Kannada dynasties like Kadamba, Western Ganges, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Hoysalas and Vijayanagara ruled Karnataka especially in North Karnataka. They built many great monuments of Buddhism, Jainism and Shaivism. These monuments are Badami, Aihole, Pattadkal, Hampi, Lakshmeshwar, Sudi, Huli, Mahadev Temple (Itagi), Dambal, Lakkundi, Gadg, Hangal, Halsee, Galagnath, Chowdyanapura, Banavasi, Belur, Halebeudu, Shravanabelagola, Sananati and many more places. Still exist Notable Islamic monuments are present in Bijapur, Bidar, Gulbarga, Raichur and other parts of the state. Round Gumbaj in Bijapur, Byzantine Hagia is the world's second largest state-of-the-art dome after Sofia. Karnataka has two World Heritage Sites, Hampi and Pattadkal, both of which are in North Karnataka.
Round Gumbaj
Karnataka is famous for its waterfalls. Jog Falls is one of Asia's highest waterfalls in Shimoga district. This state has 21 wildlife sanctuaries and five national parks and it is home to more than 500 species of birds. There are several beaches in Karwar, Gokarn, Murudeshwar and Surathkal in Karnataka. Karnataka rock is a paradise of climbers. Yana in Uttar Kannada, Fort in Chitradurga, Ramnagar near Bangalore district, Shivangale in Tumkur district and Tekal rock climbing parade in Kolar district
Jog Falls
