South Indian
Karnataka
Stretching from Bangalore in the South to Belgaum in the North, Karnataka is the fourth most renowned state in India. The place adorned with panoramic landscapes has delights for the eyes and senses for everyone. Its rich traditional heritage, placid beaches, exotic meals offer an all-inclusive excitement & fun to all those who come here. Karnataka is the second biggest preserver of monuments in the country.
History
The history of Karnataka retraces steps to the above kiloyears. Many eminent dynasties & empires who have not only ruled over Karnataka for several years but also made great contributions in the history, tradition & development of the state.
Places to Visit:
Coorg
Misty landscapes and breathtaking mountains that greet you in Coorg are sure to take you to another realm of untouched nature amidst rich cultural heritage. Coorg is an imposing hill station famous for coffee production, also known as Kogadu. Hospitality, Culture & Martial Arts are a few words that describe the Coorg dwellers.
Tourist Attractions: Abbey Falls, Harangi Dam, Chiklihole Reservoir, Dubare Elephant Camp, Honnamana Kere Lake, Omkareshwara Temple, Kotebetta Trek / Peak.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Hampi
Nestled in the dimmed expanse of valleys and hills and valleys in Karnataka, Hampi- the conservator of ruins, is a World Heritage Site of UNESCO. Bejeweled with captivating temples, 500 historical monuments, scurry street bazaars, and enticing leftovers of the Vijaynagar Empire, Hampi is an antique delight for history lovers.
Tourist Attractions: Virupaksha Temple, Vithala Temple, Lotus Palace, Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple, Hampi Bazaar, Elephant Stables, Hippie Island
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Mysore
Adorned with rich ancient reigns, Mysore is a “City of Palaces” that captivates globetrotters with its ever-radiant royal heritage & meticulously designed architecture. Silk sarees, Sandalwood, and yoga are a few among those words that describe this place of Maharajas which is now the 3rd populated city in the state.
Tourist Attractions: Mysore Palace, Somnathpur Temple, Mysore Zoo, Chamundeshwari Temple, Shuka Vana, Karanji Lake, Bonsai Garden, GRS Fantasy Park, St. Philomena’s Church.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
Bangaluru
The third-largest city in India, Bangalore has evolved from being a Garden city to the Silicon Valley of the country. Beautiful parks, wonderful weather, and soothing lakes with exotic eateries, street snacks, classy coffee cafes, and pubs at every corner make this place a must-go for all kinds of backpackers.
Tourist Attractions: Bangalore Palace, Cubbon Park, Commercial Street, Wonderla Amusement Park, MG Road, Bangalore, Lalbagh, Bannerghatta National Park, UB City Mall.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
Gokarna
Famous for Golden Sands, Palm Trees & Blue beaches, Gokarna is a newly originated haven for sea seekers, besides being a popular pilgrimage place couched on the coastline of Karwar in Karnataka.
Tourist Attractions: Om Beach, Mahabaleshwara Temple, Yana Cave, Paradise Beach, Gokarna, Kudle Beach, Half-moon Beach, Water Sports in Gokarna, Gokarna Beach.
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
Badami
Embracing the Agastya Lake, Badami is a land of captivating cave temples in a canyon of red & craggy sandstone. Formerly famous as Vatapi, Badami is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and an archaeological treat to the trotters who may fall in love with artistically crafted cave temples, carvings & fortresses.
Tourist Attractions: Cave Temples, Archaeological Museum, Agastya Lake, Archaeological Museum, Badami Fort, Aihole, Bhutanatha Temples, Pattadaka, City Shopping.
Best Time to Visit: October to April
Kabini
Known for its abundant array of flora & fauna, Kabini is a popular wildlife delight for nature lovers who seek fun with jungle safaris, boating, trekking & such adventures away from busy schedules of lives. The place offers soft-shell in nature along with adventures.
Tourist Attractions: Jungle Safari, Nature Walks & Campfire, Elephant Safari, Boating, Nagarhole National Park, Shopping, Kabini Dam, Kabini River Lodge,
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year
Dandeli
Famous for adventures like river rafting, trekking, kayaking, mountain biking & cycling, and canoeing, Dandeli is the adventure capital of the state. Established on the Western Ghats of North Karnataka, Dandeli is blessed with the heavily green forests that rest on the edges of the Kali river.
Tourist Attractions: River Rafting, Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, Magod Falls, Ulavi Temple, Kavala Caves, Sathodi falls, Syntheri Rock, Supa Dam.
Best Time to Visit: October to May
Delectable Dishes of Karnataka
- Mysore Masala Dosa: Staple Food
- Coorg Pandi Curry: For Non-Vegetarians
- Mysore Pak: Delightful Dessert
- Neer Dosa: Fluffy Crepes
- Chow Chow Bhath: 2-in-1 Dish
- Haalbai: For Sweet Tooth
- Ragi Mudde And Sopinna Saru: Healthful delight
- Obbattu Or Holige: Paratha for Sweet Tooth
- Korri Gassi
- Kane Rava Fry
Must-visit cafes & restaurants
- Bangalore Biryani Club
- The Barge, Mysore
- Onesta for delightful Italian Pizzas
- The Only Place
- Smally’s Resto Cafe
- Treat Restaurant, Indiranagar
- Corner House Ice-Cream
- The Humming Tree
Hotel
Cheap
- Sili Homestay
- Blissful Beach House
- Coffee City Guest House
- Sandev Homestay
- Astam
Budget
- Hotel Gowri
- Hotel Malligi
- Fairfield by Marriott
- Holiday Inn Express, Bangalore
- Trinity Suites
Luxury
- Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Mysore
- Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa, Coorg
- Evolve Back, Hampi ( Orange County, Hampi )
- Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru at Embassy ONE
- JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru