Karnataka is the eighth largest State in India both in area and population.  Its neighboring states are Maharashtra in the north, Andhra Pradesh o n the east and Tamil Nadu and Kerala in the South.  It has a thin strip of coastal land, with the Arabian Sea in the west.  The eastern and western ghats that cover Karnataka are the source of many east and west flowing rivers.  The beautiful hill station of Kodagu (Coorg) is situated in this mountain range.  The important rivers that originate from these mountains are the Krishna, Kaveri and their tributaries.  The pleasant hill resorts, wide sandy beaches, ancient palaces, together with the refreshing climate, make Karnataka a tourist delight. Ancient sculptured temples, magnificent palaces, ornate buildings and colorful festivals blend beautifully with the ever green forest. Golden beaches, Orange groves and garden cities to form this exquisite land. Having been the most industrious State, it also has the credit of being the first state to step into the industrial dawn.  While nearly 69% of the population lives in rural areas, urbanization is fast increasing.  Bangalore, the State capital, is o ne of the fastest growing cities in the world today, with a population of over 4 million.  Most parts of the State enjoy an equable climate, particularly in the South.  Some northern parts of the state experience wide temperature ranges and semi-arid conditions, while the western coastal regions are lust and tropical.  The average annual rainfall for the State is about 1,139 mm, with nearly 70% occurring in the monsoon months between June and September.