Tour Activities - Exotic Karnataka
Few places leave a mark on our memories such as this stunning South Indian state of Karnataka. This land of Dravidians is a confluence of art, culture, nature and architecture. Defined by awe inspiring hills, ancient temples, laid back beaches, royal palaces and sprawling coffee plantations Karnataka is a fiesta of sights and experiences and definitely worthy of consideration as part of your time in South India.
While the bustling IT hub of Bangalore keeps up its progressive, modern outlook, the state’s rich past is reflected through its ancient temples and heritage sites which are spread from one end of Karnataka to the other
The Magisterial Mysore - India
“The Kingly city”, the pride of Karnataka
Famed for its pleasant climate, and home to some of the most unique architecture in South India, Mysore is home to the grand Mysore Palace, one of the most opulent royal residences in India. Packed with grand interiors, vibrant paintings, artistically carved wooden doors and an impressive collection of sculptures and royal armoury, the Mysore Palace is a highlight of any visit to the city. The markets and bazaars, most famously Devaraja, are another must-see while you’re in Mysore and, as with so many Indian markets, a great place to experience something of the local way of life; markets are so much more than just commercial hubs, being a community meeting place and a key part of the social fabric. The markets of Mysore are famed for silk, sandalwood and spices. From the top of Chamundi Hill, home to Sri Chamundeswari Temple, you can get a great view of the city and the plains beyond.
Historical Hampi -India
The so called “City of Ruins”, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Hampi is one of the great ‘lost cities’ of recent history. Not quite as remote now as it once was due to slightly easier travel connections, Hampi remains a world apart and, if you have the time to get there and do it justice, truly an essential destination. So vast in size that you could easily spend 3 or 4 days without covering the same ground twice, the core areas close to Hampi Bazaar include the Queen’s Bath, Lotus Mahal, Elephant Stables, Matanga Hill and these can be covered in a day. But if you’re going to make the effort to get all the way out to Hampi, we recommend 2 or 3 days to properly explore this incredible landscape.
Blissful Coorg -India
A truly enchanting hill station hailed as the “Scotland of India”
Coorg is home to lush green mountains, sprawling coffee plantations and a generally cool and pleasant climate. There are wonderful walking and hiking opportunities as well as luxurious resorts (and more simple plantation stays) to just unwind and switch off for a day or two. Or longer!
Gokarna -India
Exotic beaches, rich wildlife and much more to experience in Karnataka
Perhaps the most famous beach area along Karnataka’s 300-plus kilometres of coastline, Gokarna has several renowned beaches (Om Beach, Paradise Beach and Kudle Beach among them) as well as lush forests just inland, Ayurvedic spas and resorts and still a very relaxed atmosphere despite rapidly growing as it becomes better known.
Belur And Halebid - India
Temples possessing rich heritage and culture, an awe inspiring architecture
Two Hoysala-dynasty temples in the twin towns of Belur and Halebid make this a destination in itself, but also a convenient stop en route to or from Hampi and Mysore. Dating from the 12th century CE, these temples are intimate in size and intricate in their decoration.
Nagarhole National Park - India
Enjoy the beauty of Nilgiri Biosphere, the gleaming Kabini river and tigers moving around, a lifetime experience !
The vastness of the Nilgiri Biosphere, which covers a series of National Parks and other protected environments across Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, makes it arguably India’s most diverse single region for wildlife. With grasslands, dry-deciduous to damp-tropical forests, vast lakes and high alpine areas, pretty much all of the most iconic animal species of India find a home here. Across a few days of safaris and other activities you could easily see tigers, elephants, leopards, sloth bears, an array of ungulates, primates galore, crocodiles and much more.
Bangalore - India
Get mesmerised with the beauty of Gardens in the Silicon Valley of South India!
Your gateway to Karnataka, the metro city of Bangalore is often referred as the “Silicon Valley of India” owing the name to its ever-increasing growth in the IT sector.
The Tipu Sultan Palace, the Vidhan Soudha, Lal Bagh and the Bannerghatta National Park are major attractions in its list.
It also boasts of the World’s largest ISKCON temple, the Radhe Krishnachandra Temple.
Badami - India
The 6th century rock cut caves and temples await you with bundles of stories told and retold!
Another ancient capital, once the stronghold of the Chalukya dynasty, Badami has some of the finest architecture of the era, dating back as far as 6th to 8th centuries CE. Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal make a great mini-circuit where an ancient time comes to life by way of magnificent built-temples and rock-cut cave temples as well.
