One of India’s top tourist destinations, the Karnataka state presents a sublime mix of idyllic beaches, forested hill ranges dotted with waterfalls, and spectacular landscapes encompassing more than 25 000 monuments. If you’re a fan of ‘bright lights, big city’, you’ll enjoy the state’s capital, Bangalore, one of India’s most attractive and progressive cities, while respite from the urban bustle can be found along the 320-kilometre coast, which takes in some of India’s most beautiful and secluded beaches. Adventure seekers can look forward to white water rafting in the northern town of Dandeli, while culture aficionados should head to Shravanabelagola, where they can up the 600 steps to the top of Vindhyagiri Hill to see Asia’s tallest monolithic statue – standing at 52 feet and dating to 983 AD – as well as a host of ancient temples ruins containing tens of thousands of exquisitely detailed carvings.