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The first step in a backpacking trip to Karnataka is to immerse oneself in the history of a beautiful land
I’ve backpacked across many hill stations in the north, but a backpacking trip across Karnataka had eluded me for the longest time.
No doubt, for a backpacker, Karnataka is a compelling destination. In fact, the Karnataka Tourism Board's tagline - One State, Many Worlds - is a personal invitation. It's amazing how it encompasses so many worlds in 191,791 sq km.
Karnataka’s many ecosystems include expansive beaches, small rivulets, royal palaces, ancient ruins, coffee plantations and impenetrable jungles. There is a home-like comfort in Karnataka, and yet a backpacker is filled with a sense of exploration upon entering its diverse territories.
If you, like me, are still chewing over backpacking across Karnataka, trust me when I say now is a good time as any. Starting is never easy, especially if you are new to the art of backpacking. Or if the joys of venturing into new lands are jarred by thoughts of getting off on the wrong foot. So here I am, taking yet another page out of my backpacking playbook to put your mind at ease and the body in the right seat.
Together, let’s dive deep into what backpacking in Karnataka looks like.
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It may have taken a sweet while to get there, but the backpacking culture in Karnataka has caught on. Today, the state is replete with cosy homestays and bustling hostels, within a starter backpacker's budget.
Solo travellers have always flocked to Karnataka as the state is safe, and the locals are immensely accommodating. One can travel within the state for a bargain through public transportation. One can also eat at local places to save on food costs.
Trains are your best option for reaching Karnataka. But if you have not booked in advance, opt for a KSRTC bus. It may not be as comfortable as the 3AC train seat, but it will most likely stick to its schedule. If you’re travelling by air, book a flight to Bengaluru Airport. You can also book a flight to Goa International Airport, three hours from Gokarna by road.
Backpacking requires preparation. I made sure I carried the essentials to sustain a safe and exciting journey. My luggage consisted of a waterproof rucksack, a cap, a pair of UV sunglasses, comfortable shoes, and sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 50. A power board or an extension cord are important as many budget lodges and homestays have only one or two switchboards per room. My emergency kit also had general medicines and packets of rehydration salts, and a small first-aid kit with bandaids, bandages, cotton, an antiseptic liquid, and a pain-relieving spray. On top of the essentials were my reusable water bottle, a power bank, and some biodegradable bags to dispose of trash or to keep the dirty laundry sealed and separate from fresh clothes.
The coastal city of Gokarna is a backpackers’ paradise. It was my favourite among all destinations. Although it is slowly catching up with its neighbour, Goa’s, in terms of mad rushes, its laid-back charm is still intact. When here, I head first to the white sandy shores of Om Beach. This beach is popular and budget-friendly and offers spectacular views of the sunset.
I feel Udupi puts an end to the 'beach person or mountain person' dilemma. The city features expansive beaches from the Arabian Sea and majestic mountains from the Western Ghats. It is a great place for river rafting, wildlife exploration, and island hopping. The religious sites, museums, and historical ruins add a special flavour to the city.
If you, like me, are looking for a quiet place to relax and trek, Chikmagalur has us covered. Situated in the lap of the Western Ghats, it is the starting point for many treks across the landscape, including the one to the tallest peak of Karnataka - the Mullayanagiri Peak.
Fun fact: Chikmagalur is known as the birthplace of Indian coffee. So, all the kick you need for your treks is right here.
Backpackers love to settle in Coorg for extended periods. The vast acres of coffee plantations and steep verdant hills make for a great view. But that isn't all. At Coorg, you can take spice tours, hike to waterfalls, trek on unexplored trails, and indulge in long hours of birdwatching. Sounds pretty eventful for a place this quaint, right? With some special Coorg-sourced coffee to start your day, how can it be any less?
Mysuru, the cultural capital of Karnataka, is a city of unparalleled delights. One must come here to explore its heritage, literature, food, arts and crafts, and wildlife. The city is modern and yet retained its old-world charm. It is no surprise that it is one of the most visited cities in South India.
Nostalgia is bound to hit when you are on a casual evening stroll in Agumbe and almost involuntarily start humming the tune from Malgudi Days. It was in Agumbe that the popular TV show was filmed. Often called the Cherrapunji of South India because of the 8,000 mm average annual rainfall, Agumbe is covered in thick forests and dotted with gleaming creeks in every corner. Its strategic location, sandwiched between the coastal plains and the Western Ghats, offered some of the best sunset views you'll ever see in the state.
Hampi, once the capital of the mighty Vijayanagara Empire, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is also considered the world's largest open-air museum. I was particularly intrigued by its boulder-laden landscape that housed some of the most interesting historical remains of the bygone era. It was a sight of sheer magnificence. A day or two will be enough to cover everything Hampi has to offer.
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