Best time to visit Karnataka

“We could easily have spent more than a week traveling, so give yourself plenty of time. And be open to surprises!” – Robyn Nadolny

“We expected it to be hot. But July was VERY hot... except in the Nilgiri hills where it was beautifully cool and an easy introduction to India. Small, uncrowded towns and villages.” – Anna Perkins

“I now know I have been over-boiling the water for my tea and after a fascinating visit to a local tea plantation and factory – I will never buy basic British rail tea again! (Life's too short).” – Fiona Andrews

“Read !! Read !!! Read !!! If you go without reading first you will be blind. Nothing will make sense. Good books on India are out there. Travel guides need to be digested before leaving.” – Joel Montague

“Our trip was in late February to early March, and this worked well – it was before the end of the tourist season and not too hot. We were there during the harvest, and it was so interesting to see all of the harvesting and also the start of planting for the next season.” – Mary Vetter

“Indian ladies, of whatever religious persuasion, or none, do not generally show anything of their legs, or their shoulders (midriffs are optional!). When touring round the temples, particularly, many of which are active religious centres, I felt more comfortable in long skirts or trousers. For men, shorts in town are similarly a bit difficult (especially in hot weather) but bare legs would usually denote a lower caste person so bear it in mind.” – Kate & Adrian Parker

“Take a universal sink plug – they were a rarity. Take travel wash, because although washing services are universal and cheap, one is rarely in one place long enough to employ them, and we were reliably informed that in any case the dhobi wallah will smash your buttons on the rock!” – Kate & Adrian Parker