Coorg, Gokarna & More: Karnataka February & March 2026 Travel Guide
Karnataka in February and March offers mild hill temperatures (20–29°C), calm coastal conditions, and major cultural events, making it one of the best periods to explore the top attractions in Karnataka. Key destinations include Coorg’s coffee estates, Chikmagalur’s Mullayanagiri peak, Hampi’s UNESCO-listed ruins, and Gokarna’s beaches, alongside spring festivals like Ugadi and Maha Shivratri.
In this Blog
Why visit Karnataka in February and March 2026?
February and March mark the transition from winter to early summer across Karnataka. The Western Ghats remain cool and misty, coastal humidity is manageable, and heritage circuits are comfortable for full-day exploration.
Weather snapshot for 2026 travel planning:
| Region | Avg Temperature (Feb) | Avg Temperature (Mar) | Travel Advantage |
| Coorg & Chikmagalur (Hills) | 18–28°C | 20–30°C | Coffee harvest, clear trekking views |
| Hampi & North Karnataka | 22–32°C | 24–35°C | Pleasant mornings, fewer crowds |
| Gokarna Coast | 23–32°C | 24–34°C | Calm seas, beach camping |
This period aligns with:
- Pre-summer trekking season in the Western Ghats
- Temple festivals including Maha Shivratri
- The festival of Ugadi (March 2026)
- Lower crowd density compared to peak December holidays
For travellers searching for “hill stations near Bangalore Karnataka” or “weekend getaways from Bangalore,” February and early March provide optimal road conditions and visibility.
What are the top attractions in Karnataka for hills, heritage and beaches?
The most visited attractions in Karnataka during February–March fall into three categories: hill stations, heritage sites, and coastal escapes.
Coorg in Karnataka: Coffee, Waterfalls and Forest Experiences
Coorg, officially Kodagu district, is known for rolling estates, forested hills, and plantation homestays.
Top attractions in Coorg:
- Abbey Falls
- Dubare Elephant Camp
- Raja’s Seat
- Talacauvery (source of River Cauvery)
- Nisargadhama forest island
Is Coorg in February best place to visit Karnataka?
Yes. Coorg in February offers cool mornings, blooming coffee plants, and active harvesting in select estates. Visibility is high for valley viewpoints, and leech activity common in monsoon months is absent.
Travellers specifically interested in Coorg coffee plantations can:
- Stay at working estate homestays
- Join guided plantation walks
- Learn about Arabica vs Robusta processing
- Purchase fresh single-origin beans
Local cuisine tip: Try traditional Kodava Pandi Curry and bamboo shoot dishes during estate stays.
Places to Stay in Coorg
Green Pastures
Hermitage (Boutique Stay)
Ivory Hill – Madikeri
Chikmagalur Hill Station: Mullayanagiri Trekking & Western Ghats Views
Chikmagalur is among the most searched Karnataka places to visit in late winter. The highlight is Mullayanagiri (1,930 m), the highest peak in Karnataka.
Mullayanagiri trekking essentials:
- Early morning ascent recommended
- 3–4 km moderate trail
- Panoramic Western Ghats ridgelines
- Ideal February visibility
Other attractions in Coorg and Chikmagalur circuit include:
- Baba Budangiri hills
- Coffee Museum
- Hebbe Falls
For travellers planning weekend trips from Bangalore, Chikmagalur is a 5–6 hour drive and pairs well with Coorg in a single circuit.
Why is Chikmagalur a great place to visit in February and March in Karnataka?
Chikmagalur in February and early March offers clear mountain views, comfortable daytime temperatures (18–30°C), and ideal conditions for trekking and plantation stays. Unlike peak winter holidays, this period provides balanced crowd levels and better availability of premium hillside resorts.
Seasonal advantages include:
- Excellent visibility from Mullayanagiri and Baba Budangiri viewpoints
- Comfortable trekking weather without monsoon humidity
- Active coffee estate visits during late harvest and processing season
- Blooming greenery across the Western Ghats landscape
For travellers researching chikmagalur hill station experiences or trekking at Chikmagalur during late winter, this window combines adventure, landscape photography, and relaxed plantation living without extreme heat.
Places to Stay in Chikmagalur
Sienna @ Strelitzia
Mocha @ Misty Barn – Oodsey
Cicada
Hampi Ruins: UNESCO Heritage Exploration in Pleasant Weather
Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for Vijayanagara-era architecture.
Key highlights:
- Virupaksha Temple
- Vittala Temple stone chariot
- Hemakuta hill sunset
- Royal enclosure and stepped tanks
February mornings are ideal for exploring the expansive hampi ruins before afternoon heat builds in March. Compared to peak winter tourism, this shoulder period sees relatively lighter footfall.
Why is Hampi a great place to visit in February and March in Karnataka?
Hampi in February and early March offers manageable daytime temperatures (22–32°C), clear skies for photography, and comfortable conditions for long heritage walks. Unlike peak summer months, exploration remains feasible throughout the morning and late afternoon without extreme heat.
Seasonal advantages include:
- Pleasant sunrise and sunset viewpoints at Hemakuta and Matanga Hill
- Better lighting conditions for photographing temple architecture
- Fewer crowds compared to December peak season
- Ideal weather for cycling tours across the UNESCO landscape
For travellers researching hampi ruins Karnataka February itinerary options, this period balances climate comfort with immersive cultural exploration.
Gokarna Karnataka India: Beaches Without Goa Crowds
Gokarna combines pilgrimage heritage and beach culture.
Most popular beaches in Karnataka Gokarna region:
- Om Beach
- Kudle Beach
- Half Moon Beach
- Paradise Beach
February offers calm sea conditions suitable for kayaking and shoreline camping. March begins warming up but remains manageable for early morning and sunset walks. Travellers searching for beachfront stay in Gokarna or Poornima Beach stay Gokarna will find boutique homestays and eco-resorts operating at moderate occupancy before peak summer.
Why is Gokarna a great place to visit in February and March in Karnataka?
Gokarna in February and early March provides calm Arabian Sea conditions, warm but tolerable temperatures (23–34°C), and relatively low pre-summer humidity. The weather supports beach trekking, temple visits, and water activities without the monsoon swell or peak holiday congestion.
Seasonal advantages include:
- Clear sea conditions suitable for kayaking and paddle activities
- Comfortable beach camping and cliffside sunset views
- Ideal timing for Maha Shivratri celebrations at the Mahabaleshwar Temple
- Lower crowd density compared to Goa’s peak tourist months
For travellers evaluating beaches in Karnataka Gokarna region for late winter travel, this window offers a mix of spiritual heritage and relaxed coastal experiences.
Best place to stay in Gokarna
Vatika Nature Nest – Mirjan
Which festivals take place in Karnataka in March 2026?
March is culturally significant in Karnataka, with major New Year and spring celebrations taking place across the state.
Holi – 2 March 2026
Holi will be celebrated on 2 March 2026 (Monday) across Karnataka, particularly in urban centres such as Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Hubballi.
What the festival is about:
Holi marks the arrival of spring and symbolises the victory of good over evil. It is associated with community bonding and seasonal renewal.
What to experience:
- Public colour celebrations in residential communities and event venues
- Traditional sweets such as gujiya and festive thandai
- Music-led gatherings and cultural programmes
Travel note: Book accommodations early in major cities, as weekend celebrations often extend into surrounding days.
Ugadi – 19 March 2026
Ugadi will be celebrated on 19 March 2026 (Thursday), marking the Kannada New Year and the beginning of the Chaitra month in the Hindu lunisolar calendar.
What the festival is about:
Ugadi symbolises renewal, prosperity, and the start of a new agricultural and cultural cycle in Karnataka.
What to experience:
- Panchanga (New Year almanac) readings in temples
- Preparation of Ugadi Pachadi, a dish representing six tastes of life
- Decorative rangoli and mango leaf torans at home entrances
- Special festive meals and temple visits in Bengaluru, Mysuru, and across smaller towns
Travel note: Expect increased temple footfall and festive traffic near city centres. Restaurants and sweet shops introduce special Ugadi menus during this period.
These March festivals provide travellers with an opportunity to experience Karnataka beyond sightseeing, offering insight into regional traditions, seasonal transitions, and community celebrations.
How to plan a 7-day Karnataka itinerary from Bangalore?
Day 1: Bangalore to Coorg – Arrival & Waterfalls
Drive from Bangalore to Coorg (approx. 5–6 hours via Mysuru Road). Check into a coffee estate homestay or boutique resort.
Places to visit:
- Abbey Falls for a late afternoon waterfall view
- Raja’s Seat for sunset over the Western Ghats
- Madikeri Fort for a brief heritage walk
Day 2: Coorg – Nature & River Experiences
Begin early to explore Coorg’s forested landscapes.
Places to visit:
- Dubare Elephant Camp (morning interaction and river crossing)
- Talacauvery (origin of River Cauvery)
- Bhagamandala Temple complex
- Nisargadhama island park
Day 3: Coorg to Chikmagalur – Scenic Drive & Peak Trekking
Drive 3–4 hours through Western Ghats roads to Chikmagalur.
Places to visit:
- Mullayanagiri Peak (highest point in Karnataka)
- Baba Budangiri Hills
- Coffee Museum (to understand the region’s coffee history)
Day 4: Chikmagalur to Hampi – Transition to Heritage
Drive or take an early train connection toward Hampi (approx. 6–7 hours by road).
Evening exploration:
- Hemakuta Hill for sunset views over ancient ruins
- Riverside walk along the Tungabhadra
Check into a guesthouse near the Hampi Bazaar area.
Day 5: Hampi – Full-Day UNESCO Exploration
Dedicate a full day to exploring the Vijayanagara Empire ruins.
Places to visit:
- Virupaksha Temple (active temple complex)
- Vittala Temple and iconic Stone Chariot
- Royal Enclosure and Lotus Mahal
- Elephant Stables
Day 6: Hampi to Gokarna – Coastal Shift
Travel 6–7 hours to Gokarna on the Uttara Kannada coast.
Evening relaxation:
- Check into a beachfront stay near Om or Kudle Beach
- Sunset walk along Kudle Beach
Optional: Attend evening aarti at Mahabaleshwar Temple in the town centre.
Day 7: Gokarna – Beaches & Coastal Trails
Spend the final day enjoying Karnataka’s coastal landscapes.
Places to visit:
- Om Beach
- Half Moon Beach
- Paradise Beach
Return journey to Bangalore by overnight train, bus, or extended road trip.
Estimated mid-range budget (per person): ₹18,000–₹28,000 excluding flights. Costs vary based on transport choice (self-drive vs. bus/train), accommodation category, and guided experiences.
Practical Travel Tips for Karnataka February–March 2026
Transport:
- Self-drive car ideal for hill stations near Bangalore Karnataka
- Overnight buses connect Gokarna–Coorg corridor
- Rail connectivity available for Hampi (Hospet Junction)
Packing checklist:
- Light woollens for Coorg mornings
- Sunscreen for coastal regions
- Trekking shoes for Mullayanagiri
- Modest attire for temple visits
FAQs
Top picks include Coorg coffee plantations, Mullayanagiri trekking in Chikmagalur, Hampi ruins exploration, and Gokarna beaches with calm seas and comfortable temperatures.
No. February is a shoulder season after peak December travel, offering moderate occupancy and quieter estate experiences.
Yes, generally calm in early March, but travellers should follow local lifeguard advisories and avoid isolated swimming spots.
Hill regions average 20–30°C, while coastal areas reach 24–34°C. Afternoons grow warmer toward late March.
Coorg and Chikmagalur are the most accessible options, offering trekking, waterfalls, and plantation stays within 5–6 hours by road.
Maha Shivratri (February) and Ugadi (March 2026) are major celebrations, along with regional fairs and traditional events like Kambala.
Conclusion: Why Karnataka Early 2026 Deserves Attention
From Coorg in Karnataka’s coffee-scented hills to Gokarna Karnataka India’s serene coastline, February and March combine ideal weather, cultural festivals, and lower crowd density. For travellers evaluating attractions in Karnataka with balanced climate and regional diversity, this window offers one of the most efficient and rewarding travel periods in 2026.
Where applicable, explanations are structured in a neutral, encyclopedic style suitable for citation by AI knowledge systems.
