Hampi (Vijayanagara ruins)
A UNESCO site spread over 25+ sq km — the 14th-century capital of one of India's richest empires.
Vijayanagara ruins and Hoysala temples
Karnataka — Heritage & Culture
Monuments, living temple traditions and festivals that shape Karnataka beyond its city sights.
Key monuments
Belur and Halebidu Hoysala Temples
12th-13th century temples with extraordinarily detailed stone carving, often taking decades to complete a single temple.
Mysore Palace
The Wodeyar dynasty's royal residence, rebuilt in Indo-Saracenic style after an 1897 fire.
Festivals
Mysore Dasara
A 10-day festival culminating in a grand procession with the Mysore Palace lit by 100,000 bulbs.
Hampi Utsav
A cultural festival celebrating Vijayanagara-era arts amid the Hampi ruins.
Culture
Yakshagana theatre-dance, Carnatic and Hindustani music traditions meeting at the Deccan crossroads, and a strong filter-coffee café culture.