Karnataka is a tourist’s delight. It spells allure and restfulness, and yet there’s no dearth of things to do, almost all of them unique and very likely, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Very few people manage to visit this enchanting state just once; most return, either to relive memories or make new ones.

Karnataka offers perfect options for short trips within your holiday. Relax at the lovely Kabini Orange County Resort by the Cauvery River, or opt for a day picnic at Bandipur National Park. The famous Bandipur tiger reserve and bird sanctuary is an idyllic retreat for nature lovers and bird watchers. For beach enthusiasts, Mangalore and Gokarna’s serene coastlines are perfect for water sports. Visit the picturesque Chitradurga Fort, witness to history from the time of the Chalukya Empire and mentioned even in the epic Mahabharata. A visit to Tipu Sultan’s erstwhile getaway, Nandi Hills, is also a must, as is a trip to the Gol Gumbaz at Bijapur, where the Lingayat Siddeshwara Festival is celebrated with full splendour for eight days in January and February each year. And for an unforgettable memory, spend a night at the Sakrebyle Elephant Camp in Shimoga, where you can play football and swim with the elephants.