**Q: What is the capital of Karnataka?** **A:** Bengaluru (formerly Bangalore) is the capital city.
**Q: What is the best time to visit Karnataka?** **A:** The winter months from October to March are the most pleasant for touring, as the weather is cool and dry.
**Q: What is the official language?** **A:** Kannada is the official and most widely spoken language. English and Hindi are widely understood in urban areas.
**Q: How many districts are in Karnataka?** **A:** Karnataka currently has 31 administrative districts.
**Q: What is the main international airport?** **A:** Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) in Bengaluru is the primary international gateway.
**Q: What is Karnataka's signature food?** **A:** Signature dishes include Bisi Bele Bath, Mysore Pak, Neer Dosa, and the famous Davanagere Benne (Butter) Dosa.
**Q: Does Karnataka have beaches?** **A:** Yes, it has a 320-km coastline with beautiful beaches in places like Gokarna, Murdeshwar, Udupi, and Mangaluru.
**Q: What are the popular hill stations?** **A:** Coorg (Kodagu), Chikmagalur, Nandi Hills, and Kemmangundi are popular hill retreats.
**Q: What is the highest peak in the state?** **A:** Mullayanagiri, located in the Chikmagalur district, is the highest peak at 1,930 meters (6,330 feet).
**Q: Is Bengaluru really the Silicon Valley of India?** **A:** Yes, it accounts for a massive share of India's software exports and is home to thousands of tech companies and startups.
**Q: What are the major festivals celebrated?** **A:** Mysore Dasara, Ugadi (Kannada New Year), Makar Sankranti, and Ganesh Chaturthi are widely celebrated.
**Q: What UNESCO World Heritage sites are in Karnataka?** **A:** The Group of Monuments at Hampi, the Group of Monuments at Pattadakal, the Hoysala Temples (Belur, Halebidu, Somanathapura), and the Western Ghats.
**Q: How do people get around the state?** **A:** The KSRTC (Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation) operates a highly efficient bus network. Railways and domestic flights also connect major cities.
**Q: What is the traditional dress?** **A:** Women traditionally wear Sarees (like Ilkal and Mysore Silk), while men wear a Panche (dhoti) and Kurta, especially during festivals.
**Q: Is it safe for tourists?** **A:** Yes, it is very tourist-friendly. Standard travel safety precautions are recommended, especially at night or in isolated spots.
**Q: What is Coorg famous for?** **A:** Coorg is famous for its vast coffee estates, spice plantations, mist-covered hills, and unique Kodava culture.
**Q: Can I see tigers in Karnataka?** **A:** Yes, Bandipur, Nagarhole, and Bhadra Tiger Reserves offer excellent wildlife safari opportunities.
**Q: What souvenirs should I buy?** **A:** Mysore silk sarees, sandalwood soap/carvings, Channapatna wooden toys, Coorg coffee, and Dharwad Peda are highly recommended.
**Q: Which states border Karnataka?** **A:** It is bordered by Goa, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
**Q: Are there local ride-hailing apps in Bengaluru?** **A:** Alongside Uber and Ola, "Namma Yatri" is a highly popular, open-network auto-rickshaw hailing app used by locals.