Karnataka

Karnataka ranked the 4th most well-liked tourist state, and It has a bunch of attractiveness. Expanding from Belgaum to Bangalore, it offers something to everybody, from beautiful landscapes to rich cultural heritage, cool beaches and delicious food. Karnataka is indeed a world in itself! 

 It has the second highest number of secured memorials in India, and Hampi housed most of them and was the capital of Vijayanagar. The world’s largest standing stone, the statue of Lord Gomteshwar in Shravanabelagola, sees thousands of pilgrims during the Mahamastakabhisheka festival every 12 years. Besides history, Karnataka is also rich’s in premium and fauna. The state’s capital is Bengaluru and the “Silicon Valley of India,” known as the city of startups and IT companies and attracts thousands of tourists annually.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Karnataka is September to February.

CUISINES:

Karnataka’s cuisine takes effect from its neighbours like Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. However, the flavours swap from region to region. Palm jaggery is also the main element in the cuisine of Karnataka, and traditional meals are served on banana leaves.

Famous Food of Karnataka is- Neer Dosa, Korri Gassi, Mysore Masala Dosa, Coorg Pandi Curry, Rava Kesari, Udupi Sambar, Sagu, Chiroti, Maddur Vada and many more.

TOP PLACES TO VISIT:

1. COORG

“The Scotland of India”

Coorg is a popular coffee-producing hill station located between impressive mountains in Karnataka with a misty landscape. It is famous for its beautiful green hills and the streams cutting through them, and it also stands as a popular destination because of its culture and people.

Coorg, known as Kodagu, is Karnataka’s most affluent hill station, and Madikeri is the region’s centre point, with all transportation for getting around starting from here. On a visit to Coorg, cover the beautiful towns like Virajpet, Kushalnagar, Gonikoppal, Pollibetta, and Somwarpet, and experience the beautiful concept of “homestays” to make your experience more memorable! 

Must-visit places in Coorg are Abbey Falls, Talakaveri, Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, and Raja’s Seat.

2. HAMPI

“The abode of bygone ruins, rusty colours and fascinating landscape.”

Hampi, the city of ruins, is situated in Karnataka’s shadowed depth of hills and valleys. This place is a historical charm for travellers. Surrounded by 500 prehistoric monuments, beautiful temples, bustling street markets, bastions, treasury buildings and captivating remains of the Vijayanagar Empire. It is an open gallery with 100+ locations to examine and a unique way to see the city.

Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagar empire around 1500 AD ad the second largest city in the world at that time. The land around Hampi is as mysterious as the ruins themselves – boulders of different sizes surround the city, and you can climb to the top to get an amazing view of the entire city. It is placed on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, famous for its massive, beautifully carved temples, especially the Virupaksha Temple. You can also find remains of the old aqueducts, canals, military barracks, and stables. Hampi was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1986, and many efforts have been taken to restore the lost glory of the place – very few (if any) modern establishments are allowed in the main area, which gives an authentic feel to the ruins.

Must-visit places in Hampi are Virupaksha Temple, Vithala Temple, Lotus Palace, and Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple.

3. GOKARNA

“Land of palm trees, blue seas.”

With its natural beaches and magnificent scenery, Gokarna is a Hindu crusade town in Karnataka and a newly found hub for beach lovers and hippies. It is situated on the coast of Karwar, and Gokarna welcomes a crowd of tourists from around the world in search of sanctity and relaxation every year. The beaches like Kudle beach and Om Beach are a different contrast to life inside the town. 

Most palm-clad beaches are dotted with foreign tourists and very few Indians. The beaches are meant for a  relaxed holiday, and everything on the beach goes at the same relaxed pace. Gokarna is a ‘one-of-a-kind place in the country, full of coconut and palm trees, the ocean and clean sands. Must-visit places in Gokarna are Om Beach, Mahabaleshwar Temple, and Kudle Beach.

4. CHIKMAGALUR

“The coffee land of Karnataka”

Chikmagalur is located on the hillside of the Mullayangiri Range and is one of the most attractive hill stations, popularly known as the ‘Coffee Land of Karnataka. Chikmagalur has a never-ending fragrance of coffee lingering in the air with plenty of coffee plantations. Famous for its tall mountains, lush green forests and its tranquil environment (apart from its coffee production), Chikmagalur is a popular tourist destination and a quick retreat for the people of Karnataka.

Chikmagalur is mainly all about its coffee.  So if you’re a coffee and a nature lover, taking a walk through one (or a few) of the numerous coffee plantations in the city is a must-do activity. Many of these coffee estates allow visitors to take guided tours through the plantations and provide homestays right within the estates, so you can wake up and end your day with the smell of coffee in the air.

Chikmagalur is well-known for trekking spots and incredible trails, such as the Mullayangiri trek, The Kemmanagundi trek, and the Baba Budangiri trek. Mullayangiri is the highest peak in Karnataka and is the best place to get a perfect view of the sun rising from behind the mountains.

Must visit places in Chikmagalur is Mullayanagiri,Kemmanagundi, Inam Dattatreya Peetha.

5. BANGALORE

“Garden city of India”

Bangalore is India’s third-largest city and has evolved gradually from a Garden city to the Silicon Valley of India. Bangalore is loved for its enjoyable weather, beautiful parks and many lakes. Bangalore is great for its street food corners, quirky cafes, coffee roasters and pubs dotting every corner of the city, serving various cuisines.

 Here, one can take a long stroll through the beautiful Cubbon Park and shop in the many malls or street markets. Many wonderfully decorated parks in the city are ideal for going on a morning stroll or a jog.
But just like every big city, the unequalled growth of IT in Bangalore has modified quite a few things, including rising temperatures, polluted lakes and heavily congested roads, especially in the newer areas.

Must-visit places in Banglore are Breweries, Cubbon Park, and Vineyard Tour.

6. MYSORE

“Home to the Mysore Maharajas”

Mysore is one of the most cardinal places in the country regarding ancient reigns, famously known as The City of Palaces. It is crowded with the history of its glaring imperial heritage, complex architecture, silk sarees, yoga, sandalwood and many more. It is located on the hilltops of Chamundi Hills, and Mysore is the third most colonize city in Karnataka.

It was one of the three largest grand States in the British Empire of India. It’s a very famous tourist spot that sees thousands of visitors every day, and the Mysore Palace is a fascinating example of Indo-Saracenic construction; every inch of the palace drips with luxury and intricate details, and every room that you visit stands out in terms of its details architecture, beautiful paintings. Another famous element in Mysore is the Ashtanga School of Yoga.

Must visit -Mysore palace, Brindavan Gardens, Somanathapura Temple, and Mysore zoo.