Karnataka, located in the southern part of India, is a richly diverse state offering everything from historical monuments and royal palaces to lush forests, coffee plantations, tech cities, and coastal beauty. Here’s a detailed tourist guide to Karnataka:

Overview

Capital: Bengaluru (Bangalore)

Official Language: Kannada

Best Time to Visit: October to March (pleasant weather across the state)

Climate Zones: Coastal (humid), Hill stations (cool), Plains (tropical)

Top Tourist Destinations

Bengaluru (Bangalore) – The Silicon Valley of India

Lalbagh Botanical Garden

Cubbon Park

Bangalore Palace

Vidhana Soudha

Tech Parks, Cafés, Pubs, and Shopping

Mysuru (Mysore) – The City of Palaces

Mysore Palace

Chamundi Hills & Chamundeshwari Temple

St. Philomena’s Church

Mysore Zoo

Brindavan Gardens

Famous for Dasara Festival and sandalwood products

Hampi – UNESCO World Heritage Site

Ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire

Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple (stone chariot)

Bouldered landscape and river-side temples

Backpacker vibe in Hippie Island

Badami, Aihole & Pattadakal

Rock-cut cave temples (Badami)

Cradle of Indian temple architecture

UNESCO World Heritage site (Pattadakal)

Coorg (Kodagu) – The Scotland of India

Coffee plantations, misty hills

Abbey Falls, Raja’s Seat

Dubare Elephant Camp

Talacauvery – origin of river Cauvery

Chikmagalur – Coffee Land

Baba Budangiri hills, Mullayanagiri (highest peak in Karnataka)

Estate stays and trekking trails

Western Ghats & National Parks

Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary – Jungle safaris

Bandipur National Park – Tigers, elephants

Nagarhole National Park

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

Karwar & Gokarna – Coastal Karnataka

Gokarna: Spiritual + beach vibe, popular with backpackers

Om Beach, Kudle Beach, Half Moon Beach

Karwar: Quieter beaches, seafood

Shravanabelagola

Giant statue of Gommateshwara Bahubali

Important Jain pilgrimage site