Karnataka is a southern Indian state renowned for its rich history, diverse landscapes, royal heritage, hill stations, wildlife, and beaches. It blends ancient architectural wonders with modern urban life, making it a prime tourist destination.

Overview

• Capital: Bengaluru (Bangalore)

• Language: Kannada (widely spoken); English and Hindi also used

• Best Time to Visit: October – March

• Known For: Historical monuments, UNESCO heritage sites, coffee plantations, waterfalls, wildlife, technology hub

Top Tourist Destinations

1. Bengaluru

• Modern IT hub with gardens and nightlife

• Highlights: Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Cubbon Park, Bangalore Palace, Bannerghatta National Park

• Must-Do: Street food tasting, pub hopping, shopping at Brigade Road

2. Mysuru (Mysore)

• Known as the City of Palaces

• Highlights: Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hill, Brindavan Gardens, St. Philomena’s Church

• Must-Do: Experience Mysore Dasara festival, buy Mysore silk sarees

3. Coorg (Kodagu)

• A serene hill station with coffee plantations

• Highlights: Abbey Falls, Raja’s Seat, Dubare Elephant Camp

• Must-Do: Coffee plantation tour, trekking, river rafting

4. Hampi

• UNESCO World Heritage Site with ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire

• Highlights: Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple, Stone Chariot, Elephant Stables

• Must-Do: Cycling tours, coracle boat rides on Tungabhadra River

5. Chikmagalur

• Known as Coffee Land of Karnataka

• Highlights: Mullayanagiri Peak, Baba Budangiri, Hebbe Falls

• Must-Do: Coffee tasting, hiking, camping

6. Bandipur & Nagarhole National Parks

• Wildlife sanctuaries with tiger reserves

• Animals: Tigers, leopards, elephants, wild dogs

• Must-Do: Jeep safari or boat safari

7. Badami, Aihole, Pattadakal

• Cradle of Indian architecture with rock-cut temples

• Highlights: Badami Cave Temples, Durga Temple (Aihole), Pattadakal group of monuments

• Must-Do: Heritage walks, photography

8. Gokarna

• Coastal town with pristine beaches

• Highlights: Om Beach, Kudle Beach, Mahabaleshwar Temple

• Must-Do: Beach treks, yoga retreats, water sports

9. Jog Falls

• One of India’s tallest waterfalls (829 ft)

• Best Season: Monsoon (July–September)

• Must-Do: View from Watkins Platform, photography

10. Bijapur (Vijayapura)

• Known for Indo-Islamic architecture

• Highlights: Gol Gumbaz (second-largest dome in the world), Ibrahim Rauza, Bara Kaman

• Must-Do: Heritage tours

Nature & Hill Stations

• Western Ghats: Biodiversity hotspot ideal for trekking and nature lovers

• Popular Hill Stations: Coorg, Chikmagalur, Agumbe, Sakleshpur

Culture & Festivals

• Traditional Art: Yakshagana (folk theatre), Dollu Kunitha (drum dance)

• Music: Carnatic and Hindustani classical music

• Festivals: Ugadi (New Year), Mysore Dasara, Hampi Utsav, Kambala (buffalo race)

Cuisine

• Famous Dishes: Bisi Bele Bath, Mysore Pak, Neer Dosa, Ragi Mudde, Mangalorean seafood

• Beverage: Authentic filter coffee from Coorg and Chikmagalur

KARNATAKA

KARNATAKA