KARNATAKA
OVERVIEW
Karnataka reveals a soul of profound depth, where ancient temple carvings echo in silent forests and coffee-scented breezes drift over misty hills. For the slow traveller, true discovery lies in the forgotten Hoysala trails near Javagal, the timeless rhythm of a coracle ride on the Tungabhadra in Hampi, or a stay in a colonial-era plantation bungalow deep in Coorg. Find your quiet moment watching the sunset from the ramparts of Chitradurga Fort or listening to the waves crash against the isolated shores of Murudeshwar, where the journey inward begins.
KARNATAKA Travel guide
Getting to Karnataka
Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru in Bengaluru is the most popular hub with numerous direct flights from around the world. Direct flights are available from Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata.
Best Time to Visit Karnataka
The best time to visit Karnataka is October to March for pleasant weather; coastal areas are hot/humid year-round; hill stations like Coorg, Chikmagalur are great in winter and monsoon.
Local Food and Drinks in Karnataka
Bisi Bele Bath: Translating to “hot lentil rice,” this is Karnataka’s most iconic one-pot wonder, a dish with royal origins
Mysore Pak: Created in the Mysore Palace kitchens for a visiting Maharaja, this is the gold standard of Indian sweets
Kalyani Biryani: Named after the Kalyani Nawabs of Bidar, this is a smaller-grained, intensely spicy counterpart to the Hyderabadi version, often using beef or mutton and a simpler, fierier masala.
Kane Rava Fry (Ladyfish Fry): The quintessential Mangalorean seafood experience. Fresh ladyfish is marinated in red chili paste, coated in semolina (rava), and shallow-fried to a crisp, served with a tangy kokum-based solkadi.
Kori Gassi & Kori Rotti: Tender chicken pieces (kori) in a thick, fiery, and complex gravy (gassi) made from roasted red chilies, coriander, coconut, and tamarind, eaten with Kori Rotti—crisp, wafer-thin, beaten rice wafers that are dipped into the gravy, softening to absorb the flavour.
Jolada Rotti (Sorghum Flatbread): The staple, a large, robust unleavened bread served with Yengai (a fiery brinjal curry), Shenga Chutney (peanut chutney), or Hurali Saaru (horse gram soup).
Types of Transportation in Karnataka
- A great way to travel is to book a bike or a cab on Gojek, Uber or Grab
Things to Remember When Travelling to Karnataka
- Books stays and activities in advance for popular destinations (Hampi, Mysore, Coorg) during festivals (Dasara in Mysore – September/October).
- Credit cards are widely accepted.
- Remove footwear before entering; some temples forbid non-Hindus in sanctums (check locally); dress modestly.
- Karnataka has diverse cultures – North Karnataka, coastal, Kodagu, etc. Be respectful of local customs.
- KSRTC buses are reliable for intercity; use Namma Metro in Bengaluru; auto-rickshaws should use meters or agree on fare upfront.
- Bengaluru has notorious traffic – plan extra time for travel within the city.
EXPERIENCES & ITINERARIES
POSTS
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the capital of Karnataka?
The capital of Karnataka is Bengaluru.
- How many hill stations are there in Karnataka?
The most popular hill stations in Karnataka are
- Coorg (Kodagu)
- Chikmagalur
- Agumbe
- Kemmanagundi
- BR Hills
- What are the festivals celebrated in Karnataka?
1. Mysore Dasara
2. Kannada New Year – Ugadi
3. Makar Sankranti
4. Hampi Festival
5. Karaga
6. Pattadakal Dance Festival
7. Huttari Habba
- What is the ideal duration to travel to Karnataka?
5-7 days are good for a trip to cover Bengaluru, Mysore and Coorg, but it is advisable not to club it with other places in Kerala. It is a big state and needs more time to be explored in-depth.
- How many UNESCO Heritage sites does Karnataka have?
- Group of Monuments at Hampi
- Group of Monuments at Pattadakal
- Hoysala Temples
- Western Ghats
- Which are the two villages in Karnataka awarded the Best Tourism Villages?
Kuthlur