The Bangalore Palace, built in 1887 resembles the Windsor Castle in England. It is a mix of Tudor and Scottish Gothic styles with fortified towers and battlements; the palace also houses some beautiful and ornate wood-carvings and paintings.
Once a summer retreat of Tipu Sultan, this two-storied ornate wooden palace is a fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture. The interiors are decorated with floral motifs, Islamic art, and calligraphy, reflecting Tipu's love for Islamic art.
A botanical garden built in 1932 with lush green vegetation, exotic flowers, and musical fountains. The garden stretches over 150 acres and boasts of some of the best flora and fauna. It is a perfect place to enjoy the sunset with loved ones.
One of the most astonishing examples of Dravidian architecture, this temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and consists of impressive pillars, carved sculptures, and a stone chariot. The temple complex also houses a musical pillar that produces different musical sounds when struck.
This bazaar was once a thriving market in Hampi's Vijayanagara Empire. Today it is a popular spot for tourists and full of souvenir shops, street food stalls, and vibrant colors. The Virupaksha Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva and has undergone several renovations over the centuries.
Located at 2062 ft, this is the highest point in Hampi, offering a stunning panoramic view of the Hampi ruins, Tungabhadra river, and surrounding hills. The climb up the hill can be steep but is worth the effort for its amazing sunset views.
Nestled amidst coffee plantations, the Abbey Falls cascade from a height of 70 ft into a pool of crystal clear water. Visitors can take a refreshing swim in the pool after a scenic 15-min trek that leads to the falls. It's a great spot to visit during the monsoons when the falls are in full flow.
One of the largest Tibetan settlements in India, this monastery is named after its founder, the Third Drubwang Pema Norbu Rinpoche. Visitors can witness the monks performing their daily rituals and prayers, and the intricate designs on the walls and ceiling are truly breathtaking.
A visit to Coorg is incomplete without a tour of its coffee plantations; visitors can learn about the coffee-making process from bean to cup and sample some of the best coffee in the region. Some of the popular coffee plantations in the area include the Chelavara Falls and the Tata Coffee Plantation.
If you have more time, consider visiting Gokarna, a scenic seaside town and home to some of the best beaches in the region. Alternatively, you can spend more time in Hampi by exploring the ruins of other temples and palaces such as the Lotus Palace and the Royal Enclosure. For those with less time, you can skip the Coorg coffee plantations and add a visit to the Lalbagh Botanical Gardens in Bangalore, which has over 2000 species of plants and trees.