Karnataka India – Your Quick Guide of the Region

In a nutshell

The state of Karnataka, situated in the South Western region of India, is abundant with picturesque scenery, magnificent rivers, lush valleys, beautiful becks, deciduous forests, exotic wildlife and a rich and vibrant cultural and artistic heritage, which makes it one of the top 10 place to visit for any self-respecting traveller.

Why go to Karnataka

Bangalore, the state’s capital, now world-famous as India’s silicon valley has a lot to offer besides technological innovation. The city if favoured by those in search of a relaxed, cosmopolitan, atmosphere with towering shopping malls, a buzzing night-life and uber-modern bars and clubs. It has little to offer in the way of other notable attractions, except for the grand ISKCON temple, a giant statue of Lord Shiva, a bustling city market, several museums and the leafy Cubbon Park, noted for its effigy of Queen Victoria. Bangalore is a trendy, fast-paced city, which is perfect if you’re looking for a lively night out and a five-star luxury hotel.

Another major city, which offers something entirely different is Mysore. Some 98 miles from Bangalore, it is renowned for its grandiose palaces, majestic gardens, sandalwood carving as well as silk and incense production. While first impressions of Mysore may leave a lot to be desired due to pollution and traffic, the city is – in fact – a historical remnant of a bygone age, centred around the Maharaja Palace with charming, boulevards diverging in every direction toward some fascinating architectural monument, street market or museum.

One of the most eminent, riverine, places in the whole state is the village of Hampi, set among the serene landscape of sienna-coloured granite boulders and emerald green banana trees, on the south bank of the river Tungabhadra. While much of the city was devastated by the sixteenth-century Muslim occupation, some magnificent remnants of stone, stucco and brick structures endured. You will certainly be bedazzled by its temples, their monolithic deities, historic shrines and the spellbinding atmosphere that still lingers over this wondrous village, favoured by hippy travellers and sadhus; both of whom intermingle while wandering around the streets lined with trendy cafés and local chai shops.

Another place that is a must while in Karnataka is a small pilgrimage town of Gokarna. Located on the coastline of the Arabian sea, 300 miles from Bangalore, the town is set behind the forest-covered foothills of the Western Ghats, offering a splendid view of Karnataka’s unique, scenic, grandeur. The town is designed around an L-shaped bazaar, with small and large shops and street vendors lining the main road. Favoured by travellers and pilgrims alike, this holy town contains numerous temples, including the Shri Mahabaleshwar Temple, famous for housing the Pranalingam. Some of the others are hidden down winding streets, and alleys that lead to the Koti Tirtha, a man-made lake surrounded by beautiful ancient structures.

Gokarna is a popular destination, namely due to its friendly locals, historically significant places of worship and golden-beaches fronted by numerous tourist-friendly shacks and restaurants. This compact coastal town attracts hoards of different types of travellers, most of whom tend to while-away weeks immersed in the slow pace of life which the town is renowned for.

When to go to Karnataka

Because of the state’s diverse land features, travellers tend to visit Karnataka throughout the year. It is, however, important to note that the region is one of the wettest in India; its climate dominated by the seasonal monsoon, which commences in June and ends in late September/early October. Therefore, the best time to visit the state is between the months of November and April when temperatures and humidity levels are at their most tolerable, and the weather is perfect for both travelling and lazying about on the beach.

Where to stay in Karnataka

Accommodation options in Karnataka’s cities such as Bangalore, Mangalore, and Mysore are plentiful, but they do tend to fill up quickly due to large influxes of domestic tourists. The cities do, however, offer a considerable range starting with low-budget hostels and ending with luxury hotels.

The smaller villages and townships in Karnataka have a less expansive choice of accommodation, most of which tends to vary greatly from one place to the next.

But, generally, you will most certainly find a room for a night or two while travelling through the state. Even the most popular tourist hotspots such as Hampi, Gokarna, and Udupi will certainly have rooms even during high season (January/December) although you may have to have a good look around to find them.

Where and what to eat in Karnataka

Karnataka is famed for South Indian vegetarian fare. The most popular dishes being dosas, vadas, idlis, upuma and, of course, multi-course thalis which are filling, inexpensive and widely available throughout the state.

Due to Karnataka’s auspicious location on the shores of the Arabian sea, the state is also known for having some of the best South Indian coastal cuisine. You will certainly find a fish supper almost anywhere within the state, even in Bangalore which is over 300 miles away from the coast.

Meat in Karnataka is far less popular although generally available in most places. But please note that if you’re travelling through a remote village or town you are more than likely to end up with an excellent fish dish than a chicken curry.

How to get around Karnataka

The best way to travel within the state is by bus, not merely because of the varied scenery you’ll get to experience en-route. Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation’s (KSRTC) buses run throughout the state and to its neighbours. Prices vary according to the distance between destinations, and the cost of a ticket is based on the mileage i.e INR1 per kilometre.

Trains are another excellent option for in-state travelling as there are 50 railway stations dotted around the state connecting almost every large and small city.

How to get to and from Karnataka

By air

Reaching this fascinating, and beguiling state is also relatively easy. Karnataka is well connected with six airports, including one in Bangalore, Mangalore, Mysore, Hampi, Hubli, Belgaum, and Bijapur. Please note, however, that the only two airports offering domestic as well as international flights are Bangalore and Mangalore.

By train

If, however, you are travelling from one part of the country to the next you may well find a train heading to one of the many railway stations situated within the state. Karnataka’s wide national and interstate railway network makes it an easily accessible destination, which is very well connected to the rest of India. The prime railway landmark lies in Bangalore, connecting the state to other major cities such as Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai to name but a few.

By bus

Again, buses are another option as KSRTC routes extend not only to other cities within Karnataka but also to some other states, including Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Goa, and Kerala.

Is Karnataka a safe place to visit?

Karnataka is made up of three very different geographical regions: the Karavali coast; the Malenadu and the Western Ghats; and the Bayalu plateau. Each one of these regions is enriched with its own culture, traditions, and people. While most of Karnataka natives are extremely cordial, friendly and helpful common crimes like petty theft, bag snatching, and various tourist orientated scams do occur.

It is also important to remember that while travelling the more remote areas of the state, please take along a first-aid kit as in some places medical facilities are either seriously inadequate or altogether non-existent.

Phone signal may also prove to be intermittent in smaller villages and towns, which we recommend you travel in groups rather than alone just to be safe in case of an emergency.