Ravishing Karnataka: Unveiling its Charm
Elephant Heard at Nagarhole National Park
Karnataka is a state of picturesque landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. A state nestled in the heart of Southern India, Karnataka is home to several ancient temples, lush forests, serene beaches, royal palaces, and bustling markets.
Explore every bit of Karnataka with meticulously curated tour program prepared by travel professionals of Excursion2India.
Here is one sample tour Program with a detailed Itinerary. Please keep in mind all tour programs of Excursion2India can be customized as per the requirements of our guests.
Some Useful Information About Karnataka:
Capital of Karnataka: Bangalore
Population of Karnataka: 6.78 crore (67.8 million)
Best Time to Visit Karnataka: Karnataka is truly a year-round destination. It has diverse landscape, terrain and topographical features. This is why there is no season where tourism gets stalled in Karnataka. The best time to visit Karnataka, therefore, depends on what you intend to see. For instance, if you are looking to escape the scorching summer heat of India, head to Chikmagalur or Coorg. If you want to enjoy sea and sand, the best is to head towards the beaches of Gokarna, Karwar, Mangalore or Udupi. If history is something you like, head to Hampi, Bijapur, or the Aihole and Pattadakal.
Karnataka is home to some of the best waterfalls as well. Jog Falls in Shivamogga district is one of the highest waterfalls in India. You can also enjoy monsoon in Karnataka.
Best Places to visit in Karnataka:
Karnataka is one of the most diverse places in India. There are numerous places tourists to Karnataka should consider visiting. Some of the prominent ones are:
- Bangalore
Cauvery River, Coorg
- Coorg
- Hampi
- Mysore
- Coorg
- Gokarna
- Mangalore
- Belur
- Chikmagalur
- Udupi
- Shimoga
- Agumbe
- Bijapur
- Badami
- Kabini
- Nagarhole National Park
- St. Mary’s Island
Karnataka Tour Detailed Itinerary:
Duration: 15nights/16days
Tipu Sultan Summer Palace, Bangalore
Day 1: Bangalore Arrival
Arrive in Bangalore, the Garden City of India. Check into your hotel and relax after your journey. Explore the vibrant MG Road for shopping and local cuisine.
Enjoy your dinner at one of the several restaurants in Bangalore. Overnight in Bangalore.
Day 2: Bangalore Sightseeing
Visit Lalbagh Botanical Garden, home to a stunning array of plants and rare species. Explore Bangalore Palace, a marvel of architecture and history. Discover the iconic Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace.
Illuminated Mysore Palace, Mysore
Day 3: Bangalore to Mysore
Depart for Mysore, a 3-hour drive. Reach Mysore and check into your hotel. Visit the grand Mysore Palace, illuminated in the evening on public holidays.
Day 4: Mysore Exploration
Drive to Chamundi Hill and visit Chamundeshwari Temple. Later, explore St. Philomena’s Church and the Regional Museum of Natural History.
Towards evening, stroll through Devaraja Market, one of the oldest markets from the days of Mysore rulers. This is one of the best places for local shopping.
Abbey Falls, Coorg
Day 5: Mysore to Coorg
Drive to Coorg, approximately four hours away. Arrive in Coorg and check into your nature-inspired accommodation. Enjoy a relaxing evening by the campfire.
Day 6: Coorg Nature Experience
Visit the Dubare Elephant Camp for an up-close encounter with elephants. Explore the coffee plantations and learn about coffee production. Enjoy a visit to Abbey Falls and witness its breathtaking beauty.
Enjoy a lovely dinner. Overnight in Coorg.
Day 7: Coorg to Shimoga:
Check out from the hotel after a nice breakfast at your hotel. This is a drive of a little more than 6 hours. Once you arrive in Shimoga, check into your hotel. Keep the rest of the day at leisure.
Enjoy a lovely dinner. Overnight in Shimoga.
Jog Falls, Shimoga
Day 8: Shimoga
Start your day with a hearty breakfast. Proceed to explore the Jog Falls, one of India’s highest waterfalls.
The drive to Jog Falls is of around 2.5 hours. So, it is better to start relatively early in the morning.
Spend quality time at Jog Falls. Enjoy its mesmerizing views, and, if interested, take a refreshing dip in the natural pools.
Afterwards, enjoy lunch at a nearby local restaurant.
Head back to Shimoga. Go on to explore Kote Seetharamanjaneya Temple, a beautiful temple known for its intricate architecture and serene ambiance. Try some local cuisine in dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Shimoga.
Gajnaur Dam, Shimoga
Day 9: Shimoga
Start the day again in the morning with a hearty breakfast. Drive for around 2.5 hours to reach Kunchikal Falls, another impressive waterfall in the region.
This is less known and less crowded compared to Jog Falls. Kunchikal Falls is formed by River Varahi. The water falls from a height of 455 meters in a cascading form on these rocky boulders, giving such an impressive sight.
Afterwards, head to Gajanur Dam, a drive of around 2 hours from Kunchikal Falls. Enjoy the scenic view of the dam and its surroundings. You can choose to enjoy a peaceful boat ride in the reservoir.
Towards evening, proceed to Shimoga. You can choose to explore the local markets and shop for souvenirs or traditional items.
Enjoy a nice dinner at one of the local restaurants. Overnight in Shimoga.
Virupaksha Temple, Hampi
Day 10: Shimoga to Hampi
Depart for Hampi, a scenic drive of around 5 hours. Arrive in Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Check into a hotel. Relax and soak in the unique landscape of massive boulders and ruins.
Enjoy a nice dinner. Overnight in Hampi.
Day 11: Hampi
Begin your day with a guided heritage walk through the Virupaksha Temple complex. Marvel at the intricate carvings and stunning architecture. Learn about the history and significance of the temple.
Enjoy a traditional South Indian lunch at a local eatery. Explore the Hemakuta Hill and catch the sunset from Matanga Hill for breathtaking panoramic views of the Hampi landscape. Savor local cuisine at a riverside restaurant.
Relax and unwind at your accommodation. Overnight in Hampi
Stone Chariot, Vitthala Temple, Hampi
Day 12: Hampi:
After a hearty breakfast, go on to visit the Vittala Temple Complex, renowned for its famous stone chariot and musical pillars.
Later, move on explore the Royal Enclosure, including the Lotus Mahal, Elephant Stables, and Queen’s Bath, which showcase the grandeur of the Vijayanagara Empire.
After enjoying a nice lunch, leave for the awe-inspiring Virupaksha Bazaar, where you can shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs.
As the evening approaches, head to the Tungabhadra River for a coracle ride during sunset.
Relish a dinner at a rooftop restaurant with views of the illuminated monuments. Overnight in Hampi.
Cave 2, Badami Caves, Badami
Day 13: Hampi to Badami
Drive to Badami, a journey of approximately 3.5 hours. Check into a hotel on arrival in Badami.
Immediately afterwards, set out to explore the ancient Badami Cave Temples, a complex of four rock-cut cave temples. Explore the intricate carvings, sculptures, and stunning architecture of these ancient caves.
Situated at the foot of these caves is Agastya Lake. Take a leisurely stroll along the lake’s banks and enjoy the serene surroundings.
Later, drive to Aihole, a drive of around half an hour. Explore Durga Temple there. This is an impressive temple structure with a unique apsidal shape and intricate carvings.
If time permits, drive to Pattadakal, home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site has a group of 8th-century temples. This showcases a blend of various architectural styles. Virupaksha Temple is the the largest and the most prominent temple in this complex.
Other notable temples at the site in Pattadakal are Mallikarjuna Temple, Papanatha Temple, and Galaganatha Temple, with each of these displaying distinct architectural features.
Return to Badami. Enjoy a traditional dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight in Badami.
Day 14: Badami to Karwar:
Start the day after a hearty breakfast. This is a drive of nearly 6.5 hours. Check into a hotel on arrival in Karwar, a coastal town which offers a blend of natural beauty, historic sites, and serene beaches.
Take a stroll on the nearest beach before heading back to the hotel for a nice relaxing stay. Enjoy your dinner.
Overnight in Karwar.
Rabindranath Tagore Beach, Karwar
Day 15: Karwar:
Head to Karwar Beach early in the morning. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the beach enjoying refreshing morning sea breeze. Listen to the waves, and watch local fishermen at work.
Return for a hearty Karnataka breakfast consisting of idlis, dosas, vada and filter coffee.
Later in the day, head to Warship Museum. This is located near Karwar Beach. Explore the decommissioned INS Chapal warship, which has been converted into museum.
After this, proceed to Sadashivgad Hill Fort. The fort is located at a short drive from the town center. Enjoy a guided tour of the fort and learn about its historical significance. The panoramic view of the Arabian Sea and Kali River from the fort is breathtaking.
After enjoying some delicious seafood in lunch, go on to explore Rabindranath Tagore Beach. This is a great place to relax and soak up in the sun. Indulge in beach activities like sunbathing, or beach volleyball. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the beach and surroundings.
Towards sunset, head to Kali River Bridge, an iconic bridge that connects Karwar to Goa. The view of Kali River meeting the Arabian Sea is mesmerizing from here, especially during the sunset.
Return to the hotel. Relax and enjoy your dinner.
Overnight in Karwar.
Day 16: Karwar to Goa to Onward Destination
After breakfast, proceed to Goa to catch your flight for your onward destination.
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