The 192,000 km²-large Karnataka state has been home to numerous religions, cultures, kingdoms and important dynasties, such as the Chalukyans, the Cholas, the Hoysalas, the Vijayanagar Empire (the largest empire India has ever known), the Deccan sultans and the maharajas of Mysore. They traded with each other, but also numerous wars were fought. Nowadays, Karnataka state is home to the richest and most diversified architectural legacies of any Indian state. It is also home to India's software powerhouse: Bangalore, but the main reason to visit Karnataka are its countless interesting town, temples and monuments that are scattered throughout the region. You will also find several national parks and wonderful beaches in the state.
Interesting cities in Karnataka include the capital of Bangalore, as well as Badami, Belur, Bidar, Bijapur, Gokarn, Halebid, Hampi, Madikeri, Mysore and Sravanabelagola.
Bangalore is Karnataka's transportation hub, with an international airport and rail and road connections to many other places in the region.
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