Karnataka – undoubtedly, the place to see. There’s no two ways about it: if you are in India, the treasures of this south Indian state are not to be missed. For wildlife enthusiasts, for history buffs, for the intrepid traveller, for the wanderlust struck, for the Indophile, for the sun ‘n’ sand worshipper – Karnataka is a dish that’s got the versatility to satisfy all those palates.

The snazz and razzmatazz of Bangalore is set off by regal and romantic Mysore, and all of this is complemented by the ruins of realms long gone in Hampi, Halebid, Bidar, Bijapur and Badami. If the cultural coolness gets a wee bit too challenging, crash out in the green wilds of Bandipur and Nagarhole, or bum your way to bliss on the golden sands of Gokarna.