Wild Karnataka – A Glimpse of the Indian State’s Stunning Biodiversity

Wild Karnataka – the new ultra HD nature film gives you a close look at the biodiversity of one of the largest state in India. Narrated by David Attenborough, the film takes you across Karnataka’s wildlife & the natural reserves like you’ve never seen before. Over four years, 400 hours of footage and 20,000 hours in the field is behind this amazing nature HD film.

 

Karnataka – An Introduction

Karnataka, located on the southern part of India has an amazing blend of urban and traditional life, ancient ruins, beaches, mountains, natural reserves, and famous yoga retreats.

Top Places to Visit in Karnataka

Bengaluru (Bangalore)

The Silicon Valley of India. Experience urban cool at the big city that is hub for IT & start-ups in India. The skyscrapers that define the big city are surrounded by the lovely parks and striking Victorian-era architecture everywhere.

Top Sites in Bengaluru

• Cubbon Park
• Opera House
• National Gallery of Modern Art
• HAL Aerospace Museum & Heritage Centre
• Krishnarajendra Market
• Lalbagh Botanical Gardens

Don’t miss the food at

• Food Street
• Karavalli
• Sly Granny
• Mavalli Tiffin Rooms

 

Mysuru (Mysore)

The Maharaja’s (King’s) abode. The Mysuru Palace is a World Heritage site. A day or two in your Karnataka itinerary is good to explore this quintessential city.

Top sites in Mysuru

• Mysuru Palace
• Devaraja Market
• Jaganmohan Palace
• Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manava Sangrahalaya (library)
• Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion Musuem Complex
• Chamundi Hill

Don’t miss the food at

• Parklane hotel
• Dosa Point
• Old House
• Anu’s Bamboo Hut
• Malgudi Café
• Depth ‘n’ Green

 

Hampi

Enter a fantasy world of rocks & ruins. Plan a day or two at this World Heritage site.

Top sites in Hampi

• Zenana Enclosure
• Sule Bazaar
• Queen’s Bath
• Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary

Don’t miss the food at

• Mango Tree,
• Gouthami
• Chill Out
• Ravi’s Rose

 

Gokarna

Beaches or beaches all the way. Gokarna is the beach holiday capital after the famous Goa. Keep 2 days in your Karnataka itinerary for this beach town. Stay in a bamboo hut by the sea to experience the town like a local.

Top sites in Gokarna

• Om Beach
• Kudle Beach
• Gokarna Beach
• Half Moon Bay

Don’t miss the food at:

• Sunset Point
• Chez Christophe
• Shree Shakti

 

Badami

Look at the American Wild West in this amazing Karnataka town which has magnificent rock-cut cave temples and red-sandstone cliffs. It’s a small town and all the sites can be covered in less than a day.

Don’t miss the food at

• Bridge Restaurant
• Golden Caves
• Heritage Restaurant

 

Kodagu (Coorg) Region

Be in the laps of nature at Coorg. The landscapes and the green plantation would bring solace to you. This area is known for its coffee and Indian spices plantation. Pick some fresh spices & coffee when you are there.

Top sites in Coorg Region

• Madikeri Fort
• Raja’s Seat
• Raja’s Tombs
• Abbi Falls
• Nalakunad Palace
• Madikeri Musuem

Don’t miss the food at:

• Coorg Cuisine
• Raintree
• Fort Mercara
• Bigcup Café

 

Nagarhole National Park

Located to the west of the Kabini River is the 643-sq-km wildlife sanctuary of Nagarhole National Park. Home to tigers, leopards, elephants, muntjacs (barking deer), wild dogs, gaurs, bonnet macaques and common langurs, and over 270 species of bird, this National Park is a must visit. The park mostly remains closed for long stretches in rainy season between July and October.

Safari Timings:

Morning 6.00am to 8.00am

Evening 3.00pm to 5.00pm for one hour Ride.

For more information visit: https://www.nagarahole.com/

Must try restaurants near-by

• Food Corner
• Thalassery Restaurant
• Tholpetty Hotel Taj

 

Vijapura (Bijapur)

Take history lessons outside at Vijapura or Bijapur, a historic city epitomizing the Deccan’s Islamic era. Mosques, palaces, mausoleums, and fortifications tell a glorious tale.

Top sites in Vijapura Region

• Golgumbaz
• Citadel
• Archaeological Museum
• Malik-e-Maidan
• Asar Mahal
• Jama Masjid
• Ibrahim Rouza
• Gagan Mahal

Don’t miss the food at:

• Madhuvan International
• Qaswa Hills
• Haritam

 

How to Reach Karnataka?

There are 2 international airports in the state:

• Mangalore International Airport, Mangalore
• Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru

Both the cities of Bengaluru & Mangalore are well connected to all towns in Karnataka. There are government and private buses that ply and these are affordable too.

To check & book Karnataka Government Inter-state buses, visit – https://www.ksrtc.in/oprs-web/guest/home.do?h=1

If you are looking for something comfortable, book a taxi from the airport or you can reserve an Ola Outstation (https://www.olacabs.com/outstation)

You can take self drive cars if you are familiar with direction or know how to use Google GPS 🙂

• Zoom Cars
• carzonrent
• Avis cars, & many more