TOURS IN KARNATAKA

Located about 03 hours drive away from Bengaluru, the “City of Royalty” is famed for its royal palaces and regal architecture which draws millions of visitors and art lovers.

The jewel in its crown is the grand Indo-Saracenic-styled MYSORE PALACE (also known as Amba Vilas), an enchanting fusion of Mughal, Rajput, Hindu and Gothic styles. It is the venue for the famous Dussehra Festival when the palace is lit up with glorious lights and lamps.

Other attractions include CHAMUNDESHARI MANDIR, ST. PHILOMENA’S CATHEDRAL, KARANJI LAKE, and the famous Silk weaving factories.

The capital Bengaluru is not just the hub of Indian software and tech industries, it is also famous for its greenery, splendid weather, dance performance arts, cuisine, and architectural splendor.

When you are in tow, do not forget to take time out to visit TIPU SULTAN’S SUMMER PALACE, THE BANGALORE FORT, AND OTHER COLONIAL GRAND BUILDINGS LIKE THE BANGALORE PALACE, THE HIGH COURT, THE CARLTON HOUSE, AND BALABROOIE GUEST HOUSE.

A hill station nestled in the Kodagu mountains, COORG “THE SCOTLAND OF INDIA” is famous for its lush green forest, misty mountains, blue skies, breath-taking waterfalls, coffee & spice plantations, the Nisargadhama Forest Park, Dubare Elephant Camp and the famous Raja Seat—the vantage point from where the Maharaja enjoyed the views of the valley.

The best way to enjoy Coorg is to unwind at an eco-conscious resort in the middle of a coffee plantation.

Famed for its crystal clear beaches, the quaint little temple town of Gokarna is ideal for an off-beat relaxing beach holiday.

A staycation at a spa beach resort specializing in traditional Ayurvedic therapies on the Gokarna, Om, or Kudle beach is one splendid way to have a wholesome relaxing time

Hampi is home not just to the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Vijayanagara Empire but also to the Tungabhadra River famous for its coracle rides. When you are done with a visit to the temple ruins, enjoy a luxurious river cruise in the calm water of the Tungabhadra.

The Kodagu region which houses the Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for its Black Panthers, the mysterious animal of lore and myth. One of India’s most exciting Forest Reserves, it is also ideal for a jungle adventure with elephant-spotting, biking and boating in the Kabini River.

The Bandipur National Park, a part of the famous Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, used to be the private game reserve of the Maharajas of Mysore. Now a protected zone, it is home to some 70 tigers, over 3000 Asian Elephants and other exotic animals like sloth bears, Gaurs, leopards and hundreds of bird species.

A luxurious camp in the middle of Bandipur, equipped with all the amenities you can wish for, is one splendid way of enjoying a wildlife adventure.

Being a coastal region with centuries-old trade and cultural ties with other civilizations located in the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean regions, Karnatakan cuisine is a richly diverse gastronomical affair. Mysore Pak, Mangalore fish curry, Udupi masala dosa, and Dharwad Pedas have very few parallels in India. Take a special culinary lesson and discover the marvels of Karnataka food.

Some 2000 awe-inspiring historical remnants of the Vijayanagar empire in the ancient Vijayanagara city have stood the test of time. Visit Hampi in style with a helicopter ride and explore not just the ancient town, but also the stunning landscape of the region with the Tungabhadra River snaking through it.

Mist-covered Himalayas-like COORG, famous for its coffee plantations, is giving Munnar in Kerala a run for its money as the most popular hill station in the Indian South.

Coffee plantation tour has emerged as a popular sub-genre of tourism in the region in recent times. Unwind in an eco-friendly resort in the middle of a coffee plantation and learn about the art of growing coffee.

The “City of Palaces” Mysore is famous not just for its ornate architectural tradition that fuses Mughal, Hindu, Indo-Saracen, and Gothic traditions, but also for its mulberry silk. Almost half of silk produced in India comes from Karnataka and most of it comes from Mysore. Take a private silk weaving class and learn about this ancient art.

Kerala is not just about beaches, resorts and backwaters, it offers ample opportunities for wildlife lovers as well.

The Kabini River which breathes life into the region is what makes Kabini, the home of the black panther, such a wondrous home of exotic wildlife. The best way to explore the wildlife park and sanctuary is aboard a cozy boat that takes you into the “heart of the matter” deep inside the jungle.