Travel Budget for Karnataka Visit Karnataka on a Budget or Travel in Style

Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Karnataka

If you plan to avoid and visit during the low or shoulder season, you'll find cheaper accommodation rates and fewer tourists.

By plane, Karnataka has two airports which offer international flights to and from the region - the Bengaluru (or Kempegowda) International Airport in Bangalore and the Mangalore International Airport. Both are served by Air India, Jet Airways, IndiGo, and Spice Jet, while Bengaluru is additionally served by Air Arabia, Air France, Air Asia, British Airways, Qatar Airways, and Lufthansa, amongst others.

The major cities of Karnataka are also well-connected by rail with the station in Bangalore as the most important terminal.

Bus services are also available.

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Karnataka is around $8 (₨704) per person, with previous travelers spending from $2 to $31. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Karnataka are as follows:

• Breakfast: $1 to $2
• Lunch: $1 to $3
• Dinner: $2 to $6
• Coffee: $1
• Fast Food or Street Food: $1

The food scene in Karnataka is typical of south Indian cuisine - largely consisting of rice, flatbreads, chutneys, pickles, snack foods, and both vegetarian and meat dishes. Meals are prepared in a variety of ways from curry sauces based in coconut milk to red gravies or white gravies, all usually served with rice. On the coast of the state, seafood is also common with dishes consisting of prawn, crab, pomfret, bangda, and surmai (kingfish). Seafood is often served in curries, pan-fried dishes, and pilaf. Herbs and spices used in much of the cooking include items like garlic, onion, coriander leaves, ginger, curry leaves, green chilli pepper, turmeric, mustard seeds, coriander, cumin, dried bay leaves, chili powder, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, cardamon, and nutmeg. Local fare can be found throughout the state with great options for sampling in the major cities, like Bangalore, where street food is also popular.

Food & Dining Tips

Lots of hotels throw breakfast into the room rate, but some will charge for it. The quality and price can differ by hotel. Understanding this in advance can help you figure out if you'll need to spend extra money. It may be worth splurging on the hotel buffet, or you could find a less expensive option at a nearby bakery or cafe.

Fill a water bottle rather than purchasing drinks constantly. It's a smart and eco-friendly choice.

Before booking a tour, make a point of knowing which meals are part of the package. You may be responsible for some of your food costs, which can increase your overall budget.

Mysore Palace in the city of Mysore is one of the area's most impressive examples of architecture. With marble sculptures, paintings of the royal family, intricately carved rosewood doors, and ceilings inlaid with ivory exhibit a time of wealth and extravagance. Also in Mysore are parks and gardens like the Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, as well as a number of temples.

For more impressive temples and a wealth of history, visitors can also experience the town of Belur. Chennakesava Temple is perhaps the most impressive, dedicated to Lord Vijayanarayana, one of the twenty four incarnations of Vishnu. Other temples include the ruins of the Vijayanagar Empire in Hampi (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Badami Cave Temples, Shravanabelagola (an impressive Jain temple), and the Shri Marikamba Temple in Sirsi.

For an escape from the grandeur of antiquity and bustle of modern city life, visitors can also escape to the more scenic natural areas and national parks of the region. The Nandi Hills is one such place featuring sweeping plains and vineyards, as is Bandipur National Park which serves as a sanctuary for tigers and elephants. Other nature and wildlife areas include Nagarhole National Park, Bhadra Tiger Reserve, Anshi National Park, and Bannerghata Park.

In the state of Karnataka, activities range as far and wide as the landscape from stunning beaches along the coast to hiking in the mountainous regions inland. Some of the popular beaches include Karwar, Gokarna, Murudeshwar, Malpe, Ullal, and Mangalore, while activities like scuba diving are also available just offshore. Inland, the mountains lie to the west and are prime destinations for trekking featuring dense forests crossed by streams, rivers, and grasslands. Safaris and elephant rides are also available in some of the state's natural areas. Other outdoor activities include cycling, rock climbing, kayaking, camping, and cave exploration.

With a history rich in antiquity, Karnataka also has plenty of sightseeing opportunities in the more populated cities, towns, and ancient ruins of the state. Temples, like the ones mentioned above (and more), offer unique glimpses into centuries-old practices and traditions. The cities are also central hubs for transportation, shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Nightlife Tips

Enjoying the nightlife is exciting, but if you want to save money, drinking less is an easy way to do it.