Karnataka is a large state in southwest India, stretching from the Arabian Sea coast across the forested Western Ghats to the Deccan plateau. It combines the UNESCO-listed ruins of Hampi, the Hoysala temples of Belur and Halebidu, the royal city of Mysuru, coffee-covered Coorg hills, and the beaches of Gokarna and Udupi, with Bengaluru as India's technology capital.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Wonderla Amusement Park, Bengaluru
Large water and dry-ride amusement park on Mysore Road near Kumbalgodu with rides for toddlers through teens, wave pools and slides
Duration: Full day
Bannerghatta Biological Park and Safari
Zoo, lion and tiger safari, elephant sanctuary and a butterfly park on the southern edge of Bengaluru
Duration: Half day
Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens (Mysuru Zoo)
One of India's oldest and best-kept zoos with shaded paths, giraffes, elephants, tigers and a children's play area
Duration: Half day
Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum
Hands-on science and technology museum in Cubbon Park with an engine hall, dinosaur exhibits, and a space gallery
Duration: 2-3 hours
Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium, Bengaluru
Planetarium shows and sky exhibits in Bengaluru; check show timings and language options on the official listing
Duration: 1-2 hours
Brindavan Gardens and musical fountain
Terraced gardens below Krishnaraja Sagara (KRS) Dam near Mysuru, with an evening musical fountain show; the fountain show runs on a seasonal schedule
Duration: 2-3 hours
Dubare Elephant Camp, Coorg
Children can watch elephants being bathed and fed on the Cauvery River bank, reached by a short boat crossing from Kushalnagar side
Duration: Half day
St Mary's Island and Malpe Beach, Udupi
Ferry from Malpe port to the basalt-columned island with a sandy beach; suitable for older children who swim only in shallow water
Duration: Half day
Nature walks and jeep safari at Kabini or Bandipur
Forest-department safaris for elephants, deer, bison and possible leopard or tiger; children usually need to be at least 5-6 years old for jungle lodge safaris
Duration: 3-4 hours
Coracle ride at Hampi and Tungabhadra riverside
Traditional round boat crossing near Hampi with rocky-hill views; life jackets should be requested
Duration: 1 hour
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Orange County Resort Kabini (Evolve Back Kabini)
Luxury wildlife resort on the Kabini reservoir near Nagarhole National Park with an activities and children's program
Family features: Family cottages, safaris, kids' nature activities, pool and included meals
Evolve Back Coorg (Orange County Coorg)
Plantation resort near Siddapura, Coorg, with private-pool villas among coffee estates
Family features: Family villas, pool, plantation walks, kids' activities
Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel, Mysuru
Heritage palace hotel near Chamundi Hill with a large lawn and pool
Family features: Spacious rooms, heritage grounds, family suites, pool
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Mysore
Modern chain hotel near Mysuru's centre with a pool and kids' friendly dining
Family features: Family rooms, swimming pool, buffet breakfast, central location
Taj West End, Bengaluru
Heritage garden hotel set in 20 acres near Race Course Road with lawns and a pool
Family features: Large gardens, family rooms, pool, children's dining options
The Chancery Pavilion, Bengaluru
Mid-range hotels in central Bengaluru with family rooms and breakfast included; check current room configurations before booking
Family features: Family rooms, buffet breakfast, central location
Club Mahindra Madikeri, Coorg
Resort with cottages and lawns on a hillside outside Madikeri
Family features: Family cottages, activity area, buffet meals
KSTDC Hotel Mayura Bhuvaneshwari, Kamalapura (Hampi)
KSTDC Mayura Bhuvaneshwari at Kamalapura offers reliable family rooms near Hampi's Archaeological Museum; confirm current status before booking
Family features: Simple family rooms, on-site restaurant, easy access to ruins
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Udupi-style vegetarian restaurants are naturally child-friendly and safe: idli, dosa, plain rice with sambar and buttermilk are mild.
Ask for 'less spicy' (kam teekha in Hindi or 'khara kadime' in Kannada) and request dishes without chilli for toddlers.
Pair meals with curd rice, bananas and fresh coconut water for easy, gentle food.
Carry hand sanitiser and use bottled or filtered water for mixing baby formula.
Eat early: restaurants are quiet around noon and 7PM, and many close the kitchen by 10PM outside large cities.
Many restaurants offer 'meals' thalis with unlimited refills - good value for hungry teenagers.
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Build downtime into every day — over-scheduled kids melt down faster than tired adults.
Carry snacks, water, and a small first-aid kit at all times.
Many attractions offer discounted family tickets — ask at the ticket window.