Karnataka - Absolute Asia Tours

Karnataka, located in southern India, is a state that has been making significant strides in driving economic growth and development, particularly in the rural areas. The state government of Karnataka has implemented a groundbreaking policy to encourage the establishment of rural Business Process Outsourcing operations, with the aim of bridging the digital divide and providing employment opportunities to disadvantaged youth. In a report by Shirin Madon and C.R. Ranjini, the initiatives undertaken by the state government are highlighted as exemplary, showcasing the efforts made to promote rural outreach and inclusive growth.

Three things to do in Karnataka

Obviously there's a lot more, this is just to get you started...

Bangalore (now Bengaluru)

At the exuberant cutting edge of modern India, Bengaluru (formerly Bangalore) has grown into a future-powered megacity. In keeping with its status as ‘India’s Silicon Valley’, there are a plethora of on-trend shops, restaurants and cafes appearing throughout the city where you can enjoy the best of its contemporary culture. Although it doesn’t have the historical breadth of Delhi or Mumbai, there are plenty of fascinating sights to discover. Among the city’s star attractions are Bangalore Palace, which looks like a miniature Windsor Castle, the National Gallery of Modern Art, and the extravagantly decorated Tipu Sultan's Palace. To experience a different side to the city, wake early and wander through the heady kaleidoscope of fragrance and colour at the Krishna Rajendra market’s flower bazaar.

Hampi, the last capital of Vijayanagar, was one of the greatest Hindu kingdoms in India’s history. All that remains of this ancient wonder is a tumbledown collection of palaces, stables and temple ruins to explore, stretching for miles along the banks of the River Tungabhadra. Further south are the tightly clustered sights of Mysore. Climb 1000 steps to the top of the Chamundi hills at dawn, or cross the sacred Kaveri River to the temple island of Srirangapatna. Watch local artisans create sandalwood carvings, silk and incense. Find quiet spots for yoga and contemplation, and leave time to sample the town’s famously delicious thalis. If you can, visit the fairytale Maharaja's Palace on a Sunday evening, when its opulent domes twinkle with thousands of lights.

Away from the crowds

The landscape around Coorg’s tranquil hill station is spellbinding: rugged mountain terrain interspersed with cardamom jungle, coffee plantations and lush green rice fields. The temperatures feel much fresher at this higher altitude, making it perfect for hiking. Enjoy waterfalls and forest walks, visit local villages, and get a thrill from whitewater rafting.

The three quiet villages of Badami, Pattadakal & Aihole were once capital cities of the Chalukya, who left behind an incredible legacy of temples. Among them are hundreds of unusual cave temples decorated with detailed carvings of Hindu and Buddhist gods, many of which are exceptionally well preserved despite still being in use as dwellings (and some as cattle sheds!)