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?
Embark on an exhilarating seven-day odyssey through the heart of Karnataka, immersing yourself in the colours, flavours, and enchantment of Bengaluru, Mysuru, Kodagu, and Shivmogga.
Someone said, “The world is a book. And those who do not travel, read only one page.” Being a firm believer in that philosophy, I have always been an avid traveller. My friends joke that my bags are always packed in anticipation of a travel opportunity to come knocking. And I lack the patience for opportunity to knock twice! So when a colleague proposed to go on a 7 –day tour of Karnataka, I jumped at it. In a few days’ time, the two of us were on board a flight to Bengaluru.
As we landed at the Kempegowda International Airport, we were welcomed by the cool delightful November weather. I was immediately captivated by the energetic vibe and the bustle of the Silicon Valley of India. However, it was a task for our cabbie to negotiate through the daytime traffic and get us to our hotel. We threw our luggage into our pre-booked hotel room and hit the streets without much ado. We hit the colourful markets of Chickpet on the insistence of my foodie co-traveller and savoured the aromatic flavours of the street food there. Once we had our fill, we travelled to Bengaluru's famous garden, Lal Bagh. This oasis of greenery in the middle of a concrete city was a feast for the eyes. I felt compelled to pull out my camera and take some photos to share with my Instagram followers. We visited the iconic Bangalore Palace in the evening, a majestic reminder of the city's regal past. History has it that the palace constructed in 1887 was a summer home for the Maharajas of Mysuru. Made primarily of wood and encircled by manicured grounds, the interiors of this palace were impressive. We ended the day on a 'high' note by exploring the city's lively pub culture and sipping craft beers with excellent live music.
On the next day, we headed south towards the city of Mysuru. Famously known as the cultural capital of Karnataka for its opulent palaces and rich cultural heritage, the city instantly transported us to a bygone era. The Mysuru Palace is the chief attraction here. True to its reputation, it is a majestic masterpiece that took our breath away. Walking through the palace halls, we marvelled at the ornate ceilings, dazzling chandeliers, and magnificent artworks adorned the walls. The Durbar Hall of the palace, with its splendid throne and exquisite craftsmanship, stood as testimony to the city's royal heritage. We delved deeper into the art and history of Mysuru on our visit to the Jaganmohan Palace and Art Gallery. This resplendent palace-turned-museum houses an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and artefacts that showcase the cultural heritage of the region. The masterpieces of the celebrated Indian painter Raja Ravi Varma adorned the gallery walls. Each painting tells captivating stories of its own. We also explored the bustling Devaraja Market, which was a sensory delight filled with the aroma of spices, vibrant flowers and colourful handicrafts. The market offered a glimpse into the daily lives of the locals. We interacted with friendly vendors and sampled local delicacies like Mysuru Pak, a sweet treat famous in the region.
The misty hills of Kodagu, nestled in the verdant Western Ghats, are also referred to as the 'Scotland of India' and with good reason. The rich green landscapes here are a sight to behold, and the weather suitably complements it. Our journey through Kodagu began with a visit to a coffee estate, where we witnessed the intricate coffee cultivation and production process. The friendly plantation owners shared their knowledge and passion for coffee as we savoured a cup of the finest. We followed it up with a trek to Abbey Falls, where the gushing cascade of water amidst dense foliage was a sight. The refreshing spray from the falls revitalized our senses and filled us with jubilant spirits. We also visited the Namdroling Monastery in Bylakuppe, one of the largest Tibetan settlements in India. The quiet ambience, the sounds of prayer wheels, and the sight of monks engrossed in meditation created an atmosphere of peace and spirituality. Another highlight of our visit was Raja's Seat, a mesmerizing viewpoint providing a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and valleys. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the sky transformed into a canvas of vibrant hues, casting a magical spell on the landscape. Throughout our visit, the warm hospitality of the locals who shared stories of their customs and traditions and the delectable Kodava cuisine, with its unique flavours and generous use of spices, won us over.
The quaint town of Shivmogga welcomed us with open arms, offering a serene escape amidst nature’s splendour. We visited the majestic Jog Falls, about a 100 km from town. It happens to be one of the biggest waterfalls in India where the River Sharavati plunges down in four distinct tiers, creating a breathtaking spectacle of raw power and beauty. Standing at the viewpoint, we were left mesmerized by the thunderous roar of the water as it gracefully merged with the misty surroundings. The sheer force of nature was awe-inspiring, making Jog Falls a must-visit destination for any nature lover. Seeking more tranquil surroundings, we explored the verdant landscapes of Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary. We spotted a variety of avian species, from colourful kingfishers to elegant egrets, gracefully flitting among the trees and along the riverbanks. We couldn’t help but agree that this sanctuary is truly a haven for bird watchers. The town's rich historical heritage also intrigued us, and we visited the Shivappa Nayaka Palace, an architectural marvel that once served as the residence of the local kings. We also went for an enchanting boat ride along the River Tunga.
On the last day of our sojourn, we returned to Bengaluru. We lunched at the iconic MTR near Lalbagh, with south Indian thalis and went for a long leisurely walk in Lalbagh. Later, we strolled through M G Road, shopped for unique souvenirs at the Cauvery Emporium and indulged in ice creams and sundaes at the Lakeview Milk Bar. This seven-day whirlwind adventure through the hubs of Karnataka left us with memories that will last a lifetime. From the bustling cityscape to the tranquil hills and natural sanctuaries, Karnataka offers a kaleidoscope of experiences for every traveller.
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.
