Mysuru, previously known as Mysore, is the cultural capital of Southern India and Karnataka's second-largest city. Known for its efficiency, fantastic structure, and cleanliness, it is a pleasure to visit; at the same time, it has retained its historic atmosphere. Filled with enthralling Hindu palaces and hosting vibrant festivals regularly, the city is an excellent place to begin an exploration of Indian heritage. The grand Mysore Palace or Amba Vilas is a must-see, especially during the Dasara Festival when lit up by 100 000 bulbs. A browse of the legendary sandalwood and silk products made locally should also be an activity high on visitors’ itineraries. Animal lovers should make sure to visit the Bandipur Sanctuary, part of the Venugopal Wildlife Park, to see ‘guar’ (Indian bison), and spotted deer.
Also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, Nagarhole National Park forms part of the larger Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, a World Heritage Site stretching over 5000 square kilometres in southern India. The park is a place of unspoilt wilderness, with serene forest, bubbling streams and a tranquil lake. Elephants, tigers, sloth bears and gaurs can be found here as well as an impressive array of birdlife and ancient trees of teak, sandalwood and silver oak. The best time to visit is March through April when the waterholes are dry and the animals visit the lake to drink. However, the weather is more pleasant from November to February.
Resting in the spectacularly scenic Western Ghats of south-western Karnataka, Coorg is a historically significant hill station and a well-loved tourist destination. Coorg is one of mother nature’s darlings with its picturesque landscape, comprised of undulating hills, cascading waterfalls, flourishing valleys, lush forests and endless spice farms. An oasis for both nature lovers and adventure seekers alike, this enchanting natural environment provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Spend the day trekking up Pushpagiri, Tadiandamol and Brahmagiri Peaks, angling in the mighty Kaveri River, and golfing at one of the area's world-class golf courses.
As one of the oldest towns in India’s Karnataka State, Hassan has a long and rich history. The town was founded by Channa Krishnappa Naik in the 11th century and remained under the rule of the Hoysala dynasty until the 13th century. It is the unique Hoysala architecture of this time that has made Hassan a popular tourist attraction as, during this period, numerous architectural marvels including a number of exquisite temples were constructed, many of which remain well-preserved today. However, it is not only the diverse variety of temples and unique architecture that draws visitors to Hassan, but also the town’s lovely markets, delicious local cuisine and remarkable natural beauty of the town itself and its extraordinarily scenic surrounding areas.
An enchanting ancient city and hippy backpacker destination, in the south Indian state of Karnataka, Hampi offers the perfect heady mix of Indian charms that make it hard to leave. History and modernity meet here. Impressive ancient remnants of Vijayanagara, the former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, are dotted around the congested buildings of Hampi town. Cross the river and you’ll find laid-back restaurants and rooms bordered by banana plantations and paddy fields, with a view over the river and ruins. Sightseeing can take up most of your time but don’t neglect to visit the Monkey Temple, a 572-stair climb, to catch an extraordinary sunset view.
Known as the ‘garden city', Bangalore is the attractive capital of the South Indian state of Karnataka, set on the Mysore Plateau. Leafy, cosmopolitan and well structured, it’s easy to see why the city has been named ‘most liveable city in India’. Wide boulevards are lined with a great variety of restaurants and tea stalls, where food lovers can delight in a smorgasbord of south Indian flavours. It is also known for its booming IT industry, and this factor, coupled with an effort to preserve its colonial heritage, has created a modern and sophisticated metropolis.
