One of the most under-rated tourist destinations of India, Karnataka boasts of long, pristine beaches, cloud-enveloped hills, dense and deep forests, breathtaking palaces, history-steeped heritage sites, sacred temples and churches, as well as urban metropolitan humdrum. It is indeed a difficult, almost impossible task, to come up with a Karnataka itinerary to tour the myriad sites of the state in seven days and not go away feeling like you still have so much left to explore.
Each site is remarkably different from the other and at the end of it all, you are left wondering if it was seriously just one single state that you had covered. Such, of course, is the charm and allure of a Karnataka trip!
Keeping in mind the hustle-bustle of our regular routines, we have curated just for you an ideal 7-Day Karnataka tour that will take you to the key sites of the state.
Karnataka Itinerary Snapshot:
Day 0 – Arrival in Bengaluru
Day 1 – Local Sightseeing in Bengaluru
Day 2 – Drive to Coorg via Mysore & Kushalnagar
Day 3 – Relax in Coorg + Local Sightseeing
Day 4 – Local Sightseeing in Coorg
Day 5 – Drive to Udupi via Mangalore
Day 6 – Relax in Udupi + Local Sightseeing
Day 7 – Drive to Gokarna
Day 8 – Relax in Gokarna + Local Sightseeing
Day 9 – Drive back to Bangalore, break journey at Shivamogga
Day 10 – Visit Jog Falls + Reach Bangalore
Planning your Karnataka tour
How to reach Bangalore?
Kempegowda International Airport or the city railway station would be your arrival points in the city depending on your mode of travel. If you are travelling from any of the surrounding states, ample number of daily buses are available to reach Bangalore.
What are the most popular tourist destinations in Karnataka?
The geographical diversity of Karnataka is perhaps unparalleled. Some most-visited places are:
Bangalore- Not just the silicon valley of India, it has a rich history to boast of.
Mysuru- One of the cleanest cities in India, Mysore has much more than its famous Palace.
Hampi- The history buff’s paradise, the ruins of Hampi are a marvel to behold. Here, my post on 5-day Hampi itinerary might help you if you can spend 5 days here.
Gokarna- Swimming in the sea, seafood in the shack, strolling on the shores. Need we say more?
Coorg- Kushalnagar- Drench yourself in the heady aroma of the coffee plantations and cascading waterfalls of the Western Ghats.
Chikmagalur- Another hill station to soothe your tired soul.
Mangalore- For pristine beaches and mouth-watering cuisine.
Udupi- Vasco da Gama set his foot here to enter India.
Bandipur and Nagarhole National Park- For the thrill of a jungle safari.
Badami Caves– Fascinating rock-cut cave temples
Hassan and Shravanabelagola– Temples, ruins and a massive monolithic statue of Baahubali.
Also Read: 7-Day Meghalaya Itinerary
Is Karnataka safe for solo travelling?
Karnataka is undoubtedly safe for solo travel with all tourist destinations being well-connected by roads and having multiple options of public transport.
What is the best season to go on a Karnataka trip?
Bangalore is blessed with moderate climate throughout the year and the hill stations are definitely a joy in the summer months. The other towns, beaches and forests, however, can get rather hot and humid in summer and hence, October- March would be the ideal time to travel across the state. There are plenty of hotels and homestays available in all the tourist spots and cater to travellers of all budgets.
Is the trip to Karnataka affordable for budget and backpacking travels?
Karnataka offers a wide range of facilities to suit every pocket. From luxury suites to humble homestays, you can opt for what fits your need.
Is Karnataka a suitable choice for young travellers and senior citizens?
Absolutely! You will be travelling to and from sites in cars or buses and you can skip the treks. Carrying enough water on your visits to heritage sites should be enough to comfort your family.
Details of your 10-day Karnataka Itinerary
Day 1 & 2 – Arrival and Sightseeing in Bangalore
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Bangalore is the largest and capital city of Karnataka. Well-connected by flights and trains from most cities of India, Bangalore boasts of an amalgamation of palaces, national parks, museums and pubs to kick start your Karnataka Vacation.
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Try reaching Bangalore the night before or early in the morning so that you can make the most of your day. Head straight to the Bangalore Palace and let your eyes soak in the multiple hues of this European-style architecture. With intricate carvings and splendid decor, the palace will give you a glimpse into the past of this busy, urban technological hub.
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Visit the Iskcon temple in Rajajinagar next and the Tipu Sultan Summer Palace thereafter. Both of these architectural marvels adorn the skyline of the city and draw many tourists to their doorsteps.
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Your next stop should be Lalbagh Botanical Garden to see its lush and luxurious gardens.
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The highlight of your day will be the Banerghatta National Park, but don’t forget to take a small detour to the Bull Temple on your way. The animal safari at Banerghatta will be a memorable experience as you wander in a caged vehicle through the carefully constructed sanctuary and see tiger, lions, elephants, bears and other species in their almost-natural habitat. Take some time to go to the butterfly museum next door.
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Drive down from Banerghatta to the Pyramid Valley in Kanakapura on the outskirts of the city. Catch the sunset here- the view is breathtaking! It is a meditation centre built amidst a sprawling landscape and will end your trip to Bangalore on a calming note. The centre closes at 6 p.m., so check if you have enough time on your hand.
Spend the last part of your evening shopping in the M.G. Road- Commercial Street area or chilling in one of the pubs in Koramangala or Indiranagar before resting for the night. Also, try to visit the Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath and the Big Banyan Tree in Uttarahalli, Hobli.
In case you miss out on any of these on Day 1, you could always visit them on the day you depart from Bangalore.
Day 3,4 & 5 – Mysore, Kushalnagar, Coorg
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Mysuru is a 3-hour drive away from Bangalore. Outstation cabs, buses as well as trains are available. It’s advised to leave early to make the most of your second day of Karnataka tour. Your first stop must be the Mysore Palace, which is the former abode of the Royal family of the Wadiyars and is an exquisite blend of Indian, Islamic and European architectural traditions. The beauty of the palace gardens and the elegance and splendour of the palace itself will leave you quite dumbfounded.
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The Tipu Sultan fort and Ranganathaswamy Temple in the town of Srirangapatna are outside the city borders but the drive is worth it. The Somanathapura Temple, St. Philomena’s Church, Lalitha Mahal Palace, and Karanji Lake are a few of the suggested spots to visit.
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Also, the Folklore Museum, Railway Museum, Bonsai Garden, and Balmuri Falls are some of the most-visited places in the city of Mysore.
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You can also visit the Chamundi Hills for an elevated view of the surroundings. Enter the Vrindavan gardens in the evening and see the light and sound show which happens around 7 p.m. It will be a relaxing end to an otherwise fulfilling day in the marvelous city of Mysore.
My post on 5-day Mysore itinerary might help you.
Also Read: 4-Day Goa Itinerary
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A 3-hour ride from Hassan will transport you from the magical ruins of history to the majestic hills of the Kodagu district, also known as Coorg.
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The must-visit places list is quite dense here: the coffee estates, the Abbey Falls, Talacauvery (a sacred site believed to be the source of river Cauvery), Nagarhole National Park (chances of actual animal sightings are rare though), Honnamana Kere Lake and the Raja’s seat (a garden with splendid sunset views).
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The adventurous can get into White River Rafting in Barapole River. Give yourself a mesmerising treat by visiting the Buddhist Namdroling Monastery in the nearby town of Kushalnagar. Since it’s a Tibetan settlement, missing out on the momos would surely be a mistake!
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Visit the Dubare Elephant Camp here for an offbeat experience of bathing the gentle tuskers.
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If you seek some outdoors activity, trek to Tadiandamol Peak, the third highest mountain in Karnataka and be enamoured by the stupendous views around; but you will need at least 5 hours to complete this journey.
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Coorg is sprinkled with many quaint homestays and you should try one of them instead of the regular hotels. Don’t forget to sip into the various flavoured teas outside the plantations. Carry home the freshly plucked spices. The homemade wines and chocolates available at the many shops are a must-have too!
Day 6,7 – Mangalore – Udupi
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From the soaring hills of the Western Ghats, plummet straight down to the Arabian Sea to the port town of Mangalore. The Panambur, Someshwara and Tannirbhavi beaches are the most popular.
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Temples to see: Kudroli Gokarnath temple, Kadri Manjunatha Temple, Kateel Durgaparameshwari Temple, Shri Sharavu Mahaganapathi Temple, Polali Rajarajeshwari Temple, Saavira Kambada Basadi (a Jain Temple). Of course, you can plan to visit as many of them based on your convenience.
Churches to see: St. Aloysius, Rosario Cathedral, Milagres Church.
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Udupi is about 1 hour 30 minutes drive away from Mangalore and is the origin of the famed Udupi cuisine. Visit the St. Mary’s island where Vasco Da Gama is believed to have entered India.
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Also on your list should be the Kaup Beach, Malpe Beach, Kudlu falls, the Anejhari Butterfly camp and Pajaka Kshetra, the birthplace of Sri Madhavacharya. There are several temples to see in this town as well, specially the Sri Krishna Matha.
While in Mangalore, try the special dishes of Mangalorean cuisine- Neer dosa and ghee roast mutton (or chicken).
Day 8,9 – Gokarna
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Continuing on the trail of the Arabian Sea, reach the calm and tranquil waters of Gokarna.
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The beaches are clean, mostly populated by foreigners and the beachside shacks have some to-die-for seafood. Pomfret Prawn Masala, Kingfish along with some other delicacies are a must-try. Also, read my post on 25 things to do in Gokarna.
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Namaste Cafe on Om beach is the most famous one. Trek to Kudle beach from Om beach and enjoy some water sports as well. You could also trek to Yaana, known for its unique rock formations.
Day 10 – Drive to Bangalore, break journey at Shivmogga
If you are driving, you need to head back to Bangalore for sure. But, if you are open to flying back after the trip concludes, you can consider exiting from Dabolim Airport, Goa after Gokarna. It’s just 140 KMs away from Gokarna.
If you are driving, consider taking a break at Shivmogga for night halt. It is exactly in between. You can visit the Jog falls while you are at it.
Now, you know how to spend 10 days in Karnataka. But, for some people 10 days are long. They cannot get off from their work for 10 days. Rather, they can spend 3 days. Are you one such person wondering how to spend 3 days in Karnataka? If so, you should know about tourist places in Karnataka for 3 days.
Tourist Places in Karnataka for 3 days
Day 1: Mysore’s Regal Embrace
Start your journey in Mysore, the “City of Palaces.” Step into the opulent Amba Vilas Palace, a dazzling blend of Indo-Saracenic architecture, where sunlight dances on stained glass and gold leaf whispers the tales of maharajas. Next, stroll through the fragrant Lalbagh Botanical Garden, a paradise of flowering trees and cascading fountains. As dusk paints the sky, witness the mesmerizing illumination of Mysore Palace, a fairytale come alive in a million twinkling lights.
Not only for spending three days in Karnataka but also if you are looking for one day tourist places in Karnataka, you can choose Mysore. The traditional city has a lot of things to explore. As discussed in this post above, you can explore places like:
- Chamundi Hills
- Mysore Palace
- Balmuri Falls
- Mysore Zoo
- Railway Museum
- Folklore Museum
- Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
You can explore whatever possible during your one-day Karnataka trip. Coming back to your interest for tourist places in Karnataka for 3 days, you can head to Coorg. You can reach Coorg from Mysuru within around three hours drive. The distance between Mysuru and Coorg is around 118 km.
Day 2: The Enchanting Western Ghats
Rise to the misty embrace of Coorg, the “Scotland of India.” Breathe in the crisp mountain air as you drive through rolling hills draped in coffee plantations. Hike to Abbey Falls, where cascading water whispers secrets to the ancient ruins, or visit Talakaveri, the birthplace of the mighty Cauvery River. In Madikeri, explore the Raja’s Seat, a scenic viewpoint offering breathtaking panoramas, before savoring Coorgi cuisine, a burst of flavors with a hint of coffee.
After completing your exploration in Coorg on day 2, you can continue your Karnataka tour by driving towards Mangalore. You can reach Mangalore from Coorg within around three-and-half hours:
Day 3: Coastal Karnataka’s Allure
Head to Mangalore, where the Arabian Sea washes away all your worries. Stroll along the golden sands of Panambur Beach, feel the rhythmic thrum of the waves under your feet. Immerse yourself in the rich history of Kadri Mandir, a Hindu temple adorned with intricate carvings. At Kudroli Temple, marvel at the “Jain Disneyland,” a vibrant complex of temples and gardens showcasing architectural finesse. End your trip with a sunset cruise on the Netravathi River, watching the sky dance in hues of orange and gold as you bid farewell to the magic of Karnataka.
Karnataka’s treasures are endless, and even 3 days offer a glimpse of its captivating spirit. So, pack your bags, open your heart, and let Karnataka unfold its magic as you embark on an unforgettable adventure!
When talking about Karnataka Trip, many people wish to explore the capital city of Bangalore. If you can spend a day or two in Bangalore during your Karnataka Trip, you should visit Bangalore. Indeed, Bangalore is part of our 10-day Karnataka itinerary. However, if you would love to learn about one day tourist places in Karnataka, Bangalore is the best city to choose.
Places to Explore in Bangalore in One Day
As you are looking for Bangalore tour itinerary in one day, you can plan your visits to the following places:
Morning
Start early in the morning in this Karnataka itinerary and start your exploration at Cubbon Park. After visiting this park, finish your breakfast in one of the nearby restaurants. Thereafter, you can head to Vidhana Soudha. You can complete your morning breakfast at Mavalli Tiffin Room. Here, you can enjoy traditional south Indian breakfast. The idlis, dosas and filter coffee will help you get the best start.
Midday
After breakfast, you can head to Lalbagh Botanical Garden. If time permits, you can climb the Lalbagh Rock. Thereafter, you can head to Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace. After exploring these places, you can indulge in local cuisine. You can taste the local flavors at Karavalli or Vidyarthi Bhavan.
Afternoon
After your lunch, you can head to Commercial Street to finish your shopping. You will find a wide range of items to explore in the Commercial Street. Then, with your shopping bags full, head to Bangalore Palace.
Evening
In the evening, you can head to MG Road for an exciting stroll. You can find a wide range of entertainment options, cafes and vibrant shops in the popular MG Road.
You can end your day by visiting the UB City Mall. It is an upscale shopping and dining destination. Enjoy a relaxed evening with dinner at one of the many restaurants.
Concluding your Karnataka Trip
A complete understanding of the culture and heritage of the state is perhaps impossible in a week of Karnataka tour, but you will definitely go back a more enlightened person. We want to reiterate that to enjoy the full splendour that the place has to offer, you may have to stay beyond the prescribed time and stretch it to 10 or even a 12-Day Karnataka itinerary.