Karnataka has a rich cultural history. It is among the five South Indian states which has unique Christmas celebrations. The state houses churches inspired from British and French architecture. With Christmas round the week, this blog brings you top 5 places to visit in Karnataka with our Karnataka tour packages.
Bangalore
Apart from being the IT capital of India, Bangalore has a devout catholic population. The city celebrates Christmas with pomp and gaiety. We recommend you to attend the Christmas mass at St Patrick’s Church. The church was built by the British for pensioners, after St Mark’s church became crowded with British soldiers.
Bangalore has lots of churches in the central part, which serve to different denominations. It’s interesting to note that each church has unique traditions. In addition, the city takes you on a gastronomical journey with European meals to various bakeries serving exotic delicacies.
Mangalore
The catholic population in Mangalore traces its origins to Goa. They fled the city following the Portuguese-Maratha war and the Portuguese Inquisition.
Explore the Mangalorean Catholic heritage by visiting the oldest church in Dakshin Kannad—Church of Our Lady of Miracles.
This church has an interesting history which is intertwined with Tipu Sultan and the Anglo-Mysore war. If trekking and sight-seeing interests you, then re-trace the path taken by the Catholic, who as captives of Tipu Sultan were sent to Srirangapatnam.
Don’t miss to watch Pillvesha (Tiger dance) and Karadi Vesha (Bear dance), a local folk dance. Other interesting activities of Karkala locals include Bhuta Kola (spirit worship), Korikotta (Cockfighting), Nagardhane (snake worship). Experience the spirit of Mangalore with our Karnataka tour packages.
Karkala
Tipu Sultan believed that Catholics helped the British in Anglo-Mysore war, and that they were enemy of the state. Tipu Sultan destroyed many churches in the region. To escape the persecution, followers of St Lawrence, with a wooden statue of the saint set out in search of new place to build a church in his honor. The church is supposedly built on a place where the devotees placed the statue to quench their thirst, after which the statue was immovable.
Coorg
Coorg was used as a prison for Hindu and catholic people who refused to embrace Islam. The region has witnessed a successive reign of Hindu, Mughal, and British origin. This has shaped the landscape of this region with beautiful Temples, Mosques, and Churches. Often called the Scotland of India, Coorg has everything from exotic places, coffee plantations, gallant history to cultural diversity to make the trip memorable for a lifetime. Plan beautiful memories at Coorg with our Karnataka tour packages.
Karwar
Karwar, like Mangalore has Konkani-speaking Catholics. Apart from its beautiful catholic traditions, Karwar has beautiful beaches and forts. Take time out to visit Sadashivgad fort, which is built on a 200 foot high hill. In addition, you can spend quality time with your family at Majili beach, where you can engage in kayaking, rowing, and fishing.