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Moments of leisure and amusement can be hard to come by with our hectic schedules, but a whiff of what Karnataka has to offer and you’ll take the time out to unwind.
This exquisite state charms you into its folds with timeless monuments, lush green forests, amazing wildlife, quaint hill stations, serene beaches, diverse architecture styles and a curious blend of local and cosmopolitan culture.
Drive through Karnataka and encounter landscapes that look like dreamscapes, kingdoms of yore, colourful culture, and delicacies that leave your taste buds tingling.
Shared here is a curated list of routes in the state that will surely refuel your love for drivecations.
The drive from Bangalore to Hampi is a perfect long weekend plan. Along the way, take a break to trek to the Chitradurga Fort perched atop towering boulders. If the hike wears you out, stay put at Mayura Durga Chitradurga located on the foothills.
Hampi needs no introduction. The World Heritage Site has allured travelers from all over the globe. The ruins at Hampi reflect the grandiose of the Vijayanagara Empire. The Vittala Temple, Queen’s bath, Virupaksha Temple, Lotus Mahal, Queen’s Bath, Elephant Stables, King’s Palace, Mahanavami Dibba, Pushkarni, Hazara Rama Temple, and Lakshminarasimha Statue are some of the most grand pieces of history and architecture you’ll come across in Hampi.
Karnataka shares its borders with Andhra Pradesh, making drivecations from Hyderabad to Bijapur an ideal option for a short getaway.
Bidar, considered one of India’s best travel secrets, can be your first stop. The red rock ramparts of the Bidar Fort, the gigantic domed structures in Ashtur and remnants of the Mahmud Gawan Madrasa, embellished with Persian tiles are beautiful experiences often unexplored by travelers.
The Sharana Basaveshwara Temple in Gulbarga can be your next stop. The temple that dates back to the 12th century has 36 arches and countless pillars, with intricate carvings of garuda, parrots, flowers, and elephants. The temple’s architecture is a mix of Mughal and Hindu styles.
Bijapur with its old world charm eases you into the final leg of the drive. Check into the Mayura Adil Shahi Viaypura to stay right next to the legendary Gol Gumbaz. Take your time to walk around the monuments and marvel at the magnificent mausoleums in the city that tell volumes about the intricate craftsmanship of the artisans.
Enroute to Coorg, popularly known as the Scotland of India, make a quick stopover at Hassan; a heritage haven with a landscape that is in stark contrast to the one you are heading to. Drop by the Hoysaleswara Temple which is considered the supreme climax of Indian architecture.
Coorg, officially called Kodagu with its aromatic coffee estates, orange groves, lush flora dotting the hillsides, teak forests and brooks that give way to cascades down the misty mountains is one of the top places to visit in Karnataka.
Segue from the plantations to the royal city of Mysore. Mysore is known for its gorgeous palaces and stately structures, spacious gardens and tree-lined boulevards, seething silks and sandalwood, handicrafts, and the spectacular Mysore Dasara festival.
The Mysore Maharaja Palace, the residence of the legendary Wodeyar Maharajas of Mysore, has been transformed into a museum that houses souvenirs, paintings, jewels, royal costumes, and other artefacts originally owned by the Wodeyars. The palace is a veritable treasure trove of magnificent carvings and works of art from throughout the globe.
St. Philomena’s Church in Mysore is one of India’s oldest and most beautiful churches. The church, inspired by Germany’s Cologne Cathedral, was erected in the neo-Gothic style. Visit the church closer to the golden hour in the evening to experience the cathedral in a whole different light.
Mysore Zoo, also known as Shri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, is one of India’s oldest zoos. It is home to a diverse range of wild animals and is credited with attracting a large number of visitors due to its diverse flora and wildlife. The Mysore Zoo is rich in natural vegetation and home to a variety of unusual plants and trees that are difficult to find elsewhere.
It’s a green carpet welcome to Chikmagalur. Flanked on both sides by the ever green coffee plantations, the winding roads transport you to a tranquil state of mind. Chikmagalur, located at a height of 3400 ft is a picturesque hill station in Karnataka’s western region lined by the Bababudan Giri ranges.
On your way to or back from Chikmagalur, make a pitstop at the Hoysaleswara temple at Hassan for your heritage fill.
Dasara is the best time to visit Mysore. During these ten days of the festival, tourists can indulge in the pomp and pageantry that accompanies the celebration of the Goddess Chamundi’s victory over the monster Mahishasura. A colourful procession of ceremonial warriors, cavalry, infantry, caparisoned elephants, and colourful tableaux makes its way from the palace gates to Bani Mantap, where the torchlight parade and an exhilarating exhibition of horsemanship mark the grand finale. The grandeur and beauty of this celebration has made Mysore Dasara famous all over the world. This year, Mysuru Dasara falls on September 26th.
Beautiful beaches are in abundance along Karnataka’s coastline. If you are looking for a drivecation along the bay, the Mangalore- Udupi- Murudeshwar- Gokarna- Karwar- Goa circuit is your jam. See the horizon enveloped in a different aura at different stretches of your drive.
Mangalore and Udupi is known for its pristine long stretches of beach and delicious cuisine. Some of the highlights of the Tuluva-Mangalorean cuisine are the Mangalorean ghee roast, neer dosa, kozhi gussi, puli kodel and semige rasayana. The south Indian spread in Udupi is something every foodie craves for- soft idlis, crispy dosas, delectable coconut chutney, steaming hot sambhar and local thalis. Udupi also known as the Mathura of South is a serene spiritual haven frequented by pilgrims and the town is dotted with temples. If possible while in Udupi catch a performance of Yakshagana, a traditional art form authentic to the town which is a mix of song, dance and theatre.
As you drive through Murudeshwara, you are greeted by the imposing Shiva statue. A visit to the Shiva temple is easily one of the best ways to get the feel of the place.
Thanks to its stretch of lovely, sandy beaches, Gokarna, a small pilgrimage town in Karnataka has attracted travelers over the years. The town has two sides to it, one of a temple town where pilgrims seek Shiva’s blessings, and the other of a laid back beach retreat for the traveler seeking peace and quiet in nature’s lap.
The Gokarna beach treks have set it apart from other seaside destinations in the country. So find time to atleast do one of the beach treks during your sojourn in the town. Some of the popular and scenic beaches that are a must visit are Om beach, Kudle beach, Half-moon beach and Paradise beach.
If your yearning for the sun, sand and surf is still not satiated. Drive on to Goa- the party capital of India. There you are met with the choice of North Goa or South Goa, the former gives you ample opportunity for partying and sight seeing while the latter takes you to offbeat beaches, cozy homestays, mangroves, local shops and restaurants.