Quick facts

• Capital: Bengaluru (Bangalore)
• Largest city: Bengaluru
• Official language: Kannada
• Best time to visit: October to March (hill stations can be visited year-round)

Top places to visit

Bengaluru

• Lalbagh Botanical Garden
• Cubbon Park
• Bangalore Palace
• Vidhana Soudha
• Nandi Hills (nearby)

Mysuru (Mysore)

• Mysore Palace
• Chamundi Hills
• St. Philomena's Church
• Brindavan Gardens
• Mysore Zoo

Hampi

• UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Virupaksha Temple
• Vittala Temple and Stone Chariot
• Lotus Mahal
• Elephant Stables
• Matanga Hill (sunrise/sunset)

Coorg (Kodagu)

• Coffee plantations
• Abbey Falls
• Raja's Seat
• Dubare Elephant Camp
• Talacauvery (source of the River Kaveri)

Chikkamagaluru

• Mullayanagiri (highest peak in Karnataka)
• Baba Budangiri
• Coffee estates
• Hebbe Falls

Other must-visit destinations

Gokarna

• Om Beach
• Kudle Beach
• Half Moon Beach
• Paradise Beach
• Mahabaleshwar Temple

Udupi

• Sri Krishna Temple
• Malpe Beach
• St. Mary's Island

Badami, Aihole & Pattadakal

• Ancient cave temples
• Chalukyan architecture
• Pattadakal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Jog Falls

• One of India's highest waterfalls, especially spectacular during the monsoon.

Bandipur National Park

• Famous for Bengal tigers, elephants, leopards, and rich wildlife.

Kabini

• Luxury wildlife safaris and excellent opportunities to spot elephants, tigers, and birds.

Popular activities

• Explore the ruins of Hampi.
• Tour coffee plantations in Coorg and Chikkamagaluru.
• Trek to Mullayanagiri.
• Relax on Gokarna's beaches.
• Go on a wildlife safari in Bandipur or Kabini.
• Visit royal palaces and ancient temples.

Famous foods

• Mysore Masala Dosa
• Bisi Bele Bath
• Ragi Mudde
• Neer Dosa
• Mangalorean Fish Curry
• Udupi cuisine
• Mysore Pak
• Filter Coffee

Suggested itineraries

5 Days

• Bengaluru → Mysuru → Coorg

7 Days

• Bengaluru → Mysuru → Coorg → Chikkamagaluru

10 Days

• Bengaluru → Mysuru → Coorg → Chikkamagaluru → Hampi

12–14 Days (Complete Karnataka)

• Bengaluru
• Mysuru
• Coorg
• Chikkamagaluru
• Jog Falls
• Gokarna
• Udupi
• Hampi
• Badami
• Pattadakal
• Bandipur or Kabini

Best festivals

• Mysuru Dasara
• Hampi Utsav
• Karaga Festival (Bengaluru)
• Ugadi
• Kambala (traditional buffalo race)

Why visit Karnataka?

Karnataka is ideal for travelers who enjoy:

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• Royal palaces and ancient temples
• Coffee estates and hill stations
• Beaches and coastal drives
• Wildlife safaris
• Trekking and waterfalls
• Rich South Indian cuisine

From the royal grandeur of Mysuru and the historic ruins of Hampi to the tranquil coffee plantations of Coorg and the beaches of Gokarna, Karnataka offers one of the most varied travel experiences in India.