Now that the year end is approaching, you must have a shortlist of places that you could tentatively visit to end the year with a bang. I just have one question to ask here – is Karnataka on the list? In terms of tourism, it's a place that is often eclipsed by its more popular neighbours down south – Kerala and Tamil Nadu. There could be many reasons for this, but let's save that discussion for later and look at some places to visit in Karnataka.
Explore more about Karnataka Tourism here!
Places to visit in Karnataka
From plains to mountains, valleys to rivers, high-rises to ancient temples, and artificial gardens to coffee plantations, this eighth largest Indian state, has everything in plenty. So, I personally assure you that your stay will be anything but boring.
Here is a week-long itinerary to help you experience the best of Karnataka. Here we go:
Arrive in Bengaluru
Break the fast
If you didn't have anything to eat in the flight/train, here are two great options.
MTR is a South Indian legend. This is one of the best places to visit in Karnataka to have authentic Udupi food.
For your western breakfast fixes.
Afternoon attractions
Believe it or not, it took over 80 year for the Bangalore Palace to be completed! Today, the fluorescent blue tiles and open courtyards of the palace can take you back to the Victorian era.
Lunch
You can either go for the crowded street joints outside the Bangalore Palace, or if you want to lunch in luxury, you can always go to the ITC Pavilion, which is 20 minutes away, for some delectable options.
Evening attractions
If you are believer, the fantastic ISKCON Temple is where you should go to pay your respects in the evening. Situated in Rajajinagar, this structure has a grand facade with a gold-plated flag post that stands proportionally high at 17m tall. The temple opens its gates to devotees at 4:15 in the morning.
Nightlife
Once you are in Bengaluru, you just need to experience its nightlife. Head over to the posh stretch at MG Road and go club-hopping without guilt. Arbor, Indian Brewing Company and Hoppipola are some popular picks.
Drive to Mysuru
After having an early breakfast at your hotel, rent a ride and drive off to experience the natural beauty of Karnataka in Mysuru. It's just 3 hours away.
Day attractions
Although Mysuru is naturally gifted, there are several manmade marvels here as well, that have withstood the test of time and the critique of art connoisseurs.
Arguably the most beautiful monument in the whole of Karnataka, the Mysore Palace is the official residence of the Wodeyars – the rulers of Mysore. Having an annual 6 million visitors, it is only second to the Taj Mahal in terms of attracting tourists in India.
Also known as St. Joseph's Cathedral, the Neo-Gothic design and architecture of this structure is inspired by the Cologne Cathedral in Germany. It is one of Asia's tallest churches and one of the most gorgeous places to visit in Karnataka.
Lunch
There can only be one place for lunch in Mysore – Vinayaka Mylari. Their dosais are to die for.
Night attractions
There's a lot you can do at the Karanji Lake. It is surrounded by a butterfly park with India's biggest walk-through aviary. There is the Regional Museum of Natural History too located along the banks. Since the property is owned by the Mysore Zoo Authority, the entry to the lake is paid.
Dinner
What's better than a hale and hearty dinner? One that comes with a stunning setting. At The Tiger Trail, you'll get more than your food fantasies with the heritage buffet on display. The buffet includes a 40+ variety of food items on an average day.
Soaking & Chilling in Mysuru
Nope. You aren't leaving Mysuru anytime soon. You need to soak it up in order to finally realise that Karnataka is, indeed, a place you criminally underrated. Hence a day more here is recommended.
Breakfast
The Old House Cafe lives up to its name - it's old, it's inside a house, and it also serves a wonderful Continental breakfast. Be here early to get a seat.
Day attractions
Full and brimming, it's time to drive the 13km to the Chamunda Hill. It takes just an hour, but it gives you views that you won't forget in your entire lifetime. The historical Chamundeshwari Temple was named after the fierce Shakti goddess and is situated atop the hill. It is considered one of the 18 Shakti Peeths in India.
Lunch while driving back to Mysuru
While on your way back, there's a very famous The Foodie Restaurant, which serves great lunch buffets and good à la carte.
Back in Mysuru
Remember when I commented on those art connoisseurs at the beginning of this itinerary. Well, this is the place that blew all of them away. The Jaganmohan Palace used to be home to the Mysore royal family before the construction of the Mysore Palace was completed. This structure has now been turned into an art gallery.
Dinner
If you feel like splurging on yourself, Radisson Blu has the best tikkas in town. It's the best meal you would have had in the past few days, I assure you.
Drive to Hassan
You've been to many touristy places now. In order to really feel like an explorer, you need to go further and deeper. Hassan is the place for that in Karnataka. Merely a 3-hour-drive from Mysuru.
Enroute, visit the Shravanabelagola
This very famous temple falls along the way. The gigantic Gomateshwara statue here was carved out of a single stone in 981 AD and was meant as a tribute to Bhagwan Bahubali, a much revered figure amongst the Jains.
Reach Hassan. Have lunch at Hoysala Village.
If you want to witness the culture of an alien place, you must visit its villages. Hoysala is a beautiful village, where you can eat at a local's place. The village is also a haven for believers, since it has a lot of ancient temples, including the Vasantha Mantapa.
Take Rest. Visit Belur.
If you are in the mood for more (but more amazing) temples, go for a short drive to the nearby Belur to admire the Chennakesava Temple. The temple is proposed to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Have dinner at a local's house. There aren't many commercial eateries in Hassan.
Drive to Chikmagalur
Day 5 is full of pleasant experiences and an hour-and-a-half-long drive to Chikmagalur. This will be your last urban stay while in Karnataka, hence enjoy the fresh air amidst the coffee plantations.
Day attractions
Once in Chikmagalur, visit the unadulterated animal settlement of Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. If you are fortunate enough, you might even spot a majestic tiger here.
Have lunch at one of the eateries inside the sanctuary. Roam around till its time for evening tea.
Trek to Kudremukh
It's time for some backpacking, to experience nature up close and personal. A visit to Kudremukh is only possible via an easy trek. Once up there, you'll thank yourself for going on a tour of places to visit in Karnataka.
Have a lazy dinner at the place you're staying at.
Since the evenings will be chilly here, ask your guesthouse folks to set up a campfire. Sing songs, tell corny stories and have a sumptuous dinner.
Drive to Mangaluru
Last stop of the amazing trip. Mangaluru is a suburban settlement about 150 kms away from Hassan. A very interesting place.
Day attractions
Mangaluru justifies the age old 'unity in diversity' phrase that is often used for India. This small town is replete with temples of local gods, gurdwaras, and gargantuan churches. There is no compromise here in terms of aesthetics in architecture.
The city of Mangalore is named after the deity, Mangaladevi. According to folklore, the temple is believed to have been constructed by Lord Parashurama. With most of its structure made of wood, the Kerala-style architecture is evident everywhere.
This chapel is important in the history of Mangalore, as it was constructed by the Italian Jesuits, who played a vital role in the education and general upliftment of the Mangalorean Catholic community. This is an architectural marvel with paintings all over the wall, akin to the chapels of Rome.
Lunch
Since Mangaluru is a coastal town, it is famous for its seafood. Machali and Grimanja's are two such restaurants that have highly influenced the way the entire town eats its fish. You can visit one of these for a king-sized lunch.
Evening attractions
Time is almost up. But before you go back to your mundane life, reminisce about the crazy week that's just gone past you while witnessing the sunset from the Sunset Battery watchtower.
For the night, you can go to the Tannirbhavi Beach nearby.
Dinner
The Cardamom Restaurant is as much luxury as you can get at this tiny place, but this doesn't mean they don't cook well. Have your dinner in peace by the poolside, while talking about your next trip to Karnataka.
Your Mangalore stay is not complete without indulging your sweet tooth at the ultra-famous Pabbas.
Wake up to the famous sunrise of Mangaluru
Consider the beautiful sunrise at Mangalore as a metaphor for reigniting the traveller in you in Karnataka. Make plans, travel more often.
Catch a flight/train back to your home.
Are you from Karnataka? Have you been to Karnataka? Are you planning to visit Karnataka? Do let me know what you feel about the itinerary in the comments section below.
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