Karnataka is divided into 31 districts. These districts are grouped into four administrative divisions: Bangalore, Belgaum, Gulbarga, and Mysore.
The Bangalore division is the most populous and urbanized, home to the state capital of Bangalore and other major cities like Tumkur, Kolar, and Chikmagalur. The Belgaum division is located in the northern part of the state and includes districts like Belgaum, Bijapur, and Dharwad. The Gulbarga division, located in the northeast, includes Gulbarga, Bidar, and Raichur. Finally, the Mysore division, located in the south, includes Mysore, Mandya, and Hassan.
| S. No | District | Importance |
| 1 | Bagalkot | It was formed in 1997, when it was carved out of the former Bijapur district. |
| It is also home of several industries, such as sugar mills, cotton ginning and pressing mills, and oil extraction mills. | ||
| 2 | Ballari (Bellary) | It was formed in 2000, when it was carved out of the former Bellary district. |
| This district is known for its rich mineral resources, with large deposits of iron ore and manganese being found here. | ||
| 3 | Belagavi (Belgaum) | The district is known for its rich cultural heritage, with several historical monuments and temples located here, such as the Belgaum Fort, Kapileshwar Temple, and Gokak Falls. |
| Agriculture is a major source of income for the people, with the cultivation of crops such as sugarcane, groundnut, paddy, and maize being common. | ||
| 4 | Bengaluru (Bangalore) Rural | The administrative headquarters of the district is located in the town of Devanahalli. |
| Bengaluru Rural is well-connected by road and rail, with the Kempegowda International Airport located in Devanahalli and the Bangalore City Railway Station located about 40 kilometers away from the district headquarters. | ||
| 5 | Bengaluru (Bangalore) Urban | Bengaluru Urban is known for its vibrant culture, cosmopolitan atmosphere, and modern lifestyle. It is often referred to as the “Silicon Valley of India” due to its thriving information technology industry. |
| The district is home to several prestigious educational and research institutions, such as the Indian Institute of Science, the Indian Institute of Management, and the National Law School of India University. | ||
| 6 | Bidar | Bidar Urban is known for its architectural marvels such as the Bidar Fort, the Chaubara clock tower, the Mahmud Gawan Madrasa, and the Gagan Mahal Palace. |
| This district is also famous for its handicrafts, especially Bidriware, a type of metal handicrafts that is unique to the region. | ||
| 7 | Vijayapura (Bijapur) | The district is also famous for its handicrafts, especially the handloom sarees and the stone-carved handicrafts that are unique to the region. |
| Vijayapura (Bijapur) district is known for its architectural marvels such as the Gol Gumbaz, Ibrahim Rauza, Jod Gumbaz, and Malik-e-Maidan. | ||
| 8 | Chamarajanagar | The district is home to several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, including the Bandipur National Park and the Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary, making it an important center for ecotourism. |
| It is also a major producer of silk and has several silk industries. | ||
| 9 | Chikkaballapur | The district is known for its production of grapes, and several vineyards in the district offer wine-tasting tours. |
| It is also an important center for the production of silk and handloom weaving. | ||
| 10 | Chikkamagaluru (Chikmagalur) | The district is known for its coffee plantations, and the coffee grown here is highly sought after in the international market. |
| It is also home to several important wildlife sanctuaries, including the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. | ||
| 11 | Chitradurga | The district is home to several ancient forts, including the Chitradurga Fort, and is a popular destination for history enthusiasts. |
| It is also an important center for the production of horticultural crops and has a significant contribution to the economy of Karnataka. | ||
| 12 | Dakshina Kannada | The district is a major producer of cashew nuts and is known for its beautiful beaches and temples, making it a popular tourist destination. |
| It is also a major center for the production of marine products, including fish and prawns. | ||
| 13 | Davangere | The district is an important center for the production of cotton, and several textile industries are located here. |
| It is also known for its high-quality education and is home to several prestigious educational institutions. | ||
| 14 | Dharwad | The district is an important center for the production of agricultural crops, including sugarcane and cotton. |
| It is also an important hub for higher education, with several prestigious institutions located here. | ||
| 15 | Gadag | The district is known for its ancient temples and architecture, including the Trikuteshwara Temple and the Veera Narayana Temple. |
| It is also a major producer of sugarcane and cotton. | ||
| 16 | Kalaburagi (Gulbarga) | The district is known for its rich cultural heritage and is home to several ancient monuments and temples. |
| It is also an important center for the production of agricultural crops, including jowar and pulses. | ||
| 17 | Hassan | The district is known for its natural beauty and has several important tourist destinations, including the Belur and Halebid temples and the Manjarabad Fort. |
| It is also a major center for the production of coffee and has several coffee plantations. | ||
| 18 | Haveri | The district is an important center for the production of horticultural crops, including grapes and pomegranates. |
| It is also known for its unique cultural heritage, with several folk arts and festivals celebrated in the district. | ||
| 19 | Kodagu (Coorg) | The district is known for its beautiful landscape and is often referred to as the “Scotland of India.” |
| It is also an important center for the production of coffee | ||
| 20 | Kolar: | The district is an important center for the production of silk and handloom weaving, with several silk industries located here. |
| It is also known for its rich history and has several ancient temples and monuments, including the Kolaramma Temple and the Someshwara Temple. | ||
| 21 | Koppal: | The district is known for its ancient architecture, including the Mahadeva Temple and the Koppal Fort, and is a popular destination for history enthusiasts. |
| It is also an important center for the production of agricultural crops, including groundnut, sunflower, and jowar. | ||
| 22 | Mandya: | The district is a major producer of sugarcane, with several sugar mills located here. |
| It is also known for its scenic beauty and has several important tourist destinations, including the Shivanasamudra Falls and the KRS Dam. | ||
| 23 | Mysuru (Mysore): | The district is known for its rich cultural heritage and is home to several important tourist destinations, including the Mysore Palace, the Brindavan Gardens, and the Chamundi Hills. |
| It is also an important center for the production of silk and sandalwood, and has several silk industries and sandalwood factories. | ||
| 24 | Raichur: | The district is known for its rich history and has several important monuments and temples, including the Raichur Fort and the Ek Minar ki Masjid. |
| It is also an important center for the production of cotton, and several textile industries are located here. | ||
| 25 | Ramanagara: | The district is a major center for the production of silk and handloom weaving, with several silk industries and handloom units located here. |
| It is also known for its natural beauty and has several important tourist destinations, including the Janapada Loka Folk Arts Museum and the Shivagange Hill. | ||
| 26 | Shivamogga (Shimoga): | The district is known for its beautiful landscape and has several important tourist destinations, including the Jog Falls and the Shivappa Nayaka Palace. |
| It is also an important center for the production of agricultural crops, including paddy, ragi, and areca nut. | ||
| 27 | Tumakuru (Tumkur): | The district is an important center for the production of horticultural crops, including grapes and pomegranates. |
| It is also known for its rich history and has several important monuments and temples, including the Madhugiri Fort and the Sri Siddhaganga Mutt. | ||
| 28 | Udupi: | The district is a major producer of marine products, including fish and prawns, and is known for its beautiful beaches and temples, making it a popular tourist destination. |
| It is also an important center for the production of coconuts and cashew nuts. | ||
| 29 | Uttara Kannada (Karwar): | The district is known for its natural beauty and has several important tourist destinations, including the Jog Falls and the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary. |
| It is also an important center for the production of horticultural crops, including mangoes and bananas. | ||
| 30 | Yadgir: | The district is known for its rich cultural heritage and has several important monuments and temples, including the Karez System and the Chandrampalli Fort. |
| It is also an important center for the production of agricultural crops, including jowar, sunflower, and groundnut. | ||
| 31 | Vijayanagara | Carved out of Bellary in 2021. |
| It is known for World Heritage Site of Hampi. |
| Fact | Description |
|---|---|
| Capital | Bengaluru |
| Official Language | Kannada |
| Formation | November 1, 1956 |
| Area | 191,791 square kilometers |
| Population | Approximately 66 million (as of 2021) |
| Districts | 31 |
| Major Cities | Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mangaluru, Hubballi-Dharwad, Belagavi, Kalaburagi, Shivamogga, Tumakuru, Udupi |
| Borders | Maharashtra, Goa, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana |
| Official Bird | Indian Roller |
| Official Animal | Indian Elephant |
| Official Flower | Lotus |
| Literacy Rate | 77.2% (as of 2011) |
| State Tree | Sandalwood |
| Chief Minister | Basavaraj Bommai (as of June 2021) |
| Governor | Thaawarchand Gehlot (as of June 2021) |
| Legislature | Unicameral (Karnataka Legislative Assembly) |
| Major Industries | Information Technology, Biotechnology, Textiles, Manufacturing |
| Famous Landmarks | Hampi, Mysore Palace, Jog Falls, Gokarna, Badami Caves, Coorg |
| Tourist Attractions | Bandipur National Park, Nagarhole National Park, Mysore Zoo, Nandi Hills, Jog Falls |
| Major Festivals | Dasara, Ugadi, Makar Sankranti, Karaga Festival, Pongal |
| Official Website | https://karnataka.gov.in |