Rains have stopped. Winter has set in. It is time to go outdoors. The state of Karnataka in South India is blessed with numerous options to explore. We give you a list of 15 things to do in Karnataka this winter.
Whichever option you choose, we are sure that you will come back with rich experience.
1 Trek in Western Ghats
The rains have stopped. The hills are gorgeously green and fresh. The weather is fantastic. What else does a trekker aspire for? Yes, Karnataka has some lovely trails in Western ghats for you to explore the nature’s beauty.
Check out details here – Five Lovely treks in Karnataka
2 Spot a tiger in National Parks
Forget other states in the country. Karnataka has the largest number of tigers in the country. Spotting a tiger is always a luck. You can try your luck in Bandipur or Nagarahole or Kabini or BR HIlls or Bhadra or Dandeli. This is one of the must in things to do in Karnataka list!
But don’t regret if you don’t get to see one. Because the forests are green and lovely. There are many other wild animals which are fascinating too.
Check out our posts on wild life experience in Karnataka
Kabini – A wilderness wonder – A step by step guide!
Bandipur – A tale of a big cat!
BR Hills | A Morning Rendezvous with a Leopard!
Bhadra Tiger reserve – Wild and Lovely!
3 Explore waterfalls around Sirsi
We wrote earlier about this unexplored destination. We called it “Waterfalls Destination”. With rains stopping and bright sunlight coming out, you can trek and see some lovely waterfalls.
We provide all details for exploring Sirsi here. Please click on this link
Sirsi | A Monsoon Drive to “Waterfalls Destination”!
4 Go beach hopping in these beach treks
You are a beach bum. Why not try beach treks this winter? Where else can you get a chance to explore some of the pristine beaches in the country? This is a unique part of “things to do in Karnataka” list! You cant do it anywhere else!
Try out any in this list.
4 Beach Treks in Karnataka you should do this winter
5 Go for a back water cruise
The coast of Karnataka has some lovely backwaters, rivers and lakes. These are relatively unknown which is good. Now you have a choice of going for a cruise on them. Yes, you can go on a cruise on the back waters in Karnataka! A new company has introduced house boats on the lovely waters in Udupi district.
Check it out. Here is the link – Panchajanya Cruises
6 Surf in Kodi Bengere
If you are looking for adventure on the sea, then head to spectacular beach of Kodi bengere and learn Surfing at SAFA Surfing school. Check out the link of their website here for details – http://www.theshakasurfclub.com/
If you want to see how beautiful is this beach, check out the picture in this link – http://www.dronestagr.am/kodi-bengre-beach-udupi-karnataka-india/
7 History lessons at Heritage spots
The state of Karnataka is blessed. With spectacular heritage sites like Hampi (UNESCO World Heritage Site) , Badami, Pattadakal (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Bijapur and Bidar in North Karnataka and Hoysala gems, Mysore, Srirangapatna, Shravanabelagola, Chitradurga in South, it is a trip which makes every Indian proud.
These links will help you plan a trip
Road Trips from bangalore 1 – Hampi, Badami and more….
Halebid – Breathtaking stone sculptures!
Weekend getaways from Bangalore 5 – Hoysala gems and Shravanabelagola
Weekend getaways from Bangalore 4 – Magnificent fort @ Chitradurga and more….
8 Bicycling in Malnad
Photo Courtesy – Abhijit Rao
Bicycling in Malnad in winter is a pleasure. Take your bike and explore the lovely trails in Coorg, Chikmagalur, Sakleshpur or Tirthahalli. It is a bliss!
9 River rafting in Dubare/Dandeli
River Rafting on Kali river, Dandeli Photo Courtesy – Shubhojit Roy
Want do to some adventurous stuff? You can look for river rafting in Dubare in Coorg and Dandeli in Uttara Kannada. Make sure you have good and experienced agency who conducts these rafting sessions. Ensure you always wear the life jacket.
10 Spectacular rocks at Yana
Have you heard of Yana? Take a look at these pictures. When you plan a trip to Sirsi, make sure you keep some time to explore these spectacular rocks.
12 Snorkelling and Scuba diving in Netrani
Yours truly under the sea at Netrani
Game for under sea adventure? It is an out of the world experience. We did it few years back. Dive Goa the reputed dive agency in Goa conducts scuba diving and snorkelling in Netrani island off Murudeshwar. Do it once!
Our experience is detailed here
Scuba diving in Netrani – We did it!
Link for Dive Goa – https://divegoa.com/
13 Be in Coorg for Huttari festival
Photo Courtesy – Sandeep
Huttari is the biggest festival of Kodavas. It is celebrated by Kodavas with all fervour pomp and show. This year it is on 12th December. Be there to experience it.
14 Visit Coastal Karnataka
Bhoota Kola and Kaup beach
Winter months from November to March is the season of activities in Coastal districts of Mangalore and Udupi. From Bhootha Kola (See picture above) to Naga Mandala to the bullock races of Kambala. And of course you can explore gorgeous beaches at Kaup, Malpe, Kodi Bengere, Baindur, Maravanthe, Mulki etc
16 Go for a road trip in Karnataka
Though written as a monsoon drive, this detailed road trip will help you to explore the best of Western ghats and Coastal Karnataka including the famous temples at Kukke, Dharmasthala, Sringeri, Mangalore, Udupi, Kollur, Murudeshwar and Gokarna. Best suited for the Christmas week when schools are closed.
Check this post in this blog for detailed itinerary – http://traveltwosome.com/monsoon-road-trip-in-karnataka-guide/
15 Explore Bangalore and surroundings
Lastly, Winter is a good time to go for day trips around Bangalore. With so many options to like waterfalls, sandy beach, hill forts, temples to explore, weekends will not be sufficient!
Check out all details here
One day trip from Bangalore – 21 exciting options with detailed itinerary!
These were some of the things to do in Karnataka in the winter.
Here is our suggestion on you can enhance your experience.
- If you are a keen wild life enthusiast you can comfortably club all the fie national parks (listed at 2) by following this circuit.https://goo.gl/maps/kxMVayBGxdT2
- You can comfortably club Bandipur (listed at 2) and Kabini (listed at 2) with a trip to Wayanad or Ooty.
- You can club a visit to Sirsi (listed at 3) with trek to Yana ( Listed at 10) a beach trek (listed at 4) and also snorkelling in Netrani (listed at 12).
- You can club surfing in Kodi Bengre (listed at 6) with a backwater cruise (listed at 5) along with exploring Udupi and exploring coastal Karnataka (listed at 14).
- You can comfortably club Sirsi (listed at 3) with Dandeli (listed at 9).
- You can club Bhadra Wild Life sanctuary (listed at 2) with a trek in Western Ghats (listed at 1).
- You can club Kabini (listed at 1) with a trip to Coorg for Huthri festival ( listed at 13)
Please share or if want to add to this list of things to do in Karnataka. Please Use comments section below. We look forward to hear from you.
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