Southern India
Karnataka
Karnataka is a major state in southern India known for its technology industry, rich cultural heritage, forests, waterfalls, coffee plantations, and historical empires. Bengaluru, the capital city, is widely recognized as India's Silicon Valley and a global IT hub.
68M
People
191,791 km²
Area
31
Districts
28
LS Seats
Formed: 1 Nov 1956
Capital: Bengaluru
Language: Kannada
Basic Information
State Name: Karnataka
Capital: Bengaluru
Formation Year: 1 November 1956
Official Language: Kannada
Geography & Climate
Area: 191,791 sq km
Terrain: Western Ghats, plateaus & coastal plains
Climate: Tropical monsoon climate
Major Rivers: Kaveri, Krishna, Tungabhadra
Political Parties
Indian National Congress (INC)
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
Janata Dal (Secular) - JD(S)
Administration
Chief Minister: Siddaramaiah
Governor: Thaawarchand Gehlot
Legislative Assembly: 224 Seats
Demographics
Population: ~68 million
Literacy: ~75.4%
Urban Centers: Bengaluru, Mysuru, Hubballi
Languages Spoken: Kannada, Tulu, Konkani, Urdu
Economy
Main Sectors: IT, Biotechnology, Manufacturing
Technology Hub: Bengaluru - Silicon Valley of India
Agriculture: Coffee, Silk, Sugarcane & Rice
State Symbols
Animal: Indian Elephant
Bird: Indian Roller
Tree: Sandalwood
Flower: Lotus
Foods
Traditional Foods: Bisi Bele Bath, Ragi Mudde, Mysore Pak
Coastal Cuisine: Seafood & coconut-based dishes
Popular Snacks: Maddur Vada & Mangalore Buns
Tourism & Heritage
UNESCO Sites: Hampi & Pattadakal
Hill Stations: Coorg & Chikkamagaluru
Waterfalls: Jog Falls & Abbey Falls
Palaces: Mysore Palace
Transportation
Airports: Bengaluru, Mangaluru, Hubballi
Metro: Namma Metro in Bengaluru
Road: Extensive national highway network
Culture
Festivals: Mysuru Dasara & Ugadi
Dance Forms: Yakshagana & Dollu Kunitha
Music: Carnatic music traditions
Education
IISc Bengaluru — Premier science research institute
IIM Bangalore — Top management institute
Technology Research: Major startup & innovation ecosystem
Interesting Facts
Bengaluru is known as the Silicon Valley of India.
Karnataka is India's largest producer of coffee.
Mysore Palace is one of India's most visited monuments.
Home to several ancient empires including Vijayanagara.