World Heritage Week is celebrated to promote the heritage and the culture of monuments as well as important sites for their conservation. It aims at increasing awareness among general people about their culture and traditions and why they must be protected. The designation of a World Heritage Site provides evidence of a place being culturally sensitive and that it needs legal protection. Due to the emerged pandemic this year, the 2020 edition of World Heritage Week is celebrated digitally through online platforms. Karnataka is a state with a rich culture and heritage that is enriched with architectural jewels and natural enrichments like beaches and valleys.
India has 38 World Heritage sites that include 30 cultural, 7 Natural, and 1 Mixed site. Karnataka has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites that are popular destinations and major tourist attractions- Hampi and Pattadakal. Hampi boasts of the ruins from the Vijayanagar Empire and is an ancient village located in North Karnataka, along the banks of the river Tungabhadra. Pattadakal on the other hand was built in the 18th century by the Chalukya dynasty and is a marvelous group of monuments in Indo-Aryan design. Other than these, Karnataka boasts of more than 25 other heritage sites like Badami, Mysore, Belur, Sringeri, etc.
Tourists can plan to visit any heritage monuments in Karnataka to discover the historical significance the places have and to learn about the backdrop related to these fascinating places. Some of the destinations to choose from are:
- Mysore: The city which served to be the capital of the ancient Kings is a popular weekend getaway. The city is an exemplary destination of heritage, culture, and magnificent palaces.
- Hampi: Located at a distance of about 340 kilometers from Bangalore, Hampi is rightly called an open museum with ruins scattered all over the city.
- Badami: If you are fascinated by cave temples and historical monuments, then Badami must be on your bucket list. Situated in a valley that overlooks marvelous sandstone temples, the capital city of the Chalukyas surrounds the beautiful Agastya Lake.
Other than the above-mentioned destinations, you can choose any other heritage sites to celebrate this heritage week.
To commemorate Heritage Week, visit three heritage places with your family or friends and share your photos with us at feedback@karnatakatourism.org. The best photos will be selected by the Department Of Tourism and get featured in our newsletter as well as Social Media. Hurry Up!
