TRANSPORT Important Gateways : Bangalore, Mangalore and Hubli Main Ways to Commute : Air, Rails, Roads Local Transport : Cars and Auto Rickshaws Other Rides : Tonga Ride in Bijapur

Transportation in Karnataka – The Way to the Divine State

Karnataka is the southernmost part of the country famous for its natural beauty and the cultural traditions. Sharing its border with the Arabian sea there are many ports and beaches that also form an important tourist attraction of Karnataka. This eighth largest state in India is convenient to reach and pleasurable to sojourn in.

Fly Away to Karnataka

Karnataka boasts of six airports, which very well connect it to the rest of the country as well as important parts of the world. It has airports in Bangalore, Mangalore, Hampi, Hubli, Belgaum, Bijapur and Mysore (not operational). The Mangalore international airport and the HAL airport in Bangalore are the two airports that offer international flights to and fro Karnataka. Domestic flights like Jet Airways, Kingfisher and Indian ply between the six airports. International cities like Sharjah, Singapore and others are also connected via direct international flights. The time taken to reach Bangalore form Delhi is approximately 3 hours while the time consumed from Maharashtra is around 1 ½ hours.

The Train to Karnataka

Karnataka is also well connected to other parts of the country through a wide rail network. Besides, the state of Karnataka also has an interstate rail network to make commuting easy within Karnataka. The most important railway station is undoubtedly at Bangalore, which is the capital of the state. Bangalore has 2 railway stations called Bangalore City and Yeshwantpur. Trains from all major cities of India travel to Bangalore. Daily express trains connect Bangalore to the other major cities of India. Various daily express as well as nigh expresses run from different parts of the country.

The Endless Roads to Karnataka

An intricate network of bus services as provided by KSRTC (Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation) connect Karnataka to the nearby states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Besides, NEKRTC and NWKRTC are the two other road transport corporation in Karnataka, making commuting more easier by making remote areas and other places more accessible through the road network. National highways NH4, NH7, NH9, NH13, NH17, NH48, NH63, NH67, NH206, NH207, NH212 and NH218 connect Karnataka with Maharashtra, Kerala,Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

Exploring the Cities of Karnataka – Local Transport

Local transport of Karnataka includes personal cars and auto rickshaws. A favorite with the foreigners, these three-wheeled vehicles provide a cheap and convenient mode of transport. One can find auto rickshaw stands near most of the tourist spots and also at airports, railway stations and bus stands. However, tourists are suggested to enjoy the Tonga (carriage) ride in the historic town of Bijapur.