Karnataka Tours & Trips
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Table of contents
- The best Karnataka tour packages
- What people love about Karnataka Tours
- Travel Karnataka your way
- Best tour companies for Karnataka tours
- Best places to start your Karnataka tour
- Karnataka tours for every type of group
- Top Karnataka travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Karnataka
- Contact our Karnataka travel experts
- What our customers ask about Karnataka Tours & Trips
The best Karnataka tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaKarnataka travel expert at TourRadar
Karnataka's cultural journey takes you from Bangalore's Bull Temple to Hampi's UNESCO ruins. Spot tigers at Nagarhole Reserve, marvel at Mysore Palace, and delve into ancient Badami caves while staying in comfortable 3-star hotels.
Duration 16 days Destinations Bangalore, Srirangapatna, Mysuru, Nagarhole National Park, Chikmagalur, Hampi, Badami, Goa Age Range 1 to 90 year olds Operated in English, German, Italian, Portuguese, French, Spanish, Dutch, Russian Operator Golden Triangle India Tours From $8,790
70% Off- NZ$2,637You save $6,153
The Southern Feast - Karnataka & Goa
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The views and guides were great. The tour was the best day of our trip.”
Sonal, traveled in January
The cultural tapestry of Karnataka unfolds through UNESCO-listed Hampi's ancient ruins and Vittala Temple's musical pillars. The majestic Mysore Palace and Somnathpur's Kesava Temple showcase exquisite Hoysala architecture. Luxurious stays at Evolve Back in Hampi and The Gateway in Hassan complement daily guided tours and authentic local breakfasts during this 12-day heritage tour.
Duration 12 days Destinations Bangalore, Mysuru, Hassan, Hampi, Badami, Goa Age Range 5 to 95 year olds Operated in English, Italian, Spanish Operator MTA Destination Management Company From $3,014
20% Off- NZ$2,411You save $603
Karnataka & Kerala - Art, Culture & Nature
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The hotels were really luxurious and comfortable. We had a beautiful and soothing experience.”
Nishant, traveled in August
A 12-day immersion in Karnataka's heritage reveals iconic temples in Badami, Belur, and Halebid. Prestigious accommodations at Royal Orchid in Hospet and The Gateway in Chikmagalur enhance your stay. The UNESCO-listed Hampi ruins, featuring the stunning Vittala Temple and stone chariot, highlight Hoysala architecture at Chennakeshava Temple.
Duration 12 days Destinations Mumbai, Goa, Badami, Hosapete, Hampi, Chikmagalur, Belur, Halebeedu, Sravanabelagola, MysuruSee all destinations Age Range 5 to 90 year olds Operated in English, Italian, Spanish Operator MTA Destination Management Company From $3,149
20% Off- NZ$2,519You save $630
Bangalore & Mysore Tour With Wildlife Nagarhole & Coonoor Safari
15 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The wildlife sightings were incredible, with opportunities to see elephants, tigers, and various bird species up close.”
Cofar, traveled in August
Karnataka's diversity spans from Bangalore's Lalbagh Gardens to Mysore's royal palace. Wildlife viewing at Nagarhole Park and colonial charm in Coonoor's tea estates come alive with expert guides in 7 languages.
Duration 6 days Destinations Bangalore, Mysuru, Nagarhole National Park, Coonoor Age Range up to 94 year olds Operator Real viaggi india From
20% Off- NZ$3,489
Kabini & Bandipur Wildlife Tour From Bangalore All inclusive
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was well-organized and all-inclusive, making it the perfect choice for anyone looking for a hassle-free and enjoyable wildlife adventure.”
Oliver, traveled in January
UNESCO-listed Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve harbors 25% of India's elephants. Dawn boat safaris on Kabini River offer chances to spot tigers in Bandipur, while colonial Ooty charms visitors. Forest lodges and resorts provide comfort, complemented by various dining options and expert naturalist guides.
Duration 6 days Destinations Bangalore, Mysuru, Kabini National Park, Bandipur National Park, Ooty, Coimbatore Age Range 1 to 99 year olds Operated in English, German, Italian, French, Spanish Operator Real viaggi india From
20% Off- NZ$2,326
What people love about Karnataka Tours
- The Southern Feast - Karnataka & Goa
We are so glad we booked through this My Tour Advisor agency. The views and guides were great. The tour was the best day of our trip. Everyone should go there. Thanks to MTA Team for making my tour memorable.
- Karnataka & Kerala - Art, Culture & Nature
We went on our honeymoon tour to Karnataka and Kerela and had a beautiful and soothing experience. The hotels were really luxurious and comfortable. Our driver Tamil was very friendly and knowledgeable. Thank you Mta.
- Bangalore & Mysore Tour With Wildlife Nagarhole & Coonoor Safari
Great tour. Amazing sights, comfortable hotels and effortless travel.
Travel Karnataka your way
Choose from over 89 cultural tours and explore historical sites, local traditions and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Karnataka. Our cultural tours vary from 3 days to 15 days.
Select from our extensive range of 83 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through Karnataka with our expert guides leading the way.
Explore a wide diversity of partially guided tours through Karnataka. We have 16 adventures that vary from 4 days to 16 days. With the greatest number of departures in June, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Best tour companies for Karnataka tours
My Tour Advisor (MTA) has built quite a reputation for getting the details right - from putting together solid day-by-day plans to picking hotels that actually work well for their groups. Their guides really know their stuff and the transport is reliably comfortable, which our travelers mention time and again in their feedback. One of their drivers, Parveen, got a special mention from a recent traveler who appreciated his expertise and professional approach throughout their trip. It's these kinds of personal touches that seem to make the difference. TourRadar customers have good things to say about how well MTA keeps in touch and about their careful choice of drivers. They do suggest though that it's worth having a clear chat about room arrangements before booking - it can help keep costs down and make sure you get exactly what you're looking for. The company seems to have found that sweet spot between being thoroughly professional and adding those personal touches that make a trip memorable. From the practical side of having skilled drivers to the attention to detail in their communications, MTA appears to deliver consistently good experiences for their travelers.
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Best places to start your Karnataka tour
For getting started on your Karnataka journey, Bangalore serves as the main gateway with 28 of our travelers choosing to begin there, while both Hubballi and Hyderabad see about 19 departures each and also Mumbai and Goa work well as alternative starting points. We've found that booking around 30 days ahead hits the sweet spot - it gives you proper time to prepare while making sure you get the dates and places you want, which really matters during festival seasons or for our popular cultural routes. The mix of experiences keeps our travelers engaged, from watching for rare wildlife in Kabini's sanctuaries to wandering through Coorg's misty coffee estates (there's a reason they call it India's Scotland) and also relaxing on Gokarna's quiet beaches where you'll find both spiritual seekers and sun-lovers. Most guests find that 13-15 days feels right for really getting to know Karnataka's culture and landscapes, with enough flexibility to follow interesting local discoveries along the way.
Karnataka tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
18 tours in KarnatakaExplore a wide diversity of group tours through Karnataka. We have 18 adventures that vary from 4 days to 16 days. With the greatest number of departures in October, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Small Group
80 tours in KarnatakaSmall-group Karnataka tours blend rich cultural experiences with wildlife encounters, taking travelers through fascinating routes. One popular journey connects Mumbai to Goa's shores via Hampi, where our guests appreciate having unhurried time to study the intricate carvings at sites like the Hazara Rama Temple. Nature enthusiasts often choose our focused wildlife program around Kabini and Nagarhole, where safari groups stay intentionally small for optimal viewing of tigers, leopards and more than 300 bird species. The Karnataka-Kerala circuit attracts culture seekers, as they explore the grandeur of Mysore Palace, discover Hampi's vast ruins and visit the ancient cave temples of Badami with guides who share fascinating historical narratives. Cycling enthusiasts find their sweet spot on the Bangalore to Goa route, covering 40-80km daily through diverse terrain from majestic Mysore to the fragrant coffee estates of Chikmagalur. What makes these tours special, according to our travelers, is how the intimate group size allows for detailed conversations with guides and plenty of time to capture perfect photos of temple details or patient wildlife watching.
Private / Personalized
82 tours in KarnatakaPrivate tours mean you set the pace in Karnataka. Our comprehensive 12-day route starts in Mumbai, winds through Karnataka's cultural sites and finishes on Goa's coastline. Having your own guide makes a real difference - at Hazara Rama Temple, you can take time to understand every detail of those intricate Ramayana carvings. The 14-day cultural circuit includes carefully chosen 4-star hotels throughout Karnataka. Our travelers tell us they love being able to stay longer at places that grab them - whether it's watching the sun go down from Matanga Hill or exploring Vittala Temple's musical pillars without feeling rushed.
Top Karnataka travel itineraries to fit your plans
Our quick 3-day Karnataka tours zero in on specific regions that pack in solid experiences. The Bandipur circuit from Bangalore works well for wildlife fans - you'll head out twice daily on safari to spot tigers, elephants and dholes in their natural terrain. You can rest up at Heritage Resort between outings, which keeps comfort levels high while staying close to the action. The Goa-to-Hampi route draws in history buffs, with expert guides explaining cool details like the musical pillars at Vittala Temple and the massive Virupaksha Temple complex. If you're into ancient architecture, the Goa-to-Badami journey really delivers - you'll check out elaborate cave temples and spend quality time at the UNESCO-listed Pattadakal Temple Complex, where northern and southern building styles come together.
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A week in Karnataka lets you really get to know the place. Our customers love the tour that mixes Mumbai's colonial sites with Hampi's ancient ruins and wraps up on Goa's relaxed beaches. Nature lovers tend to pick the wildlife route through Kabini and Nagarhole - our travelers have spotted Bengal tigers, leopards and more than 300 types of birds here. The coracle rides on Kabini River are a big hit with our photography enthusiasts. The cultural route starting in Calicut is another good pick, taking in Wayanad's misty hills before hitting Karnataka's temple towns. Your evenings wind down at hotels that know exactly what you need after a full day of exploring.
Ten days in Karnataka gives you time to properly soak in the culture. The Mumbai-to-Goa route keeps impressing our guests, especially with local guides who make ancient sites come alive at spots like the Elephanta Caves and Hampi's royal quarters. Many travelers choose the route from Mangalore, moving through Hassan's temples and Mysore's royal sites before reaching quiet Gokarna beach. Our customers really like having enough time everywhere - you can properly explore all the details in Mysore Palace and still check out the local markets. The timing works well, and some tours add extra days in Goa to mix beach time with visits to old Portuguese churches.
Demographics
Solo travelers find their groove in Karnataka's diverse landscape. Most pick our Bangalore-Mysore route, starting with city gardens and heritage buildings before diving into local markets and royal palaces. The Nagarhole wildlife tours work really well for independent travelers - small groups mean quality time with naturalists who know exactly where elusive animals hang out. Our guides have a knack for making solo visitors feel at home while exploring Hampi's ancient stones and Badami's rock-cut temples. Many solo travelers opt for our Karnataka-Goa mix, which balances guided tours with plenty of free time to wander and discover.
Couples find plenty of romantic moments on our Karnataka journeys. The heritage route linking Bangalore, Mysore and Hampi hits the right notes with honeymooners - they love how we mix upscale hotels with deep cultural experiences. Nagarhole's wildlife tours create special shared moments - there's something magical about spotting a leopard together or watching elephants in the quiet morning light. Lots of couples go for our Karnataka-Goa combo; they start with temples and palaces, then ease into beach life in Goa's peaceful corners. Having private guides at places like Hampi means couples can take their time, especially during those golden sunset moments over the ruins.
Young adults tend to pick our more dynamic Karnataka routes. The wildlife focus around Kabini and Nagarhole pulls them in with double daily safaris and traditional coracle boat rides. Many choose paths that blend Hampi's ancient ruins with active elements - they cycle through local plantations and hike Matanga Hill for sunset views. The Bangalore-to-Goa journey works well for this crowd, mixing old temples and wildlife watching with beach time. Young professionals tell us they like how these tours balance structured activities with time to explore markets and try local food spots.
Senior travelers appreciate our thoughtfully paced Karnataka circuits. The route through Bangalore, Mysore and Hampi includes carefully picked hotels and manageable travel times. Our older guests really connect with the historical elements - they get proper time at sites like Badami's cave temples, with guides who share detailed architectural stories. The Karnataka-Goa combination suits seniors looking for both culture and coastal relaxation. Our drivers understand what works for older travelers, including regular stops and chances to enjoy the changing scenery.
Families with kids really connect with our Karnataka routes that mix learning and fun. The Bangalore-Nagarhole combination gets great feedback - children light up during boat and jeep safaris when they spot elephants and tigers in their natural habitat. Kids particularly love the evening light show at Mysore Palace and can't get enough of the dancing fountains at Brindavan Gardens. Our family groups often tell us how their children stay glued to the Kabini boat rides, pointing out crocodiles and birds from their water-level view. We've also crafted a route through Coonoor tea estates and Nagarhole, where our guides keep young ones engaged with wildlife spotting games and nature stories.
Solo Travelers94 tours All tours for Solo Travelers- Couples5 tours
- Seniors (50+)9 tours
Best time to visit Karnataka
- Summer 2025
Summer tours need smart timing, so we've adapted our routes to make the most of cooler hours. The Goa-Hampi circuit works well with early visits to Virupaksha Temple and the Vittala complex before the day heats up. Our Mumbai cultural tours get lots of bookings this time of year since Badami's cave temples offer natural cooling while you're exploring the detailed Chalukyan architecture. The guides know exactly when to visit each spot - you'll see the Durga Temple and other sites when the light's good but the heat's still manageable. Our travelers keep telling us how much they love the musical pillars at Vittala Temple and watching the sun go down from Hemakuta Hill during these warmer months.
- popular 94 tours
- 94 tours
- 94 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2025
Autumn in Karnataka brings travelers exceptional tour experiences, especially along the Mumbai-to-Goa heritage route that's consistently booked up. The cultural circuit through Hampi shines during this season - you get ample time to explore ancient sites without summer's intensity, and our guides have perfected the timing for each temple complex. Several itineraries link Mysore's royal architecture with wildlife viewing in Nagarhole National Park, where autumn's mild climate creates prime conditions for spotting tigers, elephants and also other wildlife. The cycling tours from Bangalore have become a favorite, winding through coffee estates, temple towns and also rural villages with ideal weather for covering 40-80km daily. For those seeking cultural depth, the routes connecting Badami's cave temples with Pattadakal and also Aihole draw steady interest - the comfortable temperatures allow proper exploration of the intricate Chalukyan architecture and UNESCO sites at an unhurried pace.
- popular 94 tours
- 93 tours
- 92 tours
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Winter really brings out Karnataka's best side for both culture and wildlife. The Mumbai to Hampi heritage route works particularly well in the cooler dry months - you can take your time exploring Badami's cave temples and ancient sites without getting too hot. Our Nagarhole safaris between December and February are a wildlife photographer's dream; the clear weather makes it easy to spot tigers, leopards and more than 300 bird species throughout the park. Combining Mysore with Bandipur makes perfect sense this time of year, with morning and afternoon game drives showing off elephants, gaur, langurs and also other wildlife against the winter landscape. The heritage hotels really come into their own too - there's nothing quite like dinner outside next to a warm fire.
- popular 92 tours
- 89 tours
- 89 tours
- Spring 2026
Karnataka's spring tours follow some naturally perfect routes through the region. The heritage circuit from Mysore to Bandipur National Park draws visitors with well-timed morning and afternoon safaris, where you can spot tigers, elephants and also more than 300 bird species against flowering landscapes. Many of our customers opt for the cultural path connecting Goa to Hampi, where our guides have perfected the timing to explore the Virupaksha Temple and Vittala complex during the cooler morning hours. The South India route through Bangalore captures the essence of the region, beginning in the garden city, continuing to Mysore's grand palace and then winding down along Goa's golden beaches. Our travelers consistently highlight our drivers' deep local knowledge, particularly their understanding of ideal monument visiting times and their skill at finding perfect photography locations in the soft spring light.
- popular 89 tours
- 86 tours
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Contact our Karnataka travel experts
Rufus
Expert in Karnataka at TourRadar
Rufus is one of our seasoned Karnataka Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Karnataka tours answered!
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Call us
+64 4888 0182What our customers ask about Karnataka Tours & Trips
When's the best time to really experience everything Karnataka has to offer?
You'll want to plan your visit between October and April that's when the weather's just right for getting out and exploring. October through February is particularly nice with cooler temperatures perfect for wandering through temples historical sites and heading up to hill stations like Coorg. If you're thinking about the coast places like Gokarna March and April are actually great months to visit when it's a bit warmer.
How do I get out there and explore Karnataka's amazing wildlife?
Karnataka's got some incredible wildlife areas especially Kabini and Nagarhole National Parks where you can spot tigers elephants and over 300 different kinds of birds. The best way to experience these parks is through jeep or boat safaris which are usually part of longer tour packages. There's this really good 7-day "Kabini & Nagarhole and Bandipur Wildlife SafariTour" that gets you into both parks and sorts out your stay in jungle lodges.
What about those amazing places tourists sometimes miss but shouldn't?
You know there are these fascinating places called Lakkundi and Gadag that most people skip but they've got these incredible Chalukyan temples with the most detailed carvings you'll ever see. Travelers who've done the "Vijayanagara Voyage" 3-day tour from Goa can't stop talking about how good the guides are in these areas. There's also Sravanabelagola it's a Jain pilgrimage site with this massive statue of Lord Bahubali that's really something special.
What's the deal with getting around Karnataka how do the different transport options work?
Getting around Karnataka is actually pretty straightforward. The KSRTC buses run everywhere between cities and towns on regular schedules and routes. If you want more flexibility private taxis work great especially for shorter trips. The trains connect the bigger cities like Bangalore and Mysore though you'll want to check the schedules as they can vary.
Can visitors join in any local cultural activities and where do these happen?
You can actually experience some amazing cultural things here especially the Kathakali dance shows in Cochin which are often part of bigger tours like the 14-day "Karnataka & Kerala - Art Culture & Nature" package. This tour's great because it mixes temples historical places and cultural shows across both states. Lots of tours will also take you through local markets where you can chat with artisans and see traditional crafts being made right there.