Offbeat Karnataka: 7 Reasons To Fall In Love With The State

A plunge into India’s ancient history, a walk down the ruins of a once-upon-a-time glorious empire, a coastal village that is off the tourist map, a journey into the wild jungle, a coracle boat ride on a river that’s seen eras change, whiffs of India’s best coffee—offbeat Karnataka is as alluring as the state’s popular and more famous Coorg, Kodaikanal. Experiences in Karnataka that are no less than surreal, these are perfect for this festive season as the weather gets balmy and joyful. Here, offbeat places in Karnataka and unforgettable experiences for a long weekend.

1. Mysteries of Badami Caves

What better than the intriguing Badami Caves for an offbeat trip near Bengaluru for a long weekend! You can take a train or drive to Badami from Bengaluru, and explore a new side of Karnataka. These cave temples are carved out of Badami sandstone and are home to brilliant carvings and inscriptions in Davanagiri  script. The cave temples are all the more notable with the many theories around some of the carvings here; the settings and the humongous scale of the architecture here adds to the lure.

2. Solitude of Maravanthe

Coastal Karnataka is one of the most off-the-radar experiences in the state, and if you are craving a beach break that’s solitary, head to Maravanthe. A village in Udupi, Maravanthe beach looks like a figment of some poet’s imagination. NH 66 slices away River Souparnika from the Arabian Ocean here and a drive across is the stuff good days are made of.

Also read: Offbeat places in Mussoorie

3. Nostalgia of Tenali Raman and Vijayanagara

Head to Hampi to bask in the still glorious history of the Vijayanagara Empire and the many tales of Tenaliraman and Raja Krishnadevaraya. The tales of two has been a constant staple that most of us grew up on, and walking the ruins that are the premise of those witty tales is an experience that cannot be put into words. The golden days of the empire are still evident in the ruins that Hampi is now famous for, also making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The place is a photographer’s dream, so you better kit up.

4. Listen to the wilderness at Bandipur

If ruins and history are not your thing, walk over to the wild side at the Bandipur National Park. It’s a part of the verdant and rich Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and is loved for ample chances of tiger sightings. But there is more to it than the supple tiger population—golden jackals, dhole, Indian giant squirrel, lion-tailed macaque, black panther and more. 

5. Experience slow living at Hampi

If you are like me and love all things idyllic and slow, evenings at the banks of River Tungabhadra and the nearby ruins are for you. Hop onto a coracle and wade across the river to watch marmalade sunsets. Get a pot of coffee here, heat it up and enjoy the charms of a slow life. There are a lot of camping spots as well if you want to spend a night around the area; safer if you are in a big group or at an organised camping spot.

Also read: Iconic works of Raja Ravi Varma

6. Of Chikmagalur’s coffee & more

Good coffee and hill stations make for one of the world’s most loved union and Chikmagalur promises you both. A not-so-popular destination, Chikmagalur is another great offbeat place in Karnataka. Short treks, waterfall trails, coffee estates, colonial bungalows, a wildlife sanctuary and the world famous Chikmagalur coffee—one cannot ask for more.

7. Shimoga’s majestic falls! 

If you are keen on experiencing the natural haven that Karnataka is, head to Shimoga. This is where you can get close to the splendid Jog Falls, Kunchikal Falls, Mullayyanagiri, Mandagadde bird sanctuary and more. Close to Shimoga is another wonder, Agumbe, a place to experience the surreal experience that rainforests promise.

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