.

In popular tradition, it is believed that Dosa, per se, originated from Udupi and spread all over South India. Mysore Masala also has its roots in Mysore.

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Explore Manglorean Cuisine in Karnataka

The food fantasy doesn’t end and extends to a whole new menu with famous Mangalorean cuisine from Mangalore in Karnataka. With residents speaking different languages of  Konkani, Kannada and Tulu, one can only imagine the variety of dishes their cuisine can serve on the table. The famed Mangalorean Cuisine has its roots in various Mangalore based communities such as  Konkanis, Tuluvas, Rajapur Saraswat Brahmins, Goud Saraswat Brahmins, Mangalorean Catholics and the Bearys.

The specialities of these dishes are they use coconut extensively in the form of coconut paste, coconut milk, grated coconut, etc. You can try some of these delectable Mangalorean cuisines that include Khali, that is a country liquor prepared from coconut flower sap to Kori Rotti, Patrode, Sorpotel, Neer dosa, Chicken Sukka, Dukra Maas (a pork dish).

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Feel the thunders of Jog Fall in Karnataka

Now, about the picturesque beauty of this land, do not miss out on Jog Falls that are the highest plunge waterfalls in India, formed by Sharavathi River. The lovely cascading falls offer a beautiful sight and comes with several view points and lets you enjoy its beauty from several view points.

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Stock up Sandalwood based souvenirs from Karnataka

If, you are planning to bring back few souvenirs from this pretty state, Sandal soap and Sandal oil could fit perfectly as the state is renowned all over the world for its sandalwood production. Mysore is popular for its sandalwood products like soaps, sandalwood oils, incense sticks and show pieces. Mysore Sandalwood Oil has a GI (Geographical Identification) tag which makes it special.

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Buy traditional wooden toys from Karnataka

Channapatna Toys from Channapatna that is located around 60km from Bangalore city, are wooden toys and as a result of the world wide popularity of these toys, Channapatna is known as Gombegala Ooru aka toy-town of Karnataka. Interestingly, toy making is a traditional craft of the town and is also protected by World Trade Organisation. This famous art took birth during the reign of Tipu Sultan. Started specifically, with the ivory wood to make the toys, others woods such as rubber, sycamore, cedar, pine and teak cam into use to make them as the years progressed.

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The never ending love with this city extends to the richly painted walls of Bangalore to mouth watering dosas and softest idlis that can set you up for the day. Karnataka is a closely woven with traditional and modern lifestyle. explore the rich countryside living and socialise in the finest of pubs. With endless supply of good food and vast greenery, you can spend a few weeks going around each city with some unique finds. Whatever, is the mood of your vacation, this state is all ready to take you on a lovely ride. You sure are in for a few cultural surprises if, you are travelling to this part of the country for the very first time.

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About the Author – Akaknksha is a writer by profession from past 3 years and likes to explore things around and pen down in her own thoughts. Writing as per her is playing around tactfully with words producing something exotic. She can be contacted for freelance content writing. Her facebook page can be found here

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