BANGALORE
Bangalore (or Bengaluru as it is now called) is a cosmopolitan city and Karnataka’s state capital. It is large and sprawling and, with a population of almost 8 million, is one of Asia’s fastest growing cities. | More >>

MYSORE
This city in southern Karnataka has much to attract the visitor. Mysore Palace is fascinating to visit (and every Sunday the whole palace is illuminated by thousands of light bulbs). The climb up Chamundi Hill seeing the huge Nandi half way is something that most people do. Just east of Mysore in the small village of Somnathpur is the exquisitely carved Hoysala Keshava Temple built in 1268. | More >>

NAGARHOLE
The National Park at Nagarhole covers an area of 640 sq km. The dammed Kabini River has created a huge lake which provides a vital water source for the animals during the dry season. The forest is moist deciduous providing thick jungle, excellent habitat for a variety of wildlife. | More >>

BANDIPUR
Bandipur is 80 km south of Mysore and covers 880 sq km. The landscape is dry deciduous forest and sightings of elephant are common. | More >>

COORG
Coorg used to be an independent princely state but it is now just a district of Karnataka called Kodagu. The light skinned people of this area are called Kodavas (or Coorgis) and are thought to have migrated from Kurdistan. | More >>

BELUR, HALEBID & SRAVANABELAGOLA
The Hoysala architecture of the temples at Belur and Halebid dates back to the 12th century. The temples are exquisitely carved with images of dancers and musicians as well as Hindu gods. There is a wonderful atmosphere at both these temples because they are not only historical sites but are still used as places of worship. | More >>

HAMPI
Set in a boulder strewn landscape along the banks of the Tungabhadra River the World Heritage Site of Hampi was once the capital of one of the largest Hindu empires in Indian history. However this amazing city was devastated in 1565 by a Muslim siege. The ruins that remain are spread over a large area and you need a few days to see everything.
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BIJAPUR
This town offers the Deccan’s finest Muslim monuments. For three hundred years it was the capital of a succession of powerful Muslim rulers whose legacy remains in the form of many fine buildings. Gol Gumbaz is the most famous of these and its huge dome complete with a whispering gallery is a popular tourist attraction. | More >>

BADAMI, AIHOLE AND PATTADAKAL
These quiet villages were once capital cities of the Chalukyas who ruled this part of the Deccan. At Badami there are temples cut into caves. Aihole boasts 125 temples and the temples of Pattadakal are so well maintained that | More >>

GOKARNA
The small town of Gokarna is renowned as a pilgrimage centre and for its wide, unspoilt beaches. Gokarna with its temples and traditional houses set in narrow streets is a world away from the more cosmopolitan Goa (just 30 km north) and visitors should be aware of this and dress suitably when visiting the town. | More >>

MANGALORE
On the coast in the far south of Karnataka, Mangalore is a major port for the export of coffee and spices. It is rarely visited by Western tourists but does have some interesting churches. However, most people come to | More >>