With its renowned IT capital, the Garden city of Bangalore, the Karnataka state is a paradise of History and Wildlife enthusiasts. It boasts of countless tourist destinations ranging from natural attractions to historical architectural wonders. Exotic wildlife sanctuaries like the Nagarhole National Park and pristine beaches with white sands take visitors to nature's bounty.

Tipu Sultan, the contemporary of Napoleon Bonaparte shaped its modern history to a large extend. So did the Vijayanagar Empire which rivaled the Roman Empire in riches and power. As this land as a prized possession passed hands among various kingdoms and religious cults, a considerable share of their impact can be felt even now.

The gorgeous Karnataka Temples amaze visitors with their detailed carvings as if they were sculpted in wax rather than Soapstone and the like!!!! Most of these temples are under the supervision of UNESCO, Archeological Survey of India, and Archeological Survey of Karnataka. Karnataka has two UNESCO accredited World Heritage Centers at Pattadakal and Hampi.

Though the neighbouring State of Tamil Nadu offers Dravidian Temples and the North India has its Nagara Temples, in Pattadakal one can see both the Dravidian styled temples and Nagara Temples along with Vesara and Kadamba style Temples.

The major architectural wonders and other attractions in Karnataka are listed below:

• Cave Temples of 6-8 AD in Badami and Aihole
• Cave and Stone temples of Aihole that belong to the first phase of Chalukyan Temple architecture.
• The Temple Complex of Pattadakal, recognised as a World Heritage Monument that houses 8 Temples of different Indian schools of Temple architecture.
• Intricately carved Hoysala Temples at Halebidu, Belur and Somanathpur on star-shaped platform
• The group of World Heritage Monuments at Hampi, the seat of the mighty Vijayanagar Empire
• The World's tallest monolithic statue, Bahubali atop the Jain temple at Sravanabelagola
• Srirangapatnam Island, in the delta of River Cauveri, the seat of Tipu Sultan
• Mysore Palace and Brindawan Gardens
• Omkareswara Temple in Koorg, a Hindu temple of Muslim school of architecture

Besides Karnataka is also richly endowed by Mother Nature.

Nagarhole National Park, Bandipur National Park and other Wildlife Sancturies offer vibrant wildlife

Jog Falls, perhaps, the highest waterfall in Asia Clean, quiet beaches on the West Karnataka region Mysore Sandal and Mysore Silk