Karnataka is like a typical south Indian dish which has a variety of foods on its plate to offer to satisfy a wide spectrum of palates. This state invites wildlife enthusiasts to crash out in green wilds of Nagarhole and Bandipur, an intrepid traveler for history buffs, sun and sand worshipper. The snazzy Karnataka is set off by romantic Mysore and ruins of places like Hampi, Bidar, and Badami etc. Satisfy a thirst for culture.
Places to visit in Karnataka
Bengaluru or The City of Guards is famous for its modern and historical places, palaces, temples, forts, and lakes. Mysore or the cultural capital of Karnataka is popular for temples, forts, palaces, churches and of course Tipu Sultan. Mangalore (8th most clean city in India) is known for its hills and beaches and the rich culture present in the ancient monuments. Hampi displays some of the amazing sites and buildings which demonstrate excellent architectural brain of the Vijayanagar rulers. Coorg Buddhist monasteries are a must visit destinations. Bijapur forts and monuments present brilliant Muslim architecture. Hubli gardens and Dharwad monuments and temples are a must visit. Badami is famous for the Agastya Teerth, stone temples, and rock-cut monuments. Gokarna beaches and Gulbarga Muslim memorials and monuments must not be ignored.
Nightlife in Karnataka
You can party and enjoy events in pubs, clubs, and restaurants that are easily available across this city. This city attracts some of the best artists and talented people who know how to make any event happening. Places like BlueFrog, Sanctum, The Humming Tree, Hard Rock Café, High Ultra Lounge etc. offers brilliant food and amazing music.
Time to eat…take a break
Kannada cuisine share lot of similarity in food from its neighboring states. For example, Kannada food is milder than a food of Andhra Pradesh but like Kerala food, it reflects too much dependence on coconuts in its recipes. The popular Udupi dosa (a thin and crispy pancake made from rice flour and stuffed with cooked potatoes) came into existence in the coastal town of Udupi.A South Indian sambhar dal is known as huli in Karnataka. Do try puri palaya, Uthapams, idli (rice cakes), and vada with coconut chutney and huli. After your lunch or dinner do enjoy Peardaya (a sweet made up of jaggery in coconut oil).You can also taste a unique dish Patrode which is been made up of stuffed colocasia.
Hotels in Karnataka
The accommodation options in cities like Bangalore, Mysore, and Mangalore are huge. You can find some of the best hotels on the beach with private strips of sun-kissed sand. For budget-friendly options, one can look for hostels, railway retiring rooms, and small lodges. Tourists to Belur and Halebid have to stay at Hassan. In Coorg best-staying option is Madikeri. Towns like Hampi, Bijapur, Bidar, Belgaum etc.do not have luxurious hotels but decent accommodation places like rest houses, tourist hotels, and budget lodges. At Bandipur and Nagarhole (both are wildlife sanctuaries) tourist can stay at Forest Department rest houses which can be basic or eco-tourist luxurious options.
Getting around in Karnataka
You can easily get around Karnataka by rail and road. The southern places in Karnataka are easier to get around as compare to northern ones. Most important links are Bangalore, Mangalore, Mysore, Hassan, and Hospet. Hospet can be easily traveled by Goa or Maharashtra. From Hospet you can travel to towns like Hampi, Badami, Aihole, Gulbarga, Pattadakal, Bijapur etc.
Best time to visit Karnataka
Between November and April month once can visit Karnataka and experience a pleasant climate which is ideal for activities like trekking, visiting wildlife, and angling. Most festivals and events take place during winters like Dusshera in October and Makar Sankranti in the mid of January. In September in Coorg make sure to enjoy the Kali Podu event.
