KARNATAKA
6 N / 7 D
Day 1: Arrival in Bangalore – Garden City Exploration
Arrive at Bangalore Airport/Railway Station.
Visit Lalbagh Botanical Garden & Cubbon Park.
Explore Vidhana Soudha & Bangalore Palace.
Visit ISKCON Temple & Commercial Street for shopping.
Overnight stay in Bangalore.
Day 2: Bangalore to Mysore – Palaces & Heritage
Drive to Mysore (150 km, 3-4 hours).
Visit Mysore Palace, a royal architectural marvel.
Explore Chamundi Hills & Nandi Statue.
Visit St. Philomena’s Church & Mysore Zoo.
Explore Brindavan Gardens in the evening.
Overnight stay in Mysore.
Day 3: Mysore to Coorg – Scotland of India
Drive to Coorg (Kodagu) (120 km, 3-4 hours).
Visit Raja’s Seat for a panoramic valley view.
Explore Abbey Falls & Madikeri Fort.
Visit Omkareshwara Temple & Raja’s Tomb.
Enjoy a coffee plantation tour.
Overnight stay in Coorg.
Day 4: Coorg to Chikmagalur – Coffee Land of India
Drive to Chikmagalur (150 km, 4-5 hours).
Visit Mullayanagiri Peak, Karnataka’s highest point.
Explore Baba Budangiri Hills & Manikyadhara Falls.
Visit a coffee estate & experience local coffee tasting.
Overnight stay in Chikmagalur.
Day 5: Chikmagalur to Hampi – Ancient Ruins & Temples
Drive to Hampi (320 km, 6-7 hours).
Visit Virupaksha Temple & Hemakuta Hill Temples.
Explore Vittala Temple (Stone Chariot) & King’s Balance.
Visit Lotus Mahal & Elephant Stables.
Overnight stay in Hampi.
Day 6: Hampi to Gokarna – Beaches & Serenity
Drive to Gokarna (300 km, 6-7 hours).
Visit Om Beach & Half Moon Beach.
Explore Mahabaleshwar Temple.
Enjoy a beach trek from Kudle Beach to Paradise Beach.
Relax & enjoy the sunset at Gokarna Beach.
Overnight stay in Gokarna.
Day 7: Gokarna to Goa OR Return to Bangalore
Either continue to Goa (140 km, 3-4 hours) OR
Drive back to Bangalore for departure.
Best Time to Visit Karnataka
✅ October to March – Best for sightseeing, heritage, and wildlife.
✅ June to September – Ideal for lush greenery & waterfalls (Coorg, Chikmagalur).
Would you like a shorter itinerary or focus on specific interests like adventure, beaches, or wildlife? 😊
Karnataka, located in the southern part of India, is a state known for its rich cultural heritage, historical sites, lush landscapes, and vibrant cities. From ancient temples and palaces to pristine beaches and wildlife sanctuaries, Karnataka offers a variety of experiences. Here are some of the top destinations and experiences you can explore at your own pace in Karnataka:
Cultural and Historical Sites
Bengaluru (Bangalore)
Bangalore Palace: A beautiful royal palace, inspired by Windsor Castle, with stunning interiors and vast grounds.
Vidhana Soudha: An imposing government building, showcasing Dravidian architecture, located in the heart of the city.
Cubbon Park: A large green space in the city center, perfect for a relaxing stroll or picnic.
Lalbagh Botanical Garden: A historic botanical garden known for its wide variety of plants and an annual flower show.
Bangalore Fort: A 16th-century fort built by Kempe Gowda, which showcases the city’s history.
Mysuru (Mysore)
Mysore Palace: A magnificent royal palace, one of the most famous tourist attractions in India, with grand interiors and beautiful gardens.
Chamundeshwari Temple: A temple dedicated to Goddess Chamundeshwari, located on top of Chamundi Hill, offering panoramic views of Mysuru.
Brindavan Gardens: Famous for its musical fountain, the gardens are located near the Krishnarajasagara Dam, offering a peaceful and beautiful experience.
St. Philomena’s Church: One of the largest churches in India, known for its neo-gothic style architecture.
Hampi
Virupaksha Temple: A 7th-century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the oldest and most important temples in Hampi.
Vijaya Vittala Temple: Famous for its iconic stone chariot and musical pillars.
Hampi Bazaar: A street lined with ancient ruins, temples, and markets, perfect for exploring Hampi’s rich history.
Elephant Stables: A complex of elephant stables that were once used to house the royal elephants.
Matanga Hill: A viewpoint that offers stunning views of Hampi’s ruins and landscape.
Badami
Badami Caves: Ancient rock-cut temples carved into the cliffs, showcasing a mix of Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist architectural styles.
Agastya Lake: A serene lake surrounded by temples, offering a peaceful atmosphere for reflection.
Bhootnath Temple: A beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located near Agastya Lake.
Hubballi-Dharwad
Unkal Lake: A peaceful lake ideal for boat rides and picnics.
Dharwad: Known for its classical music and cultural heritage, the town is famous for its delicious Dharwad Peda (a local sweet).
Nature and Adventure
Coorg (Kodagu)
Known for its coffee plantations, misty hills, and lush green landscapes, Coorg is a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
Abbey Falls: A beautiful waterfall surrounded by coffee plantations and forests.
Raja’s Seat: A scenic viewpoint offering panoramic views of the Western Ghats.
Nisargadhama: A forest park with bamboo groves, a deer park, and a hanging bridge, perfect for a nature walk.
Trekking: Coorg offers a variety of trekking routes, including the popular Tadiandamol Trek, the highest peak in Coorg.
Chikmagalur
Known for its coffee estates and breathtaking views of the Western Ghats, Chikmagalur is a great place for hiking, nature walks, and wildlife spotting.
Mullayanagiri: The highest peak in Karnataka, offering trekking opportunities and stunning views.
Hebbe Falls: A beautiful waterfall located deep within the coffee plantations.
Baba Budangiri: A mountain range with rich flora and fauna, and a sacred shrine dedicated to Baba Budan, a Sufi saint.
Kabini
A part of the Nagarhole National Park, Kabini is a famous wildlife destination.
Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary: Take a jeep or boat safari to spot tigers, elephants, leopards, and various bird species.
Nagarhole National Park: A popular park known for its diverse wildlife and scenic beauty.
Agumbe
Known as the “Cherrapunji of the South,” Agumbe is a small village famous for its rainforests and spectacular sunsets.
Agumbe Rainforest Research Station: An important station for the study of tropical rainforests and wildlife conservation.
Onake Abbi Falls: A hidden gem, this waterfall is located in the midst of dense forest, offering a peaceful escape.
Gokarna
A serene coastal town with beautiful beaches, Gokarna is ideal for those looking for a relaxing beach getaway.
Om Beach: One of the most famous beaches, shaped like the Om symbol, offering a peaceful atmosphere for swimming and relaxation.
Kudle Beach: A quieter beach, ideal for watching sunsets and enjoying the scenic views.
Wildlife and Nature Reserves
Bandipur National Park
A famous wildlife reserve located on the border of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, Bandipur is known for its tigers, elephants, and other wildlife.
Safari Tours: Go on a jeep safari to spot wildlife in their natural habitat.
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
Located near Mysuru, this bird sanctuary is home to several species of migratory birds, including herons, egrets, and kingfishers.
Boating: Take a boat ride on the river to observe the birds up close.
Nagarhole National Park
A famous wildlife sanctuary known for its tigers, leopards, elephants, and diverse flora and fauna. It is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Beaches
Kundapura
Known for its serene beaches like Kodi Beach and Maravanthe Beach, where the sea meets the river.
Uppinakudru: A beautiful beach with golden sands and less crowd.
Malpe
A beach town near Udupi, Malpe is known for its clean beaches and water sports.
St. Mary's Island: A pristine island located a short boat ride from Malpe Beach, famous for its unique basalt rock formations.
Festivals and Events
Dasara (Mysuru)
One of the most famous festivals in Karnataka, celebrated with grand processions, cultural performances, and religious ceremonies. The Mysore Palace is beautifully illuminated during the festival.
Karaga Festival (Bengaluru)
A cultural festival celebrated in Bengaluru, showcasing traditional dance forms, music, and processions, paying homage to the local deity.
Hampi Utsav (Hampi)
A cultural festival held in Hampi to celebrate its rich heritage, with folk music, dance, and traditional performances, bringing the ruins of Hampi to life.
Kail Poli (Coorg)
A traditional festival celebrated by the Kodava community, with processions, local rituals, and traditional dances.
Local Cuisine
Bisi Bele Bath
A traditional Karnataka dish made with rice, lentils, vegetables, and a special spice mix, served hot and flavorful.
Ragi Mudde
A staple food in Karnataka, ragi mudde is a ball of finger millet flour served with sambar or curry.
Mysore Pak
A famous sweet from Mysuru, made with ghee, sugar, and gram flour, known for its melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Neer Dosa
A thin, soft rice pancake typically served with coconut chutney, popular in coastal Karnataka.
Dosa and Idli
Popular South Indian breakfast items, with variations in Karnataka, often served with chutneys and sambar.
Best Time to Visit
October to March: The best time to visit Karnataka is during the cooler months when the weather is pleasant for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
June to September: The monsoon season is perfect for visiting the coastal areas and hill stations, as the lush green landscapes come alive during this time.
Karnataka is a state that offers a wide range of experiences, from exploring ancient temples and forts to relaxing on serene beaches and trekking through scenic landscapes. Whether you're a history enthusiast, nature lover, adventure seeker, or cultural traveler, Karnataka has something to offer for everyone.