Stay logged in to proceed with bookings, orders and offers.
On changing the terminal, you will loose items in your cart. Are you sure you want to change your terminal?
Solo travellers have much to look forward to in Karnataka, with its picture-postcard beaches and islands, gushing waterfalls, colourful festivals, as well as some really delicious food.
The past few years have been a rollercoaster ride, to say the least, and a break is in order! Sometimes, it is therapeutic to get away from the hustle-bustle of the city and have an adventure of your own. If solo travelling has not crossed your mind yet, it's time to change that. Now, visualise the trip that excites you. Are you picturing sunny beaches, azure waters, gurgling waterfalls, rolling hills, and flavoursome food? Enter Karnataka.
Popularly known as the "Land of Gold", Karnataka boasts a stunning green landscape crisscrossed by rivers and streams; some of the most picturesque waterfalls in the country; the second-highest plunge waterfall in India; and several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A solo trip to Karnataka will bring you exciting adventures, quirky stories, and a treasure trove of magical memories to last a lifetime.
Here's a curated list of the best places you can visit in Karnataka on your next solo trip. I have also included a mini-food and festival guide so that you can make the most of your holiday. Now, let's go!
Read More
Read Less
I prefer the beaches in Gokarna to those in Goa. Some of the most magnificent beaches in India are right here. Plan a trip to this beach town at least once a year to unwind and destress away from the chaos and commotion of the city.
Gokarna is home to several famous beaches. These include Gokarna, Full Moon, Half Moon, Om, Nirvana, and Baada beaches. Take in the spectacular sunrise and sunset views while sipping a cool drink and let your worries melt away. Kudle beach is especially secluded if you are looking for some quiet downtime. It is also a superb spot for photographers.
You can go snorkelling or swimming, or sunbathe on the soft sands of the beaches. If you are an adventure enthusiast, you can jet ski, take a bumper boat or banana boat ride, or set off to find dolphins off the coast!
Most beaches offer some form of accommodation, like bamboo huts and shacks, which are a great option for solo travellers. Try any of the beach shacks for the freshest seafood and local dishes. It is a good idea to visit between October and March when the weather is pleasant and there are fewer visitors. Pro tip: Create a routine if you are feeling a little lost with so many options to choose from. I visited the same place every day and befriended some of the locals. They gave me great travel suggestions that ultimately made my trip much more memorable.
This next option comes highly recommended for several reasons. Malpe is a picturesque beach where you are transported back in time and get to see history unlike anywhere else. The beach has a new sea walk that is lovely for a stroll. Spend time taking in the sea, sand, and uninterrupted scenery here. If you fancy, talk to the local fishermen to better understand the area.
Before you leave for the next adventure, catch a traditional Yakshagana dance performance at the beach. The dance-drama is based on stories drawn from the Hindu epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata. There is an amphitheatre on the beach that hosts shows throughout the week.
From Malpe Beach, take a trip to St Mary’s Islands. These are part of four islands which are home to the most unique rock formations in India. These are hexagonal cross-sections of cliffs, similar to the sharp vertical formations found at the Giant Causeway in Northern Ireland and Iceland. Fun fact: the Geological Survey of India declared this area as one of the Geological Monuments of India. The basalt found on these islands is part of the rock formation that came about due to sub-volcanic activity around 88 million years ago when this part of the land was connected to Madagascar. Talk about mind blowing!
This reservoir was formed as a result of damming the Sharavathi river. The lake's calm blue waters are a sight to behold. As a fun activity, you can kayak along the coast. The water is gentle and the sunrise and sunset views are straight out of a storybook!
The surrounding area has several waterfalls that are a must-visit. The Dabbe Falls within the Sharavathi Wildlife Sanctuary is a solo adventure waiting to happen. Legend has it that Lord Rama broke his famous bow right here at Dabbe Falls. The waterfall is reached by a 7- to 9-km-long trekking trail that winds through a forest; so, be sure to wear shoes with a good grip if you decide to hike the trail.
Another gem around these parts is Burude Falls. Surrounded by thick forests, the falls are tucked away in a secluded spot, perfect for a wander and a dip. A trekking trail of moderate to expert difficulty leads to this waterfall.
Pro tip: Be flexible with your schedule when planning this trip. If you feel like staying longer at one of these places, feel free to pause a while to take in fine nature views. Commonly known as "Cherrapunjee of the South", this idyllic village was the inspiration behind Malgudi Days, the famous collection of short stories written by RK Narayan. Come prepared for rain, mist, and all things magical to this charming village. The crisp mountain air will lure you back again – that is a promise!
I won't be surprised if you have not heard of this one. This beach is one of the better-kept secrets of Karnataka. What makes this unlike any other beach you have seen is the fact that there is the sea on one side and a river on the other side. Souparnika river is separated from the beach only by a national highway. Pause a while here to soak in the natural beauty of the place before moving on.
One of the reasons why people visit the South is for its lip-smacking food. While travelling solo, be sure to try some of these popular favourites to savour the best of local fare and gain a deeper understanding of the land and its culture. Use this as a quick guide to exploring local flavours.
Start your meal with this famous South Indian appetizer. It is a tamarind spice drink that is usually served with papadam. It is refreshing and gets the flavour of the upcoming meal going.
This enticing chicken curry is a typical coastal preparation and is usually enjoyed with a neer dosa, which soaks up all the flavours to deliver an experience you definitely need to have in your life.
Seafood is usually the dominating element in Mangalorean cuisine. The one thing you simply cannot miss is the crispy fried fish. Crispy outside and juicy inside, biting into it is nothing short of a sublime experience!
Bisi bele bath is one of the most popular dishes in Karnataka. It is made with dal, rice, and vegetables and is cooked in coconut and tamarind paste. It is a version of the North Indian khichdi.
Do not miss the ever-famous filter coffee here. The strong mix of milk and ground coffee paste is unlike anything you would have tried before. Call it filter kaapi and you are sure to get that extra dose of caffeine and happiness to get you through the day.
This flaky dessert is made with semolina and is sprinkled with flour and cardamom sugar. The dessert is traditionally served at weddings and is a must-try.
If you are a culture vulture, it can pay off to plan your holiday around a local festival. Visiting a place during a major festival is a great way to gain insight into the cultural heritage of the place. No matter what type of holiday you prefer, Karnataka will surprise and delight you in the best ways.
With traditional dance performances and music recitals, Hampi Utsav is celebrated at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi. A tribute to the glory of the erstwhile Vijayanagara Empire, this festival draws visitors with a grand elephant procession, water sports, puppet shows, light and sound shows, various competitions, and food stalls. It is usually held in January.
Among the oldest festivals in Karnataka, this festival is dedicated to Draupadi and Goddess Shakti. During the festival, people (men included) dress in a woman's clothing, wear jewellery and apply vermilion on the forehead and carry the karaga (earthen pot) on their head without touching it. The challenge is that the pot-bearer must not drop it until they reach the temple while walking in a procession with fellow believers.
So, there you have it! Solo travel can be liberating and life-changing. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it is off the beaten path. Take all the necessary precautions and you should have a trip you might never forget.
The Adani One expressly disclaims all liability, direct and indirect, in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all the contents of this Blog. The Blog is an opinion of the contributor based on the collation of data from various sources and is provided only for information purpose. Adani One does not canvass, advertise, solicit, invite or induct for any product, merchandise, information, brand or any other materials mentioned in the Blog, nor does it obtain any monetary benefit from the same. Reader is advised to read and apply his/her intellect and discretion in this regard. Any Intellectual Property mentioned in this blog belongs to the rightful owner. We do not intent to claim any interest over the same.
