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Each day, with around 20 million vehicles hitting the road in Karnataka, commuting in this state is not easy. Here is a comprehensive guide to getting around Karnataka for a hassle-free trip.
The southern state of Karnataka dazzles with a range of attractions – heritage sites, national parks, pristine beaches, and sacred spots. If sandy shores call to you, the 320-km coastline promises exciting beach holidays. For nature enthusiasts, the wildlife sanctuaries of Bandipur and Nagarhole await exploration. Those with an interest in history can immerse themselves in the splendour of the bygone era at historic sites like Hampi and Badami, the forts of Belgaum and Bidar, and the palaces of Mysuru. Irrespective of the holiday you choose, keep in mind that Karnataka’s tourist attractions span across geographically distant locations. As one of the fastest-growing states in India, Karnataka deals with a significant traffic congestion problem. Without preparation or a backup plan, or even a good sense of direction, it won't be long before your commute begins to take a toll on your health and ends up spoiling your travel plans. After all, no one enjoys spending hours in transit every day. Having personally experienced these issues, let me share with you some essential travel tips and tricks to help you navigate around Karnataka.
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To begin with, Karnataka boasts a thriving public transport network. You can easily reach most places, within the state, by road or rail. Key transportation hubs in Karnataka include Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mangaluru, Hassan, and Hospet. This naturally positions Bengaluru, the capital of the state, as a central point for your travel itinerary.
For budget-friendly travel across the state, one of the top choices is to use the bus services provided by the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC). You can board either a KSRTC or a privately operated bus at Kempegowda Bus Stand, in Bengaluru, to reach your desired destination. Alternatively, if you are stationed within Bengaluru, you can avail of the BMTC buses, which connect various parts of the city. If you’re planning an extended stay of over a month, it is a good idea to get a monthly bus pass offered by KSRTC. These passes allow you to travel at discounted rates. In addition, they save you the hassle of purchasing a ticket each time you travel. Whether it is inter-city travel or within a city (available for Mysuru and Mangaluru), you can choose from a variety of passes, starting at just Rs. 450. Costs vary based on the pass type and bus route. Additionally, consider opting for a bus tour package to make the most of your vacation in Karnataka, without the stress of planning the transit. These package tours include travel by AC/Non-AC bus, accommodations, and meals, thereby offering a seamless travel experience. Some of the popular routes include Bengaluru-Jog Falls, Bengaluru-Tirumala, and Bengaluru-Hampi.
When travelling within Bengaluru, the Metro is your ultimate solution, especially during peak hours. The metro network consists of two lines—the Purple Line and the Green Line. The key, however, is to choose the right compartment of the train, so that switching metro lines is less of a hassle. For instance, if you are switching from the Green Line to Purple Line, try to secure a place in one of the first two compartments. Similarly, while travelling from the Purple Line to Green Line, enter the last compartment. You might be wondering why this travel trick matters. It matters because these coaches are strategically located closest to the stairs when the train pulls into the station. This helps you bypass the hassle of walking through crowds on the platform. Pro tip: Get a metro card to avoid the pain of standing in long queues to buy tokens.
When travelling with kids and senior citizens, you can conveniently visit places using ride-hailing services, such as Uber and Ola. These services offer flexibility and convenience, allowing direct pick-ups without the need to locate bus stops or adhere to fixed schedules. For shorter distances, consider taking an auto-rickshaw; be sure to negotiate the fare beforehand. Another travel tip that will help you to not just dodge city traffic but also remain fit on a holiday is to choose a bicycle over taxis or auto-rickshaws. Various cycle rentals, such as Trin Trin (in Mysuru), Pedals & Wheels, Yulu, and ICycle (in Bengaluru), offer bicycles for rent, including mountain bikes for camping and trekking adventures. Rentals are available hourly, daily, weekly, and monthly, with rates starting at just Rs. 10 for 30 minutes. App-based scooter rentals, such as Vogo and Bounce, also offer an efficient way to manoeuvre through the congested streets of cities in Karnataka. Opt for the hourly model for short trips or the subscription model to keep the scooter for up to 30 days, depending on your needs.
Regardless of the travel tips and tricks you have up your sleeve, if you are unaware of the rush hours in Karnataka, you might end up wasting most of your time, money, and energy commuting. A mere 30-minute adjustment can save you a lot of hassle and wait. Ask the locals, especially the cab and auto drivers, for they understand traffic patterns like no other. Once you have identified the peak hours of congestion, adjust your schedule by starting a little early or a little later to avoid getting stuck. This will help you cut down the time you spend getting stuck in traffic during rush hour. That said, there will be occasions when you simply cannot risk getting late, irrespective of the crowded metro trains or buses. During such times, it is advisable to rent a car or a bike and drive yourself to your destination. You will have the freedom to take detours or shortcuts wherever you feel like it.
So, the next time you are in Karnataka, keep these travel tips and tricks handy. It will make the commute a little easier for you, especially if you are new to the place.
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