Description

Karnataka is a state which is situated in the south western part of India. The State comes into force on 1 November 1956. Initially known as the State of Mysore, it was renamed Karnataka in the year 1973. Bangalore is the major city and capital of Karnataka. Karnataka is enclosed by Tamil Nadu to the southeast, Goa to the northwest, Kerala to the south, Telangana to the northeast, Arabian Sea to the west, Andhra Pradesh to the east and Maharashtra to the north. Karnataka spreads over an area of around 191,890 sq kms. It is the 7th biggest state of India in terms of area and in terms of population it is the 8th biggest state of India. Kannada, one of the classical languages of India, is the most widely spoken and official language of Kerela besides Sanskrit, Tulu and Konkani. The 2 major river systems of Kerela are the Krishna and its branches. The name Karnataka is taken from the Kannada words n?du and karu, meaning lofty land. The British used the word Carnatic, also known as Karnatak, to depict both sides of peninsular India.

ART & CULTURE OF KARNATAKA
The folk theatre of the state has a prehistoric and rich custom. The 2 main types of dance of the state are the puppet theatre and Yakshagana. Yakshagana is a kinfolk of the Kathakali dance of Kerala owing to its intricate attires and dancing. Open air folk theatre or Bayalata is a popular type of dance of the state. This dance is performed during spiritual carnivals and family gatherings and begins at night and lasts till the wee hours of the morning. This dance-drama generally has 4 or 5 actors and actresses, supported by a jester. The subject matter of these dances is generally fabulous with some real life happenings. Doddata is a less advanced dance form than Yakshaganna. In both these types of dances, stories from Mahabharata and Ramayana are performed. The attires are decorated and come with with the loud make-up, dynamic facial expression, war-cries and loud noise. Bhootada Kunita (Dance of the Divine Cult), Nagamandala and the demon dance are some interesting customs that are widespread only in coastal area of Dakshina Kannada.

SHOPPING IN KARNATAKA
Karnataka is well-known for its silk and engraved sandalwood. The shopping in Bangalore and Mysore is a pleasurable experience. Bangalore is a heaven for shoppers. Brass and copper shrine statues and figures, woodcraft (rosewood and sandalwood), ivory and coloured wood engrave on wooden objects, stone statues and stone murals in sandstone and soapstone, carpets, saris, clayware, sandalwood oil, perfumes, jewellery, silverware, incense sticks, soaps, laquerware, ceramics, durries and fabrics can be bought from the various shops in the state.

WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES OF KARNATAKA
There are various best national parks, bird sanctuaries and wildlife sanctuaries in Karnataka. Some of the prominent national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in the state are Bannerghatta Wildlife Sanctuary, BR Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, Nagarhole National Park, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, and Bandipur National Park. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is the only bird sanctuary in Karnataka and a heaven for nature lovers and wildlife. The Bannerghatta Wildlife Sanctuary possesss an amazing diversity of wildlife and trees.