Karnataka is characterized by ancient sculpted temples, cosmopolitan cities, evergreen forests, and scenic beaches. The state is home to many tourist hotspots such as Coorg, Hampi, Gokarna, Bengaluru, Mysore, Chikmagalur, Bandipur National Park, Nagarhole National Park, Shivanasamudra Falls, Pattadakal, Jog Falls, etc.

October to April is the best time to visit Karnataka. Winters are the best time to go on a wildlife safari or attend the grand Mysore Dussehra. Owing to its proximity to the western coast, Karnataka is quite humid during summers from April to June. While coastal regions are hotter, hill stations are mild and colder. In fact the best time to visit Karnataka depends on the time of the year and the destination you’re travelling to. Some regions receive heavy rainfall during the monsoon season from July to September but if you want to go trekking in places like Antargange, or see the beautiful Jog Falls there’s never a better time than Monsoons.

Some typical dishes in Karnataka include Bisi bele bath, Jolada rotti, Ragi rotti, Saaru, Idli/vada Sambar, Vangi Bath, Benne dose, and Ragi mudde. Plain and Rava Idli, Mysore Masala Dosa, and Maddur Vade are popular food in South Karnataka. Among desserts, Mysore Pak, Holige, Dharwad Pedha, Chiroti, and Sajjige are some of the famous items.

Some of the famous items include Sandalwood Products, Mysore Silk Sari, Coorg Coffee Powder, Mysore Pak, Rosewood Inlay Work Paintings, Spices and South Indian Masalas.

The Kannada language is the official language of Karnataka, as almost two-third of its population speaks Kannada. English is well understood and fluently spoken in urban areas such as Bangalore and Mysore. There should not be any language barrier if English or Hindi is spoken.

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES – (AS OF JANUARY 2023)

• Group of Monuments at Hampi
• Group of Monuments at Pattadakal
• Western Ghats or Sahyadri Mountains

1. COORG

Located amidst imposing mountains in Karnataka with a perpetually misty landscape, Coorg is a popular coffee producing hill station. It is popular for its beautiful green hills and the streams cutting right through them. It also stands as a popular destination because of its culture and people. Places like Raja’s Seat, Abbey Falls, Iruppu Falls, Omkareshwara Temple, Bylakuppe, Talacauvery and Dubare are the major attractions to be included in Coorg Holiday.

Places to visit in Coorg: Abbey Falls, Raja’s Seat, Coffee Plantations, Golden Temple (Namdroling Monastery), Iruppu Falls, Omkareshwara temple, Dubare Elephant camp

2. MYSORE

Famously known as The City of Palaces, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that Mysore, currently Mysuru, is one of the most important places in the country regarding ancient reigns. It is replete with the history of its dazzling royal heritage, intricate architecture, its famed silk sarees, yoga, and sandalwood, to name just a few. The highlight is the majestic Mysore Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is a must-visit.

Places to visit in Mysore: Mysore Palace, Brindavan Gardens, Zoo, Chamundeshwari Temple, Jaganmohan Palace

3. BADAMI

Located in a valley of rugged red sandstone, surrounding the Agastya Lake, Badami (formerly known as Vatapi) is an archaeological delight owing to its beautifully crafted sandstone cave temples, fortresses and carvings. Located in the Bagalkot district in Karnataka, Badami is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites that constitute Aihole-Badami-Pattadakal and is the finest example of traditional temple architecture in India.

Places to visit in Badami: Cave Temples, Agastya Lake, Badami Fort, Aihole, Bhuthanatha temples, Mahakuta temples

4. HAMPI

Hampi, the city of ruins, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated in the shadowed depth of hills and valleys in the state of Karnataka, this place is a historical delight for travellers. Surrounded by 500 ancient monuments, beautiful temples, bustling street markets, bastions, treasury building and captivating remains of Vijayanagar Empire, Hampi is a backpacker’s delight.

Places to visit in Hampi: Virupaksha Temple, Vithala Temple, Lotus Palace, Monkey Temple, Hampi Bazaar, Big Shivlinga

5. HASSAN

Renowned worldwide for its intricately carved statues and monuments, a visit to the historic temples of Hassan will leave an indelible impact on your heart and soul. From sculptures to the architectural wonders of Belur, Halebid and Sravanabelagola, Hassan in Karnataka has still preserved the remnants of the medieval era.

Places to visit in Hassan: Hoysala Temples at Mosale, Shettyhalli Church, Bhagwan Bahubali Statue, Gorur Dam

6. SHRAVANABELAGOLA

Shravanbelagola is an important Jain pilgrimage centre with a 57 m tall monolithic sculpture of Lord Gomateswara called Bahubali statue as its prime attraction. Located 144 km from Bengaluru in Hassan District of Karnataka, the collection of Jain Temples in Shravanbelagola attracts a number of pilgrims every year.

Places to visit in Shravanbelagola: Gomateshwara Statue, Chandragiri Hill Temple, Bhandari Basadi Temple, Akkana Basadi Temple, Vindhyagiri Temple, The monastery of Charukeerthi Bhattarakha Swamiki (Jain Math)

7. HALEBIDU

Halebid (or Halebidu) is a city located in the Hassan district. Formerly known as Dwarasamudra, Halebid is a city with adorned with a beautiful collection of temples, shrines and sculptures. It is also known as the Gem of Indian architecture owing to its sterling Hoysala architecture, its magnificent temple complexes and some stunning Jain sites. Once the majestic capital of the Hoysala Empire, the city is in ruins now

Places to visit in Halebidu: Belur, Hoysaleswara or Halebid Temple, Yagachi Dam, Basadi Halli (Jain Temples)

8. GOKARNA

With its pristine beaches and breathtaking landscapes, Gokarna is a Hindu pilgrimage town in Karnataka and a newly found hub for beach lovers and hippies. Situated on the coast of Karwar, every year Gokarna welcomes hordes of tourists from around the world in search of sanctity and relaxation. The out-of-town beaches like Kudle beach and Om Beach are a different contrast to life inside the town.

Places to visit in Gokarna: Om Beach, Mahabaleshwara Temple, Paradise Beach, Paradise Beach, Mirjan Fort

9. CHIKMAGALUR

Popularly known as the ‘Coffee Land of Karnataka’, Chikmagalur is situated in the foothills of the Mullayangiri Range and is one of the most beautiful hill stations in Karnataka. Chikmagalur has a perpetual fragrance of coffee lingering in the air with it plenty of coffee plantations. Famous for its tall mountains, lush green forests and its tranquil environment, Chikmagalur is a very popular tourist destination and is a quick retreat for the people of Karnataka.

Places to visit in Chikmagalur: Baba Budangiri, Mullayanagiri, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Kudremukh National Park, Coffee Plantations, Coffee Museum, Kemmanagundi, Hebbe Falls, Bhadra Dam

10. JOG FALLS

The second-highest plunge waterfall in India, Jog Falls is a major tourist attraction in Karnataka and is the highest waterfall in the state. Second, to the Nohkalikai Falls of Meghalaya, Jog falls drops about a huge 253 m (850 ft.) in a single fall.

11. BANDIPUR NATIONAL PARK

Bandipur National Park is one of the well preserved national parks in Karnataka, and among the top places of wildlife in India. Located between Mysore & Ooty, it is about 80 km from Mysore and 215 km from Bangalore.

12. BANGALORE

Having evolved gradually from being the Garden city to the Silicon Valley of India, Bangalore is India’s third-largest city. Bangalore is loved for its pleasant weather, beautiful parks and the many lakes here. Bangalore is renowned for its eateries, street food corners, quirky cafes, coffee roasters and pubs dotting every corner of the city, serving cuisines from all over the world. Brunches, buffets, burgers, rooftop cafes, late-night eats – Bangalore has it all.

Places to visit in Bangalore: Lalbagh, Church Street, Bannerghatta National Park, Bangalore palace, Cubbon Park

13. KABINI

Once a private hunting area for the British, Kabini is a wildlife destination that is the largest place for Asiatic Elephants in the world. The Kabini Forest Reserve (which comprises the south-eastern part of Nagarhole National Park) is famous for its amazing wildlife and birdlife. Kabini is also home to the world’s most famous living Black Panther “Saya”. Even though it is not impossible to spot him, it is very rare. Boat Safari and Jeep Safari in the Kabini jungle is the ideal way to spot the tiger, leopard, guars, elephants and other majestic species. Kabini is also one of the best places in India to photograph leopards.

Places to visit in Kabini: Nagarhole National Park, Kabini Dam, Nature Walk

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