Karnataka is a large state. Its borders enclose some of India's most beautiful natural landscapes from its beaches to several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries; impressive waterfalls to picturesque hill stations. It is also home to the cosmopolitan and frenetic city of Bangalore (now called Bengaluru), the regal city of Mysore and some of India's most fascinating historical monuments (namely the ruins of Vijayanagara). So you can see that one of the main challenges for travellers to the region is planning the itinerary and choosing the best places to stay in Karntaka.

Karnataka is where to come if you want to see elephants and tigers. And if you want to lose yourself amongst coffee and spice hills, or explore some of India's most splendid monuments and ruins, from the wonderful palaces of Mysore to the Islamic ruins you'll find in the north of the state.

Karnataka has several main regions:

• Central Karnataka is great for people who want to see some of India's most beautiful temples, and the ruins around Hampi.
• Southern Karnataka has the big centres of Bengaluru and Mysore, with both their ancient palaces, temples and treasures, and their modern appeals, so it's a popular entry point. It also encompasses some of the Bandipur National Park, and has some great trekking countryside.
• The Karnataka Coast has the beaches,
• and Northern Karnataka has some extremely beautiful monuments and some incredible cave temples.

What Not to Miss

• Belur's Chennakesava Temple is a truly stunning spot - be sure to remember your camera!
• Take a tour round the Badami Cave Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Nature-lovers should head for the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, the Sakrebailu Elephant Camp or the beautiful Nagarhole National Park.
• Spend some time discovering the state's capital, Bangalore. A techie-hub, it is also home to some lovely parks and beautiful temples.
• Explore the extraordinary landscapes of Hampi. A mecca for bouldering enthusiasts, hippies and culture buffs.
• Enjoy lazy days spent under the sun on the quiet beaches of Goa's less well-known neighbour, Gokarna.
• The hills and coffee plantations of Coorg are as relaxing as they are picturesque and well worth a visit.

The best places to stay in Karnataka range from modern beach hotels to remote safari camps to traditional home stays. Our picks include an affordable Safari Camp and a boutique escape near Hampi.

The best places to stay in Karnataka

For Bengaluru

• Providing a contemporary stay in the heart of town, Escape Hotel and Spa provides a fun and chic base. Rooms are themed on global cities and there is an impressive rooftop restaurant and pool.
• Doing the family name justice, Leela Palace Bangalore exudes opulence. Championing Indian hospitality with an indulgent spa and Mughal architecture. The levels of lavishness will be appealing to some, ostentatious to others.
• With its wisteria clad balconies and award-winning gardens the Oberoi Bangalore provides a tranquil stay. The building's high ceilings and hardwood floors lend a real old-world charm.
• Housed in a colonial style white bungalow amidst manicured grounds the Taj West End is a trip to perfection. Rooms are decorated in pastel silks and there is smart dining in the form of Blue Ginger.
• If you've come to India to find inner peace then you'll need to book into the Shreyas Retreat just outside the city. Here they're dedicated to promoting yoga, meditation and the Ayurvedic way of life. Accommodation is chic and modern, so you'll definitely find "enlightenment" in style!
• Shangri-La Hotel is the tallest hotel in Bangalore. Swish and modern, the hotel offers luxurious rooms, stunnings views and a lively rooftop cocktail bar. A contemporary chic option.

For Mysore

• The Lalitha Mahal Palace is a stunning stay, boasting smart rooms in an impressive heritage property. There's also a pool, spa and tennis courts on site. Great value.
• The colonial Fortune JP Palace offers classic accommodation and a range of lovely dining options. There's also a very appealing pool to lounge beside.
• Royal Orchid Metropole, set in a former Maharaja's Palace, features simple but charming accommodation in a tranquil setting of tropical gardens.
• The Green Hotel is an excellent low-cost option in Mysore. Set in a beautiful palace built in 1912, the charming rooms are decorated with traditional furnishings and Indian textiles. A good base from which to explore the city.

For Bandipur and Nagarhole National Parks

• The Serai Bandipur is a stylish lodge with chic interiors featuring plenty of white linen. The National Park's just a short distance away, and there's also a spa, a pool and a gym.
• The Serai Kabini is a boutique stay offering smart accommodation with large bathrooms and balconies. You'll love the gourmet food served up in their Wild Grass Restaurant.
• Orange County Kabini is a stunning eco-lodge overlooking the Kabini River. Their cosy thatched cottages feature four-posters and you can spend your days unwinding in their Ayurvedic spa.
• The Bison Resort is an affordable safari camp in the tranquil Kabini backwaters on the edge of two national parks. Accommodation is in elegant tents - with private verandas, four poster beds and antique furniture. There are raised thatched huts too. Relaxing and low key, you can see some amazing wildlife here just by sipping cocktails on the observation deck.
• Kaav Safari Lodge is an intimate getaway boasting cosy rooms and stunning views. You can even hire the lodge in its entirety! A magical spot.

For Hampi

• Slightly off-the-beaten-track, yet not far from Hampi, the Kamalapura Palace is a sublime modern hotel. Its design harks back to the 14th-century Vijayanagara Empire and is immediately striking. Everything from the luxurious suites to its superb restaurant personify luxury.
• Hampi’s Boulders Resort is just a short drive from the spectacular ruins of Vijayanagara, and surrounded by the amazing frantic boulders this region is known for. Accommodation is in 16 secluded cottages and there's a lovely open-sided dining room and a natural pool carved out of the rock.
• Urama Heritage Homes offer four chic homes of varying sizes and prices, but all oozing Southern Indian charm - think colourful fabrics and tapestries. A lovely stay.

For Chikmagalur

• Gateway Hotel, located just outside Chikmagalur, offers large rooms with terracotta flooring and high ceilings. With great food and a children's playground, it's an ideal spot for families.
• Located in the midst of lush hills, The Serai, Chikmagalur boasts 29 modern villas that are bound to impress. A dreamy stay!

Further afield

• Made up of twenty-four traditional Konkan style villas, SwaSwara is a heavenly spot on the Karnatakan coast just outside Gokarna. A zen atmosphere permeates throughout the hotel from the deluxe spa to the excellent restaurant with a focus on healthy eating.
• Vivanta by Taj, Madikeri is unbeatable. It offers stunning views, an award winning spa complete with an array of Ayurvedic treatments, sumptuous accommodation and more facilities than you can imagine!
• Nestled into India's chief coffee growing region, Orange County Coorg is a tranquil oasis in the jungle. Featuring lovely cottages, a superb selection of restaurants and a stunning spa. A great spot for an indulgent break.

For a private apartment or house

• For those in search of a more private option we recommend you explore the self catering range at our online partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• The best airport to fly to for Karnataka is Bengaluru.
• To hire a car, we recommend visiting our online partner Rentalcars.
• The best time to visit Karnataka is from October to March, when the temperature ranges from 21-30 degrees Celcius. The monsoon season is from July to September. During May and June the temparatures soar, so these months are best avoided.

Still not sure which to book?

• Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in Karnataka.
• Refine your seach and have a look at the best places to stay in Bangalore or Mysore,
• Expand your search to include neighbouring Kerala or Maharashtra.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Karnataka