Karnataka is the land of music. The state is rich in sandal wood, one of most expensive woods available around the world. The enchanting perfume of sandal and agarbattis (incense sticks), the aroma of fresh, roasted coffee beans, the heady fragrance of the "Mysore Mallige" and a thousand roses blooming..... Karnataka is a land of fragrance. A land that has all the ingredients of a great holiday site. A relaxed length of the Arabian Sea coastline, the majestic rocks of the Deccan, thick, lush tropical forests, an unimaginable variety of trees, plants, flowers, animals and birds. And above all, a sense of history and culture that is all pervasive.

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Karnataka is a state of charming contrasts, with the modern blending harmoniously with the old. It has, also, some of the most magnificent monuments, temples, palaces and beaches in the country. You can shop for sandalwood, silk and spices. You can take home enchanting handicrafts, beautifully designed ethnic jewellery in gold and silver, eat food you have never tasted before, and meet people for whom hospitality is a way of life.Warm and friendly, the people of Karnataka know just how to put the tourist at ease. Ask them for directions, and chances are they'll take you to your destination.

A holiday in Karnataka is an enriching experience. The colourful folk dances and art forms, the age-old traditions and rituals, the literature and the music ... there's so much to see - and feel - and experience in Karnataka. Come, you'll be pleasantly surprised.

A holiday in Karnataka is an enriching experience. The colourful folk dances and art forms, the age-old traditions and rituals, the literature and the music ... there's so much to see - and feel - and experience in Karnataka. Come, you'll be pleasantly surprised.

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Bangalore

Located 1000m above sea level, this bustling capital city of Karnataka, has a perpetual holiday atmosphere, thanks mainly to its picnic weather. Founded in 1537 by a local chieftain, Kempe Gowda, Bangalore has been much and imbibed even more. Rapid industrial growth has not taken away Bangalore's old-world charm. And a trip here can be truly delightful. Known as the Garden City and Silicon Valley of India, Bangalore offers you more than a day or two of sight-seeing. There is always something going on here - music and dance concerts (both western and Indian), dramas, exhibitions, carnivals… you could go disco-hoping or pub-crawling, to the restaurants or to movies, window-shopping, or even for a round of golf.

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Bangalore is known as the Silicon Valley of the country, the nerve - centre of India's software industry. Its other major industries include aircraft, electronics and machine tools. Despite being one of Asia's fastest growing cities, Bangalore remains one of the most elegant metropolises in India. A well - planned city, with tree - lined avenues, a large number of parks, gardens and lakes, Bangalore is aptly called India's garden city. The city attracts people in large numbers, from all over the country, and abroad, who come to look for better job opportunities, and higher education. Surprisingly, all this frantic industrial expansion and increase in the population, has not robbed Bangalore of its essential old-world appeal. It is, in the true sense, a very 'happening' city.

HISTORY : In the year 1120 AD, the Chola King, Veera Ballalla ruled the Deccan plateau or the South of India. On a hunting trip in the forest he lost his way. After a long search he met an old lady in the forest who offered him shelter for the night and served him baked beans for dinner. To show his gratitude to this lady for having saved his life, the King constructed a town and named it as Benda Kalooru which means Baked Beans. Later in 1537, a local chieftain, Kempe Gowda helped design this town and give it its modern shape.

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Bangalore, Night Life : Bangalore is the "Garden City of India" with its many gardens and boulevards. Its pleasant climate and laid back charm attracted many senior citizens and thus later on came to be called at "the retired man's paradise". With the multinational Computer companies setting up their offices here and its the rich technical expertise found in the city gave it the name of "Silicon City". And of course what is Bangalore without all its Pubs. Its is now also called the Pub City with over 200 Pubs all over the town.

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