Karnataka offers a diverse landscape for travelers. From beaches to hills, coffee plantations, historical sites, wildlife, adventure or urban landscapes, multifarious panoramas will greet your senses, all equally magnificent in their own right.
And luxury resorts just enhance the holiday experience by several notches. Whether its an African style safari lodge, a palatial abode in the middle of a historic place, personal pool villas with private sit outs, lavish wellness sojourns or luxury eco villages which take you back to your roots, you have a vast variety of choices at your fingertips. So here's our pick of the best luxury resorts in Karnataka for your perfect holiday:
For a Touch of History and Heritage
This luxury resort is set against the rugged backdrop of the boulders and stone monuments of Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is modelled like a palace to reflect the grandeur and magnificence of the ancient Vijayanagar empire. For a truly royal experience, stay at their Jal Mahal which boasts of separate dining, living and sleeping areas, a royal sized bath with its own open courtyards, and a private deck with a Mantapa overlooking your personal pool.
Experience: Take the specially curated walks to explore the ruins of Hampi, and travel back in time over 500 years. Take a dip in the Olympic sized infinity pool, or sit with a book at the opulent reading lounge, evocative of a bygone era. Calm your senses at their Vaidyasala (spa), or titillate your taste buds with a Royal dining experience at one of their restaurants.
Places to Visit Nearby: Hampi (10km), Badami Cave Temples(145 km), Aihole (140 km), Pattadakal (155km)
Price: Double Rooms(suites) start at Rs. 31000 per night inclusive of taxes
2. Hoysala Village Resort, Hassan
Located amid sunflower fields, the Hoysala Village Resort is the perfect base to explore the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Belur and Halebidu. The entire resort is done up in traditional décor, with use of tall ceilings. four poster beds and copper tubs giving a feel of being in the Malnad region.
Experience: Enjoy your stay in the resort with traditional décor and artifacts. Book a jacuzzi villa for the ultimate luxury, though the rooms in the Malnad Palace with copper bath tubs are amazing in their traditional appeal. Calm your senses at their spa, enjoy the outdoor pool, verdant surroundings and organic food.
Places to Visit Nearby: Belur(32 km), Halebidu(25km), Shravanbelagola(52 km), Shettihalli Church (22 km), Manjarabad Fort, Sakleshpur(46 km), Bisle Ghat(80 km)
Price: Double Rooms start at Rs. 9200 per night exclusive of taxes
Read Anil's detailed review here
For a Retreat in the Wild Forest
This picturesque resort is bordered on 2 sides by the Kabini river, and the design of the resort, including the rooms are inspired by the Hadis or tribal villages. Choose to stay in their most indulgent Pool Reserve, which has a Palatial bed room and sit out areas, temperature controlled private pool, and a unique star bed where you can enjoy your own quiet time under the stars. Enjoy the complete wildlife experience with its back to the roots philosophy and architecture.
Experience: Enjoy a canter safari into the Kabini jungle for wildlife spotting, a coracle ride on the Kabini river, or a boat safari in the morning. Nature walks and night trails are a great way to get intimate with nature. They also have evening tribal dance performance. Enjoy a plunge into their infinity pool or spend fun time with family at their family pool. The reading lounge overlooking the river is the perfect place to curl up with a book.
Places to Visit Nearby: Kabini jungle, Mysore(80 km)
Price: Double Rooms(huts) start at Rs. 35000 per night inclusive of taxes
Located along the edge of the Nagarhole National Park, Kaav is a safari lodge which offers 'untamed luxury', and promises you the ultimate wildlife experience. The rooms and tents open out to the wilderness, with private viewing decks. Request them for a bonfire and barbeque, and share your wild tales around the fire, the old fashioned way.
Experience: Jungle safari and birding in Kabini, boat safari on the river, cycling and coracle rides are some of the ways you can experience nature at its best. Nature walks and Kayaking are also possible. Indulge in some water therapy at the pool, or spot a wide variety of birds from their viewing deck.
Places to Visit Nearby: Kabini jungle, Mysore(80 km)
Price: Double Rooms start at Rs. 19916 per night exclusive of taxes
Inspired by the Jungle, The Serai at Bandipur promises to pamper you with worldly luxuries as well as nature's bountiful gifts. Perched on the fringes of the Bandipur reserve, it offers log huts for a typical wildlife experience as well as premium residences for ultra luxurious feel. The forest gates are closed between 8 PM and 6 AM, so ensure that you have reached well in time.
Experience: Jungle safari, Nature Walks, and birding are the usual wildlife offerings. You can even take a bullock cart ride to experience the local way of life, and enjoy picnic in the fields. Mountain Biking is an adventure activity you can partake in. Soothe your senses at their spa. Enjoy dinner at their picturesque restaurant or dine by the pool listening to the sounds of nature. Ask the staff to arrange a romantic dinner if you are celebrating a special occasion.
Places to Visit Nearby: Kabini jungle, Mysore(75 km)
Price: Double Rooms start at Rs. 16000 per night exclusive of taxes
Situated on the confluence of the Bandipur and the Nagarhole National Parks, the Bison offers a stay which is a mix between a rustic African wildlife tented camp and the old lodges of the Raj. It is the only African styled Tented Camp in South India, and offers an experiential stay. Elephants, wild boar, deer and a variety of wildlife can be viewed from the resort itself. Choose from their luxury tents and the elevated machan style accommodations to find the one which suits you best.
Experience: While Jungle Safaris, Treks, Sunset motorboat rides, birdwatching, night safaris and coracle rides are the common activities, they offer some exclusive 'star' activities as well. Partake in bush dinners on the edge of the river under a starry sky, a backwater breakfast, sundowners or a romantic poolside dinner with your special one. You can even enjoy drinks on a night motorboat ride on the river Kabini.
Places to Visit Nearby: Kabini jungle, Mysore(85 km)
Price: Double Rooms start at Rs. 17661 per night inclusive of taxes
This luxurious abode is located on the Southeastern edge of the Nagarhole National Park, and offers its guests an unparalleled wildlife experience. Choose your accommodation- waterfront verandah, waterfront villa or the luxurious 'Residence', and observe wildlife while enjoying the sounds of nature around you.
Experience: Jungle Safaris, Sunset boat rides, birdwatching, coracle rides and kayaking are available to enjoy your peaceful surroundings. Indulge your senses at their spa or enjoy a romantic dinner in the backdrop of the beautiful Kabini river.
Places to Visit Nearby: Kabini jungle, Mysore(72 km)
Price: Double Rooms start at Rs. 18000 per night exclusive of taxes
Read Swati's detailed review here
Beach Side Retreat
Located on the Om beach in Gokarna, SwaSwara promises a tranquil getaway to reduce the clutter in your daily life. Enjoy your stay in your private villa, with natural beauty all around. Yoga and meditation are a way of life here. Of course, you also have exclusive access to Om beach via a private path.
Experience: Enjoy their nature trails and bird watching sessions, take a boat cruise to Mirjan Fort, indulge in interactive cooking sessions, enjoy the art studio. They also have a meditation deck on the cliff, and designated spaces and studio for Yoga. They also offer special programs for wellness.
Places to Visit Nearby: Om Beach, Half Moon Beach, Mirjan Fort, Murudeshwar
Price: Double Rooms start at Rs. 17949 per night exclusive of taxes
Read Tanisha's detailed review here
Coffee Plantation & Hill Resorts
Lush greenery, plantations of the most aromatic coffee, cardamom and pepper, beautiful streams, and gushing waterfalls...this is what Tamara Coorg promises to the discerning traveler. It spans 180 acres and is located over 3,500 feet above sea level, with breathtaking views and calming silence all around. Choose from their luxurious cottages to find the accommodation best suited for you!
Experience: Forest bathing is one of the unique experiences here. Go for beautiful treks in Coorg, indulge in birdwatching or explore the surrounding plantations. There is a Yoga Temple for yoga and meditation. Experience their beautiful environs including a private waterfall.
Places to Visit Nearby: Abbey Falls, Chelavara Falls, Madikeri Fort, Nalkanad Palace, Talakaveri
Price: Double Rooms start at Rs. 15840 per night exclusive of taxes
Inspired by coffee, this beautiful retreat is nestled amid the coffee plantations of Chikmagalur, which is known as the birthplace of coffee in India. If you dream of living in an estate bungalow, with your private pool, plantations in your backyard, exquisite views from your balcony(depending on the type of room), and enjoying a leisurely cup of coffee staring out of a floor to ceiling window, with sunlight streaming in, you can live your dream here.
Experience: Enjoy a leisure walk in the plantations, and indulge in bean picking with the estate staff or take a guided tour to know the bean to cup process of coffee. Enjoy birdwatching in the slopes, or hike to Mullayanagiri, the highest peak in Karnataka. You could choose to enjoy mountain biking or request the resort to arrange an intimate meal for you and your loved one.
Places to Visit Nearby: Mullayanagiri(40 km), Baba Budangiri(40 km), Hebbe Falls(72 km), Belur & Halebidu Hoysala Temples(30-45 km)
Price: Double Rooms start at Rs. 21400 per night exclusive of taxes
The Ibnii is situated in 125 acres of a former coffee estate. With its commitment to eco-tourism, while offering a modern luxury stay, the Ibnii promises to be an unforgettable holiday. With your own private cottages and residences, you'll get your share of privacy while being united with nature.
Experience: Enjoy cycling, guided nature walks, farm experiences, and yoga at this retreat. You can learn about Coorg and its history and traditions here. Apart from their multicuisine restaurant, they also have a pure veg restaurant and a separate barbeque restaurant to cater to all tastes.
Places to Visit Nearby: Abbey Falls(8 km), Chiklihole reservoir(19 km), Dubare Elephant Camp(27 km), Harangi Dam(29 km), Honamma Kere Lake(44km), Madikeri Fort, Raja's Seat.
Price: Double Rooms start at Rs. 16150 per night exclusive of taxes
Located within 120 acres of rainforest, and perched at 1200 metres above sea level, this resort will show you jaw dropping panoramic views from every corner. All rooms are modelled on the local Kodava architecture with sloping roofs and pillars, and rooms opening into a central courtyard. For an out of the world experience, check into the luxurious pool villa with a retractable roof, which can make it open to sky.
Experience: Enjoy unique dining experiences across the property, ziplining through the forest, experience Kodava culinary art. Indulge in a Gudda Bath(traditional bath) at the Jiva Spa to relax your senses. Don't forget to visit the Taj Conservatory to understand Coorg's history, rich heritage and culture.
Places to Visit Nearby: Abbey Falls(12 km), Raja's Seat(8.1 km), Madikeri Fort(8.5 km), Dubare Elephant Camp(36 km), Tala Kaveri(53 km)
Price: Double Rooms start at Rs. 25900 per night exclusive of taxes
In the sheltered comforts of a lush 300-acre plantation paradise, lies this resort, with its subtly intoxicating aroma of coffee and spice intertwined in its guests' daily lives. The villas and cottages are built in the local Kodava style, each with its private pool, and give you the feeling of living a planters life steeped in modern luxury.
Experience: Take a guided plantation tour, either on foot or in a 4X4 Jeep. Experience a Coffeeology session at the Sidapur Coffee & Culture Museum, where visitors can observe and experience the making of an assortment of coffee preparations from around the world. Bird watching and coracle rides are other popular activities. You can even choose to walk in a plantation worker's life for a few hours. Exclusive dining experiences await you at this haven, tucked away in the wilderness.
Places to Visit Nearby: Abbey Falls(40 km), Raja's Seat(33 km), Madikeri Fort(33 km), Dubare Elephant Camp(20 km), Tala Kaveri(74 km)
Price: Double Rooms(cottages) start at Rs. 41000 per night inclusive of taxes
Read Sudipto and Snigdha's detailed review
Urban Staycations
Taj West End Bangalore is a sanctuary nestled in 20 acres of verdant surroundings. Started by the Bronsons as a 10-room inn in 1887, it now has 117 magnificent rooms and suites, each with a gorgeous view. Home to the second-oldest tree in the city and a Victorian-era postbox still in use, it perfectly combines the charm of a bygone era and modern comforts.
Experience: Amazing hospitality splendid in-room dining and personalised butler service. Couples can enjoy a romantic holiday—laze in the sun, lounge by the pool, or take the unique heritage walk. Unwind with a massage at the Jiva Grande Spa, located in the original 1887 heritage building, and end the evening with a romantic moonlit dinner at the Tulip Gazebo.
Places to Visit Nearby: Lalbagh Gardens, HAL Aerospace Museum, Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace
Price: Double Rooms start at Rs. 12600 per night exclusive of taxes
Drawing inspiration from the grand architectural style of the Royal Palace of Mysore, The Leela Palace Bengaluru is built in an art-deco form, adorned with copper domes, arches, and ornate ceilings that reflect the grandeur of palaces of a bygone era. You will feel like Royalty at this beautiful hotel.
Experience: Witness the local ceremonial rituals every evening, admire the art work in the hotel or indulge in refreshing spa treatments to rejuvenate your senses. Enjoy exclusive romantic dinners or just explore the city.
Places to Visit Nearby: Lalbagh Gardens, HAL Aerospace Museum, Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace
Price: Double Rooms start at Rs. 16810 per night exclusive of taxes
Read about Senneil's royal experience here
If you want a unique vacation with a dash of luxury, while being close to nature or heritage, choose one of these amazing stay experiences, each of which are destinations in themselves!
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must read: room with private pool