Karnataka is one of the four states in South India. Karnataka captivates the tourists from the moment one arrives in Bangalore. It is the land of primeval forests, lovely cities and ornate shrines. The major language spoken in the state is Kannada. It's a state of strong contrast with the modern, industrialised city of Bangalore at one extreme and the expanses of rural farming areas at the other. Karnataka also has some of the most interesting historic architecture in India, and a varied and tumultuous history.

Through the centuries, ships from other parts of the globe have often dropped anchor at many parts that dot the coast. Greek coins have not surprisingly surfaced at archaeological digs indicating ancient links between Europe and Karnataka.

The Western Ghats run like a giant immobile backbone, roughly in a north to south direction and parallel to the seashore, generally some 600 to 900 m above sea level, in the middle part to about 300 m, but rising menacingly to over 1676 m in the south.

CLIMATE

Temperature	33º C to 26.5º C
Monsoon	June to September

LANGUAGE
Kannada

CAPITAL
Bangalore

AREA
1,91,773 sq. kms

PORT
Mangalore

BEACHES
Mangalore, Malpe, Ullal, Marwanthe, Bhatkal, Karwar

HILL STATIONS
Nandi Hills, Biligirirangana Hills, Mercara, Kemmannugundi

WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES AND NATIONAL PARKS
Bannerghatta, Bandipur, Nagarhole, Dandeli.