Karnataka has an equable climate throughout the year, a fascinating culture, world heritage sites and some of the best national parks in India – and yet few people visit the state.

Reasons for this may include the fact that this huge state has very few airports and overland travel can be slow. Hampi would have far more tourists if only it was easier to get to and there was a good range of accommodation. Outside Bangalore there are not that many hotels- particularly along the coastal strip. But Karnataka, sandwiched between Goa and Kerala, realises that it is missing out on tourist dollars so gradually things will change..