Karnataka
Heritage Splendour

Discover Karnataka

Empires, Temples &
Royal Grandeur

Karnataka is one of India's most historically layered states — a land where the ruins of one of the world's greatest medieval empires stand alongside star-shaped Hoysala temples, the regal palaces of Mysuru and the ancient Jain pilgrim peaks of Shravanabelagola.

Hampi, the UNESCO-listed capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, is an otherworldly landscape of colossal boulders, sacred rivers and temple complexes stretching across 26 square kilometres. At its peak in the 15th century, Vijayanagara was the world's second-largest city — a centre of trade, culture and devotion.

The Hoysala temples of Belur, Halebidu and Somnathapura are among the finest examples of temple sculpture anywhere in the world, their soapstone surfaces covered with thousands of intricately carved deities, celestial nymphs and mythological narratives that reward hours of contemplation.

Mysuru (Mysore) draws visitors year-round to its magnificent Amba Vilas Palace — which blazes with 100,000 lights during the Dasara festival — while the coffee-carpeted Coorg district, the sandalwood markets of Mysuru and the wildlife corridors of Kabini and Nagarhole complete Karnataka's extraordinary range.