This is Part 11 of Incredible India, our state-by-state travel series. Start from Part 1: Ladakh or read the previous part, Part 10: Maharashtra.
Karnataka packs a remarkable variety into one state: the royal city of Mysuru, misty coffee estates in Coorg and Chikmagalur, the boulder-strewn ruins of Hampi, intricately carved Hoysala temples, wildlife reserves and laid-back beaches at Gokarna.
Best time to visit
October to March is ideal for most of the state. Dasara in Mysuru (September-October), when the palace is lit with nearly 100,000 bulbs, is a highlight. The monsoon (June-September) makes Coorg and Chikmagalur lush and misty, with spectacular waterfalls.
Top places to see
- Mysuru: Mysore Palace (illuminated on Sunday evenings and during Dasara), Chamundi Hill and Devaraja Market.
- Coorg (Kodagu): coffee plantations, Abbey Falls, Dubare elephant camp and the Tibetan settlement at Bylakuppe.
- Chikmagalur: coffee country and Mullayanagiri, Karnataka's highest peak.
- Hampi: the ruins of Vijayanagara. Read our Hampi travel guide.
- Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal: early Chalukyan cave and structural temples.
- Belur and Halebidu: star-shaped Hoysala temples with incredibly detailed carvings.
- Gokarna and Murudeshwar: beaches and a giant Shiva statue on the coast.
- Kabini and Nagarhole: wildlife safaris and boat rides.
Getting there and around
Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport is the main gateway, with Mangaluru, Mysuru and Hubballi as secondary airports. Hampi is reached via Hosapete station. Self-drive and chauffeur-driven cars are the easiest way to explore the countryside.
Sample itineraries
- Southern loop (6 days): Bengaluru, Mysuru, Coorg and Kabini.
- Heritage (6 days): Hampi, Badami-Aihole-Pattadakal and Belur-Halebidu.
- Coast (4 days): Gokarna, Murudeshwar and Udupi.
Practical tips
- Book Coorg homestays to experience local Kodava culture and food.
- Carry rain gear in the hills; weather can change quickly.
What to eat
Mysore masala dosa, bisi bele bath, Coorg pandi curry, Mangalorean ghee roast and Mysore pak. Try our bisi bele bath recipe.
Next in Incredible India: Tamil Nadu.
