Revered with a varied makeup conforming to all the flirtation and courtship of typical India, Karnataka is an amalgam of crowning destinations, mega cities, tiger reserves, beaches, legendary hang out zones and ancient ruins. With the coastline encompassed by the pleasant palm beaches and the spectacular beauty amplified by the historical temples, Karnataka indeed is an ideal tourist place in India.
Majorly driven by the silicon-capital Bengaluru, brimming with superior life and lifestyle, Karnataka has its own platter composed of flavors, activities, things to do and enormous places to see. Enveloping the sybaritic city are lush green hills dotted with aromatic coffee and spice plantations, massive population of elephants (highest in Asia), tigers, resplendent majesty of Mysore and thick jungles overfed with monkeys.
Does this all sound cliché to you? Well, head forth to the counter cultural enclave of pristine Hampi that is teeming with archaic temple ruins, hammocks and enchanting sunsets. Explore the sculptural wonders of Karnataka by taking a visit to Halebid, Belur and Mysore that narrates the saga of the archaic past and speaks volumes of the sculptural wonder. It does not end here either. Take a deeper plunge in the beauty of Karnataka with its Gokarna that is a beach haven bereft the hullabaloo. Or rather, just leave the tourist trail for a while and take an odyssey to the magnificent Islamic ruins in the northern end of the state.
Do not trust any stranger or anyone you barely know beyond necessary. Ensure that you keep a safe distance from all the strangers and never trust anyone with your valuables.
Don’t rely on your tourist guide more than you should.
It is appropriate, if you hire a tourist guide from a reliable agency or an organization.
Do not go out alone during the night hours. Karnataka, is a comparatively safer place but you cannot keep the guards down.
It is always better to travel in a group.
Karnataka has ATMs located after every little distance. So, you never have to carry cash more than required.
Keep your jewelry, cash and valuables in a room safe.
Don’t put your wallet in the back pocket especially when in the crowded places. Either place it in the front pocket or put it in your jacket.
Girls take note, it does not matter which part of India you are traveling, your safety is in your own very hands. So, make sure you dress appropriately. Strictly avoid skimpy or revealing clothes.
It can rain here anytime so carry extra layers of clothing.
Maintain decorum when you visit religious places.
Do not film or shoot videos without permission.
Wherever you see a sign of ‘No Photography’, do not take a picture.
Always keep in your wallet a photocopy of your license, ID, passport, etc.
If you are traveling without a guide, acquire sufficient information about the destination you are traveling to.
Do not over indulge in street food. If you do eat street food, take a check on the quality and the manner of preparation (of dishes).
Drink only bottled mineral water. Check the seal properly before buying a bottle of water.
Do not eat cut fruits or vegetable from the roadside vendors.
If you suffer from any disease, carry the necessary medications with you.
Carry with you first aid kit. The kit must have medicines for fever, cold, diarrhea, nausea, etc.
Carry sunscreen and sunglasses with you.
In Karnataka, the legal age for drinking is 18 years. Take note, you may have to show an ID proof before making a purchase of alcohol in this state. Ever since 1st of July 2007, Arrack has been totally banned in Karnataka.