top 10 tourist places karnataka

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35 Best Tourist Places to Visit in Karnataka

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Fondly called the Scotland of India, Coorg is one of the top hill stations in South India and among the most popular attraction not to miss in your Karnataka holiday packages . Coorg (or Kodagu) is about 265 km from Bangalore city and takes about 6 hrs drive. Coorg is the largest producer of Coffee in India. Also, it is one of the places with the highest rainfall in India. Places like Raja's Seat, Abbey Falls, Iruppu Falls, Omkareshwara Temple, Bylakuppe, Talacauvery and Dubare are the major attractions to be included in Coorg Holiday Packages . The famous Cauvery River is originated in the hills of Coorg at Talacauvery. Explore our Coorg Travel Guide for complete details on the hill station of Coorg. Being a part of the Western Ghats, Coorg is home to three wildlife sanctuaries - the Talacauvery, Pushpagiri, and Brahmagiri Sanctuaries, and one national park, the Nagarhole National Park. Coorg is also famous for trekking activities with peaks like Thandiyandamole, Brahmagiri, and Pushpagiri. Besides, Coorg can also be visited along with Ooty tour packages . If you are planning to visit Bandipur or Nagarhole along with Mysore, staying at Jungle Lodges & Resorts (JLR) properties is the best way to explore.

Mysore, the erstwhile capital of the Mysore Maharajas, is one of the popular destinations in Karnataka and among the must-visit places as part of 2 day trip near Bangalore . It is about 139 km from Bangalore. With its dazzling royal heritage, intricate architecture, its famed silk sarees, yoga, and sandalwood, Mysore is one of the top heritage sites in India . Often called the City of Palaces, Mysore still retains its old-world charm with its palaces, heritage buildings, traditions, and temples. Mysore Palace is among the must include places in your Mysore tour packages . Apart from the Mysore Palace , Chamundi Hill Temple, Mysore Zoo, Srirangapatna, and Brindavan Gardens are the most famous places to visit in Mysore. The royal city of Mysore Dussehra is known for its grand Dussehra celebrations. The month-long Dussehra celebrations, with its colorful processions, fireworks, and the beautifully lighted palace, give an enchanting look to the city. Mysore can also be visited as part of Coorg tour packages . If you are planning to visit Bandipur or Nagarhole along with Mysore, staying at Jungle Lodges & Resorts (JLR) properties is best way to explore ...

3. Chikmagalur

Chikmagalur or Chikkamagaluru is a scenic hill town situated at the foothills of Mulliyangiri range with an altitude of 3,400 feet. It is one of the best hill stations in Karnataka and among the most famous tourist places near Bangalore . Chikmagalur is famous for its serene environment, lush green forests and tall mountains. Baba Budangiri, Hirekolale Lake, Mulliyangiri, Ayyanakere Lake, Manikyadhara Falls, Horanadu and Kemmanagundi are among the must include places in Chikmagalur Holiday Packages . Chikkamagaluru is also famous for coffee and is known as the Coffee Land of Karnataka. It is the place where coffee was cultivated for the first time in India. The climate of Chikmagalur is pleasant all year round but the best time to visit the place is from the months of September till March. Explore our Chikmagalur Travel Guide for complete details on the mighty hill station. Chikmagalur can also be visited along with Coorg packages .

Hampi is a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site situated on the banks of Tungabhadra River in northern Karnataka. Situated about 340 km from Bangalore & 377 km from Hyderabad, Hampi is one of the best heritage sites in India and among the must include places in your Karnataka tour packages . Hampi is an extremely significant place in terms of history and architecture as it stands within the ruins of the city of Vijayanagara, the former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. It is an open-museum of architecture, religion, and history dotted with innumerable gems that were hewed from stones. Virupaksha Temple , Vittala Temple, and Hampi Bazaar are among the must include places in your Hampi tour packages . The ruins of Vijayanagara Empire in and around the village of Hampi are spread over an area of more than 26 Sq.km. The famous Vittala Temple is located 2 km east of the Hampi Bazaar. Explore our Hampi Travel Guide for complete details on the stunning heritage city. Hampi can also be visited along with Badami tour packages .

Udupi is one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in Karnataka, and among the top places to visit near Mangalore . Located between the verdant mountains of the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, Udupi is the land of breathtaking beauty. It is about 59 km from Mangalore, and 403 km from the city of Bangalore. Udupi is famous for Sri Krishna Temple which attracts pilgrims from all over India. This temple has a fascinating idol of Lord Krishna that is richly adorned with jewels. Apart from the temple, Malpe Beach, Kaup Beach & St Mary's Island are the top places to visit as part of Udupi holiday packages . Udupi can also be visited along with Murudeshwar packages . It is also the source of renowned Udupi cuisine, which is served all over India in the efficiently-run Udupi restaurants, famous for dosas, idlis and other snacks. The tradition of this cuisine started in the great kitchens of the Krishna Temple which serve meals in the form of prasad to the thousands of devotees who come to pray at the holy shrine. Explore our Udupi Travel Guide for complete details on the holy shrine.

6. Murudeshwar

Murudeshwar is one of the most famous places to visit in Karnataka and among the popular places of pilgrimage in Karnataka . It is about 162 km from Mangalore & 497 km from Bangalore. Murudeshwar is the abode of Lord Shiva. The temple town is famous for the world's second tallest Shiva statue (123 ft) & tallest temple tower (249 feet). The sea on three sides surrounds the Murudeshwar Temple towering on the small hill called Kanduka Giri. This is a great place to watch the sunset. Murdeshwar Beach, Kollur Temple are popular sites to visit as part of Murudeshwar holiday packages . Gokarna, Karwar, Kollur, Udupi, Jog Falls, Sirsi & Sringeri are the nearby attractions. Maha Shivaratri during February is the important festival celebrated here with much devotion and religious rituals. The best time to visit Murudeshwar is from November to February. Murudeshwar can also be visited along with Gokarna packages . Explore our Murudeshwar Travel Guide for complete details on the beautiful and sacred placce.

Gokarna is one of the famous places of pilgrimage in Karnataka , and among the top places to visit as part of Karnataka tour packages . It is about 514 km from Bangalore. Sri Mahabaleshwar Temple which houses the Atmalinga is one of the must-visit places as part of Gokarna holiday packages . Gokarna is considered to be the Mukti Stala, where Hindus perform funeral rites. Gokarna is also home to some of the best beaches in Karnataka including Om Beach, Kudle Beach, Gokarna Beach. Among the beaches in Gokarna, the Om Beach is extremely popular among surfers. The beach gets its name due to the natural formation of the holy Om symbol. Explore our Gokarna Travel Guide for complete details on Gokarna. Gokarna can also be visited along with Dandeli tour packages .

8. Bandipur National Park

Bandipur National Park is one of the well preserved wildlife parks in Karnataka , and among the top places for a wildlife tour in India. Located between Mysore & Ooty, it is about 80 km from Mysore and 215 km from Bangalore. Spread across 874 sq.km, Bandipur is a part of the famous Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve along with Nagarhole National Park, Mudumalai National Park and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. It is home to around 70 tigers and over 3000 Asian elephants, as well as other animals like leopards, dhole, gaur, sloth bears, and a variety of birdlife. Jeep Safaris and Mini Bus Safaris are arranged by the forest department. The entry point & interpretation center of the park is located in Bandipur village on Gundlupet - Ooty Road. The best time to visit Bandipur is from June to October. Staying at Bandipur Safari Lodge is the best way to explore the park as their package includes Jeep Safari into the park with experienced guides. Bandipur can also be visited along with Ooty tour packages as it lies on Bangalore - Ooty road.

9. Mangalore

Located at the confluence of Nethravathi and Gurupura Rivers, the port city of Mangalore is one of the popular tourist places in Karnataka . It is about 251 km from Mysore, and 345 km from Bangalore. It is one of the stunning places to visit near Bangalore . Lying between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, Mangalore is a scenic place dotted with coconut palms, hills, and streams, and is known for its temples and beaches. The Mangaladevi temple, Kadri Manjunatha temple, St Aloysius Chapel, the Rosario Cathedral, the Jama Masjid, Mukka Beach, Someshwara Beach, Tannirbavi Beach, and Panambur beach are the must include places in Mangalore tour packages . Mangalore is the starting point of many Udupi tour packages ., Dharmasthala, and Gokarna Tour Packages.

10. Nagarhole National Park

Nagarhole National Park is one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in India . Also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, the park is situated about 218 km from Bangalore, and is among the must include places in Karnataka Tour Packages . Spread across Mysore and Kodagu districts of Karnataka, Nagarhole got National Park status in 1988 and declared as 37th Project Tiger Reserve in 1999. The Western Ghats Nilgiri sub-cluster of 6,000 Sq. km, including all of Nagarhole National Park, is under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Site status. It is one of the top attractions you must include in Coorg tour packages . It is situated to the north-west of Bandipur National Park . The important animals in Nagarhole are tiger, leopard, wild dog, sloth bear, the hyena, spotted deer, sambar, barking deer, wild boar and elephant. Bus & Jeep Safari available in the park run by forest dept from Kutta & Dhammanakatte (kabini side). Staying at Kabini River Lodge is the best way to explore the park as their package includes Jeep Safari with experienced guides.

11. Dandeli

Situated on the banks of the River Kali, the picturesque town of Dandeli is one of the top Karnataka tourist places . It is located about 130 km from Goa, and 462 km from Bangalore. Dandeli is quite famous for its gorgeous natural backdrop, wildlife, and adventure activities, that can be experienced as part of Dandeli tour packages . Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka . Dandeli is one of the top white Water Rafting destinations in India. Kayaking, water rafting, and canoeing trips on the Kali River are some of the things one can indulge in Dandeli. Sathodi Falls, Syntheri Rocks, and Kavala Caves are the other important places to visit in Dandeli . Explore our Dandeli Travel Guide for complete details on the stunning scenic place. Dandeli can also be visited along with Goa tour packages and Gokarna Packages.

Badami, also called Vatapi, is one of the must include places in Karnataka Tour Packages . It is located at a distance of 36 km from Bagalkot, 104 km from Hubli & 457 km from Bangalore. It is one of the popular places of heritage in Karnataka . Cave temples, fortresses, fine carvings, wonderful architecture, and breathtaking views are the must include places in Badami Tour Packages . Badami is located in a valley at the foot of a red sandstone rock formation that surrounds Agastya Lake. Boothnath Temple, Banashankari Temple, Badami Fort, Cave Temple 1-3, Mallikarjuna Temples, and Mahakuta Temples are the prominent places to visit in Badami . Badami is famous for several early inscriptions dating back to the 6th century. Badami can also be visited along with Aihole & Pattadakal Tour Packages .

13. Srirangapatna

Srirangapatna or Srirangapattana is a historical town in the Mandya district of Karnataka. About 18 km from Mysore, and 124 km from Bangalore, it is among the popular tourist places in Karnataka owing to its cultural, religious, and historic importance. Srirangapatna is one of the top places to visit near Bangalore . The entire town is surrounded by the river Kaveri to form a river island. Srirangapatna is among the must include place in your Mysore tour packages . Ranganathaswamy Temple, Daria Daulat (Palace of Tipu Sultan) and Gumbaz (Mausoleum of Tipu Sultan) & Sangama are the must include places in Srirangapatna Tour Packages . Laksha Deepotsava, Ratha Sapthami, and Brahmotsavam are the famous festivals celebrated with much fanfare at Srirangapatna.

14. Sringeri

Sringeri is a renowned pilgrimage center located in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka. About 88 km from Chikmagalur, and 318 km from Bangalore, it is one of the important places of pilgrimage in South India , and among the must include places in Karnataka tour packages . Sringeri is well known for Sharada Peetham, among the must-visit places as part of the Sringeri holiday packages . Sringeri Sharada Peetham is the first and foremost of the 4 Peethams established by the renowned 8th-century saint Sri Adi Shankaracharya.Vidyashankara Temple, Chennakeshava Temple, Sharadamba Temple, and Sri Parswanath Jain Tirthankara Temple are the other prominent Sringeri places to visit . Adi Shankara Temple, Kere Anjaneya temple, Malayala Brahma Temple, Mallikarjuna Temple, Torana Ganapati Temple, Kigga, Sirimane Falls, Agumbe, Kudremukh are other attractions here. Sringeri can be visited along with Udupi Tour Packages .

15. Pattadakal

Situated on the banks of Malaprabha River, Pattadakal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with Badami & Aihole known as Chalukyan Group of Monuments. Pattadakal is among the popular Tourist places in Karnataka . It is about 439 km from the city of Bangalore. Pattadakal is the place where the coronation of Chalukyan kings took place. Along with Aihole, Pattadakal is considered the cradle for South Indian Temple architecture. The main complex has about 10 temples date back to 6th - 9th centuries, that are the must-visit places as part of Pattadakal tour packages . The temples are built in different architectural styles representing Dravidian, Nagara, Phamsana, and Gajaprastha models. Virupaksha Temple, Sangameshwara Temple, Mallikarjuna Temple , Kashivisvanatha Temple & Galganatha Temple are the most prominent places to visit in Pattadakal . Pattadakal can also be visited along with Aihole & Badami Tour Packages .

Belur is one of the best heritage sites in Karnataka . It was the early capital of the powerful Hoysala Empire on the banks of River Yagachi. About 25 km from Chikmagalur, and 217 km from Bangalore, it is among the most visited places as part of Chikmagalur tour packages . Belur is renowned for the grand Hoysala Temple built by king Vishnuvardhana in 1117 CE. Dedicated to Lord Chennakesava, it is the best of three Hoysala temples nominated for UNESCO World Heritage Sites (other two being the temples at Halebid & Somnathpur). The Hoysala temples are known for minute & intricate carvings and sculptures with metal-like polishing. Sri Chennakesava Temple is one of the must-visit places as part of Belur holiday packages . Standing on a star-shaped platform, Sri Chennakesava Temple is known for its intricate sculptures and friezes. There are about 48 pillars of various sizes, shapes, and designs, bearing testimony to remarkable artistry. The main highlight of the temple is Darpana Sundari or The lady with the mirror. Yagachi Dam, Halebidu, and Narasimha Pillar are the other tourist places in Belur .

17. Somnathpur

At a distance of 137 km from Bangalore, 35 km from Mysore & 50 km from Shivanasamudra Falls , Somnathpur is well known for the breathtaking Prasanna Chennakesava Temple, one of the three famous & finest representations of Hoysala architecture (other two being temples at Belur & Halebid). This is one of the three Hoysala temples nominated for UNESCO World Heritage Site status. This is one of the popular tourist places to visit near Bangalore & Mysore and one of the wonderful weekend getaways from both the cities. The Hoysala temples are known for minute & intricate carvings and sculptures with metal like polishing. It is one of the well known Karnataka tourist places and also one of the best places to experince Mysore Tourism . Located on the banks of Cauvery River, Chennakesava Temple was built in 1268 by Somnatha, a general of King Narasimha III. The temple stands on a raised platform like other Hoysala temples. The temple comprises three shrines and three wonderfully carved peaks with a common Mandapa. The three sanctums once housed beautifully carved idols of Keshava, Janardhana and Venugopala. Today, the idol of Lord Kesava is missing but the other two are still worshipped by the visitors. The Somnathpur temple is famous for its elaborate and ...

18. Jog Falls

Formed over Sharavathi River, Jog falls is the one of the highest plunge waterfalls in Karnataka and among the top places to visit near Hubli . It is situated about 152 km from Hubli, and 400 km from Bangalore. Locally known as Gerusoppe Falls, Jog Falls is one of the best waterfalls near Bangalore to visit as part of Karnataka tour packages . The Sharavathi River flowing over a very rocky bed about 250 yards wide, 253 m deep and the water comes down in four distinct falls known as Raja, Rani, Rover, and Rocket. The four cascades merge to form the huge waterfall. The Raja Fall pours in one unbroken column sheer to the depth of 830 ft. Halfway down it is encountered by the Rover, another fall, which rushes violently downwards to meet the Raja. A third falls, the Rocket, shoots downwards in a series of jets; while the fourth, the Rani, is a quiet fall over the mountainside. A narrow path from viewpoint leads to the bottom of the falls. The view is amazing from the bottom and the showering sizzles of the falls at the bottom are really worth the effort. Unchalli Falls, Bennehole Falls, Yana and Banavasi are among the must include places in Jog Falls tour packages .

19. Halebidu

Halebidu is one of the best heritage sites in Karnataka . About 34 km from Chikmagalur, and 211 km from Bangalore, it is among the most visited places as part of Chikmagalur tour packages . Halebidu is famous for the beautiful Hoysala Temples of Hoysaleswara and Kedareswara built in 1121 AD. These are the most important places to visit as part of Halebidu tour packages . Hoysaleswara Temple is one of the three Hoysala temples nominated for UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the other two being the Belur temple & Somnathpur temple. The Hoysala temples are known for minute & intricate carvings and sculptures with metal-like polishing. Halebidu is one of best places to visit near Bangalore . Another popular place to visit in Halebidu is the Kedareswara temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built by King Ballala II, it was decorated with sculptures and panels in typical Hoysala style.

20. Kemmanagundi

Kemmanagundi is one of the popular hill stations in Karnataka . About 62 km from Chikmagalur, and 246 km from Bangalore, it is among the best places to visit near Bangalore . Breathtaking views of the valleys amidst mountain streams and lush vegetation are the main attractions of Kemmanagundi tour packages . Situated at an altitude of 1434 m on the Baba Budan range, the region is covered with plantations of coffee and tea along with thick bamboo groves forming a dense forest cover. Raj Bhavan, Z point, Rock garden, Hebbe Falls, Kalhattagiri Falls, Baba Budan Hill, Bhadra Tiger Reserve, Shanti Falls, and Hebbe Falls are the most poular place to visit in Kemmanagundi . Kemmanagundi is also popularly known by the name of KR Hills, named after the Mysore King Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV. Kemmanagundi is one of the top attractions you must include in Chikmagalur packages .

Situated on the banks of the Malaprabha River, Aihole is one of the popular places to visit in Karnataka for history buffs, & architecture enthusiasts. It is situated at a distance of 13 km from Pattadakal, 34 km from Badami, and 443 km from Bangalore. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Aihole, along with Pattadakal, is considered as the cradle for South Indian Temple architecture. It is one of the popular places of heritage in Karnataka . There are more than 125 temples in Aihole constructed between the 5th and 8th centuries during Badami Chalukya's rule, which are the must include places in Aihole Tour Packages . Durga Temple, Ladkhan Temple, Ravana Pahadi, and Archeology Museum are the top places to visit in Aihole . Aihole can also be visited along with Pattadakal & Badami Tour Packages .

22. Bangalore

Nicknamed as the Garden City of India, Bangalore, the capital city of Karnataka, is the 5th largest city in India, and among the top places to visit in Karnataka . It is one of the fastest growing industrial and commercial centers in India. It is often referred as Silicon Valley of India due to large number of software companies established in the city. Bangalore is one of the ideal places for those planning to visit south India with many attractions in the form of heritage palaces, gardens, museums, temples, etc. Lalbagh Garden, Cubbon Park, Tipu Sultan's Palace, Bangalore Palace , Bannerghatta National Park, and Vishveswaraiah Museum, are the some of the must include places in Bangalore tour packages . Explore our Bangalore Travel Guide for complete details on the capital city of Karnataka. Bangalore is the perfect stopover point, because this city is the gateway to a plethora of South Indian tourist destinations - you can choose from ancient temples, jungles, historic sites to even scenic countrysides for a quick weekend getaways. Coorg, Mysore , Chikmagalur, Wayanad and Ooty are the top weekend getaways from Bangalore .

23. Sakleshpur

Sakleshpur is a quaint hill station in the Hassan district of Karnataka. Situated at an altitude of 3061 feet, Sakleshpur is one of the least explored hill stations in Karnataka and among the must include tourist attractions in Karnataka tour packages . It is about 151 km from Mangalore and 220 km from Bangalore. Lies in the Malnad region, this beautiful hill station is very popular for its fascinating mountains, scenic beauty, and pleasant weather as well, which are the must-experience things to do as part of Sakleshpur holiday packages . Manjarabad Fort, Sakleshwara Temple, Agni Gudda Hill, Magajahalli Waterfalls, Betta Byraveshwara Temple, Hemavathi Dam, and Pandavar Gudda are some of the popular places to visit in tourist places in Sakleshpur . Besides, this lesser-known hill station is famous for trekking activities in Bisle Reserve Forest Trail and Kumara Parvatha trail, in which one can explore the rich biodiversity of the place. Sakleshpura is the gateway to the Western Ghats from Bengaluru & Hassan side. Sakleshpur is among the major producers of coffee and cardamom output in India.

24. Shravanabelagola

Shravanabelagola is one of the most popular Jain places of pilgrimage in Karnataka . About 83 km from Mysore, and 140 km from Bangalore, it is one of the popular places to visit near Bangalore . Shravanabelagola is famous for the Bahubali Statue, among the must include places in Shravanabelagola tour packages . With a height of 58 feet carved out of a single block of granite, the statue is supposed to be the tallest monolithic stone statue in the world. Gomateswara temple, Odegal Basadi, Tyagada Kamba, Siddhara Basadi, Chennanna Basadi, Akhanda Bagilu, Chamundaraya Basadi, Chandragupta Basadi, Chandraprabha Basadi, Kattale Basadi, and Parshwanatha Basadi are important places to visit in Shravanabelagola . Once in 12 years, Shravanabelagola celebrates the Mahamastakabhisheka festival which attracts thousands of devotees and tourists from all over India. Shravanabelagola can also be visited along with Mysore tour packages .

25. Shivanasamudra Falls

Shivanasamudra is one of the best waterfalls near Bangalore and also among popular one day trip from Bangalore . It is about 130 km from Bangalore. Shivanasamudra is a segmented waterfall with several parallel stream formed adjacent to each other. Situated on River Kaveri, Shivanasamudra is among the popular Tourist places in Karnataka . The island of Shivanasamudra divides Kaveri River into two parts that form two waterfalls, one is Gaganachukki and the other is Bharachukki. Gaganachukki includes a huge horsetail shaped waterfall dropping from a height of 90 m and two large parallel streams that cascade down through a rocky bed from a height of over 320 feet. Asia's first hydroelectric power station was set up in the downstream of the falls in the year 1905. Barachukki is a cascading fall with a height of 70 m forming several streams through the wide rocky formations establishing superb natural beauty. This place offers breathtaking sight in the peak monsoons. Shivanasamudra is among the must include place in your Mysore tour packages . An interesting way to watch the beauty of the waterfall is to take a coracle ride to the mouth of the magnificent waterfall.

26. Irupu Falls

Iruppu Falls is one of the best Karnataka waterfalls , and among the must include places in Coorg tour packages . It is about 75 km from Madikeri,110 km from Mysore, and 248 km from Bangalore. Also known as Lakshmana Tirtha Falls locally, Irupu Falls or Iruppu Falls is one of the popular 2 day trip from Bangalore . It is formed by Lakshmana Tirtha, a stream that originated in Brahmagiri Peaks and joins the Kaveri River. Dropping from a height of 170 feet through several stages, the falls are situated amidst the thick forest of Western Ghats. The roaring waters of Irupu Falls and the picturesque surroundings make it a favorite picnic spot. It is an unforgettable experience to stand at bottom of the cascades and play in the sizzling waters of the falls. There is a temple called Rameshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is located on the banks of the Lakshmana Tirtha River, en route to the falls. It can also be visited along with Wayanad tour packages .

Sirsi is a small hill station located in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. About 99 km from Shimoga, 102 km from Hubli, 395 km from Bangalore, it is the main commercial center and a business hub in the Malnadu region, and among the top tourist places in Karnataka . Situated at an altitude of 2000 feet, Sirsi is surrounded by thick forests and towering hills, among the must-experience things to do as part of Sirsi tour packages . This pristine hill station is also known as 'Gateway of Malenadu' or 'Gateway of Western Ghats'. Unchalli Falls, Vibhuthi Falls, Marikamba Temple, Magod Falls, Benne Hole Falls, Shivaganga Falls, Muregar Falls, Burude Falls, Mattighatta Falls, Manjuguni, Sahashralinga, Sodhe / Sonda, Devimane Ghat, Banavasi, and Gudavi Bird Sanctuary are some of the top place to visit in Sirsi/a>. Sri Marikamba Jatra is the main festival held every alternate year in March at Sirsi. The fair attracts nearly 5 lakh devotees, tourists, and pilgrims from throughout Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Goa, and Maharashtra. It is said to be the most famous and biggest fair in the state of Karnataka.

Lies at the mouth of the Kali River near Goa - Karnataka Border, Karwar is one of the top beach destinations in Karnataka, and among the must-visit places as part of Karnataka tour packages . It is about108 km from Panjim, and 517 km from Bangalore. Karwar's tranquil ambiance had inspired the famous poet Rabindranath Tagore and he has dedicated a chapter of his biography to this town. The town has lovely beaches, beautiful temples and Forts attracting a large number of tourists. Karwar Beach, Devbagh Beach, Sadashivgad, Dargah of Peer Shan Shamsuddin Kharobat, Durga Temple, Kaju Bagh Beach, Kurumgad Island, Naganatha Temple, Narasimha Temple, Koodi Bagh Beach, and Venkataramana Temple are the popular places to visit in Karwar . Karwar can be visited along with Goa tour packages . The Karavali Utsav is the biggest cultural event held at the Rabindranath Tagore beach in Karwar for four days.

Nestled in the thickly forested Malnadu region of the Western Ghats, Agumbe is one of the most mesmerizing offbeat tourist places in Karnataka , and among the must-visit places as part of Karnataka tour packages . It is located about 112 km from Mangalore and 342 km from Bangalore. Situated at an altitude of over 2100 feet, the scenic village of Agumbe lies in the Western Ghats belt with some of the last remaining lowland rainforests. The place is nicknamed 'The Cherrapunji of the South' as it receives the heaviest rainfall in the southern part which makes it a perfect home to some of the scenic waterfalls, dense forests, and rivers. Prominent Agumbe tourist places are Sri Gopala Krishna temple, Kunchikal Falls, Barkana Falls, Onake Abbi Falls, Jogi Gundi Falls, Koodlu Theertha Falls, Agumbe Rainforest Research Station, Narsimha Parvatha trek, Kudremukh National Park, Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary, etc. It can be visited as part of Mangalore holiday packages . Agumbe is home to the Agumbe Rainforest Research Station, the only rainforest research station in India, and was established as a sanctuary for the King Cobra. It is also the place where RK Narayan has filmed his novel Malgudi Days.

At a distance of 116 km from Gulbarga, 639 km Bangalore and 140 km from Hyderabad, Bidar is a town and district headquarters located in the north-eastern part of Karnataka. Bidar is one of the most popular tourist places to visit near Hyderabad and one of the famous Hyderabad weekend getaways from a two day trip. It is lies at an altitude of 2,200 feet on Deccan plateau overlooking the Manjira river valley. Bidar is among the well known Karnataka tourist places . It is bounded by Nizamabad and Medak districts of Telangana on the eastern side, Latur and Osmanabad districts of Maharashtra on the western side, Nanded district of Maharashtra on the northern side and Gulbarga district on southern side. Bidar has great historical importance and it is one of the important heritage sites in Karnataka. The history of Bidar goes back to 3rd century BC, and it was ruled by Mauryas, Satavahanas, Kadambas and Chalukyas of Badami, Rashtrakutas and later Kalyani Chalukyas. For a short period after Kalyani Chalukyas Bidar was under the Yadavas of Devgiri and Kakatiyas of Warangal . Delhi rulers first headed by Allauddin Khilji and later ...

31. Kollur Mookambika Temple

At a distance of 60 km from Murudeshwar, 73 km from Udupi, 90 km from Jog Falls and 133 km from Mangalore, Sri Mookambika Devi Temple is a Hindu temple situated at Kollur in Udupi district of Karnataka. The temple is located in the valley of Kodachadri Mountain Peak on the banks of Souparnika River. Kollur is regarded as one of the Seven Mukti Stalas created by Parashurama and the other places are Udupi, Subrahmanya, Kumbasi, Kodeshwara, Sankaranarayana and Gokarna . It is a famous site of pilgrimage in Karnataka and one of the top places to visit near Murudeshwar . This temple is dedicated to Goddess Parvathi. According to Legend, Goddess Parvathi killed a demon called Kamsasuran who lived here and attempted to become powerful through his penance. Devi along with the help of Veerabadra, Ganesha and Shiva initially made him dumb and he came to be called Mookasuran (Mooka means dumb). Later the goddess killed him with her Chakra and called as Mookambika thereafter. The place where Devi killed Mookasura is known as Marana Katte. The Panchaloha (five metals) image of the Goddess Mookambika is stated to have been consecrated by Adi Shankaracharya during his visit to this place. Devi Mookambika has three eyes and four arms, with chakra and conch in her hands sitting in the padmahasana ...

32. Kukke Subrahmanya Temple

At a distance of 100 km from Mangalore, Kukke Subrahmanya Temple is a sacred Hindu temple located at Kukke near Mangalore. It is one of the most famous temples in Karnataka and among the must-visit places as part of Mangalore holiday packages . Dedicated to Lord Murugan, Kukke Subrahmanya Temple is one of the important temples of Lord Subrahmanya (Lord Murugan), and among the famous pilgrimage places to visit near Mangalore . This temple is famous for Sarpa Dosha. Lord Subrahmanya is worshipped as the protector of all serpents. The epics mention that the divine serpent Vasuki and other serpents found refugee under Lord Subrahmanya when attacked by Garuda. Pilgrims visiting the temple have to cross the Kumaradhara River and take a holy dip in it before entering the temple. According to Mythology, Lord Kumaraswamy killed the demon rulers Taraka, Shoorapadmasura in a war; and washed his Shakti Ayudha in this river (hence the river is named Kumaradhara). This is also one of the famous places of trekking in Karnataka . Sarpa Samskara/Sarpa Dosha is one of the poojas performed at this temple by devotees to get rid of the sarpa dosha. Kukke Subramanya can be reached by road from Mangalore and Bangalore. Timings: 6:30 AM - 1:30 PM & 3:30 PM - 8 PM

33. Manjunatha Temple - Dharmasthala

At a distance of 70 km from Mangalore, Dharmasthala is a sacred town in Karnataka. Situated on the banks of the Nethravathi River, it is one of the famous places of pilgrimage in Karnataka , and among the popular places to visit as part of Mangalore Packages . The main attraction of Dharmasthala is the famous Manjunatha Temple. This place is also known as Sri Kshetra, and is one of the top places to visit near Mangalore . Dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Manjunatha or Lokeshwara, this temple dates back to 16th Century. It is said that the Shiva Linga worshipped at this temple was procured from Kadri Temple in Mangalore. This place was known as Kuduma and was later renamed Dharmasthala in the 16th century by Vadiraja Swami of Udupi . The shrines of four Dharma Daivas (Kalarahu, Kalarkaayi, Kanyakumari, and Kumaraswamy) are built well before Manjunatha Temple in Dharmasthala. Lakshadeepotsava celebrated in Kartheekamasa (Nov/Dec) is the main attraction of the temple. This temple is involved in several social activities, especially, educational institutes for the poor. Timings: 6:30 AM - 2:30 PM & 5 PM - 8:30 PM

34. Melukote / Melkote

At a distance of 50 km from Mysore and 133 km from Bangalore, Melkote / Melukote is a historical town located in Pandavapura taluk of Mandya district, Karnataka. Also known as Thirunarayanapuram, it is one of the popular pilgrimage places in Karnataka and also one of the best places to visit as part of Mysore Tour. Melkote can also be included in your Mysore holiday packages . The town is built on rocky hills known as Yadavagiri or Yadugiri overlooking the Cauvery valley. The town derives its name from two words, Melu means top and Kote means fort. According to the history, the great Vaishnava saint Sri Ramanujacharya lived here for about 14 years in 12th century AD and thus it became a prominent center of the Srivaishnava sect of Brahmins. There are two popular temples reside in this town, one is Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple and the other one is Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple. These temples existed even before Sri Ramanujacharya came to this place. The main temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu known as Thirunarayana or Cheluvaraya installed by Lord Krishna. The utsavamurthy or procession idol of the deity is referred as Cheluvapille Raya whose original name appears to have been Ramapriya. This utsavamurthy was lost when the Moghuls invaded the place and it was recovered by Ramanujacharya from Bibi Nachiyaar the daughter of Mohammed Shah. The temple has been under the patronage of the Mysore royal family and is ...

35. Horanadu Annapoorneswari Temple

At a distance of 29 km from Kudremukh, 42 km from Sringeri, and 70 km from Chikmagalur, Horanadu Annapoorneswari Temple is a famous temple situated in the thick forests of the Western Ghats in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka. It is one of the popular temples in Karnataka , and among the must include places in Sringeri tour packages . Sri Annapoorneswari Temple is situated on the banks of River Bhadra and is also known as Sri Kshethra Horanadu. It is believed that this temple was established by Agasthya Maharishi. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Annapoorneswari, one of the incarnations of Goddess Durga. A new idol of the main deity was installed at the temple in 1973. It can also be visited along with Chikmagalur Tour Packages . The temple is now known as Adi Shaktyatmaka Sri Annapoorneswari Temple. The recently renovated sanctum of the temple is surrounded by Adi Sesha while the Padma Peetha is formed by Ashtagaja, Koorma, and others. The main idol of the goddess is made of gold. The Goddess Annapoorneswari is seen standing on a peetha with four hands, each holding a Shanka, Chakra, Sri Chakra, and Gayathri Mantra. The name Annapoorneswari means feeding one and all. It is believed that a person who seeks Annapoorneswari's blessing will never face a shortage of food in life. It is believed that Lord ...

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Most Asked Questions on Karnataka

It usually takes minimum 5 days to visit top destinations in different circuits of Karnataka. It is difficult to cover all top places in Karnataka in a single trip, as the state is quote big. One can start from Bangalore and visit Mysore, Coorg & Chikmagalur. Starting from Mangalore, Udupi, Murudeshwar & Gokarna can be visited. Another popular circuit includes Hampi, Badami, Pattadakal and near by places.

Karnataka can be vistited through the year, however, winter from September to February is the best season to visit Karnataka. It is also the busiest season and hotels are usually very expensive in this season. Hill stations like Coorg & Chikmagalur attract large crowds in summer season.

Budget of Karnataka trip depends on the trip duration and category of hotel you choose for your stay along with the kind of vehicle you prefer. Karnataka tour packages offered by Trawell.in start from as low as INR 15000 per person for a 5D/4N trip and from INR 21500 per person for 8D/7N vacation.

Ensure to cover most important places to visit in Karnataka like Mysore, Coorg, Chikmagalur, Hampi, Murudeshwar, Udupi, Gokarna, Badami, Bidar, etc. Mysore, Coorg & Hampi are most visited destinations in Karnataka.

Karnataka is one of the safest states in India and people are very liberal in nature. It is very safe for domestic & foreign tourists as well as single women to visit the state.

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• 47 Best Places To Visit In Karnataka That Will Totally Knock You Out

27 Feb 2023

Tourist places in Karnataka spell allure and sedation. Some of these best places to visit in Karnataka are well-renowned, while the others are left unappreciated. The state’s geographical location ensures diverse tourist places that are captivating enough to knock you out.

The historical and quintessential state of Karnataka occupies a focal place in the tourism map of India. Locked between Kannad Coast, Western Ghats, and Deccan Plateau, the state boasts of forests, hills, temples, caves beaches, riversides, lakes, coffee estates, waterfalls, ruins, and so much more interesting tourist spots, here’s a list of some of the best places to visit in Karnataka that you can unravel for an amazing getaway with your loved ones.

47 Best Places To Visit In Karnataka

Spell bounded beaches, rich biodiversity, ancient cities, rugged mountains, rich biodiversity and much more, attractions in Karnataka are an amalgamation of modernity and ancient charm. Here we give you a handpicked list of some of the best places to visit in Karnataka. Check them out!

1. Bangalore

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Bangalore, a colorful city of culture and people, is one of the popular tourist destinations to visit in Karnataka. The IT hub of the country offers a cosmopolitan ambience and people from different parts come and settle here for work. Bangalore has pleasant and comfortable weather round the year and so it is one of the best places to visit in Karnataka in summer. Full of wildlife, nature, ruins, museums, architectural wonders, and gardens, Bangalore is a treat for tourists and travelers. And on top of that staying in one of the many luxurious villas in Bangalore makes your vacation all the more worthwhile.

Popular Tourist Destinations: Bangalore also offers many fascinating tourist destinations within the city to chill out a weekend or a mid-week holiday. Key attractions are Butterfly Park of Bannerghatta Biological Park, Bangalore Palace, Lalbagh Glass Place, Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, Wonder La Amusement Park, ISKCON temple, and Aerospace Museum. Butterfly Park in Bangalore is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Karnataka that you must add to your itinerary. Best Time To Visit: October to February Nearest Railway Station: The capital city has its own junction named, Bangalore City Railway Station. Nearest Airport: Bangalore has its own international airport with the name Bengaluru International Airport.

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A quaint and not so popular hill station, Coorg is aptly called ‘Scotland of India’. Its surreal beauty makes it one of the most fascinating tourist places in Karnataka . Endowed with coffee estates full of aroma, luxuriant greenery dotting the mountains, and stunning waterfalls plunging down the misty mountains, Coorg charms each and every one of its visitors.

Thrilling treks along the winding trails of the coffee & spice plantations, visit elephant camp, coracle rides in the river, wildlife sanctuaries, monasteries, and local Madikeri market – all together contribute to make the holiday fascinating and exhilarating.

Popular Tourist Destinations: Abbey Falls, Iruppu Falls, and Bylakuppe are the most loved ones. Monastery, the second biggest Tibetan settlement in India, Dubare Elephant Camp, and Nagarhole National Park come in close seconds. For adventure freaks and nature lovers, trek up to Brahmagiri Peak, Chettalli, and a thrilling coracle ride in the nearby river are the draws. Best Time To Visit: March to June Nearest Railway Station: Mysore Railway Station is 106 km from Coorg. Mangalore Station and Hassan Station are also in close proximity. Nearest Airport: Bangalore Airport is 260 km from Coorg. You can also access the glorious hill-station from Mangalore Airport which is 135 km away.

Kabini is one of the most picturesque and the best tourist places in Karnataka , located along the bank of a river with the same name. River Kabini is a tributary of Cauvery. The place is located on the periphery of Rajiv Gandhi National Park, Bandipur Forest, and Nagarhole National Park; hence, offers ample scope of wildlife experience, amongst the best places in Karnataka to explore the wilderness.

Also, you can be lucky enough to spot tiger, leopards, wild elephants, various species of deers, and plenty of residential and nomadic birds, while boating in the river or on a wildlife safari in the nearby jungles.

Popular Tourist Destinations: Wildlife safari at Nagarhole National park, boating at Kabini River, exploring Kabini dam, and the hilly area of Kutta covered with coffee and spice plantations. Best Time To Visit: November to June Nearest Railway Station: Mysore Railway Station is just about 10 km from the place. Nearest Airport: 250 km from Kabini, Bangalore Airport is the closest airport.

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4. Jog Falls

Amongst the most famous places in Karnataka, Jog Falls locally known as Gerusoppa falls, Gersoppa Falls, and Jogada Gundi are the second highest waterfalls in the country. Formed by Sharavathi River cascading from an altitude of 253 m (830 ft), the waterfalls are divided into four segments namely Raja, Rocket, Rani, and Roarer. They offer one of the most charming and breathtakingly beautiful places to see in Karnataka .

The State Tourism Department has constructed steps – around 1,500 in number – from the viewpoint till the hill bottom. It is here at the bottom that the alluring beauty of the waterfalls can be seen closely. For their beauty and enchanting sound of gushing water, Jog Falls are one of the best places to visit in Karnataka in summer.

Popular Tourist Destinations: Linganamakki Dam across Sharavathi River, Tunga Anicut Dam, and Thavare Koppa Best Time To Visit: Monsoon season Nearest Railway Station: To reach Jog Falls via train, you need to get down at Sagar Station which is 28 km away. Nearest Airport: Hubli Airport is the closest airport at a distance of 133 km.

Shimoga, the cultural capital of Karnataka, is a colourful place enriched with fertile land, beautiful waterfalls, and lush green forests making it one of the best tourist places in Karnataka . Its verdant greenery and tranquil ambience make it one of the best places to visit in Karnataka. River Tungabhadra, River Sharavathi, River Varada, and River Kumadvathi have carved out picturesque river valleys here. The place is historically famous as Kadambas, Gangas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, and Vijayanagar Kings reigned this region.

Popular Tourist Destinations: Shivappa Nayaka Summer Palace, Kote Seeta-Rama Temple, Sacred Heart Cathedral, and Tyavarekoppa Lion Safari are the major attractions. Sakrebyle Elephant Camp is also very famous here where you can experience bathing and attend professional training sessions of elephants. Best Time To Visit: October to March Nearest Railway Station: The city has its own railway station named Shimoga Nagar Railway Station Nearest Airport: Shimoga Domestic Airport is 1o minutes’ drive from the city and is fairly connected with Mumbai and Delhi. The nearest international airport is Mangalore International Airport which is 195 km from the city.

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6. Mangalore

Mangalore is one of the serene tourist spots in Karnataka, impeccable for a short weekend trips to break the monotony of urban chores. The town is located at the estuarine junction formed by River Netravati and River Gurupura on the Arabian Sea Coast.

Once in Mangalore, strolling and sunbathing at the beaches, trying spicy, scrumptious seafood, viewing sunrises & sunsets, and visiting the shipyard just cannot be missed. This serene town is one of our favourite Karnataka tourist places of all times. Mangalore is certainly one of the most ideal places to visit in Karnataka for 2 days break. And, there are a plethora of fascinating places near Mangalore that you can visit.

Popular Tourist Destinations: Tannirbhavi Beach, Panambur Beach, Someshwara Temple, St. Aloysius Chapel, Mangaladevi Temple, Kadri Manjunath Temple, and Sammilan Shetty’s Butterfly Park are the major attractions. Don’t miss the unlittered and serene beaches to add complete effect to your trip. Best Time To Visit: October to February Nearest Railway Station: Mangalore Railway Station is within the city. Nearest Airport: Mangalore International Airport is a mere 15 minutes from the main city.

It would be completely unfair not to mention one of the best tourist places in Karnataka, the picturesque town of Karwar. Karwar is an offbeat beach destination located near Karnataka-Goa border. The town is one of the upcoming, not-so-popular yet, places to visit in coastal Karnataka. It is ideal for those who desire to have a secluded holiday away from any bustling cat-race of the city. Sun-kissed beaches, charming temples, and majestic forts are the major tourist pullers.

The town is locally popular as ‘Kone’ by the southern villagers, which refers to the corner of the region around the River Kali. Karwar has an exhilarating splendour to it. The surrounding green hills, which are a part of the Western Ghats, enhance the beauty quotient of the place.

Popular Tourist Destinations: Stroll at the Majali Beach, take a boat ride up to Kurumgad Island, and explore the historical remnants of Sadashivgad Fort. Do not miss the famous Durga Devi and Nagnath Temple. Best Time To Visit: October to February Nearest Railway Station: Karwar has its own railway station by the name of Karwar Railway Station. Nearest Airport: Dabolim Airport Goa is around 2 hours’ drive from Karwar.

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Image Source Travellers looking for complete solace and solemn pleasure should surely visit Gokarna at least once. This low-key, laid-back, and less-commercialised beach destination has won over millions of travellers and backpackers, and is one of the most famous places in Karnataka .

Gokarna is also an important Hindu pilgrim hub with many age-old temples in its confines. Chilling out on the pristine beaches, enjoying the exciting water sports, and riding on the thrilling catamaran ride has made it a fascinating tourist retreat.

Popular Tourist Destinations: Mahabaleshwar Temple, Maha Ganapati Temple, and Om Beach are the major crowd-pullers. Relax and enjoy the thrilling water sports like banana boat ride, snorkelling, and parasailing in the shimmering blue water of Gokarna. Best Time To Visit: October to March Nearest Railway Station: Gokarna Railway Station is nearest to the town and is well-connected with Marmagao Rail Link. Nearest Airport: Dabolim Airport in Goa is 140 km away from the town.

9. Bandipur National Park

When holidaying means greenery and winding trails, when birds chirping and calls of the wild animals are melodies to the ears, when the beauty and charm of Bandipur National Park leave you awestruck, it means you have had a successful day in your vacation.

The famous tiger reserve and bird sanctuary is an idyllic retreat for the nature lovers and bird watchers. The number of ardent nature lovers flocking to Bandipur National Park has made it one of the ideal places to visit in Karnataka for a day-picnic. Once a private hunting ground for Maharajas of Mysore, the national park is a habitat to rich varieties of flora and fauna like wild elephants, spotted deer, gaurs, and antelopes.

Popular Tourist Destinations: Himavad Gopalaswamy Temple, Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple, Anjaneyar Temple, and Biligirirangan Hills are the major tourist attractions along with wildlife safari at Bandipur National Park are the hits here. Best Time To Visit: October to March Nearest Railway Station: Mysore City Railway Station is the closest rail link, located 80 km from the National Park. Nearest Airport: Bengaluru International Airport is 220 km from the forest region.

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10. Dandeli

Dandeli is an incredible getaway amidst nature and adventure which has gained its spot on the list of serene tourist places in Karnataka for 2 days . This scenic hilly terrain surrounded by deciduous forests and wildlife habitat is an ideal vacation destination in Karnataka.

Along with thick and lush green forests, Dandeli is also famous for adventure sports, night camps, nature walks, boating, and angling in the Kali River. In a way, a wholesome package for adventure enthusiasts, it is a place you must visit if you are an adrenaline junkie.

Popular Tourist Destinations: Explore Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, Shiroli Park, and Kavala caves for an interesting experience. Entice your adventure spree and try out kayaking and whitewater rafting in River Kali. Best Time To Visit: October to May Nearest Railway Station: Alnavar Junction is the closest railway link, just 23 km away from Dandeli. Nearest Airport: Hubli Airport is at a distance of 56 km.

Hampi – a small Kannad village located at the bank of Tungabhadra River is now recognised as World Heritage Site by UNESCO making it one of the best tourist places in North Karnataka . The village showcases ruins and historical remnants of Vijayanagara Kingdom. The stony landscape and barren beauty of the town are one of the perfect places to visit in Karnataka.

History buffs and architecture scholars flock in thousands of numbers here annually. Other curious travellers often feel spell-bound and awestruck by the craftsmanship of the skilled artisans of the era. Hampi has almost 500 architectural structures in its ruins, all of which are worth visiting.

Popular Tourist Destinations: Monkey Temple, Archeological Museum, Vijaya Vittala Temple, Royal Enclosure, Virupaksha Temple, Queen’s Bath, and Riverside Ruins are the crowd-pullers. Best Time To Visit: October to March Nearest Railway Station: Hospet Junction is the nearest railway station to Hampi, at about 13 km from the place. Nearest Airport: The nearest airport is at Hubli Airport at about 74 km from Hampi. Bellary Airport and Belgaum Airport are also nearby.

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12. Bijapur

As a serene and famous historical town, Bijapur boasts of Deccan’s Islamic Era and its glories inherited making it one of the most beautiful places in Karnataka . Bijapur renamed Vijapura in 2023, is a cultural hub and has plenty of mosques, mausoleums, palaces, and forts as offerings to travellers.

Bijapur is one of the popular tourist spots in Karnataka and has a heart for the Lingayat brand of Shaivism. The Lingayat Siddeshwara Festival is celebrated with full splendour for eight days in January and February here.

Popular Tourist Destinations: Gol Gumbaz, Ibrahim Rauza, Malik-e-Maidan displaying Bara Kaman, Bijapur Fort, Jami Masjid, Gagan Mahal, and Upli Buruj are a must visit. Best Time To Visit: October to February Nearest Railway Station: Bijapur has its own railway link by the name of Bijapur Railway Station. Nearest Airport: Sambre Airport in Belgaum is the closest one and located about 164 km from the city.

13. Badami, Aihole And Pattadakal

Dusty roads, barren topography, red stone architecture, and rocky cliffs iconize the surroundings of Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal – the best places to visit in north Karnataka. These Heritage Sites as declared by UNESCO, are the must-visit Karnataka attractions.

You can discover Chalukyan wrecks and ruins while strolling along the century-old temples, caves, and forts in Badami. Aihole has historical connotation and is known as cradle of Hindu rock architecture. Moreover, Pattadakal houses uniquely designed temples. It’s a set of places which you must explore to understand the marvel of the place.

Popular Tourist Destinations: Badami is famous for Badami Fort, Buddha rock-cut Caves, and Bhootnath Temple. Aihole is known for Durga Temple, Lad Khan Temple, Archeological Temple, and Huchimalli Temple. Virupaksha & Papanatha Temple and Galaganatha Shrine are major attractions in Pattadakal. Best Time To Visit: July to March Nearest Railway Station: All three places are close by and can be reached from Hubli Railway Station, just 100 km away. Nearest Airport: Belgaum Airport is the nearest airport at a distance of 190 km.

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Udupi is ethereal, verdant, and blissful. Locked between the misty Western Ghats and pristine Arabian Sea, Udupi is also known as Odipu in local language. It is popular for its temples, architecture, wood artefacts, beaches, stone carving, Yakshagana – the theatre art genre, and special type of local cuisine, which includes Saaru, Koddelu, Huli, Tambuli, Kosambari, Bajji, and such.

Popular Tourist Destinations: Sri Krishna Temple, Malpe Beach, St. Mary’s Islands, Ambalpady, and Shiriyara are the major attractions Best Time To Visit: December to February Nearest Railway Station: Udupi has its own railway station with the name of Udupi Railway Station. Nearest Airport: Bajpe Airport of Mangalore is the nearest airport to Udupi at just 48 km.

15. Chitradurga Fort

Truly one of the best places to enjoy Karnataka sightseeing , the monument located in Chitradurga town has immense archaeological and historical significance. The fort has witnessed history from the time period of Chalukyas Empire and the renowned legend of Onake Obavva. The fort even has a mention in the epic of Mahabharata.

Chitradurga Fort or Chitaldoorg Fort, as it is locally known, is a fortified structure that connects several hills and a peak overlooking the nearly flat valley.

Popular Tourist Destinations: Besides the eminent fort, the Ankali Mutt, Vani Vilas Sagar Dam, Hidimbeshwar Temple, Kugo Bande, and Shouting Rock are worth visiting. Best Time To Visit: October to March Nearest Railway Station: Chitradurga Railway Station is the nearest. Nearest Airport: Bengaluru International Airport, which is 197 km away from the fort area is the nearest.

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16. Nandi Hills

The list of places to visit in and around Karnataka is not complete if we do not include this along with the popular health resort of the same name. Nandi Hills is located east of Bangalore and offer delightful beauty to the travellers. Serene lake, majestic forts, ancient temples, and jaw-dropping backdrops make it a picture-perfect weekend retreat and one of the ultimate places to visit in Karnataka in summer.

Viewing the sunrise from the hilltop amidst clouds, fog and misty weather is probably a lavish treat to the soul. The place also has historical significance. Tipu Sultan and his royalty retired here at Nandi Hills, when they sought to escape the commotion of battles and the heat of the plain land.

Popular Tourist Destinations: Nandi Temple, century-old Lord Shiva Temple, and Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple are the primary attractions. Best Time To Visit: September to February Nearest Railway Station: Chikkaballapur Railway Station is 19 km from Nandi Hills and is the closest one. Nearest Airport: Bengaluru International Airport is an hour’s drive from here.

17. Chikmagalur

Often known as the coffee land of Karnataka, this place is surrounded by scenic beauty along with the strong aroma of coffee. This hill station is situated at the foothills of Mullayanagiri range and is famous for its serene nature, lush green forests, and the Yagachi River.

Chikmagalur is an ideal destination for a relaxing getaway with friends in Karnataka, being the largest producer of coffee, it is the best place to be for coffee lovers. You can explore the tranquil coffee plantations and go on a nature walk and trekking trails in the hills.

Popular Tourist Destinations: Mahatma Gandhi Park, Coffee Museum, Mullayana Giri, Kudurekha Jamly. Best Time To Visit: September to May Nearest Railway Station : Chikkamagaluru railway station Nearest Airport : Mangalore Airport

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Mysore is one of the largest princely states that boats numerous tourist spots for you to get in touch with the royal history of this place. Also known as the city of palaces in southern India, it is the most idyllic destination to visit in Karnataka with a dash of royal touch. The city not just houses world-renowned palaces and landmarks but there are also gleaming beaches near Mysore that would surely leave you amazed.

Mysore is also famous for its silk sarees, intricate architecture, sandalwood, royal heritage and yoga. However, the biggest attraction of the city is the Mysore Palace which reflects the beauty and charm of the royal city. Marvel at the elaborate architecture, the intricate carvings, and the stained glass windows. This city won’t leave you disappointed.

Popular Tourist Destinations: Mysore Palace, Mysore Zoo, Sri Chamundeshwari Temple, Brindavan Gardens Best Time To Visit: October to February Nearest Railway Station : Chamarajapuram railway station Nearest airport : Bangalore International Airport

19. Murudeshwar

This holy town features the second tallest statue of Lord Shiva in the world that is beautifully located with Arabian Sea on all three sides and the majestic Western Ghats showing their presence in the town. A favourite haunt for day trips, the serene beaches and adventure activities are what intrigue travellers the most to visiting this town.

Apart from being a favourite picnic spot, it’s also famous for mesmerizing temples and forts, you can plan a visit to nearby destinations like Netrani island that offer many water sport activities like scuba diving and snorkelling.

Popular Tourist Destinations: Statue of Lord Shiva, Murudeshwar temple Best Time To Visit: October to May Nearest Railway Station : Murdeshwar railway station Nearest airport : Mangalore Airport

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20. Nagarhole National Park

Explore the wildlife of Karnataka at the storehouse of rich flora and fauna, Nagarhole National Park is an ideal place to spot the majestic creatures of the wild. Get to witness the wild animals in their natural habitats like Asiatic elephants, different species of birds and Indion bisons or simply soak in the raw nature surrounding you.

Apart from the wildlife, there are plenty of cultural and heritage spots in the park as well. You can visit the temples to seek tranquility and soak in the calm and positivity. Witness breathtaking waterfalls on the way as you seek respite away from the hustle and bustle.

Popular Tourist Destinations: Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Rameshwara temple, Iruppu Falls Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year Nearest Railway Station : Krishnarajanagar Nearest airport : Mandakalli Airport, Mysore

Go on an elephantastic adventure at this place in Karnataka that allows you to bathe and play with the magnificent animals of the jungle kingdom. Get up and close with these gigantic elephants, interact with them and enjoy their company in absolute wilderness.

The elephant training camp here is famous for indulging in a number of activities, learning and creating a unique experience with the elephants. This is indeed one of the most unique places to visit in Karnataka where kids as well as adults can enjoy.

Popular Tourist Destinations: Dubare Elephant Camp, Harangi Dam, Nisargadhama Best Time To Visit: September to March Nearest Railway Station : Krishnarajanagar Nearest airport : Mangalore Airport

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22. Kotagiri

A quaint hill station surrounded by the majestic Nilgiri mountains, it exudes peace and tranquillity in every corner. Kotagiri observes pleasant climatic conditions all year round and boasts several coffee plantations, lush greenery, and tea plantations to tour around.

Kotagiri is also the third-largest hill station in Karnataka, and is believed to have the world’s second-best climate. It serves as a perfect alternative to Ooty if you prefer a lesser crowd as it is much more peaceful than Ooty.

Popular Tourist Destinations: Catherine Water Falls, Nilgiri Mountain Railway Line, Longwood Shola Reserve Forest, Lamb’s Rock Best Time To Visit: December to May Nearest Railway Station : Mettupalayam Nearest airport : Coimbatore Airport

23. Srirangapatna

This ancient river island town in the shape of an egg is surrounded by river Kaveri on all sides and is also a popular picnic spot located at a distance of 22 km from Mysore in Mandya district of Karnataka. The town exudes an old-world charm, vintage vibes and a historical relevance attached to it that makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Karnataka.

This town was once the capital of Mysore under Tipu Sultan and is home to several historically significant heritage sites. Surrounded by scenic beauty of stunning waterfalls and lush greenery, Srirangapatna is a must-visit for travellers visiting Karnataka.

Popular Tourist Destinations: Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Dariya Daulat Palace, Balmuri Falls, Colonel Bailey’s Dungeon Best Time To Visit: October to March Nearest Railway Station : Shrirangapattana railway station Nearest airport : Mysore Airport

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24. Sringeri

A hill town located in the Chikkamagaluru district, and is the first site of matha that was established by Adi Shankara in the 8th century. It holds a historical significant value and is the abode of the Sharadamba of Sringeri.

This ancient hill town is one of the most famous places to see in Karnataka , a hillock that is considered to be the home of the sage Vibhandaka and his son Rishyashringa.

Popular Tourist Destinations: Shringeri Sharadamba, Sri Jagadguru Shankaracharya, Vidyashankara Temple, Sri Torana Ganpati Temple Best Time To Visit: October to March Nearest Railway Station : Udupi Nearest airport : Mangalore airport

Once the ancient capital of the Hoysala empire, this ancient town is a major tourist destination in Karnataka which is home to the famous Chennakesava Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Home to multiple temples, many devotees travel to this town to worship the deities.

Marvel at the ancient architecture of the temples built in the Dravidian style and the Hoysala style of architecture that have intricate carvings which took almost 103 years to finish the temple.

Popular Tourist Destinations: Chennakeshava Temple, Hoysala Emblem, Yagachi Dam Best Time To Visit: October to April Nearest railway station : Chikmagalur railway station Nearest airport : Bajpe Airport

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26. Shravanabelagola

Sravanbelagola is known as a crucial pilgrimage for Jain witn the height of  this temple is 57 metres it is a monolithic sculpture of Lord Gomateswara, commonly known as Bahubali statue. Situated almost 144 km away from Bengaluru in the Hassan District, this temple attracts a large number of visitors every year.

Popular Tourist Destinations: Located between two hills Vindyagiri and Chandigiri, this temple is also known as Belagola. Now, if we consider the meaning of Belagola, “bela” refers to the colour white and “kola” refers to pond in Kannada language. Among all the tourist places in Karnataka , this tourist point is the most important place and it takes an entire day to visit all the monuments individually. Visitors who find it difficult to climb both of these hills will get Palanquin or the Dolis which are available for INR 800. Best Time To Visit: October to March Nearest Railway Station: The nearest railway station in Shravanabelagola is at Hassan as most of the trains halt there. Apart from trains, Shravanabelagola is well connected through roads and the roads are nicely maintained. Nearest Airport: Mysore has its nearest airport and that can be easily accessed by availing the cab service.

27. Devbagh

If you consider all the tourist places in Karnataka , this tourist point is popularly known as the best one because of its scenic beauty, the picture-perfect background with wide range of mountains, pristine blue water and lush green belt of trees. With a blend of all these beauties, Devbagh has a lot of things to offer. It’s an exotic island, situated along the coastline of the Arabian sea which is nearly 2 km from the southern part of Goa. 

Popular Tourist Destinations: Tourists will find splendid weather throughout the year in this beach town and because of this pleasant weather, vacationers will find fresh seafood and can experience the sunsets and few water sports.  Furthermore, vacationers can also visit places in devbagh such as Tagore Beach, Lighthouse of Devbagh, Sadashivgad fort, the Shejjeswar temple. Apart from these tourist points, this place is a perfect getaway for the newlywed couples. Best Time To Visit: October to February Nearest Railway Station: Kudal Railway Station Nearest Airport: Goa International Airport

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28. Halebidu

Are you looking for some wonderful tourist places in Karnataka ? Well, here are some details about Halebid, which will guide you to know about the city in a better way. The city of Halebid has a wonderful collection of temples, sculptures and shrines. The city is also considered the Gem of Indian architecture because of its stunning Jain sites and the temple complexes. 

Popular Tourist Destinations: People, while visiting there can visit the temples like Kedareshwara and Hoyaleswara for their beautiful sculptures and the panels which are designed in the prominent Hoysala style. Best Time To Visit: October to February Nearest Railway Station: It is a very small town which is situated near Hassan and the visitors generally stay in the heart of the city for the day trip to Halebid. The nearest railway station is Hasaan which is 27 km away from the main city and the station can be accessed by a cab or taxi service. Nearest Airport: The closest airport is Mangalore Airport which is 168 km away.

29. Kudremukh

Kudremukh is always popular for its scenic beauty and biodiversity. Being a famous hill-station in the crowd of Bangalore, this place is basically a hill range of Karnataka. With the dense forest, grasslands and rolling meadows, Kudremukh is a hotspot for biodiversity.

Popular Tourist Destinations: At an altitude of 1894 meters, the Kudremukh Peak is heaven for trekkers and naturists. The visitors will love to experience the diversity of flora and fauna. Best Time To Visit: November to February Nearest Railway Station: The closest railway station is at Mangalore and there are many trains which are connected to the different cities.The nearest railway station at Mangalore with trains connecting to many cities. The nearest airport is also in Mangalore and is accessible by taxi. It is also well connected by road with buses plying regularly from Mangalore. Nearest Airport: The nearest airport is in Mangalore and the airport is accessible by taxis. Apart from taxis the airport is also well connected by buses to different routes. 

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30. Kemmanagundi

 This is a hill station with wide-spread views and visitors will experience beautiful gardens. Vacationers can witness the spectacular beauty of the hills and that is a heaven for all nature and adventure lovers. 

Popular Tourist Destinations: The natural beauty comes up from all the dimensions, the lush green dense forest, waterfalls, and streams and exquisite gardens. The Royal Horticultural Society of Karnataka is another attraction for visitors who find Karnataka the best place for planning a trip. The place is best for trekking, picnics and especially for nature walks. The tourist attraction includes Hebbe falls, Rock garden, Z point, and the Shiva temple. Best Time To Visit: September to February Nearest Railway Station: The nearest railway station is Tarikere and the station is 35 km away and considered as the best way to commute to Kemmanagundi. There are some state-run as well as private buses which are connected to Kemmanagundi station. The closest railway station is Tarikere which is 35 km away and the best way to commute to Kemmanagundi. There are many state-run and private buses which are connected to this hill station. You can also prefer to drive down as the roadways are very well connected. Nearest Airport: The closest airport is Mangalore airport and which is approximately 150 km away from Kemmanagundi.

31. Shivagange

Shivagange is a popular destination, located 56 km away from Bangalore and also well known for temples and scenic beauty which makes it both a place for pilgrimage and a spot for exploring your adventure. 

Popular Tourist Destinations: This place is also known as Dakshina Kashi as it is a home for different temples like Olakala teertha, Patala Gange, Nandi Statue and Gangadhareshwara temple. The spectacular architecture of Nandi is a special attraction for the tourists. The hilly feature of this place attracts a lot of people who seek adventure sports and find it perfect for trekking as well as rock climbing. Best Time To Visit: November to February Nearest Railway Station: Tumkur Railway Station. Nearest Airport:  Mangalore International Airport

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32. Maravanthe

If you are considering the places to visit in Karnataka then there are a lot of options to choose from and Maravanthe is known as the getaway for the vacationers which can be the popular one as a nature’s basket with full of mesmerizing views. 

Popular Tourist Destinations: During sunset, the whole place is tinted in the shade of sepia mode which looks like just out of a  painter’s piece of art. The sunset sets the whole place tinted in the shade of sepia just out of a painter’s canvas. The town is surrounded by Kodachadri Hills and the Arabian sea and Sauparnika River on the other side of the town. Apart from the natural beauty, the place is fascinated by two villages namely Padukone and Trasi situated in the middle of the city. Best Time To Visit: September to March Nearest Railway Station: Kundapura Railway Station Nearest Airport:  Mangalore International Airport

33. Sakleshpur

Image Credits: Wikipedia

Sakleshpur is a beautiful hill station situated in the heights of the Western Ghats, in Karnataka. You can soak yourself in the aroma of the coffee, tea and spice plantations. The economy of the small-town flourishes on these three plantations. Sakleshpur offers you some spectacular views of natural beauty and rainforests which are pleasing to the eyes.

Popular Tourist Destinations: Some of the popular tourist destinations in Sakleshpur are Temple of Halebid and Belur, Jenukal Gudda, Kukke Subramanya Temple, Green Route Trek, Raxidi Estate, Ayyappa Swami Temple, Eshwara Temple, Manjarabad Fort, Sakleshwara Temple, Agni Gudda Hill, Manjehalli Waterfalls, Bisle View Point, Pandavar Gudda and Hadlu Waterfall. Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year Nearest Railway Station: Sakleshpur is well connected by railways. The nearest railway station to Sakleshpur is Sakleshpur Railway Station which you can reach easily. Nearest Airport: The nearest airport to Sakleshpur is Mangalore Airport which is 98.8 km away along with some other airports like Kannur, Bengaluru, Goa, and Kochi.

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34. Madikeri

Image Credits: Wikimedia commons

The city of Madikeri is situated in Karnataka between Mangalore and Mysore. Madikeri is full of natural beauty, lush green forests, scenic landscapes, monasteries, temples, dazzling waterfalls and much more.  If you want to take a break from your daily routine then Madikeri, one of the best tourist places to visit in Karnataka, will offer you a serene and tranquil environment. Numerous ancient buildings, rich traditions and culture have made Madikeri a fascinating attraction.

Popular Tourist Destinations : There are many tourist destinations worth visiting in Madikeri. Some of them are Raja’s Seat, Madikeri Fort, Omkareshwara Temple, Abbey Falls, Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Cauvery Nisargadhama, Golden Temple, Iruppu Falls, Chingara Falls, Chelavara Falls, Mandalpatti, Talacauvery & Bhagamandala and many more. Best Time To Visit: November to April Nearest Railway Station: Madikeri is not directly connected by railways. However, the nearest railway station to Madikeri is Sakleshpur Railway Station which is at a distance of 58 km. Nearest Airport: Mangalore airport or the Bajpe airport is the nearest airport lying in close proximity with Madikeri at a distance of 145 km from the town.

35. Kanakpura

Get soaked in the clear waters of the waterfall in Kanakpura and experience the lush green forests in Karnataka. Kanakpura is at a distance of 55 km from Bengaluru and is regarded as the perfect weekend getaway or for a short vacation for the people out there. For all wildlife enthusiasts, Kanakpura, a small district in Ramanagara, located on the banks of Arkavathi river is a great opportunity to witness wildlife.

Popular Tourist Destinations:   Many tourist attractions are there in Kanakpura. Some of them are waterfalls, river streams, public parks, and some beautiful ancient temples. Best Time To Visit: Monsoon season Nearest Railway Station: There is no direct link between trains in Kanakpura. However, the nearest railway station is at Hosur which is at a distance of 48 km after which you can hire a cab. Nearest Airport: A t a distance of 56 km from Kanakpura lies Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) which is the nearest airport.

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36. Kushalnagar

Kushalnagar is a small town within an area of 8 square km and situated on the banks of the Cauvery river.  You will be offered luxurious accommodations and plan your stay in one of the resorts, hotel and lodgings. Kushalnagar is one of the hidden destinations not as popular as Coorg, but you can be sure of including it in the places to visit in Karnataka and witness wildlife, different varieties of exotic birds, capture some amazing pictures and its heaven.

Popular Tourist Destinations: Kushalnagar is famous for temples, monasteries, waterfalls and various adventure activities best for nature and wildlife lovers. Best Time To Visit: September to March Nearest Railway Station: Being a small town Kushalnagar has no railway station. Although, Coorg is nearby so you can arrive by car or hire a cab. Nearest Airport: Being a small town Kushalnagar has a direct connection and the nearest airport is the Mysore airport. After landing you can take a cab.

Image Credits: wikimedia commons

Planning a trip to Karnataka? Hasan is one of the interesting places that you must add to your itinerary while visiting Karnataka. Hassan is located at a distance of 187 km from Bangalore in Malnad and Maidan districts. Tourists will get to see some of the monuments, and ancient structures which are considered as some of the best illustrations of Hoysala era style of architecture. There are amazing sculptures like Bahubali Statue, untouched forests, forest reserves, monuments, and magnificent temples which will take you on a history ride.

Popular Tourist Destinations: Some of the famous tourist destinations of Hasan are Bahubali statue which is 27 meters high, Hoysala temples like Mosale, Gorur Dam, Kabbaligere Hills, Forest reserve and Bisle Ghat. Best Time To Visit: November to February Nearest Railway Station: Arsikere junction, Kadur junction and Birur junction are some of the nearest railway stations in Hassan. Nearest Airport: The city of Hassan does not have an airport. However, the nearest airport to Hassan is Mysore Airport where you can reach easily.

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38. Ramanagara

Ramanagara is famous for rolling green hills where you will get to see the peaks of Somagiri, Krishnagiri, Yeti Rajagiri, Revanna Siddeshwara, and Jala Siddeshwara. Ladies can shop their hearts out with Mysore silk sarees which are popular across the globe for not their quality but their texture also. Ramanagara is popularly known as the silk city owing to its rich silk harvest and silk is harvested in the regions of Ramanagara.

Popular Tourist Destinations: Some of the famous tourist destinations of Ramanagara are Janapada Loka, also known as the “Folk World”, Ramanagara Ramadevara Betta Vulture Sanctuary, Mekedatu where two of rivers merge Kaveri and Arkavathi. Best Time To Visit: March to June Nearest Railway Station: The nearest railway stations from Ramanagara are Ramanagaram, Maddur and Kengeri railway stations. Nearest Airport: There are two airports near Ramanagara which is Bangalore airport which is at a distance of 90 km and Mysore airport which is at a distance of 110 km.

39. Madhugiri

Madhugiri, a small town in the Tumkur district of Karnataka, is considered as the next home to Asia’s largest monolith. This place is located at a distance of 100 km from Bangalore and is a popular tourist destination of Madhugiri Fort. During the reign of the Vijayanagar Dynasty, this fort was built with a dominant historical background.

Popular Tourist Destinations: Madhugiri Fort, Jayamangali Blackbuck Reserve, Timmalapura forest Best Time To Visit: October to March Nearest Railway Station: Gauribidanur, Hindupur, Tumkur Nearest Airport: NA

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40. Makalidurga

Best known for Makalidurga Hills, this place is a small village that one can easily visit because of a very short distance from Bangalore which is around 60 km. An old temple of Lord Shiva is located there in the village. This temple is believed to be the spot where Rishi Markandeya performed penance, an expression of repentance for their wrongdoings.

Popular Tourist Destinations: Wineries and Vineyards, Sacred and religious sites Best Time To Visit: October to March Nearest Railway Station: Makalidurga, Thondebhavi Nearest Airport: Bangalore Airport is 36 km away from Makalidurga.

41. Chikkaballapur

Image Credit: Dineshkannambadi for Wikipedia

This is a beautiful town which is located at a distance of 57 km from Bangalore and connects to the North Bangalore region. The place is also considered a major educational hub and is home to Nandi Hills, Bhoga Nandeeshwara, Yoga Nandeeshwara temples, and Vivekananda waterfalls. The town also offers an opportunity to indulge in adventure activities like rock climbing and exploring nature.

Popular Tourist Destinations: Bhoga Nandishwara Temple, Skandagiri Hills Best Time To Visit: June to February Nearest Railway Station: This town has its own railway station which connects to nearby distances. On the other hand, the main railway station is Yelahanka railway station located 40 km away. Nearest Airport: The Kempegowda International airport is the nearest located at a distance of 58 km.

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42. Savandurga

Image Credit: Palash Ray for Wikipedia

Situated at a distance of 60 km to the west of Bangalore, Savandurga is one of the largest single rock formations in Asia. Comprising two hills, Billigudda and Karigudda, it also has a temple located at the foothill. This is a paradise for the trekkers to experience trekking, rock climbing, and camping. Nearby this place flows the Arkavathi river and runs towards the Manchanabele Dam. Some people also visit this place to watch the birds.

Popular Tourist Destinations: Belur, Coorg, Nandi Hills Best Time To Visit: November to May Nearest Railway Station: The nearest railway station is the Magadi railway station located 12 km away. Nearest Airport: The Kempegowda International airport is the nearest located at a distance of 49 km.

43. Talakadu

Image Credit: Dineshkannambadi for Wikimedia

Talakadu is one of the most amazing places to visit in Karnataka. The place is known for its rich past and cultural heritage. It has witnessed the rise and fall of various great empires such as Chola Dynasty, the Hoysala Dynasty, the Pallava Dynasty, and the Vijayanagara Dynasty. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, there is a famous Vaidyanatheshwara Temple visited by a large number of tourists throughout the year. Besides, you can also indulge in coracle ride on the river or enjoy a picnic with your closed ones.

Popular Tourist Destinations: Mallikarjuna Temple, Keerthi Narayana Temple and Vaidyanatheshwara Temple Best Time To Visit: November to March Nearest Railway Station: The nearest railway station is the Mysore railway station located 45 km away. Nearest Airport: The Bangalore airport is the nearest located at a distance of 120 km.

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Image Credit: Shashidhara halady for Wikimedia

Also known as Cherrapunji of South, Agumbe is popular for its scenic beauty. The hill station is home to several rare medicinal plants such as Myristica, Listsaea and is known for rainforest conservation. Far from the hustle-bustle of the cities, it is one of the perfect places if you are looking for a rejuvenating vacation. The major attractions for the tourists here include visiting Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary, going trekking, rafting, hiking, and bike-riding.

Popular Tourist Destinations: Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary Best Time To Visit: October to February Nearest Railway Station: The nearest railway station is the Udupi railway station located 55 km away. Nearest Airport: Mangalore airport is the nearest located at a distance of 100 km.

Image Credit: Raghu for Wikimedia

If you are looking for a place with rich natural surrounding in Karnataka, Sirsi is the perfect pick. This enchanting hill station has some of the best waterfalls in Karnataka and is quite popular place among photographers and wildlife enthusiasts. Besides, you can also visit temples, churches and other attractions and indulge in outdoor activities like trekking and camping. The trekking trails offer enchanting views of the area.

Popular Tourist Destinations: Marikamba Temple, Ambagiri Temple, Unchalli Falls Best Time To Visit: January to March Nearest Railway Station: The nearest railway station is the Talguppa railway station located 55 km away. Nearest Airport: Hubli airport is the nearest located at a distance of 104 km.

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Image Credit: Siddaramu for Wikimedia

Yana is a small village and enchanting hill station that is considered to be amongst the best tourist attractions in Karnataka. The place is a perfect escape from the hustle-bustle of city life. It offers forests, and hills and is also an amazing destination for bird watchers. Bhairaveshwara peak is a famous peak here and when it comes to enjoying outdoor activities you can opt for trekking, camping, rock climbing and many more.

Popular Tourist Destinations: Bhairaveshwara peak and Mohini Peak Best Time To Visit: October to January Nearest Railway Station: The nearest railway station is the Hubli railway station located 139 km away. Nearest Airport: Hubli airport is the nearest located at a distance of 104 km.

Image Credit: Jitun2004 for Wikimedia

If you are looking for unique and amazing places to visit in Karnataka, Ankola is a good pick. The town is dotted with forests and temples with Mahamaya Temple being a popular tourist attraction. Besides temple tours, the other places you can visit here include Aryadurga temple, Vinhuti falls, Honey beach, and Nadibhag beach. Ankola has some beautiful beaches as well where you can go and enjoy water activities like swimming, waterboarding and more.

Popular Tourist Destinations: Mahamaya Temple, Vinhuti falls, Honey beach Best Time To Visit: November to April Nearest Railway Station: Ankola has a railway station of its own. Nearest Airport: Goa airport is the nearest located at a distance of 130 km.

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Best Time To Visit Karnataka

Image Credit: Santhoshbapu for Wikimedia

The best time to visit Karnataka is from October to April due to pleasant weather conditions. It is an ideal time for sightseeing activities. Owing to the state’s proximity to Western Coast, summers are quite humid. However, places like Coorg, Chikmagalur, Sakleshpur, Agumbe should definitely be visited during this time. The temperature during this time ranges from 10°C and 28°C which is ideal for activities like trekking, nature walks and camping.

The list of fascinating places to see in Karnataka is up and ready. Mark an upcoming long weekend, pack your bags and book a trip to Karnataka . Make sure you add these best places to visit in Karnataka to enhance your holiday experience!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Karnataka

Which is the best place to visit in March in Karnataka?

Even though Karnataka is a great place to visit all through the year, some of the most popular places to visit in March are Wayanad, Kumta Beach, Gokarna Beach, Dandeli, and The Waterfalls of Sirsi.

Which is the most beautiful place in Karnataka?

The most beautiful places in Karnataka are: 1. Mysore Palace 2. Hampi and Badami Rocks 3. Coorg 4. Pattadakal Monuments 5. Melukote 6. Halebidu Temples 7. Karwar Beach 8. Haveri

What are the best places to visit on a 3 day trip in and around Karnataka?

Some of the must-visit places that you can explore on your long weekend in and around Karnataka are: 1. Ooty 2. Mysore 3. Kodaikanal 4. Wayana 5. Coorg 6. Badami 7. Chikmagalur 8. Hogenakkal

Is it safe to travel to the state of Karnataka in the upcoming weeks or months?

The tourism industry is slowly reopening, and you can visit most of the above-mentioned places and more if travelling in a small group while following all the guidelines released. But don’t take our word for it: check up on the latest travel advisory, Covid-19 measures, and the number of cases before your departure.

Which place is best for a honeymoon in Karnataka?

Karnataka is a famous honeymoon destination in India for its unique reasons. Some of the best honeymoon destinations in Karnataka are: 1. Coorg 2. Bangalore 3. Ooty 4. Wayanad 5. Hampi 6. Udupi 7. Gokarna

Which temple is famous in Karnataka?

Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple is one of the most famous temples in Karnataka and is situated on the banks of the Netravati River. It is one of the most unique temples of Lord Shiva where along with the temple deity, Lord Shiva, a Jain Theerthankara is also worshipped at the temple.

Which is the famous city in Karnataka?

Bangalore is the capital and one of the most famous cities of Bangalore and is known as the chief IT hub of Karnataka.

What is Karnataka famous for?

Karnataka is known for giving a glimpse of ancient craftsmanship in the form of beautiful architectures and handicrafts. One of the famous architectural places in the state is Mysore Palace.

Which is the highest hill station in Karnataka?

Chikmagalur is the highest hill station which is situated at a height of 3,400 ft high from where river Yagachi originates.

What is the old name of Karnataka?

Karnataka was called “The State of Mysore” until 1973 after which it was renamed to the current name.

Which are the most famous restaurants in Karnataka?

To make the most of your Karnataka trip, you can try scrumptious local delicacies at the restaurants that are listed below: 1. Karnataka Restaurant 2. Onesta 3. The Barge 4. Bangalore Biryani Club

Which are the best hotels in Bangalore?

Here is the list of the best hotels in Bangalore where you can stay and enjoy exceptional services: 1. Vivanta 2. JW Marriott 3. Four Seasons Hotel 4. The Oberoi

Which are the best places for shopping in Mangalore?

All shopping-lovers can buy souvenirs from the best shopping spots in Mangalore like Hampankatta Market, Dubai Market, and Central Market.

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Karnataka – Top 15 Destinations and Places to Visit

The geography and landscape of Karnataka is such that it serves as an ideal destination for diverse and enthralling tourist locations and landmarks. Located in the midst of Western Ghats, Deccan Plateau and Kannad Coast, Karnataka is home to various forests, beaches, waterfalls, coffee plantations, lakes and all the bounties of nature.

The state also boasts of historically significant monuments and structures that attract visitors from far and beyond.

Also culturally diverse and ancient, Karnataka has a historic past and rich heritage for the travelers to explore.

Following is the list of 15 carefully chosen tourist spots that has something for every vacationer.

1. Bangalore – The City of Diverse Existence

Also called the garden city, the key attractions in Bangalore are Bannerghatta Park, Lalbag Garden, Tipu Sultan Palace, Wonder La Theme park, Aerospace Museum and VidhanaSoudha to name a few.

The pleasant weather throughout the year makes this city a prime summer vacation destination.

The best way to travel to this city is either by train to Bangalore Railway station or by air to Bengaluru International airport.

2. Bandipur National Park – In Harmony with Nature

Do not miss the Tiger Reserve and the Bird Sanctuary of the national park. The rich fauna and flora in the reserve will leave you asking for more. It is a perfect choice for a day picnic. Some of the wildlife you can spot here are elephants, the spotted deer, antelopes.

This attraction is about 80 km from the Mysore railway station and about 220 km from the airport.

3. Coorg – Queer but Captivating

Coorg is bestowed with aromatic coffee plantations, breathtaking waterfalls, green mountains, and stunning views. Another unique attraction of Coorg is the Tibetan Monastery.

Tourists have plenty of options for trekking along coffee estates, along river side and mountain scenic paths. There is a local market for any kind of shopping needs.

Coorg is about 106 km from Mangalore rail station and about 250 km from the airport.

4. Hampi – An Architectural Marvel

Hampi is one of the world’s heritage sites as declared by UNESCO. Situated on the banks of Tungabhadra, the place is home to historical ruins and remains of the Vijayanagar kingdom. Rocks and stone carvings are proof of the skill and mastery of the artisans of the old era. It is the perfect tourist place for the history enthusiast.

There are such 500 magnificent structures in Hampi, each of which has a story of its own.

The Hubli airport is the nearest to Hampi, about 74 km.

5. Mysore – City of Old World Charm

Mysore is one of the oldest cities and second biggest in Karnataka. It was the erstwhile city of the Mysore kings who ruled the state for 100’s of years up until the 20 th century.

Mysore is one of the very few cities who has managed to maintain its old world charm. There are plenty of impressive palaces, museums, temples and imposing heritage structures to marvel in Mysore. The alluring Brindavan Gardens are also one of the major attractions of Mysore. The Bangalore airport is about 184 km from Mysore.

6. Shivanasamudra Falls – Nature’s Fury and Peace

Shivanasamudra water falls, located in the Mandya district of Karnataka is a splendid sight to see especially in the monsoon months. This is a segmented fall, with streams running parallel to each other called Gaganachukki and Bharachukki. The gorge is very deep and swimming is not permitted but tourists can enjoy bathing in the part where the force of water it lower.

Bangalore airport is about 175 km and Mysore station is about 80km from the Shivanasamudra falls

7. Gokarna – Tranquility at its Best

Gokarna, a small and less populated town is situated in the north Kannad district of Karnataka. This is normally on the “to-go” places list of tourists due to its peaceful ambience. Gokarna lures the tourists with its enthralling beaches and pious temples.

Your trip to Gokarna will be incomplete without a visit to the famous Mahabaleshwara temple and study its rich history.

Some of the popular but calm beaches in Gokarna are Kudle beach, Om Beach and Gokarna beach. You can enjoy the serene sands and thrilling water sports in any of these beaches.

Gokarna is about 150 km from the Vasco Da Gama airport and about 60 km from the Karwar rail station.

8. Belur and Halebidu – The Majestic Temple Towns

Belur, located on the banks of the Yagachi river is the erstwhile capital of Hoysala empire. Due to this rich history surrounding this town, it consists of various temples with marvelous architecture and perfectly crafted sculptures.

The most well-known temple here Chennakesava temple, which has huge pillars, intricate carvings, and sculptures that are life size.

Mangalore airport is 170 km from Belur and Hassan is about 25 kms.

Halebidu is situated in Hassan district of Karnataka. The main temple was built to honour king Vishnuvardhana and queen Shantala Devi. From the temple, the there is this astounding view of of two hills on the opposite sides appearing like two bulls and a Ganesh figure on the southern side. The place was ruined by the Mughal dynasty and hence got the name, “Halebidu” which means city in ruins.

This place is about 6 km from Belur and 30 km from Hassan.

9. Jog Falls – Will leave you Spellbound!

Jog Falls, falling from about 850 feet from the ground, is the second tallest falls in India. The segmented falls is a sight to behold.

There are steps to go up to the view point to enjoy the stunning view of one of nature’s beautiful creation. The sight and sound of the Jog Falls leaves a soothing and relaxing effect on the visitors.

Sagar Station is about 28 km from Jog Falls and Hubli Airport is about 130 km away.

10. Dandeli – Get set for Adventure

During the last few years, Dandeli has grown to becoming a sought after tourist place. It is an adventures hot spot due to its hilly terrain perfect for trekking, its abundant green forests and interesting wildlife. Dandeli is the perfect package for the thrill seeker.

River Kali in Dandeli offers boating and kayaking adventures.

Hubli airport is about 55 km from Dandeli.

11. Udupi –Taste of Authentic Karnataka

Udupi, a town near Mangalore sandwiched between the Arabian Sea and Western Ghats is famously known for 2 things- Temples and Food. The beautiful and huge Sri Krishna temple in Udupi attracts devotees from all over the world. There is also a Shiva temple here which is believed to be over a 100 years old.

The “Udupi Cuisine” has become a household name among food connoisseurs for delicious south Indian food with the unique Udupi flavour.

Udupi is about 60 km from Mangalore airport and it has a railway station of its own, the Udupi rail station.

12. Nandi Hills –Reach the Zenith of Beauty

Nandi Hills located to the east of Bangalore, offers its visitors pristine lakes, timeless monuments, temples and postcard like views from hilltops.

The best attraction of this hill resort is the cool and foggy weather which takes the tourists to a whole new world away from monotony and noise of cities.

Bengaluru airport is about an hour from Nandi Hills.

13. Chitradurga Fort – A Fortified Marvel

This great monument situated in the town of Chitradurga is an archeological wonder. This fort has immense historical value as it has been in existence since the rule of Chalukyas.

The landscape around this fort is adorned by towering hill with the peak giving the view of a valley.

This place is accessible from Chitradurga Rail station and Benguluru airport which is about 200 km.

14. Bijapur – Bask in Royalty

If you want a taste of royalty in your vacation to Karnataka, Bijapur is the place to go. Bijapur showcases the culture and living of the Islamic dynasty that existed there. You can enjoy the mosques, palaces, mausoleums and so on.

Some of the famous structures here are Gol Gumbaz, Bijapur Fort and Gagan Mahal.

Bijapur has its own railway station and the Belgaum airport is about 160 km away.

You now have plenty of reasons to make Karnataka your next vacation destination. Set out on your memorable journey, crossing out the above destinations one by one. We promise, you won’t be disappointed.

15. Chikmagalur – Never ending Fun

Chikmagalur is a very serene and scenic hill station with plenty of exciting things to do and see. Trekking on one of the hills of the magnificent Western Ghats is the popular attraction here. The various places of attraction in Chikmagalur are Kudremukh wildlife sanctuary, green Mullayanagari tea farms, Hebbe falls, the picturesque Baba Budan Giri mountains, Bhadra wildlife park and many more attractions.

There is a wide choice of things to do in Chikmagalur. You can go kayaking in Chikmagalur lake or indulge in adventurous water sports. You can go for a safari ride to explore the Tiger reserve at Bhadra sanctuary or go trekking along the lush green tea estates.

Chikmagalur is about 4 hours by road from Bangalore.

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25 Best Places to visit in Karnataka

Last Updated on September 9, 2023

Having lived in Bengaluru (aka Bangalore) for six years now, Karnataka has become my second home. Blessed with a glorious history and diverse natural landscape, it is, according to me the most under-rated travel destination in India. Let me take you through the best places to visit in Karnataka, while talking about my love for this beautiful cultural state of India.

The post contains affiliate links for tours, hotels etc. This means if you make any purchase through the links in the post, I may get a commission without any additional cost to you.

A Quick Outline

Karnataka – A brief introduction

Located in south India, Karnataka is the sixth largest state in India. With a 320 km long coastline along the Arabian Sea, bound by the resplendent Western Ghats and dotted with historic sites dating back to millennia, Karnataka indeed leaves up to its tourism tagline – “One State, Many Worlds”.

Thinking of crossing half the world to visit the Mayan ruins? Have you seen the breathtaking ruins of Vijayanagara just 300 km from Bangalore? Can’t save enough for the trip to Maldives? Have you visited the Blue flag beaches of Karnataka or sailed to the Cintacor island for a luxury staycation? African jungles are calling but do you know the largest population of the endangered tigers is right here in the jungles of Karnataka? Mountains, waterfalls, rainforests, beaches , history- Karnataka has it all.

The history of Karnataka can be traced back to 2000 years! From the Mauryas of 3rd century B.C. , the Badami Chalukyas of 6th century A.D., followed by Rashtrakutas, Hoysalas and the great Vijayanagara empire the region has a glorious history in the early and middle ages.This was followed by the Deccan sultanate and the British colonial rule when it came to be known as the State of Mysore .

Post-independence several provinces where Kannada-speaking provinces united into the State of Mysore through the States re-organization Act of 1956. It was only in 1973 that the name of the state of Mysore became “Karnataka” – the land of Kannada-speaking people.

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My Favorite Five places to visit in Karnataka

I find it really hard to rank places I love travelling to. But I do have some clear favorites in Karnataka. Here’s my Fab 5! If you plan a trip to Karnataka for 7-10 days, you must not miss these places.

Ah, how can I describe my feelings for this beautiful historic city. Hampi was the capital of the great Vijayanagara Empire, believed to be the golden age of the region. The mighty Tungabhadra river cutting through the rocky landscape that are a part of the Dharwar Craton.

It means this is one of those rarest landmasses on the earth that have remained unchanged by volcanic or tectonic movements for millions of years! And with these rocks the architects created some timeless man-made wonders – temples, palaces, idols. Even though most of them were destroyed due to multiple wars, what remains of them will give you goosebumps. Read the fascinating facts about Hampi in this article I wrote.

Notable sights and activities

• Vijaya Vittala temple – the one with the musical pillars
• Virupaksha temple – one of the oldest living temples in its full glory
• Hemkunta group of monuments – another UNESCO world heritage site
• Coracle ride in Tungabhadra river
• Wildlife and bird-watching in Daroji wildlife sanctuary

How to Reach

Nearest domestic airport is at Bellary, 60 km away and nearest railway station is at Hospet 13km away. You can hire a local vehicle from either of these places to reach Hampi. To reach Hampi from Bengaluru, the nearest international airport you need to avail KSRTC bus or take a train to Hospet.

Recommended Stay

Clarks Inn Hampi – Excellent stay in mid-budget, right opposite to the Hampi museum. Has great amenities and an indoor swimming pool.

Recommended Tours

2-Day Hampi tour from Goa

“Scotland of India”, “Kashmir of the South”, tourist sites have many such phrases to describe Coorg. Well I haven’t been to Scotland or Kashmir yet, so I can’t vouch for them. What I can say is that a trip to Coorg is what made me fall in love with Karnataka in the first place.

The lofty mountains, large expanses of green as far as eyes can see, breathtaking wildlife – Coorg is a paradise for the lovers of nature and adventure. It’s one of the largest districts in Karnataka and one of t he most popular hill stations near Bangalore .

Notable sights and activities:

• Trekking and camping in the hills –Tadiadmol trek, Mandalpatti trek etc.
• Visit Abbey Falls and other beautiful waterfalls
• Talakaveri – the holy source of the river Kaveri
• Whitewater rafting in Barapole river

Private coffee & spice estate tour in Madikeri

Nearest domestic airport is at Mysore (120 km from Madikeri), whereas the nearest international airport is at Mangalore (140 km away). The nearest railway station is also at Mysore, 107 km away from Coorg. So to reach Coorg you will have to take KSRTC bus or hire a local cab from Mangalore, Mysore or Bengaluru. There are many private buses available too.

There are several luxury resorts in the cradle of nature at Coorg. Here are two great options.

Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa Coorg, Madikeri 

Club Mahindra , Virajpet – an excellent property in the interiors of Virajpet, away from the crowd.

Coorg Wilderness Resort – A Five-star Resort for a perfect luxury retreat

Blive electric bike tour – Coorg Nature Trail

Tree-top adventure trail

Gokarna is the hippie town of north Karnataka, the state’s own Goa. In fact I loved the beaches here much more than Goa. Some of the best beaches here are accessible through an hour-long trek, which makes them more mystical. If you are confused between the pull of the mountain and the sea, Gokarna is the place to be.

• Kudle Beach
• Paradise Beach

The nearest airport is Dabolim Airport in Goa, which is 140 km away. The best way to reach Gokarna is by train to Ankola station, 20 km from Gokarna. 

There aren’t many big resorts or hotels here. What you have are zostels and earthly homestays. Here are my top recommendations:

Swa Swara Wellness retreat – if you love luxury and are ready to splurge a little.

Namaste Yoga Farm – A mid-range earthly stay near the Kudle Beach.

If you have a car, you can also stay a little far at Karwar where you will get a number of family-friendly mid-budget hotels and resorts. We stayed at Sterling Karwar on our trip to Gokarna and Karwar.

Gokarna Food Crawl – You will get authentic south Indian food that’s both delicious and vegan-friendly

Gokarna Beach Trek

Shimoga 

Shimoga is the district most famous for Jog Falls – one of the highest waterfalls in India. While the view of Jog Falls is indeed memorable, there are many more memories to take away from this quaint place. The sparkling lakes, the opulent forests, forts and culture. 

• Marvel at the Jog Falls
• Visit Keladi – the village where people speak in Sanskrit
• Safari in Sharavati valley and national park
• Visit Gajanur Dam

Shimoga has its own domestic airport which is only 10 km away from the city center. It is well-connected to Delhi and Mumbai. But nearest international airport is in Mangalore. From Mangalore or Bengaluru , you can reach Shimoga by bus or cab. You can also avail train to the Shimoga train station.

Royal Orchid is a 4- star hotel available at a reasonable price range. It is close to the city center and near the Sharavati Wildlife park. A little far away from the center is the Kimmane Golf Resort which is great for an amazing family time and team building offsite.

Mysore/ Mysuru

Mysore – the city of palaces, is the third largest city in Karnataka and the most beautiful one. In fact it is one of the cleanest cities in India. Despite being a modern city, home to the famous training center of Infosys, Mysore retains an old-world charm. The Mysore Palace is the seat of the royal family of Karnataka, the Wodeyars. Besides the incredible sights and experience within the city, its proximity to some of the notable heritage sites and natural wonders is what gets Mysore to my Fab Five!

• Mysore Palace
• Chamundi Hills
• Brindavan Gardens
• Shopping for Mysroe silk and handicrafts

How to Reach:

The nearest international airport from Mysore is the Bangalore Airport which is less than 200 km away. From Bangalore, you can reach Mysore by KSRTC bus, train or cab. Mysore itself is well-connected to other cities by trains like Mysore Express, Chamundi Express, Kaveri express etc.

Where to stay

Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Mysore, Mysore

Grand Murcure

Mysuru day trip from Bangalore

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Best places to visit in Karnataka for History, Culture and Architecture

Monuments bear the testimony of 2000 years of Karnataka’s history, art and culture. Ancient temples have stories of Hindu mythology as well as folk tales depicted through art. Imposing forts encapsulate the stories of their time. While heritage sites of Hampi simply transport you to an era hundreds of years back, the opulent, well-maintained Mysore palace gives you a glimpse of royalty in the present age. Here are some other places of interest for lovers of history and architecture.

The Silicon Valley of India is also dotted with several architectural masterpieces, both old and new. While Bangalore is famous for the tree-lined streets, large parks, lakes and amazing weather, the historic side is not known to many.

Vidhan Soudha , the house of state legislative assembly in Karnataka, Bangalore Palace, Tipu Sultan’s summer residence, Devanahalli fort etc. are few notable monuments here. Centuries-old temples like Hulimavu cave temple in Bannerghatta National Park, Gavipuram cave temple near City Park, Kolar temple near Nandi Hills hold special significance for history and art lovers.

Check out this book (free on Kindle limited) for local tips to explore Bangalore.

Pattadakal-Aihole-Badami

Pattadakal, Aihole and Badami is the Chalukya-trio, the three principle cities of the 7th-century Chalukya dynasty. Badami was the administrative capital of the Chalukyas, Aihole was the seat of learning and Pattadakal the cultural capital.

The Chalukyas were great connoisseur of art and architecture. The cluster of temples of Pattadakal is a UNESCO world heritage site. While Aihole and Pattadakal are famous for the intricate architecture combining styles from North and South India, Badami is known for ancient hidden cave temples.

Talakadu and Somnathpur

Somnathpur is a great place to visit on a one-day trip from Bangalore. It is famous for the Chennakeshava temple , a living temple which is nearly 800 years old. This grand Hoysala architecture will leave you awestruck.

Close to Somnathpur lies Talakadu – a historic village and a mini-desert in Karnataka. Once known as the Benaras of the South, Talakadu is dotted with ancient temples which were submerged by sand deposited by the Kaveri river. How the river changed its course creating a desert in this deeply forested region inspires folklores and geologists alike.

When in Somnathpur don’t forget to visit the majestic Shivasamudram Falls, a natural wonder of Karnataka.

Temple Towns of Hassan

Hassan is home to the historic towns of Belur and Halebidu. The twin towns located close to each other are home to some of the most magnificent temples from Hoysala period. The intricate stone carvings which have stood the test of time will take your breath away. Besides Hinduism, Jainism also flourished in this district. The Jain Basadi complex of Helebidu constructuted in 12th century is dedicated to three Jain Tirthankaras.

Located near Yagachi river, Belur is a temple-town which transports you to the 7th century. Most of the temples here, like most Hoysala temples are dedicated to God Vishnu, while the two main Hindu temples of Halebidu are dedicated to God Shiva.

A little further from Belur and Halebidu is the Bahubali temple of Shravanabelegola. The 900-year old, 18-m-high statue of Mahavir Jain is considered to be the world’s largest free-standing monolith. This is the great Jain pilgrimage site where you can experience the Mahamasthakabhisheka ceremony.

Check out this heritage tour of Shravanabelegola and Halebidu for an exhilarating experience.

Check out these bundle of travel booklets for the most historic places in Karnataka!

The vanishing ruins of the Shettihalli church located near the Hassan city also intrigues tourists.

Bijapur, also known as Vijayapura (the Land of Victory) is located in the North-west Karnataka, near the border of Maharashtra. The city was built by the Kalyani Chalukyas and later became a part of the Deccan Sultanate. The most famous landmark of this city is the Gol Gumbaz , a magnificent mausoleum of Sultam Mohamad Ali Shah. It is the world’s second largest dome that is not supported by pillars. Other heritage sites here include Ibrahim Roza, a palatial mosque that inspired the design of Taj Mahal, Bara Kaman, Malik-e-maidan, Shivagiri etc.

is the second largest Tibetan settlement in India. Located in the Mysuru district near the border of Coorg, this place is marked with serenity. There are many beautiful Buddhist monasteries here where the Tibetian Budhists built their abode. the most famous among them is the Namdroling monastery aka Golden Temple. You can spend your day strolling in the other monasteries , exploring the Tibetian settlement and relishing their cuisine.

You can also visit Nisargadhama , the beautiful delta of Kaveri river. Sail in the river surrounded by dense and peaceful forests amongst peacocks, elephants and deer.

Best places to visit in Karnataka for Beach-lovers

The 320-km long coastline of Karnataka is called Karavalli, meaning “coast” in Kannada. The coastline has three broad segments Uttara Kannada, Udupi and Dakshina Kannada. While Uttara Kannada is home to the serene and pristine beaches , Udupi and Dakshina Kannda are more commercial.

This book covers the rich history and culture on coastal Karnataka.

Karwar is a hidden paradise for lovers of nature. The last stop before you enter South Goa from Karnataka, this picturesque beach town at the confluence of the majestic Kali river and the Arabian sea. The first non-European Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore spent few years of his youth here. The Tagore beach is a tribute to the literary genius. Besides that the unique black sand beach called Tilmati beach, the Warship Museum, the rock garden, the majestic Kali river and Karwar beach are some of the highlights of Karwar.

Murudeshwar

Murudeshwar is known for the spectacular Shiva Temple on the beach. The 123 ft tall statue of lord Shiva overlooking the Arabian Sea is a sight to behold. Besides the beach and the temple , you can visit the Murdeshwar fort, Bhatkal beach and sail to heart-shaped Netrani island.

Honnavar is home to one of the eight Blue Flag beaches in India, the Kasarkod Beach . This is a 5km long enchanting beach of white sand with a park, a boating center and Swiss cottages in the Casuarina forests. We landed in this beach just while exploring offbeat tracks on our way back from Karwar. 

Other places of interest in this old port town that hosted Arab and later European traders are Apsarakonda Waterfalls, Apsarakonda beach, Hanging bridge etc.

St Mary’s Island

St.Mary’s island is a idyllic island in the Arabian Sea accessible through boat from the Malpe beach of Udupi. It is the most sought after destination for beach-lovers who visit Udupi. The unique volcanic rock formations in this island are one of the 32 geological monuments of India.

Udupi is a coastal district centered around the temple town of Udupi. Besides beaches, it is known for the various notable temples, most famous of them being the 13th-century Sri Krishna Matha .

Other remarkable beaches of Udupi are Malpe beach , Mattu beach and Padubidri beach. Located 17km away from the main town, Padubidri beach is the other Blue Flag beach of India (besides Kasarkod). Maravanthe beach located in the Kundapura Taluk is another beautiful drive-in beach with sea on one side and river on the other.

Located in Dakshina Kannada, Mangalore is a coastal city that is a center of trade as well as tourism. The natural beauty of its beaches and glimpses of history in the heritage sites beckons travel lovers from all over India. Ullal beach, Someshwara beach and Panambur beach are the most famous beaches in the city.

Besides beaches, Mangalore has some beautiful parks like Pilikul Nisargadhama, butterfly park, hill park etc. Heritage sites include Jamalabad fort, the 11th century Kadri Vishwanatha temple, and the colonial religious architecture like Aloysius Chapel and Milagres Church.

Best places to visit in Karnataka for Hill-station and Wildlife

Bound by the uninterrupted stretch of Sahyadri range, also called the Western Ghats of India, Karnataka has some of the most beautiful hill stations and forests of South India. Coorg is my favorite among them, but here are the other notable places to visit in Karnataka for the love of mountains. The best thing about the Western Ghats in Karnataka is the temperate weather throughout the year.

Chikmagalur

Chikmagalur is a favorite weekend getaway among the IT-crowd in Bangalore. Located at the foot of Mullyangiri hills, the highest mountain in Karnataka, Chikamagalur is known as the land of coffee. It is believed that a legendary Muslim saint Baba Budan smuggled a few coffee beans from Arab and sowed the seeds here. That was the inception of coffee plantation in India, a place that is now called Bababudangiri .

When in Chikmagalur , enjoy your time in a local homestay inside a coffee estate or a forest on the banks of river. Visit the Jhari Falls hidden from common sight, located deep inside a private coffee estate. Take a toy train-ride in the MG Park and experience the magical sunset in Hirekolale lake .

Bandipur is among the four inter-connected national parks which have the highest population of tigers in India. The others are Nagarhole (Coorg in Karnataka), Mudumalai (Tamil Nadu) and Wayanad (Kerala). Besides the gorgeous striped beast, the bountiful forest is home to elephants, deer, peacocks, monkeys and several other exotic wildlife species. The dense forests provide a great frame for sunset.

It is one of the best places for jungle safari in India .

Agumbe is a dense rain-forest in the Shimoga district of Karnataka. Because of the heavy rainfall it receives throughout the year it is also called “Cherrapunji of the South”. Agumbe rainforest research station (ARSS) is one of its kind which specializes in research of the unique faunal diversity of this region. The most important subject of research here is that of King Cobra.

In Agumbe you can experience raw nature like nowhere else. The Agumbe viewpoint gives you breathtaking views of the valley and the sunset point is purely magical during the golden hours. The view of the lakes and landscape of Shimoga from the Kundadri hill-top is mesmerizing.

Nestled in the Western Ghats region of the Hassan district, Sakleshpur is a charming hill station in Karnataka. The Bisle village  and Bisle Reserve forest is a thing of great beauty. You can get a bird’s eye view of this place from the Bidle Ghat viewpoint. The highlight of Sakleshpur is the historic Manjarabad Fort, a heart shaped fort built by Karnataka’s famous ruler Tipu Sultan.

Magajahalli waterfalls, Sri Sakleshwara Swamy Temple and Betta Byreshwara temple are other places of interest in Sakleshpur.

Located on the banks of Kali river in North Karnataka, near the Goa border, Dandelli is a treat for nature-lovers and adventure seekers. If you are looking for peace and tranquility book a quaint homestay in villages like Castle Rock, and spend your time exploring the forest trails, bird-watching and experiencing nature at its best. Adventure-seekers go for white-water rafting in Kali river, jungle safari, Kayaking etc.

So here’s my bucket-list for Karnataka. There are many other beautiful places I have visited like Gudibande , Ramnagara, Manipal, Sangam etc. which I didn’t include here. Have you visited Karnataka? Is there any of your favorites I have missed? Do tell me in the comments section.

Author Alice is a full-time business professional with a penchant for writing and travel planning. She shares her travel stories and exclusive practical tips on Backpack & Explore, that you won't find anywhere else.

This is such an elaborated guide. Loved it. I have been to Coorg last year and loved its vibe.

Great list! I’d love to see the temples and the tigers. How would you recommend getting around?

Hi Sarah, You can use both train or volvo bus service to get around Karnataka starting with Bangalore as it has the largest airport in the state. You can also hire cabs using app based car rentals. Inside cities and towns like Mysore, Bangalore, Hampi , Gokarna you can hire scooters or cycles using apps or from hotels for exploring within the city.

Felt nice to read about my state…well described…thankyou..Wishing you good luck.

wow, this is so amazing article about visiting the best places at Karnataka. its really very interesting article. thanks for sharing this amazing article about the best places to visit Karnataka.

Such a great idea about the places too visit Karnataka thanks sharing this article

Really it’s a fantastic blog, I’ll definitely visit those places one day. Good work, Keep going.

Thank you so much!

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50 Tourist Places to Visit in Karnataka: ✔Best Time to Visit

Budget Hotels > Travel Blog > Destinations > Karnataka > 50 Tourist Places to Visit in Karnataka: ✔Best Time to Visit

With an area expanding around 2 lakh sq km and a population of over 6 crore residents , the South Indian state of Karnataka is rightfully one state made up of many worlds. The 31 districts of the state include some of India’s most prominent historical, natural, adventurous, and religious tourist attractions. Here is a list of 50 famous places in Karnataka for you to explore on your next visit. 

Historical Places to Visit in Karnataka

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hampi is described famously as an open-air museum. Why? Because here you will come across magnificent temples, palaces, markets, pavilions, pillars, all remnants of the mighty Vijayanagara Empire. 

• Best Time to Visit : July-September; January-February
• Things to do: Hire a bicycle and visit the temples of Hampi, Go trekking or bouldering

Famous for its exquisitely carved cave temples, Badami unlocks the rich heritage of Karnataka. Filled with striking images and sculptures of prominent Hindu Gods like Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva and even Jain Gods like Lord Mahavira, this is a popular tourist attraction in Karnataka .

• Best Time to Visit : October-March 
• Things to do : Explore the Archaeological Museum, Relax by the man-made reservoir- Agasthya Thirtha

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The ‘City of Palaces’ is among the top tourist places in Karnataka owing to the presence of architectural marvels such as grand palaces, expansive gardens, and enchanting temples. Beautifully blending modernity with heritage, Mysuru’s rich history and culture will leave you transfixed. 

• Best Time to Visit: October-February
• Things to do : Admire the magnificent Mysore Palace , Pay respects to Goddess Durga at the Sri Chamundeshwari Temple
• Book Hotels: Hotels in Mysore

Situated on the banks of the river Malaprabha, Aihole is a site of historical significance as it was the capital of the Chaluka Dynasty. The many significant Buddhist, Hindu and Jain heritage sites such as temples, caves and monuments draw thousands of tourists to Aihole. 

• Best Time to Visit : October-March
• Things to do : Visit the famous Durga Temple, Explore the Ravana Phadi Cave artwork

Bidar has been ruled by many dynasties ranging from Tuglaqs to Nizams and all of these rulers have contributed to its rich and unique culture. It is home to one of the most prominent tourist attractions in Karnataka, particularly for Sikhs- Nanak Jhira Sahib.

• Best Time to Visit : October-February
• Things to do : Visit the gran Bidar Fort, Shop for local Bidri handicrafts

6. Pattadakal

A true history buff would not want to miss a visit to Pattadakal that is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you will find 9 impressive Hindu Temples and even a Jain Sanctuary, dating back to the 7 th and 8 th centuries during the Chalukya dynasty. 

• Best Time to Visit : July-September, October-March
• Things to do : Explore and discover the famous Group of Monuments of Pattadakal

 7. Bijapur

Vijayapura (previously known as Bijapur) was established in the 10 th -11 th centuries under the Chalukyas. Later, the Adil Shahi rulers also ruled the city and hence its landmarks reflect the influence that these dynasties had on the region. 

• Best Time to Visit : September-February
• Things to do : Listen to the sound of echoes at the Gol Gumbaz, Immerse yourself in the sanctity of the Jamia Masjid

EcoTourism Places to Visit in Karnataka

8. st. mary island s.

A set of four inter-connected islands- Coconut Island, Darya Bahadurgarh Island, North Island, and South Island are best known for their geological, volcanic formations. A short ferry from Malpe Beach will transport you to this natural paradise. 

• Best Time to Visit : October-January
• Things to do : Take photographs with the swaying coconut trees and pristine Arabian Sea as a backdrop

 9. Nandi Hills

A popular tourist attraction in Karnataka, Nandi Hills stands tall at 4850-feet elevation. This peaceful, natural destination doubled as a summer retreat for Tipu Sultan and the Britishers. Today, the pleasant weather and opportunity for adventure sports draws crowds from near and far.

• Best Time to Visit : September-May
• Things to do : Camp under the stars, Trek to the famous Tipu’s Drop

10. Nilakandi Falls

If you are in Coorg, then you must not miss this stunning waterfall, situated in the Honey Valley. The Nilakandi Falls cascade from 50-feet and is surrounded by dense vegetation. This is one of the most visited places in Karnataka .

• Best Time to Visit: All year round (except monsoons)
• Things to do : Trek to the waterfall for a grand view, Host a picnic near the waterfalls

11. Bandipur National Park

A haven for wildlife and nature lovers, Bandipur in South Karnataka is one of the identified habitats for tiger conservation in India. Apart from tiger, you can spot the Asiatic wild elephant, leopards, sloth bears, jackals, four-horned antelopes, and about 200 bird species. 

• Best Time to Visit: March-May
• Things to do: Take an elephant, jeep or bus safari to explore the park

12. Nagarhole National Park

Also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, Nagarhole National Park is another Tiger Reserve in Karnataka. This sanctuary spans 640 sq.km. and is home to Bengal tigers, Asiatic elephants,  wild dogs, sambar deer, leopards and a wide variety of bird species. Teak and rosewood trees are another attraction in this park. 

• Best Time to Visit: April-May
• Things to do: Go on a wildlife safari to spot the elusive Bengal Tiger

13. Jog Falls

Situated in Shimoga district, Jog Falls comes under the category of the popular tourist attractions in Karnataka . The magnificent falls created by the river Sharavathi is at its peak during the monsoons. Falling from 253 metres above sea level, it is one of the highest waterfalls in India.

• Best Time to Visit: August-December
• Things to do: Climb down 1400 steps to reach the base of the Jog Falls

Adventurous Places to Visit in Karnataka

14. kodachadri hills.

About 78 km from Shimoga, Kodachadri Hills is a nature lover’s paradise and the 13 th highest peak in Karnataka. Many adventure activities are conducted in and around the hills. Trekking trails to Kodachadri Hills start from the base of Nittur or Nagodi village.

• Best time to visit: September-January
• Things to do: Trekking, Visit Sri Mookambika Temple, Explore Kalyani Chowka

15. Dandeli

Dandeli is called the Adventure Capital of Southern India. This beautiful little town is located in the Western Ghats and is surrounded by lush greenery and the Kali River. 

• Best time to visit: October-May
• Things to do: Visit the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, enjoy zip-lining, trekking, rock climbing, rafting, and kayaking

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16. Netrani

Netrani is a beautiful little island located about 19 km away from Murudeshwara and is one of the most unique places to visit in Karnataka . This island is a haven for those who love the sea and all water sports. 

• Best time to visit: December and January
• Things to do: Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Diving 

17. Kumara Parvatha Trek

This is one of the most challenging treks in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. The peak is also called Pushpagiri and is the second-highest in the Kodagu district. 

• Best time to visit: October-January
• Things to do: Visit the Pushpagiri Wildlife sanctuary, Try the Kumara Parvatha trek

Beaches to Visit in Karnataka

18. black sand beach.

Located in Uttara Karnataka, the Black Sand Beach gets its name from the grey-black coloured sand along the coast. This unexplored beach is also locally known as Tilmati and is known for its calm and serene vibe. 

• Best time to visit: September-March
• Things to do: High-speed boating, kayaking, and dolphin watching during the right season

19. Om Beach

Part of Gokarna, Om Beach is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Karnataka. The beach is calm and serene and is shaped like the symbol ‘OM’. 

• Best time to visit: October-March
• Things to do: Boating, parasailing, jet-skiing, surfing

20. Kapu Beach

Kapu is a coastal village in Udupi and offers panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. The quaint lighthouse at one end of the beach adds a lot of charm to the place.

• Things to do: Visit the lighthouse, relax on the shores of the beach, visit Sri Hale Mariamma Temple

21. Panambur Beach

Located in Mangalore, Panambur Beach is one of the best-maintained beaches in the country. The beach is 10 km from Mangalore city centre and is well crowded during the peak season.

• Best time to visit : October-March
• Things to do: Boat rides, parasailing, camel and horse rides along the beach, jet-skiing

22. Someshwara Beach

Situated in Mangalore’s in the region Ullal, this beautiful rocky beach is untouched by the city crowd and is a great place to relax. The River Netravati and the Arabian Sea come together near this beach.

• Things to do: Visit the Someshwara Temple and the Ullal Delta

23. Tannirbhavi Beach

Tannirbhavi Beach is among the famous places in Karnataka , frequented by tourists regularly. This beach is well-maintained and perfect for families to enjoy because of the presence of lifeguards.

• Things to do: Swim when the tide is low, visit the Tree Park near the beach

Museums to Visit in Karnataka

24. hal heritage centre and aerospace museum.

Located at the Airport-Varthur Road in Bangalore, this is India’s first aerospace museum. You can enjoy various kinds of helicopters, aircraft, and flight simulators here. 

• Best time to visit: All through the year between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM
• Things to do: Check out the mock Air Traffic Control tower, enjoy the flight simulators
• B00k Hotels: Hotels in Bangalore

25. Sandalwood Museum

This is one of the first of its kind museum now located at Aranya Bhavan Sandalwood Depot. You can check all kinds of pure sandalwood products here. The museum will soon shift inside the Mysore Palace premises.

• Best time to visit: All through the year
• Things to do: Buy sandalwood products

26. Government Museum, Bangalore

Located in Sampangi Rama Nagar, the Government Museum was established in 1865 and is one of the oldest museums in India. The rare collections of archaeological artefacts here are the speciality.

• Best time to visit: All through the year, between Tuesdays and Sundays (10:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
• Things to do: Check out the rare archaeological artefacts, scriptures, and jewellery

27. INS Chapal Warship Museum

Situated in Karwar, this is a warship converted into a museum. The INS Chapal was a missile launcher that was in operation since 1976.

• Best time to visit: All through the year from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM
• Things to do: Check out the external guns, engine rooms, barracks, and watch a 15-minute documentary

28. Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery

It is an art gallery/cum palace located in the city of Mysore. This beautifully built palace is filled with rare and beautiful paintings and art pieces and is a must-visit place in Mysore.

• Best time to visit: All through the year from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM
• Things to do: Have a look at more than 2000 paintings depicted from around the world

Theme Parks to Visit in Karnataka

29. lumbini gardens.

Located in the Outer Ring Road, Bangalore, Lumbini Gardens is a small public park complete with boating, joy rides, and lots of food stalls to eat from. This place is pleasant and crowded in the evenings.

• Best time to visit: September to March
• Things to do: Take a boat ride, enjoy the wave pools and the artificial beach, take part in joy rides

30. Wonderla

Wonderla is one of the country’s most well-known theme parks, located in Bangalore. An hour from the city centre, the theme park has hundreds of activities and rides to choose from. 

• Things to do: Enjoy water rides and adventure rides, watch out for laser shows and musical fountains

31. Snow City

Spread across 12,500 square feet, the Snow City is an amazing place to take your kids to. Located in Jayamahal, Bangalore, Snow City has a lot of rides and shows to keep you entertained.  

• Best time to visit: All through the year between 10:00 AM and 8:00 PM
• Things to do: Enjoy the 9D cinema, participate in laser tag and shooting, snow sliding

Gardens and Parks to Visit in Karnataka

32. brindavan gardens.

Brindavan Gardens is one of the most frequented tourist places in Karnataka. Located in Mysore, the Garden is excellently maintained and is a great spot to relax and take photos.

• Best time to visit : September-March
• Things to do: Take a stroll around the garden, Enjoy the musical fountain between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM

33. Cubbon Park

Cubbon Park is in the centre of Bangalore City and is officially called Sri Chamarajendra Park. The park covers about 300 acres of land and has some of the rarest species of plants and trees.

• Things to do: Visit the Seshadri Iyer Memorial Park and Bangalore Aquarium, take a stroll around the park

34. Lalbagh Botanical Garden

Another very popular park in Bangalore you should not miss is the Lalbagh Gardens. This is a very popular spot for the locals of the city and is always crowded in the evenings. 

• Things to do: Visit the lotus pond, check out the Peninsular Gneiss Rock

35. Ramohalli Big Banyan Tree

The Big Banyan Tree is located in Ramohalli and is also called Dodda Alada Mara in Kannada. About 30 km from Bangalore, this is a small public park with a 400-year-old Banyan tree in the centre. The banyan tree has a circumference of about 250 metres.

• Things to do: Stand under the shade of the massive Banyan Tree, enjoy splendid South Indian breakfast in one of the eateries on the highways

Hill Stations to Visit in Karnataka

Coorg or Kodagu is one of the best places to visit in Karnataka . Coorg is a small hill station that is surrounded by the Western Ghats. Coorg is known as the Scotland of Southern India. 

• Best time to visit: All through the year except monsoon (June-September)
• Things to do : Enjoy the various sightseeing spots , visit the Dubare Elephant Camp, camping and trekking around the Western Ghats
• Book Hotels: Hotels in Coorg

37. Kudremukh

Located in the Chikmagalur District, Kudremukh is a small hill station that has become quite popular for its challenging trekking trail. The peak is green, luscious, and calm all through the year.

• Best time to visit: September-June
• Things to do: Attempt the Kudhremukh Trail, visit the Kudremukh National Park, stroll around the Janta Market

38. Sakleshpur

Sakleshpur is one of the famous places in Karnataka that is loved for its amazing weather and green slopes and valleys. Sakleshpur is surrounded by tea and coffee plantations and is quite close to Bangalore.

• Things to do: Camping, trekking, sightseeing

Located in the Shimoga District, Agumbe is a village set on top of a peak. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is called the ‘Çobra Capital’ because of the number of cobras in this region.

• Things to do: Visit the Agumbe RainForest Research Station

40. Chikmagalur

Chikmagalur is another of the top tourist attractions in Karnataka. The hill station is a part of the Western Ghats and has beautiful hotels and homestays you can stay in. The hill station has no dearth of tourist spots too.

• Things to do: Sightseeing, visit the coffee plantations

41. Kemmanagundi or KR Hills

Kemmanagudi was the summer retreat of Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV and is hence also called KR hills. The hill is about 250 km from Bangalore and one of the best weekend destinations to relax in. 

• Best time to visit: September to June
• Things to do: Attempt the KR trekking trail, visit the various waterfalls around the hills

Spiritual Places to Visit in Karnataka

42. kadri manjunatha temple.

Located in Mangalore, this historic temple was built sometime during the 10 th century. The main deity here is Lord Shiva. The temple has a natural spring called Gomukha on its premises.

• Things to do: Pay your respects at the Manjunatha Temple

43. Murudeshwara

In the list of best t ourist places in Karnataka, one cannot forget Murudeshwara. Along the shores of Karnataka, this temple is situated on a small hill and the gigantic Shiva Shrine is visible from far. 

• Things to do: Visit the temple and Murudeshwar Beach, Check out the Murudeshwar Fort

44. Udupi Sri Krishna Temple

Amongst Hindus in India, the Udupi Sri Krishna Temple is very sacred. The house of Lord Krishna, the temple is crowded all through the year and the streets around the temple are lined with shopping streets and eateries.

• Things to do: Get the blessings of Lord Krishna, Stroll in the beaches in Udupi, enjoy authentic South Indian food from eateries around

45. Omkareshwara Temple

This very old temple in Coorg was built in the year 1820 and is a very popular sightseeing place in Coorg. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is situated in the middle of a pond.

• Things to do: Enjoy a visit to the temple, check out the various sightseeing spots in Coorg

46. St Philomena’s Cathedral

St Philomena’s Cathedral is a Catholic Church located in Mysore. This phenomenal structure is one of the tallest churches in Asia and was built in 1936. This is a much-frequented tourist spot in the city.

• Things to do: Enjoy the Neo-Gothic architecture of the place, Shop for handcrafted goods and sandalwoods in shops around the church

47. Jamia Masjid, Bijapur

Jamia Masjid in Bijapur is a very old mosque built-in 1578. This is one of the largest mosques in South India and is a large and beautiful structure you will be awed by.

• Things to do: Get your dose of spirituality in the mosque, visit the Gol Gumbaz, and the 85-feet Shivagiri monument

48. Gomatagiri

Gomatagiri or Bahubali houses the 6-metre tall Gomatigiri statue that is more than 700 years old. Gomatagiri is an important place of worship for Jains.

• Things to do: Trek to the Gomatagiri Hill

49. Dharmasthala

Dharmasthala is a town in Karnataka and houses the popular Manjunatheshwara Temple (dedicated to Lord Shiva). The town is also home to various other small and large places of worship.

• Things to do: Visit the Manjunatheshwara Temple and the Bahubali Statue, take a bath in the Netravathi River Barrage

50. Saavira Kambada Basadi

This Jain temple is located in Moodabidri, Karnataka, and is known for its 1000-pillared structure. The temple houses the Chandraprabha, the eighth spiritual leader of the Jain Community.

• Things to do: Visit this world-renowned Jain temple, watch traditional plays called Yakshagana that run all through the night

Phew! Quite a long list isn’t it? But these are only just a few of the landmarks that make Karnataka a paradise for tourists and explorers. On your next trip to this state, try to tick off some of these destinations and share with us your experience.

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• Karnataka Tourism

Karnataka is rich in heritage, culture, traditions and history! Karnataka Tourisms has something in store for everybody, a complete tourist destination!

Witness the Unprecedented Architectural Grandeur.

Marvel at the Unique Ecosystem and Diverse Wildlife.

Take a Plunge in the Rich Culture- Fairs & Festivals.

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About Karnataka Tourism

Karnataka is located in the southwestern region of India. It is a rich state, rich in culture & heritage as well as the diversity of its landscape. Larger than life palaces fascinate you as much as the beaches & hill stations, all of which are an intrinsic part of Karnataka tourism places. It attracts sightseeing lovers as much as adventure enthusiasts. It also boasts a glorious past which is evident in its forts, palaces and ancient towns, one example of which is the illustrious Vijayanagara Empire. But Karnataka’s fascination also extends to its hill stations which are major tourist attractions like Chikmagalur, quiet relaxed beaches and temples like Virupaksha and Vitthala, that stand as a testimony to the architectural perfection achieved in the past. This is why a holiday in Karnataka is a getaway to complete delight, rife with adventures, sightseeing and entertainment!.

Bear witness to its glorious past!

Karnataka is a place of million stories that are told through its forts, palaces, and ancient towns. They bear testimony to its glorious past. A past shaped by powerful dynasties, kings and empires. A heritage tour of Karnataka consists of visiting its famous palaces like the Mysore Palace, Bangalore Palace and Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace. There are forts like Gulbarg, Raichur, Mirjan & Bidar. Each of these forts has played a key role in its history & are architectural splendours as well. And then there’s Hampi, the shining jewel of the Vijayanagara Empire. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, exploring its temples, streets and bazaars is like going back in time. Other famous heritage sites are Badami, Pattakadal and Aihole.

Spot tigers, elephants, sloth bears, birds & other wildlife!

Karnataka tourism also boasts a rich wildlife. Spot Royal Bengal Tigers, elephants, sloth bears, leopards, or reptiles and birds during your wildlife safari. It has some of the most famous national parks, bird sanctuaries and wildlife sanctuaries. Some of the famous national parks & wildlife sanctuaries in Karnataka are Bandipur, Nagarhole, Someshwara, Bhimgad & Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary. Spot birds of all shapes, colours and sizes at bird sanctuaries like Bonal, Attiveri, Bonal and Hornbills of Dandeli.

Lovely hill stations tucked in the Western Ghats!

You can escape to the hill stations during your holidays in Karnataka for a change. The Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, run through Karnataka. These ghats contain the most beautiful hill stations in India. You come across trekking trails, waterfalls, coffee plantations, temples and wildlife. One of the hill stations, Chikmagalur, was the first place in India where coffee was introduced. Agumbe is famous for being the site where “Malgudi Days”, a popular TV serial, was shot. Other popular hill stations in Karnataka are Madikeri, Chikkamagaluru, Kodachadri, Nandi Hills and Kogadu.

Quiet, tranquil, relaxed beaches!

The beaches in Karnataka are different from those in Goa. Its coastline stretches to 320 kilometers with more than 40 beaches. Not by the topography so much, as the vibe and environment. Most of them are quiet, many secluded. They are ideal for those who want to enjoy a quiet day at the beach. Perhaps the most famous of these is the OM Beach. Shaped like an OM, it offers breathtaking views of the sunset. Jet ski, banana boat rides and parasailing are some of the water sports activities available. Panambur, Someshwara, Tannirbhavi and Ottinene are other famous beaches in Karnataka.

Parasailing to trekking, options for adventure abound!

Karnataka is a hub of adventure tourism. Scuba diving, white water rafting, rock climbing and trekking offer adventure enthusiasts the adrenaline rush. Skydiving in Mysore, rock climbing in Ramanagara, microlight flying in Bangalore & scuba diving in Netrani Island are immensely popular. Battling the rapids at Bheemeshwari and parasailing at Malpe & Gokarna beaches are also famous adventure activities. Trekking is a highly sought after adventure tourism activity in Karnataka. Trekkers have several options to choose from. Some of the popular treks are Kudremukh, Kumara Parvatha, Narasimha Parvata, Kanoor, Kodachadri and Coorg Plantations.

A profound spiritual experience awaits you!

Hindu, Muslim, Jain, Sikh and Christian places of worship can be found in Karnataka. Spiritual enlightenment is a major reason for visiting this southern state. It is mind boggling to think that there are more than 34,000 temples.

Temples : Many of the temples in Karnataka were built in the 10th century and are dedicated to Lord Shiva. You will come across different styles of temples. For example, the Hoysalas built the temples on raised complex star shaped platforms. The Badami Chalukyas, on the other hand, were masters of rock cut caves and temples. Two of the most famous temples in Karnataka are Virupaksha and Vitthala. Both of them are located in Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some of the famous temples are Omkareshwara, Someshwara, Shri Kadri Manjunatha and Marikamba.

Mosques : There are an equal number of mosques in Karnataka which evoke admiration with their architecture. Many of these were built during the reigns of the Bahmani & Deccan Sultanates. Jama Masjid, Jamia Masjid, Ek Minar Mosque & Zanana Masjid.

Churches : The churches in Karnataka are some of the oldest in India. They belong to Roman Catholics, Syrian, Mar Thoma, Protestant and other Christain communities.

Jain Temples : There are also a lot of Jain temples in Karnataka, which is not surprising. Jainism enjoyed royal patronage in Karnataka under various historic kingdoms, from Chalukyas to Kadambas. One of the most famous Jain temples is located in Shravanabelagola in Hassan district. It consists of a massive 18 feet tall black granite statue of Gomteshwara, the first Tirthankara.

Buddhist Monasteries : Buddhism also enjoys a strong presence. The settlements at Mundgod in Uttara Kannada & Bylakuppe in Mysore are very “Tibet-like.” Some of the famous monasteries are Namdroling, Bylakuppe and Manjunatha in Kandri.

Gurudwaras : There are two famous gurudwaras in Karnataka. One is Gurudwara Nanak Jhira and the other is Gurudwara Guru Nanak Prachar Sabha. Of these, Gurudwara Nanak Jhira in Bidar holds a special significance. It is associated with a major legend.

Attend the festivals to observe its rich culture & traditions!

Like any other state, Karnataka has its fair share of festivals. Almost all of them originated under a certain ruler or dynasty. Whether it’s the Kambala Buffalo Race or the Hampi Dance Festival, every festival offers a different experience. The rich culture, customs and traditions of the different communities are reflected in the festivals. During Deepavali and Dussehra, the entire state is reinvigorated with energy and spirituality. Other major festivals are Chalukya Utsav, Hampi Utsav, Pattadakal Dance Festival, Mysuru Dasara, Shravana Belagola Mahamastakabhisheka, Kambala and Vitla Pindi.

Come across the rich history of Karnataka!

In the museums of Karnataka, you will come across rare manuscripts, sculptures, statues, art and artefacts. You get to have a close look at its past, filled with rulers, dynasties and empires. Most of the museums are located in Mysore and Bangalore. Some of the must visit museums in Karnataka are Folklore Museum, Government Museum, HAL Heritage Center and Aerospace Museum, Manipal Museum of Anatomy and Pathology.

Tangy, spicy cuisine, and the filter coffee!

The richness of Karnataka is reflected in its cuisine too. Different parts of Karnataka have their own special cuisines. For example, dishes like Goli Baje and Mangalore Fish Curry are famous in Coastal Karnataka. The famous Mysore Pak, Thatte Idli, Ragi Mudde and Puliyogare are relished in South Karnataka. While visiting North Karnataka, Raagi Ambali, Jolada Rotti, Dharwad Peda and Belagavi Kunda are dishes you should not miss. Coffee is a major beverage for the people of Karnataka. Filter coffee is special in its own way and is available in all the restaurants and high end restaurants.

Top 10 Most Visited Tourist Destinations of Karnataka

Coorg : Coorg is a famous tourist hill station in Karnataka. There are three wildlife sanctuaries and a famous national park called Nagarhole. There are several options for sightseeing.

Halebeedu : The town of Halebeedu was once the 2nd capital of the Hoysalas. The temples which stand today are specimens of architectural excellence. These are Kedareshwara & Hoysaleshwara.

Mysore : It was once the capital of Tipu Sultan, known as the Tiger of Mysore. Some of its tourist attractions are Mysore Palace, Devaraja Market, Crawford Hall and Jagan Mohan Palace.

Srirangapatna : Visit Srirangapatna for its royal past. It served as the capital of various kings and dynasties. Visit palaces, temples and forts here during your sightseeing tour.

Agumbe : Those who have read Malgudi Days will be familiar with Agumbe. A high-altitude village, it’s home to India’s online Rainforest Research Station. There are several sightseeing sites.

Shravanabelagola : Shravanabelagola is a famous Jain pilgrimage destination in Karnataka. This is believed to be the place where Chandragupta Maurya breathed his last. The most famous tourist attraction is Bhagawan Bahubali Statue.

Bijapur : Bijapur was founded by the Chalukyas during the 10-11th centuries. It is great for those who want to explore historical sites. Some of the attractions are Bijapur Fort & Jama Masjid.

Somnathpur : Visit Somnathpur for the fabulous structures built during the reign of the Hoysalas. You will come across the most spectacular temples here.

Bengaluru : Bengaluru, the capital of Karnataka, is dotted with high tech industries. Go shopping, visit a wildlife sanctuary, spend some time in one of its many parks or hangout at the glitzy malls.

Udupi : Boasting one of the longest walls in the world, Kumbhalgarh is the second-largest fort in India. This impressive fort is not to be missed witnessing in Rajasthan.

Bandipur National Park : Bandipur National Park is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Spot Royal Bengal Tigers, Asiatic Elephants and a wide variety of bird species. Rosewood & sandalwood are found in plenty here.

Best Time for Visiting Karnataka for Holidays

Winters are the best time to visit Karnataka. During the months between November to March, the weather is cool and pleasant. The hill stations enjoy pleasant weather throughout the year. During the summers, it can get extremely hot and humid.

A Quick Information About the State – Karnataka

Best selling karnataka tour packages.

6 Nights - 7 Days

Classical Tour of Karnataka

4 Nights - 5 Days

Bangalore Mysore Ooty Tour

3 Nights - 4 Days

Coorg Sightseeing Tour

Coorg Tour with Kabini

Bandipur Tour with Ooty

5 Nights - 6 Days

Bangalore Mysore Nagarhole Tour

12 Nights - 13 Days

Karnataka Wildlife Safari Tour

Chikmagalur Temple Package

Bangalore - Chitradurga - Hampi Tour

Mesmerizing Western Ghats with Mysore

• Best Time to Visit Karnataka

Summer Season in Karnataka

Summers in Karnataka last from March to May. Temperature ranges between 35°C to 38°C.

Monsoon Season in Karnataka

Monsoon arrives in May and lasts till October. Temperature ranges between 32°C to 28°C.

Winter Season in Karnataka

Winters in Karnataka start from November and last till February. The temperature ranges between 21°C to 25°C. The weather during this time is extremely pleasant.

Best Places to Visit in Karnataka

Hampi is one of the best places to visit in Karnataka for its grand, spectacular and historic. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are temples, elephant stables and other attractions.

Benagluru, the capital of Karnataka, is counted among the best places to visit for showing the modern side of Karnataka. It is dotted with multiplexes, hangouts and a vibrant nightlife.

It is one of the best hill stations not just in Karnataka but also in South India. It’s famous for its wildlife sanctuaries. There is a national park called Nagarhole.

Hill Stations

Mysore is famous for once being the capital of Tipu Sultan. What makes it count among the best tourist places are Mysore Palace, Devaraja Market, Jahan Mohan Palace and Crawford Hall.

Bandipur National Park

Bandipur National Park is one of the best places in Karnataka to spot its rich wildlife. Spot various animals like the Royal Bengal Tiger, Asiatic Elephant and a wide variety of bird species.

Popular Tourist Attractions in Karnataka

Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was once the capital of the powerful and glorious Vijayanagara Empire. There are elephant stables, chariots & two fabulous temples.

Gokarna Beach

Visit the Gokarna Beach to enjoy banana boat rides, dolphin spotting and fishing. The views of the sunset really win your heart. The beach is shaped like the Hindu religious symbol - OM.

Jog Falls bring you face to face with the intensity of nature. The waterfall is 253 meters high, and is the 2nd highest plunge waterfall in Asia. Monsoons are the best time to visit it.

Mulliyana Giri

Mulliyana Giri is the highest peak in the Western Ghats, which stretch from Gujarat to Tamil Nadu. It is avidly sought after by trekkers. The entire trek will take you 4 hours & consists of 4 kilometers.

St. Mary’s Island

St. Mary’s Island is famous for its unique salt rock formations. The beach here is made of shells, not of sand. To reach the island, you will have to swim for almost 5 minutes.

Gudavi Bird Sanctuary

This one is especially for bird lovers looking to enjoy birding. Some of the birds which you can spot are white headed crane, brahminy kite and black headed crane.

Gangadeshwara Temple

A visual spectacle awaits you at Gangadeshwara Temple during Makar Sankranti. On this day, a ray of light flashes through the horns of the stone bull and falls directly on the deity inside the cave!

Sada Waterfall

Sada Waterfall is an offbeat waterfall located in deep forests of Western Ghats in Begalvi . It falls from a height of 200 meters. Trekking here is quite famous.

Murudeshwara

Visit the temple town of Murudeshwara to see the Chalukya & Kadamba sculptures. Its main attraction is a statue of Lord Shiva.

Top Things to Do in Karnataka

Karnataka is a treasure trove of heritage and grandeur. The popular heritage sites are Hampi, Aihole, Badami, Halebeedu and Chandravalli.

Try out the tangy, spicy, sweet cuisines of Karnataka. Some of the famous dishes in Karnataka are Patrode, Mangalore Fish Curry, Maddur Vada, Mysore Pak, Guliyappa and filter coffee.

Religious Sites

There are spectacular temples like Virupaksha and Vitthala. You come across mosques which are equally impressive. There are Jain temples, churches and gurudwaras too.

There are opportunities in Karnataka for trekking white water rafting, scuba diving, mountain biking and micro flight flying.

Karnataka is extremely rich in wildlife. There are famous wildlife sanctuaries and national parks like Someshwara, Bhimgad, Daroji Sloth Bear, Kudremukh and Nagarhole.

The beaches of Karnataka are quiet and calm. They are ideal for those who just want to enjoy the views, listen to the sounds of the waves and just enjoy the ambiance.

Observe the rare manuscripts, artefacts, sculptures and other antiques at the famous museums in Karnataka. Some of them are Folklore Museum, Manipal Museum of Anatomy and Pathology and Mysore Rail Museum.

Attend the famous festivals in Karnataka like Deepavali, Dussehra, Gowri Habba, Kaveri Sankaramana, Mysuru Dasara, Hampi Utsav and Chalukya Utsav.

How to Reach Karnataka?

The major railway station in Karnataka is Bangalore Railway Station. It runs trains to all the major cities of India.

There are two airports that operate flights to and from Karnataka. One is the Bengaluru International Airport and the other is the Mangalore International Airport. Bangalore Airport is connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Hyderabad.

Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) operates government transport in Karnataka. The National Highway runs for almost 3,973 kilometers. Smaller towns are connected by state highways.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. when is the best time to visit karnataka for holidays.

The best time to visit Karnataka is during the winter season, from November to February. March is also a good time, since the weather is pleasant. It can get quite hot and humid during the summers.

Q. What is the nearest domestic & International airport for Karnataka?

The nearest domestic airport is Mangalore Airport, located about 156 kilometers from Coorg. The nearest international airport is Bangalore International Airport, located about 35.4 kilometers.

Q. Is Karnataka safe for solo female travellers?

Yes, Karnataka is safe for solo female travellers.

Q. What is Karnataka famous for?

Karnataka is famous for its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, wildlife, hill stations, Jog Waterfalls, Mysore Palace, dishes like Mysore Pak and Filter Coffee and umpteen opportunities for adventure.

Q. How many minimum days are required for a Karnataka tour?

It takes a minimum of 5 days for a proper tour of Karnataka.

Q. What are the major festivals of Karnataka tourism?

The major festivals of Karnataka tourism are Deepavali, Gombe Habba, Gowri Habba, Karnataka Rajyothsava Day, Hampi Festival, Karaga, Pattadakal Dance Festival, Kambala Festival and Ugadi.

Q. What are the top destinations for family holidays in Karnataka?

The top destinations for family holidays in Karnataka are Hampi, Gokarna, Coorg, Bijapur, Nandi Hills, Mysore and Shrirangapatna.

Q. What are the best destinations for a honeymoon tour in Karnataka?

The best destinations for a honeymoon tour in Karnataka are Coorg, Mangalore, Kabini, Gokarna, Kudremukh, Badami and Halebeedu.

Q. What are the top must visit pilgrimage sites in Karnataka?

The top must visit pilgrimage sites in Karnataka are Shravanabelagola, Murudeshwar, Gokarna, Srirangapatna, Virupaksha and Vitthala Temples.

Q. What is the best time to visit National parks & wildlife sanctuaries of Karnataka?

Summers is a good time to visit the national parks and wildlife sanctuaries of Karnataka. The animals visit the water hotels with a greater frequency during this time. You can enjoy sightseeing during the winters too, when the weather is cool and pleasant.

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Karnataka Essential Information

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Where to Stay in Karnataka?

There are a variety of staying options that are available in Karnataka. These range from heritage hotels and beach hotels to resorts. The accommodation options range from luxury to mid sized to budget, depending on your preferences. Wildlife resorts are also another option that you can consider. You can feel the excitement of staying close to nature and all the action.

Major Activities for Tourists in Karnataka

Karnataka is a complete destination. That is because it has everything, from wildlife, adventure, heritage, beaches to religious sites. Some of the most visited heritage sites in India like Hampi, are located in Karnataka. There are tranquil beaches where you can simply sit, relax and enjoy the nearby surroundings. Adventure enthusiasts will find a lot to do here. There are opportunities for trekking, water rafting, rock climbing and mountain biking. You could visit the several museums to explore rare artefacts, artworks and antiques. Karnataka is also home to several hill stations whose natural richness will win your heart. During your vacation in Karnataka, you should definitely try out its cuisines. You will find the filter coffee almost everywhere you go. Karnataka is large, both by its size and tourism opportunities it offers.

A few tips before visiting Karnataka

• Carry your identity proof with you at all times.
• Leave your footwear outside before entering the temples.
• Wear appropriate clothing while visiting religious places.
• Nudity is not permitted on the beaches, waterfalls or any public areas.
• If you plan on visiting Karnataka during the summers, carry plenty of sunscreen lotion.

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Karnataka Destinations

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Karnataka Attractions

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Hotels in Karnataka

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10 Best Tourist Places to Visit in Bengaluru

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Bengaluru, formerly Bangalore , is the capital city of Karnataka in south India. The city has earned several names such as Silicon Valley of India, Pub Capital of India, Air Conditioned City, and City of Gardens. However, prior to the IT revolution, Bengaluru was known as Pensioners' Paradise.

Now, it's a wonderful blend of past and present. Although Bengaluru may not have as many iconic attractions as other major cities in India, it does have a great mix of history, architecture, culture, spirituality, and nature.

Bangalore Palace

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Built for Chamaraja Wadiyar X in 1887, the design of Bangalore Palace was inspired by England's Windsor Castle . As a result, this evocative palace has Tudor-style architecture with fortified towers, arches, green lawns, and elegant woodcarvings in its interiors.

The royal family still lives here today, and the palace is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekdays.

National Gallery of Modern Art

Nicolas Mirguet/Flickr/CC BY-NC 2.0

If you're an art lover, don't miss visiting the National Gallery of Modern Art on Palace Road. This gallery, which opened in 2009, is the third of its kind in India (the others are in Delhi and Mumbai).

It's housed in a Colonial mansion with a garden setting and has two interconnected wings, one of which features works from the early 18th century up until India's Independence while the other displays work from a large number of modern and contemporary artists.

The gallery is open Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m until 6:30 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. It's closed on Monday. There is a cafe on the premises as well, which is open fewer hours than the gallery itself.

Tipu Sultan's Palace and Fort

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Situated inside the Bangalore Fort area, Tipu Sultan's Palace was originally built by Kempe Gowda using mud. Later, Hyder Ali started reconstruction in Indo-Islamic architecture. This was completed by his son, Tipu Sultan, in 1791.

The Hindu temple seen in the courtyard of the fort is the proof of Tipu Sultan's religious tolerance. The palace is open daily from 8.30 a.m. until 5.30 p.m. daily. Combine visiting it with nearby Krishna Rajendra Market.

Krishna Rajendra (KR) Market

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This vivid, traditional local market is an assault on the senses and a treat for photographers, and in the middle of it, you'll find Bengaluru's bustling flower market. The market also sells a variety of fresh produce, spices, and copper items.

Go there in the early morning to best experience the colors and crowds, when piles of fresh stock are being unloaded and sold.

Lalbagh Botanical Garden

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This expansive garden started out as a private Mughal-style garden for the city's royal rulers. It was established in 1760 by Hyder Ali and later extended by his son Tipu Sultan.

It now covers 240 acres and derives its name from the red roses that bloom throughout the year there. The garden is said to have the most diverse species of plants in the world. Its focal point is a majestic glasshouse, built in 1889 to commemorate the visit of the Prince of Wales. It was designed along the lines of the Crystal Palace in London.

The garden is open daily from 6.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. throughout the year. It takes on a festive look during India's Independence Day and Republic Day celebrations, with a captivating show of over 200 varieties of flowers. The show also features an exhibition of hybrid vegetables.

Cubbon Park

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Occupying a 300-acre area in Bangalore's business district, Cubbon Park is a popular place for walkers, joggers, nature lovers, and anyone who just wants to laze around. The park was named after the erstwhile Commissioner of Mysore, Sir Mark Cubbon. Many ornamental and flowering trees, both exotic and indigenous, can be found there. Kids will enjoy the special Bal Bhavan play area and aquarium inside the park.

Vidhana Soudha

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First opened in 1956, Vidana Soudha is a landmark of Bengaluru and is located next to Cubbon Park. This enormous building is a massive example of neo-Dravidian architecture, complete with four domes on its four corners. It houses the Legislative Chamber of Karnataka Government and accommodates many other government departments. Unfortunately, it's not open to the public but is stunningly illuminated at night.

Attara Kacheri (High Court) and Surroundings

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This eye-catching red, two-storied building, built in 1867 under the reign of Tipu Sultan, has magnificent neoclassical architecture. It houses the High Court and many lower courts, and sits opposite Vidana Soudha at the entrance to Cubbon Park.

Close to the Court is the red, Gothic-style State Central Library building, with imposing stone and fluted pillars. Nearby, the highlight at the Government Museum is a collection of artifacts and stone carvings dating back to the 12th century, and excavated from places including Hampi . Adjacent to the Museum is Venkatappa Art Gallery, devoted to displaying famous paintings, plaster of Paris works and wooden sculptures of renowned artist Venkatappa (who painted for the royal family). Tickets for the museum also provide entry to the art gallery.

Ulsoor Lake

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Picturesque Ulsoor Lake is spread over an area of 125 acres in the heart of the city, north of M.G. Road. It was constructed by Kempe Gowda II. It's open daily, except Wednesdays, from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m. Boating facilities are provided by the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation. There's also a walking track around the lake.

Spiritual and Religious Places

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Bengaluru is the home of many of India's spiritual gurus, and the city has a rich religious culture. There are many diverse places of worship, including ashrams, mosques, and churches.

Consider seeing many of the city's attractions on a Bengaluru walking tour.   Alternatively, Viator in conjunction with Tripadvisor offers a comprehensive Private Full Day Bangalore (Bengaluru) City Tour and Experiential Culture Tour of Bangalore (Bengaluru) , bookable online.

It's also worth exploring the area around Bengaluru. There are many places of interest, whether you're after an escape from city life or are a visitor who wants to spend a day enjoying the abundant beauty of Mother Nature.

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10 Must See Tourist Places in Karnataka

Home » 10 Must See Tourist Places in Karnataka

Karnataka is one of the most loved tourist destinations in the country and continues to attract travellers from across India and the world, all year round. Whether you are looking to take short one day trip to Karnataka or spend a week unwinding and relaxing, it has something for everyone. What sets Karnataka apart is its unique geographical location with a long coastline, rivers and lakes, giving you the opportunity to do unique things in Karnataka. Eventful and glorious history, expansive landscape, awe-inspiring architectural wonders and wildlife – Karnataka has it all. Here are the 10 best places to visit in Karnataka.

Hampi and Badami Rocks Any trip to Karnataka is incomplete without a visit to these ancient ruins and the spectacular forts, temples, sculptures and inscriptions. Their history dates back to the Kishkinda and Vijaynagar empires. There are many small green hilltops with tiny temples at the peak. When in Hampi, make sure to visit the Vitthala Mandir. Badami is famous for its unique style of architecture in temples, and sculptures and should be a must see thing during your Karnataka travels.

Aihole and Pattadakal Monuments Karnataka tour packages usually include a visit to this temple complex that came into existence under the patronage of the Chalukya kings in the 7th-8th centuries. Today, this place is a UNESCO heritage site. The group of monuments comprises architectural wonders such as Virupaksha Temple, Sangameshwara temple, Papanatha temple, Mallikarjuna temple and Shivayoga temple. In Aihole, you can see nearly 120 Hindu and Jain monuments built between the 4th and 12th centuries.

Coorg and Chikmaglur Coffee Plantations South India is renowned for its aromatic and strong coffee. If you are a coffee aficionado who has always wanted to learn how coffee is grown, then one of the most exciting places to visit in Karnataka will be the coffee plantations of Coorg, and Chikmaglur, which is a famous hill station on the Western Ghats. It is not just the plantations but the lush greenery, winding forest roads and peaceful environment that will make your trip worthwhile.

Related Read: Best time to visit Coorg

Belur and Halebidu These two places were part of the Hoysala Empire (11th-14th centuries). The reason tourists are drawn to Belur and Halebidu is the presence of Chennakeshava temple and Hoysaleswara temple, which are examples of the Hoysala architecture. The vast temple complexes and the intricate, minute details on the sculptures continue to astound the tourists.

Haveri and Gadag District This districts house some of the most majestic and magnificent temples, such as Kudal Sangameswar Temple, Mylara Lingeshwara Temple, Chaudayyadanapura Mukteshwara temple, Gajendragad Kalkaleshwara temple and Lakkundi Jain temple spread out over a tranquil and serene landscape interspersed with rivers and dotted with small lakes.

Gokarna and Karwar Beach These beaches bordering the Arabian sea are unique. They are the right mix of rocky terrain and beautiful green nature. Try out the famous seafood cuisine and take a walk to the nearby ancient temples. If you are lucky, you may get to experience the festivals or carnivals, which might just become the highlight of your tour.

Kudremukh and Malayyanagiri Peak Malayyanagiri, a hill in the Kudremukh range of the Western Ghats, is the highest peak of Karnataka. If you are an adventure entusiast, Kudremukh trekking should be on your list. This mountain range with an extensive forest cover is also a protected wildlife zone; hence, you may also catch a few glimpses of animals in their natural habitat.

Bidar Fort and the Tomb at Bijapur Bidar Fort is a must-visit location for tourists. This medieval fort city dates back to the 15th century and houses many Islamic monuments from the Bahamanid Dynasty. In Bijapur, another historical city is the famous Gol Gumbaz- a mausoleum constructed to commemorate Mohammed of Adil Shah.

Jog Falls and Shivasamudram Falls These two waterfalls are among the most searched tourist spots in India. Jog Falls is the second-highest waterfall in India and presents an overwhelming yet stunning sight. The Shivasamidram Falls are just as spectacular and draw a fair share of tourist footfall.

Nagarhole and Bandipur National Parks These two national parks are among the most iconic wildlife preservation sites in India. Many endangered species, such as the bee-eater, changeable hawk-eagle, gaur, darter, dholes and tuskers have found safe haven here. You can opt for a safari ride through these forests and learn more about these wondrous creatures and their lifestyles.

The best time to visit Karnataka is during winter and spring when the temperature is pleasant and perfect for sightseeing. Karnataka is one of the most exciting places one can visit. Your Karnataka tour package itinerary will include a long list of activities and you will not have to endure even a moment of boredom. SOTC also offers multiple Coorg tour packages and Mysore tour packages along with travel tours to various parts of India.

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Top 10 Places to Visit in Karnataka

Karnataka is an incredible state in India, offering a diverse range of travel destinations. From Gokarna’s beautiful beaches to Hampi’s historical sites, Karnataka has something for Places to Visit in Karnataka. So whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or cultural exploration, Karnataka has it all, making it one of India’s best places to visit . This blog will explore the top 10 places to visit in Karnataka and why they should be on your preference list.

Mysore is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and beautiful monuments. The city is one of India’s most popular tourist destinations and home to several well-known universities. Mysore is known for its glorious past and is often referred to as the ‘Cultural Capital of Karnataka’. The city is also known for its unique festivals and celebrations, such as the Mysore Dasara. In addition, the city has some of the most beautiful temples, palaces and gardens in India, making it an ideal destination for tourists.

Coorg is known for its lush green landscapes, valleys, waterfalls, and unique culture and heritage. It is also known as the ‘Scotland of India’ due to its spectacular scenery and abundance of coffee plantations. It is home to some of the oldest tribes in India, such as the Kodavas, who are the original inhabitants of the region. Coorg is also known for its delicious cuisine, combining the local Kodava and Malayali cuisine. Coorg is a great place to visit and explore this region’s unique heritage, culture and cuisine.

Hampi, located in the Indian state of Karnataka, is an ancient city once a thriving capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. It has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is renowned for its incredible temples and monuments dating back to the 14th century. The city’s ruins are spread out over the banks of the Tungabhadra River and are a popular tourist destination due to the breathtaking views and fascinating architecture. Hampi is also known for its vibrant culture and rich history, which can be seen in its many temples and monuments.

4. Mangalore

Mangalore is one of the major port cities in India and is located between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats mountain range. It is the second-largest city in Karnataka and the ninth-largest in India. Mangalore is an important commercial and educational hub in the region. It is home to many educational institutions, hospitals, and industries. The city is known for its temples, beaches, and its cuisine. Mangalore is also known for its beautiful landscapes, making it a popular tourist destination.

5. Bandipur National Park

Bandipur National Park is a renowned Tiger Reserve located in Karnataka. It was established in 1974 and is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It is home to a wide variety of wildlife, such as elephants, deer, leopards, wild boar, sloth bear, gaur, sambar and many more. It also offers a great opportunity to see the amazing Bengal Tiger in its natural habitat. Bandipur is also well known for its variety of flora and fauna. It is an excellent place for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts to visit and explore the region’s rich biodiversity.

Gokarna is located on the Karwar coast of the Arabian Sea. It is known for its serene beaches and beautiful temples. It is known for its ancient temples, pristine beaches, and lush greenery. Its popularity as a tourist destination has increased over the years due to its proximity to the Arabian Sea and its unspoiled natural beauty. In addition, Gokarna is known for its unique culture, cuisine, and vibrant nightlife.

Agumbe is a small village in the Shivamogga district of Karnataka. Agumbe is known for its dense forests and its serene beauty. The area is home to various flora and fauna, including the King Cobra and the Malabar Giant Squirrel. Agumbe has a unique combination of jungles and waterfalls, and the sunset from the sunset point is said to be mesmerizing. This place is also known as the Cherrapunji of the South due to its high rainfall. It is a nice place for trekking and bird-watching.

Karwar is a town located in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. It is a beautiful coastal town known for its pristine beaches, lush green hills and the majestic Arabian Sea. There are some of the most beautiful temples in India, and one of the best places to enjoy water sports. Karwar is also known for its vibrant culture and cuisine. The town is a great destination for tourists who want to experience the best of Karnataka.

Badami, a town in Karnataka, is known for its ancient rock-cut caves and temples. It was the capital of the Chalukya dynasty from 540 to 757 AD. The Badami caves are one of the most important historical sites in South India, as they contain some of the oldest examples of Hindu temples and Jain and Buddhist sculptures. The temples, built during the reigns of the Chalukya and Rashtrakuta dynasties, are decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures. The temples in Badami are a testament to Karnataka’s ancient culture and art.

10. Belur and Halebid

Belur and Halebid are two of the most important historical sites in Karnataka. These two cities are home to some of India’s oldest and most impressive temples in the Hassan district. Belur and Halebid are known for their Hoysala-style architecture and sculptures, depicting scenes from the epics of Hindu mythology. The temples here have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are visited by thousands of tourists yearly.

We hope you enjoyed reading about the best places to visit in Karnataka. From Gokarna’s beautiful beaches to Coorg’s lush green hills, Karnataka has something for everyone. So, whether you’re looking for a relaxing vacation or an adventure-filled holiday, you’ll find it in Karnataka. With its rich culture and breathtaking sights, Karnataka is definitely worth a visit. So, plan your trip now and explore the wonders of this beautiful state!

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Tourist Places in Karnataka

Here are the top 100 places to visit in karnataka in 2024:.

43 out of 100 Places to visit in Karnataka 22 Tourist attractions

Known as the temple-architecture capital of Karnataka, Hassan is located 187 km from Bangalore. Hassan derives its name from the presiding deity Goddess Hassanamba which in Kanada language mean 'Smiling mother'. Hassan saw its development as a major seat of Hoysala Empire that ruled major parts...

Best Time: Throughout the year

44. Gulbarga

44 out of 100 Places to visit in Karnataka 8 Tourist attractions

Officially known as Kalaburagi, this city is famous for its historical monuments, temples, tombs and delectable cuisine. Located at a distance of 623 kms from Bangalore, Gulbarga, the administrative headquarters of Gulbarga is laid out with rich cultural heritage dating back to the 6th century. ...

Best Time: October - March

45. Nrityagram

45 out of 100 Places to visit in Karnataka 4 Tourist attractions

A dance village located near Hesarghatta in rural Karnataka, Nrityagram was conceptualized by renowned Odissi dancer Protima Bedi in 1990. Situated at a distance of only 35 kilometres from Bangalore, Nrityagram is "a community of dancers in a forsaken place amidst nature" in Protima Gauri'...

Best Time: February to Apr, October to December

46. Channapatna

46 out of 100 Places to visit in Karnataka

Located between Mysore and Bengaluru, Channapatna is a town famous for its small wooden toys industry. These famous toys were sold since the times of Tipu Sultan. There are also temples and historical monuments that are a significant attraction in the city.

Best Time: July to September

Karnataka Travel Packages

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Karnataka Wildlife Tour Package with Jungle Safari

Quintessential karnataka package: bangalore, mysore, coorg, hills & heritage of karnataka & tamilnadu: ooty, kodaikanal, mysore & more, 5 nights 6 days serene chikamagalur, coorg package, leisure & heritage package: chikmagalur & hampi from bangalore, experience karnataka family package, 47. talakadu.

47 out of 100 Places to visit in Karnataka 9 Tourist attractions

Nestled on the banks of the River Kaveri, Talakadu in Karnataka is a mystical place steeped with a rich past and cultural heritage. It is famous for the Vaidyanatheshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The town has been a witness to the rise and falls of several great kingdoms including Cholas, Pal...

Best Time: November to March

48. Horanadu

48 out of 100 Places to visit in Karnataka 2 Tourist attractions

Known for the revered Annapoorneeshwari Temple, Horanadu is a holy Hindu town located in Malnad, Karnataka. Carpeted with green paddy fields and accompanied by a hilly backdrop, this region lies at an altitude of 2726 feet. With pristine natural beauty, Horanadu is also famous for its extensive coll...

49. Ramanagara

49 out of 100 Places to visit in Karnataka 7 Tourist attractions

Set amidst the tall granite hills and lush green surroundings, Ramnagaram is a popular weekend getaway for the people in Bengaluru. The landscape surrounding Ramnagaram will seem familiar to anyone who is into Bollywood movies because it appears so frequently in the iconic movie Sholay. Th...

Best Time: November to February

50. Madikeri

50 out of 100 Places to visit in Karnataka 18 Tourist attractions

Generally covered as a part of trips to Coorg, Madikeri is a hill town in Karnataka with vast coffee plantations, lush forests and misty hills, all culminating into a breathtaking view. Located in Kodagu District around 6 hours from Bengaluru, Madikeri is a perfect weekend getaway. There is no ...

Best Time: February to September

51. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

51 out of 100 Places to visit in Karnataka

Covering a vast area of over 490 sq.kms, the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over the districts of Shimoga and Chikmagalur, 38 km west of the Chikmagalur town in Karnataka. Surrounded by hills of the Western Ghats on all sides, the view of the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary looks like a scene right o...

52 out of 100 Places to visit in Karnataka 11 Tourist attractions

The beautiful town of Kumta is 30 km from the glorious beach town of Gokarna. Lying on the coastline of Arabian Sea, it offers tantalizing beaches with black rocks, old temples and sprawling greenery, Kumta is all about relaxing, unwinding and solitude.

Best Time: October to March

53. Davangere

53 out of 100 Places to visit in Karnataka 11 Tourist attractions

Steeped in rich past, culture and heritage, Davanagere is famous for its beautiful architectural marvels. Linked to the Chalukya Dynasty and Tipu Sultan, this place today is best known for its cotton mills and thus often referred to as the 'Manchester of East'. Located in Central...

54. Belgaum

54 out of 100 Places to visit in Karnataka 12 Tourist attractions

Belgaum, also known as Belagavi, is nestled in the northern foothills of the western ghats in Karnataka. The mesmerizing lush green forests, mountains and rivers carve its stunning landscapes. The city shares its borders with Maharashtra and Goa and historically dates back to the 12th century A...

55 out of 100 Places to visit in Karnataka

Located in the Shimoga district of Karnataka, Agumbe is a small village often referred to as the "Cherrapunji of South India". This biodiversity-rich region has the highest rainfall in south India and the second-highest annual rainfall in India. Agumbe is an enriching experience as this hill station...

56. Karkala

56 out of 100 Places to visit in Karnataka 10 Tourist attractions

Karkala is a quaint town in the Udupi district of Karnataka. With great historical significance, it is blessed with several ancient temples and Jain Basadis. Deriving its name from the word 'Karikal' meaning 'black stone' it has an abundance of black granite in the area. The town also serves as an i...

Best Time: September to March

57. Subramanya

57 out of 100 Places to visit in Karnataka 10 Tourist attractions

Known for the Kukke Subramanya temple with Subramanya, lord of all serpents as the deity, Kukke Subramanya is a village with beautiful landscapes all around. Placed on the banks of the river Kumaradhara, this village is a pleasant mix of natural beauty and religious sanctity. It is most we...

Best Time: July to March

58. Sakleshpur

58 out of 100 Places to visit in Karnataka 14 Tourist attractions

Sakleshpur is a popular yet offbeat hill station in Karnataka flanked by the Western Ghats. There is something for everyone, from the dense rainforest, hiking trails, historical temples and an old fort, mountain peaks and waterfalls. Whether its the significan...

Best Time: October to March, May-June

59. Masinagudi

59 out of 100 Places to visit in Karnataka 5 Tourist attractions

Masinagudi is a quaint hill station located just a 1-hour drive away from Ooty. The Mudumalai National Park is the highlight here and is popular amongst visitors.

Best Time: October to May

60. Melukote

60 out of 100 Places to visit in Karnataka

Situated just 51 Kms from Mysore, Melukote unravels the country’s age-old history. Adorned with countless ancient temples, this 4000-year-old town in Karnataka is the pious place of Sri Vaishnava sect from 12th-century saint Ramanujacharya. The old documents and manuscripts that this city beholds ma...

Best Time: June to November

61 out of 100 Places to visit in Karnataka 4 Tourist attractions

Kolar is a city in Karnataka, around 55 km from Bengaluru. Famous for its gold mines and milk-production industry, Kolar has been an important hub of Karnataka since 350 CE. It is currently one of the largest milk producers in the world and the largest in South India. It is a historic town, onc...

62. Mekedatu

62 out of 100 Places to visit in Karnataka

Situated in Kanakapura of Ramanagara district, Mekedatu is a site by a stretch of narrow, deep gorges through which the river Kaveri flows. 100km from Bangalore, Mekedatu is a perfect weekend getaway for nature lovers. Mekedatu means 'goat's leap' in Kannada and has interesting m...

Best Time: September to December

63 out of 100 Places to visit in Karnataka

Situated at the foot of Western ghats, this temple city of Kollur, also known as Kolapura, is a famous pilgrimage site in Karnataka known for the famous Mookampika Temple. Often believed that sage Kola’s spiritual faith has led to the enlightenment of the city with the building of the temple, devote...

Best Time: August to October

64. Mundgod

64 out of 100 Places to visit in Karnataka

Mundgod is a town in Karnataka that lies between Hubli and Sirsa. 4000 acres of land in Mundgod was gifted by the Government of Karnataka to refugees from Tibet and this settlement commemorates old Buddhist-Tibetan culture through handicrafts, restaurants and teachings. Buddhism, as recognised ...

65 out of 100 Places to visit in Karnataka

Tumkur is a city located on the hills of Devarayadurga in Karnataka. It is located 69 kilometres from Bangalore and is widely appreciated as an educational hub due to its several prestigious educational institutes. It also relies on its growing manufacturing, agricultural an...

66. Kudremukh Trek

66 out of 100 Places to visit in Karnataka

At an altitude of 1894 m above sea level, the Kudremukh Peak is a paradise for trekkers and naturists alike, with its mountainous paths and floral and faunal diversity.

67 out of 100 Places to visit in Karnataka

Nestled on the banks of River Yagachi in Hassan District of Karnataka, the town of Belur along with its twin town of Halebid located 16 km away, houses exquisite temples reflecting the exemplary artistic taste and technique of builders of the yore. This small town was the capital of the mighty Hoysa...

68 out of 100 Places to visit in Karnataka

Kalasa, also known as the temple town is located in Chikkamagaluru district in Karnataka. The beautiful city lies on the banks of the Bhadra River. The reasons behind the birth of the place are both mythological and etymological. It is surrounded by rainforest and is a perfect place for a nature get...

69. Talakadu

69 out of 100 Places to visit in Karnataka

Nestled on the banks of River Kaveri, the town of Talakadu in Karnataka is a mystic place submerged in the sand of extremely fine quality. Steeped with rich past and heritage, it is famous for its Vaidyanatheshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The place derives its name from two local chieftains ...

70. Netrani Island

70 out of 100 Places to visit in Karnataka

Also known as the 'Pigeon Island', Netrani Island in Murudeshwar is located off the coast of Karnataka. Views from above give this island the appearance of being heart-shaped. Rising above the tranquil and azure waters of the Arabian Sea, this heart-shaped island is counted as one of the best s...

71. Mullayanagiri

71 out of 100 Places to visit in Karnataka

Perched at an altitude of 1930 m above the sea level, Mullayanagiri peak is located in the Baba Budan Giri Range of Western Ghats and is just 45 minutes from Chikmagalur. It serves as the highest peak between the Nilgiris and the Himalayas offering its visitors a peaceful getaway with temperature ra...

72. Kumara Parvatha Trek

72 out of 100 Places to visit in Karnataka

Also known as Pushpagiri, Kumara Parvatha is the highest peak in Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary. It is 6th highest peak of Karnataka. Spanning over two days, the Kumarparvatha trek is one of the most challenging treks in the South. In a stretch of approximately 13 kilometres you will attain an appall...

73. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary

73 out of 100 Places to visit in Karnataka

Located in Karnataka, the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary in Srirangapatna is a haven for bird watchers as it houses a wide array of bird species. It is the largest bird sanctuary in the state and comprises of six small islands on the banks of the river Kaveri. The scenery of the local vegetation and l...

74. Yana Caves

74 out of 100 Places to visit in Karnataka

In the Sahyadri Hills of North Karnataka, Yana is a quaint Hill Station with a beauty that casts a spell and hills to appeal to the direst trekkers. Tucked in between one of the richest biodiversity centres of the world, Yana is a small hill station with immense beauty enough to captivate any soul t...

75. Kodachadri

75 out of 100 Places to visit in Karnataka

Kodachadri Hills serve as a stunning backdrop of evergreen forests to the town of Maravanthe. Located in the Western Ghats at a height of 4411 feet above the sea level amidst Karnataka’s Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary, they also prove to be one of the good trekking trails, beginning at the South Kana...

76. Kopatty Hills Trek

76 out of 100 Places to visit in Karnataka

Kopatty Hills is one of the lesser-known trekking destinations in India. It is the myriad landscapes that such a short trail offers and lends the trek its appeal. Located in Coorg district it is a haven for those seeking an off-beat experience. It is a relatively simple route that traverses vast exp...

77. Honey Valley

77 out of 100 Places to visit in Karnataka

The Nilakandi Falls are located the midst of the dense tropical forests of Coorg and trace their source somewhere in the Tadiyandemol range. It is a picturesque and serene waterfall that lends trekkers a wonderful waterfall experience. Honey Valley is a private resort in which this beautiful waterfa...

78 out of 100 Places to visit in Karnataka

The Varanasi of South, Koodli, is amongst the holiest places of Southern India and the site of confluence of two holy rivers Tunga & Bhadra. A place endowed with a lot of history and religious importance, Koodli has been an important place of worship, meditation and peace from ancient times. It ...

79. Brahmagiri Trek

79 out of 100 Places to visit in Karnataka

Taking individuals deep inside the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, the Brahmagiri trek is a delight with its myriad offerings. The route traverses lush forests, green grasslands and countless small streams and rivers.

80. Sathodi Falls

80 out of 100 Places to visit in Karnataka

The Sathodi falls, locally known as 'mini- Niagra' lies in the Uttara Kannada district of Yellapur, in Karnataka. Several unnamed streams near Kallaramane ghat unite together to form the Sathodi Falls. Until a few years back the non-locals were completely unaware of its existence until it started at...

81 out of 100 Places to visit in Karnataka

If you wish to visit a place that is a commercial yet tranquil, Sirsi is the ultimate destination for a getaway. Providing with the best of both worlds, this city lies in the Uttar Kannada district in the state of Karnataka. This city circumscribed with dense forests and waterfalls provides the trav...

82. Kunti Betta

82 out of 100 Places to visit in Karnataka

Nestled in the town of Pandavapura between two hills, Kunti Betta is a perfect place to get away from the helter skelter of the city. This place is surrounded by sugarcane fields, paddy fields and coconut trees that makes the place look beautiful and mesmerizing. Situated at an elevation of 2882 fee...

83. Kodasalli Backwaters

83 out of 100 Places to visit in Karnataka

Kodasalli Backwaters is a mesmerising pool of water accumulated behind the Kodasalli Dam in the state of Karnataka. The dam with the same name is constructed over the Kali river in the Yellapur Taluk; the waters are used to generate electric power and this site is classified as a hydroelectric power...

84. Masinagudi

84 out of 100 Places to visit in Karnataka

Masinagudi is a serene and tranquil hill station located near Mysore in the Nilgiri district. A haven for animal and bird lovers, this place is a mesmerizing and spectacular place to be close to nature. This is a great place to get away from the monotony of daily life and enjoy some peaceful time re...

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Top 10 Tourist Places In Karnataka

Karnataka is a state that offers diverse tourist attractions. Many people may not know about these tourist places in Karnataka that are perfect for an exciting getaway. Known for its heritage destinations and its wildlife, Karnataka’s geography lends it to many different, stunning locations. From historic and quintessential landscapes on the coast to forests, hills, temples, caves, beaches, riversides, lakes, coffee estates, waterfalls and ruins in the Deccan Plateau and Western Ghats, there's plenty of adventure available in Karnataka. These famous places in Karnataka are all about travel galore.

Here is our list of top 10 tourist places in Karnataka:

1. Jog Falls – Where a heartfelt “Wow” is the first reaction

Jog Falls is one of the most famous places in Karnataka, and it's no wonder why. Visitors will be able to see Gersoppa Falls, which is the second tallest waterfall in the country. It's divided into four segments: Raja, Rocket, Rani, and Roarer. This amazing spot provides a beautiful and breath-taking sight that any traveller in the Karnataka region should experience. This is one of the best places to visit in Karnataka. 

If you're looking for a relaxed and comforting beach vacation, look no further than Gokarna. This Indian destination has long been a favourite of both backpackers and travellers, and is one of the most well-known destinations in Karnataka. Its many temples and pristine beaches make it one of the fascinating tourist attractions in Karnataka . It is an important Hindu pilgrim hub and a popular tourist retreat, thanks to its beaches and water sports, as well as its thrilling catamaran rides which is why it is one of the must visit places in Karnataka. 

Hampi, a small Kannad village located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, is now recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is one of the top tourist places in Karnataka. This village is popular for showcasing the ruins and remnants of Vijayanagara Kingdom. One of the best places to visit in Karnataka , Hampi boasts a barren landscape with stony hills. Include this in your list of top 10 tourist places in Karnataka .

This town is full of history and rich culture. From the Chennakesava Temple, to the many temples that house deities, there's plenty to explore in this ancient town. Once the ancient capital of the Hoysala empire, this place is one of the major tourist attractions in Karnataka for anyone who wants to explore India. Don’t forget to include this in the list of the best tourist places in Karnataka. 

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5. kudremukh .

Kudremukh is one of the must visit places in Karnataka to travel for its stunning beauty, biodiversity, and lush forests. Surrounded by rolling meadows and fields, this hill station is a favourite place to travel in Karnataka among visitors to the nearby city of Bangalore. With so much natural beauty nearby, it's no surprise that Kudremukh is a hotspot for biodiversity which makes it one of the most famous places in Karnataka . 

6. Madikeri

If you're looking for a getaway from your daily routine, Madikeri is the perfect place to visit. With its natural beauty, lush green forests, scenic landscapes, monasteries, temples, and dazzling waterfalls, it provides visitors with a serene and tranquil environment. Madikeri's rich traditions and culture have made it an intriguing place to explore. It is one of the serene tourist spots in Karnataka for impeccable sights. 

If you are looking for a truly rejuvenating vacation to get away from the hustle-bustle of the city, Agumbe is one of the most beautiful places to travel in Karnataka . It is home to many rare medicinal plants that are not found in other places. Besides the obvious attractions, the list of activities includes visiting Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary, going trekking, rafting, hiking, and bike-riding.

Coorg is located in the state of Karnataka. The area has many mesmerizing attractions which is why it is one of the best places to visit in Karnataka . Mountains are abundant with coffee estates and waterfalls which makes it one of the spectacular and famous places in Karnataka. It's called "Scotland of India" because of its natural beauty. Tourists visit every year, and it is one of the most popular attractions in India. 

Exciting and exhilarating, the coffee and spice plantations offer a variety of treks that will help you discover the region. Travelers can visit elephant camps, take a boat ride along the river, or visit wildlife sanctuaries and famous monasteries. The Madikeri market is also waiting to entice you with its colours and smells as the top tourist attractions in Karnataka. 

One thing you should not miss out on while in Karnataka is travelling to the top 10 places in Coorg. 

9. Kabini – Witness wildlife in natural habitat

Kabini is one of the most picturesque and best places to visit in Karnataka . The picturesque location is on the bank of River Kabini, which flows into Cauvery. It is near Rajiv Gandhi National Park, Bandipur Forest, and Nagarhole National Park, giving the opportunity to explore wildlife. This place offers an outstanding experience of nature and makes it one of the best tourist spots in Karnataka. 

10. Karwar- Offbeat and Off-The-Wall

This summer, Karnataka has a new, tourism-worthy gem: Karwar. It's about a three-hour drive from Bengaluru and is located at the Karnataka-Goa border. Karwar is a great place for those who want to get away from the populous and humdrum city life. The beaches, temples, and fortresses of Karwar are the major tourist places in Karnataka. 

What are the famous things to do in Karnataka?

Explore some of the famous places in Karnataka in a pair of comfortable flip flops that are water-friendly as well as sturdy.

• Take a trip to Hampi, whether by yourself or with your family. This fascinating city will leave you with plenty of stories to tell.
• Explore the coffee plantation and dive in the mesmerising beauty of the countryside.
• Enjoy the banana boat rides in Gokarna as it is one of the most famous places in Karnataka. 
• When you visit the Karnataka region, make sure you visit Agumbe, a famous tourist places in Karnataka . You can find a relaxing atmosphere and enjoy all of the amazing sites that it has to offer as it is one of the famous tourist places in Karnataka.  
• The Jog Falls look like they're falling from the sky and forming a thick fog as they land. As if to draw attention to their power and ferocity, or to remind us of their uncontrolled rage which makes it look beautiful and one of the best tourist places in Karnataka. 
• The Kudremukh National Park is a place of natural beauty and an important safety net for endangered species, such as the lion-tailed macaque and the tiger. This national park should be in your list of top tourist places in Karnataka. 

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These are the 10 best tourist places in Karnataka . Karnataka is a great place to explore and sightsee. Please let us know how many of these places you have visited and plan to visit in the comment box below.

Amazing Karnataka – From Ten Years of Travel

Timeless (And Best) Places to Visit in Karnataka India And All About the State — From a Local

I have spent six years (if not more) in Karnataka, spanning over a decade. And finally I’ve moved out (for the unempteenth time) to have a life on the road.

It seems yesterday when I had gone to Bangalore to work at a software company. Ten years ago, I wasn’t going to Karnataka. I was moving to Bangalore, the capital of the state and the software hub of India. This crowded city of Bangalore seemed like a state of its own. My local Kannada friends told me the city wasn’t so jammed and hotch-potched in their young days. They grew up cycling under the canopy of trees, taking the local bus, and spending time in parks. 

Since Bengaluru became the Silicon Valley of India, millions of employees and employers came to the city with their families. As the city wasn’t planned by any civic planner, it expanded in every direction in an unruly manner. Concomitantly, the infrastructure got so bad that everyone living in Bangalore wanted to go out to the places to visit in Karnataka rather than staying within the busy city.

But today I’m not here for Bangalore. Today I want to tell the story of Karnataka — the state of the jungles, so let me get to that quickly.

Table of Content For Best Visiting Places in Karnataka Guide

• About Karnataka
• Best Places in Karnataka
• Languages in Karnataka
• Best Time for Traveling to Places of Karnataka
• Food of Karnataka
• Best Transport Mode for Places to See in Karnataka
• Travel Safety in Karnataka

All Karnataka Travel Articles

About the state of karnataka india and its history.

As the history of Karnataka goes back to the Neolithic age, I possibly can’t get into it in detail. 

But here is a little summary. Karnataka was ruled over by a series of kings, including the Mauryas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Cholas, and the Vijayanagar empire. From the Vijayanagara Empire, the rule of the Mysore kingdom (the present Karnataka) was passed to  Tipu Sultan . In the last of the four Anglo-Mysore wars, Tipu Sultan, lovingly known as the Tiger of Mysore, lost to the British and the state came under the colonists. 

After India’s independence, all the primary Kannada regions were combined to form the state of Mysore on 1 November 1956. But Mysore was renamed Karnataka in 1973 as a lot of people thought Mysore didn’t represent the new regions that were added during the state formation.

Karnataka has the Arabian Sea on the west. Its border touches all five states – Maharashtra to the north, Telangana to the northeast, Andhra Pradesh to the east, Tamil Nadu to the southeast, and Kerala to the south.

About twenty-two percent of Karnataka is under forest (forming 6% of India’s total forest). In this state, tigers and leopards roam free. Mountains and hills fill the Western boundaries of Karnataka. Here relics two thousand years old are still being excavated. In Karnataka, one can see sloth bears licking honey off rocks and fury Malabar squirrels clutching onto trees with sharp claws. Peacocks dance uninhibited and flying foxes flying together form a black duvet over our heads. 

Karnataka jungles are deliciously deciduous, evergreen, and thorny. The forest is dense with snakes and elephants. Some national reserves are so thick they never let any sunlight in. The soulful dance of the soulmate hornbills in the sand and soil is known to all. Rivers and lakes are abundant. Waterfalls lie tucked amongst high hills and forests. Villages are dispersed in between these jungles. Sometimes there is a road, and some days one has to walk on foot. 

About 61 percent of Karnataka lives in rural areas. Thus a lot of inhabited regions are still remote and unreachable. People do farming, mining, and manufacturing. Then there are industries, textile, automobile, software jobs, and Karnataka tourism has been seeing a boom for years now. 

Karnataka is an interesting state which (even after ten years) I have just started to understand.

A piece on Karnataka wildlife is coming up soon.

Some of The Most Culturally-Intriguing and Beautiful Places in Karnataka

The only reason I don’t already have a house in Karnataka is that I still haven’t learned Kannada. Otherwise, I proudly tell everyone I love the state. How can one not admire such a gorgeous and rich place where you have a new experience at every turn? Traveling in Karnataka is almost like being in a new country.

The list of Karnataka tourism places is endless. From deep-blue beaches, unseen forests, to temples and monuments recently discovered, Karnataka is dense with interesting destinations to rejuvenate a traveler physically, spiritually, and emotionally. If only one is open to experiences. 

(On a side note: I was just almost treated away from my writing spot in the pine forest here in a village Chindi in Himachal by some rowdy cows. They didn’t care that I know their human parents and moved towards me as if they were going to trample me over. I think I had made the mistake of sitting over a patch of grass they find really tasty. I can tell by the amount of dried cow poop that lay here. In bonus to this threat, I also hear the grunt of a bull closely whom I have seen following these cows, wooing them. Villagers told me this bull goes after people too if you try to shoo him away.)

So let’s keep an open heart to travel experiences and get back to Karnataka from crazy Himachal cow stories. 

Here are some beautiful Karnataka places to visit.

1. Nandi Hills – A Newbie’s Karnataka 

Cold wind ruffling on the cheeks, hair going all frizzy, we wrapping our jackets closer to our bodies, huddling together, eating steaming maggie, and waiting for that sunrise on the horizon, that’s how I remember Nandi hills.

Nandi hills are that quintessential hill stop every Bangalorean and traveler makes at least once. While everyone at the top of Nandi enjoys the view of the clouds spread below their feet and the sun lighting up the sky in front, none of us know much about Nandi hills. 

Located 60 km (37 miles) from Bangalore, Nandi hills are part of a larger range of mountains. The ancient Nandi temple Bhoga Nandeeshwara is located at the footsteps of the Nandi hill. The temple is the eponym after which the hill was named. The hill is mentioned as a major fortress of Tipu Sultan which took the British some three weeks to bring down in the year 1791. 

This  Bangalore International podcast episode is a must-listen in which Siddhartha Raja (who runs Nandi Valley walks) talks about the history, geography, and importance of this hill in detail.

Beyond these heritage walks, cycling tours are popular around the hills, adjacent hills are known for night treks, and visit the many ancient temples strewn around the hillocks. Bhoga Nandeeshwara with its stepped stone tank at the bottom of the hills is a popular wedding destination too. But the priests won’t give you a certificate if your parents aren’t present (I know from personal experience). 

Bikashrd , CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Nandi hill is a good place to start your Karnataka travel if you land in Bangalore. Otherwise you can skip and visit other historical places in Karnataka. 

Khangkar mud house looks like a good option to stay in Nandi area.

2. Skandagiri Hill – One of the Many Karnataka Destinations Popular for Night Treks

One evening my college friends asked me if I would be interested in climbing hills through jungle paths, and I instantly said yes. All of us hired a cab and drove from Bangalore to the bottom of Skandagiri hill from where the trek begins. In no time we were with our flashlights treading on steep muddy trails fringed with bushes and grasslands of the ubiquitous Karnataka jungle. 

Giri means mountain in Kannada. At an elevation of 1450 meters, Skandagiri hill is a neighbor of Nandi hills. I’m not sure if I knew about the proximity of these two mountains when I hiked Skandagiri at night during my first year in Karnataka. 

The hike took us about a couple of hours. And we were at the top by 3-4 am. As this hill is popular for its night trek many food stalls and tea counters were functional even at that nocturnal time. 

The morning brought fresh dew, and we clicked pictures climbing stones. This is an easy beginner night trek so go with some friends without a doubt. 

I don’t remember if we had hired a guide. The trail is well-worn. During the day one can always find a way to the top. But for the night be better prepared or go with someone who has already visited the hill. The Siddhartha Raja podcast I mentioned above can give you all the information about this mountain too.

On Skandagiri, you spend the night under the stars. Don’t forget to see the remnants of the Tipu Sultan fort that was destroyed by the British after they took it under their siege. Two temples at the bottom and the top of the hill do add more interest to the trail.

Skandagiri and Nandi makes for a good 2 days trip from Bangalore. If using public transport you can get a bus to Nandi hills.

3. Dodda Alada Mara — The Big Banyan Tree

That big bugger monkey took my pineapply away. My legs hurt from cycling, and I don’t understand how can a tree grow so big. These were the first few lines I uttered when I roamed around the popular Dodda Alada Mara.

The Dodda Alada Mara — literally translated to Big Banyan Tree — is a giant 400-year-old banyan tree. Located in the Kethohalli village of Karnataka, the tree lies at a distance of 28 kilometers from Bangalore. This Big Banyan is considered the world’s fourth-largest banyan tree.

I cycled to Dodda Alada many years ago with a group (from where I don’t remember). We took a few hours to cycle. The road went up and down. I was once separated from the group but found them back again. The cycling journey was fairly doable by an amateur cyclist like me so I guess anyone with decent fitness can bike to the beloved banyan.

When we arrived at Dodda Alada we parked our bikes in the parking nearby the tree. Once at the Big Banyan do spend some time admiring the huge tree with its roots shooting out from the branches and now penetrated deep into the ground. The tree’s main trunk was destroyed in 2000 so now only these aerial roots support the tree.

When one looks at this gigantic banyan tree which covers an area of 3 acres for the first time, astonishment is a general emotion, followed by admiration for nature. The tree’s crown spawns over a circumference of 120 meters. I couldn’t tell how tall the tree is but it seemed to reach up to the sky. This banyan’s highest branch reaches 95 feet.

We had bought cut pineapple from a stall right outside the tree premises. But when I just started enjoying the juicy pineapple (with chili) one monkey snatched my packet away. The monkeys do make the visit a bit chaotic but what can you do against nature.

The journey from Bangalore to Dodda Alada can also be done via bus. Take one from Majestic bus stand to Kengeri and from Kengeri to Doda Alada Mara. Direct buses to The Big Banyan also run from K. R. Market .

Given I have read The Hidden Life of Trees I know 400 years is not a lot for a tree. But a usual banyan stays alive for only about 1000 years so this one does have a reason to be admired and celebrated.

Dodda Alada Mara can be your first on the list of places of Karnataka. It makes more sense to go to this place if you are in Bangalore. Otherwise, you can skip visiting the tree, unless you are a tree enthusiast (like me).

Do ask the locals about the ghosts around the tree.

Pro travel tip: While at Dodda Alada Mara don’t forget to visit The Big Banyan Vineyard inspired by its eponym tree.

4. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary – Home of Migrant Birds on the River Kaveri

As we approached the Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary , we could see big birds flying above us in groups. That part of the city felt like a forest. Soon we would see crocodiles basking on rocks and islets full of young chicks chattering incessantly for food.

Ranganathittu bird sanctuary is a natural reserve in the Mandya district of Karnataka. The reserve is 3 kilometers from the historic town of Srirangapatna (another important place in Karnataka)  and 16 kilometers (10 mi) north of  Mysore . The drive to Ranganathittu bird sanctuary from Bangalore took us about four hours.

Ranganathittu islets were formed when an embankment across the Kaveri river was built between 1645 and 1648 by the then king of Mysore. These islets, originally numbering 25, soon started attracting birds. Once upon a time, ornithologist   Salim Ali observed migrant birds nesting in huge numbers on the islands. Upon his suggestion, the King of Mysore declared the islets a protected area in 1940. Now the sanctuary is formed by six of these islets on the Kaveri river.

We purchased a ticket and went inside. As we walked towards the end of the floor from where we could see the islands below, above us in the sky flew painted storks, ibis, pelicans, and herons. At least those were the birds I could identify. When we took the special boat ride that takes in seven people and goes around the sanctuary for 40 minutes the boatman told us that the reserve hosts at least 170 bird species. Some of the common birds found are painted storks, Asian openbill storks, woolly-necked stork, pelicans, river terns, egrets, cormorants, herons, and varieties of kingfishers.

The migrant birds come from as far as Siberia , South America, and the Himalayas. You can also spot crocodiles, otters, mongooses, and flying foxes there. Just keep your eyes open and binoculars in focus.

The special boat ride costs INR 1500 (we shared with a family) and goes farther and longer than the regular boat ride. The sanctuary has many restaurants. Take a good camera and a pair of binoculars, if you have one. The season to visit is from December to June. Migratory birds come in December and nesting begins in January.

Do ask the locals and the boatman about the flooding in the sanctuary. I’ve linked my article on Ranganathittu above so go through that for more pictures and details.

You can also visit the bird reserve if you go to stay in Mysore.

How to reach: Mysore is well connected by road, rail, and air and from Mysore to the bird reserve is a short car or bus ride.

5. Mysore City – A Modern City With Yoga, Good Food, Artists, and Hills Around

I remember the brightly-lit Mysore Palace as our car spun on the roads at a distance. My father asked me to ignore the palace, but I insisted. Demanding the driver to turn around to get us a closer look, we gazed at the royally lighted Mysore palace for a long while.

A trip to Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary can be combined with visiting the Mysore city. Both lie at a distance of 20 km (13 miles) from each other. Hindi speakers call the place Mai-sore, and I mention this because my father once failed to recognize the city when I used the usual pronunciation my-soor.

Karnataka state was once the kingdom of Mysore under the Wadiyar kings for nearly six centuries from 1399 until 1956. Patrons of art and culture, the Wadiyar kingdom along with Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, who ruled there in the 18th century, developed the aesthetics of the place much. After the British, the kingdom was resolved and was joined under the constitution into the states of India.

Mysore is a well-developed city not with its own airport, restaurants, apartments, hospitals, institutions, and roads. Amongst its many historical temples and structures, Mysore is popularly known for the royal Mysore Palace. The palace should be roamed around during the day but gazed from a distance during the evening when it is lit up. Then there is Philomena’s church and other old buildings too. My favorite activity of Mysore seems to be roaming around the city on a bicycle enjoying fresh coconuts every now and then. And go into the bylanes of Mysore to find the artists at work.

Many years ago when I visited Mysore from Bangalore with my parents we hired a taxi for a one-day tour. But this place to visit in Karnataka is a mix of modern and ancient and thus deserves at least a few days. Mysore is also a center for yoga and one of the well-known (and personally recommended) yoga centers is run by A.G.Mohan .

Here is an organic farm stay if you are looking for staying in Mysore. But Mysore has many more heritage and natural properties of interest.

Here are some: Gitanjali homestay , Cornerbunker, Aashraya homestay , The Bunkers Ashram , Laika Heritage Stay , and Green Hotel India.

Pro Tip: Do climb Chamunda hill to have a night view of the palace or just to get a drone view of the city.

How to reach: Well connected by road, air, and rail.

Jim Ankan Deka , CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

6. Dandeli National Reserve – A Jungle Fairy Tale

Standing at the top of that watchtower, we saw the mango-golden sun starting its journey into the abyss. Between us deep-green trees stood neck to neck forming the deep Dandeli forest. Not even an inch of land or mountain was visible amidst the foliage. Just imagining the wildlife there gave us goosebumps. And then the peacock calls echoed. I, to date, wonder if I saw it all or was Dandeli just another one of my myriads of daydreams.

Dandeli is a deep jungle reserve in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka about a twelve-hour drive from Bangalore. The 1200 km square of Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary or Dandeli National park , which also contains the Kali Tiger Reserve, is home to two hundred crocodiles, fifteen tigers, twenty-three panthers, and twenty-seven leopards.

The muddy Kali river flows through the national park making it a fairy tale jungle. Rafting, coracle rides, and birdwatching are some other activities apart from going for jeep safaris with experienced guides into the reserve.

When people ask me what is one of my favorite places to travel in Karnataka, I say Dandeli.

Where to stay? I stayed in the Kali Jungle Lodge maintained and run by the Karnataka government and the forest department. The jungle lodge is located right on the river bank and one can watch hornbills and crocodiles busy in their daily routine from the hammocks outside their huts.

Many other old properties like Dandeli Jungle Camp and a birdwatching cottage known as Old Magazine House are available for stays too. All of these guest houses have their own itineraries around the forest, river, and backwaters. Culturally intrigued tourists can also visit tribal people to understand their lives. I would advise to be compassionate and empathetic to these tribes whose primary home is the jungle and they completely depend on the government for their survival.

Dandeli town has many homestays too. Madhuvan homestay looks really nice, or go here to scroll through them all. For further details on the Dandeli sanctuary read both my articles: living at Kali jungle lodge in Dandeli and a day at Dandeli Jungle camp .

How to reach: By road or take a train to Dharwad (55 km away from Dandeli).

7. Dubare National Park – Elephant Elephant EveryWhere

The elephants won’t be coming out today. The river is overflowing due to the rains. Said a worker of Dubare National Park when we approached him on the banks of the Kaveri. I couldn’t tell if he was melancholic or just happy to have a day of rest.

Most of the 150 elephants at Dubare were used to carry logs on their backs. Now as logging operations have stopped, the Karnataka forest department wondered what can they do with the elephants. To be able to continue caring for the big animals, the department created elephant interactions.

Dubare camp is a deep jungle that has other wild animals too. After taking a ticket, one can engage with and bathe the elephants who are brought out from their deeper abodes in the forest to the Kaveri river. There in the playful river elephants interact with the animal lovers. Trained mahouts drive the activity for a safe experience.

One of the main places to stay near Dubare is the Jungle Lodge. Their standard itinerary comprises bird walks, coracle rides, and jungle safaris. On a day visit, one can bathe the elephants and also take a coracle ride with the locals on the Kaveri river.

We visited the Dubare elephant camp while returning from Coorg to Bangalore by road (Kodagu). The camp lies in the Kodagu district and is about an hour’s drive away from the main town of Coorg.

Parking is right outside the sanctuary. Many food places circumscribe the park.

Places to stay near Dubare are here: Carpe Diem Stay and Coorg Peacock feathers homestay .

How to reach: By road.

8. Hampi Village – Rich Heritage Cradled in Nature

Ancient ruins scattered amongst hillocks and trees, snake sculptures peeking from caves and river beds, carved boulders, wild langurs, lush paddy villages, ubiquitous crunchy dosa corners, blue skies, simple people, dogs and cats running free on village roads, mountains to climb, and historical temples scattered throughout are only some of the features of Hampi, one of the most interesting and unpredictable tourist places in Karnataka.

See this Hampi photo essay to marvel at the destination and my extensive guide to places in Hampi will be your tour guide.

Relics dating as old as the 3rd century BCE, some of them from the Ashoka empire, have been excavated in Hampi making us wonder since when has this place been inhabited by humans. Hampi village and the surrounding area were the capital of the rich Vijayanagar empire once. The kingdom was brutally destroyed by the Muslim invaders in the 15th century.

So now Hampi is a collection of ruins and remains of the old temples of the empire, the royal market, elephant stables, queen baths, many stepped tanks, royal auditoriums, and symmetrical monuments so pretty you wonder why would anyone vandalize something that beautiful.

But those remains aren’t just found in their designated places. They exist in hidden corners, under the rocks, carved on stones in hills, inside the temples, near the river bank. We couldn’t see the carvings and sculptures near the Tungabhadra river for the river had flooded over. I visited in September — rains had just started receding Karnataka during this month. A coracle ride on Tungabhadra would be pretty joyful in the dry season. Get to the other side to explore more.

Trail maps for most of the discovered ruins are provided by the government. But I enjoyed getting on my own path and discovering one relic after another. Walking on stone paths near the shore fringed by giant precipitous rocks on one side and by Tungabhadra on the other is an experience like no other.

But amidst the ruins and hill-top temples don’t forget the villages of Hampi. They are filled with cattle, local life, and endless paddy fields. Find the Sanapur lake and either jump in or climb boulders.

One week is recommended to explore Hampi.

Places to stay in Hampi: Gowri cottages near Sanapur lake (I stayed here but it doesn’t seem to be functional now), Abhi Homestay Hampi , Vinayaka homestay , Srinivasa homestay , and Banana farm house . If you like none of these, scroll through all the Hampi guest houses here .

How to reach: By road or take a train to Hospet (Hampi is a small rickshaw ride from here).

9. Daroji Bear Sanctuary – India’s First Sloth Bear Sanctuary

Hampi has a bear sanctuary? An overexcited me replied to my partner while gulping down a beer in our Hampi cottage.

Yes. Tomorrow?

That’s how we ended up visiting Daroji bear sanctuary (about 80 km or 50 miles from Hampi). Founded in 1994 in the Bellary district of Karnataka, Daroji is home to at least 130 sloth bears. The reserve was formed when the forest department started getting complaints of bears attacking children and adults alike. What could the bears do? Their homes — that is the boulder-filled Hampi villages in whose caves and foliage they lived — had started seeing too many visitors and local dwellers. The guards and the farmers there still tell stories of bears trespassing farmlands at night to steal sugarcanes and other sweet produce.

Now bears have a sweet tooth, don’t they?

What is a  sloth bear ? Found in lower hills and dense forests, sloth bears are thinner than brown and Asian black bears. With a rough mane, a shaggy fur, and a slow gait, sloth bears were first thought of as sloths but then someone in the sane mind saw the sloth bear size and figured.

This 8000 hectare protected land can be entered by paying 500 rupees for your car. The drive from Hampi is 2 hours long.

The best time to visit the sanctuary is around 5 pm when the bears come out to lick the honey off rocks. Bring a good camera and enjoy. And thank you for not being noisy.

Ask the guards how did the honey end up there.

My guide to Daroji sanctuary , its history, about sloth bears, and visiting tips is a good read before going here.

10. Sakleshpur – The Land of Tea

I think I have visited Sakleshpur, the land of tea, coffee, and spices twice. But I can’t be sure. The rolling velvety green hills in Sakleshpur could be befooling me in believing I was there more than once. The number of visits doesn’t matter for I still haven’t explored Sakleshpur well.

But I can tell you Sakleshpur is a hill station in the Western Ghats mountain range of Karnataka. The slopes of this hill station are dense with tea, coffee, and spice plantations. The 18th-century Manjarabad Fort sits on top of one hill.

I remember taking two rooms with my friends in a simple accommodation. We had local food and walked around the market. During the day we explored the hills and plantations. My memory starts fading here.

Research tells me that Bisle Reserve Forest and Jenukallu Gudda peak are two good places to visit in Sakleshpur. The town’s location and geography make it one of the best trekking places in Karnataka.

Check out these places to stay in Sakleshpur.

How to reach: By road or rail.

11. Panchapalli Dam, Bettamugilalam Village, and Driving Through Aiyur Forest – Lush Views (Though these places are in Tamil Nadu I had already added them here without realizing it. Feel free to explore.)

“You are not supposed to be sitting on this side of the waterhole.” An angry old man shouted at us in half Hindi, half Tamil, and English. Hand gestures accompanied too.

“Why? We saw other people going from here.”

“You can’t be here. Elephants come here to drink water.”

“Oh. We thought we can come until here.”

This conversation with an un-uniformed man near the waterhole in Aiyur forest didn’t go as smoothly as I have presented it now. When the person — who I still wonder if he was the guard — saw us sitting near the waterhole he shouted from the roadside at us. We couldn’t understand what he was saying and as we had seen people on our side of the muddy pond we didn’t know what we had done.

Tip to the forest officers — please put signboards in 2 languages warning people of dangers and their limits.

Learning as a traveler —   don’t venture in the forest without asking the guards there.

Well that Aiyur forest which lay on our way from Bangalore to Panchapalli dam contains the Denkanikottai village. None of these places are well-known. Not a lot of people go to the dam or other destinations I mention here. There was no forest guard near the natural pond. We hadn’t seen any officer on our way through the entire forest. But where we sat lay a lot of elephant poop still in the process of drying.

I had a great day chasing the blue marker of this dam and the village on my Google maps. For the full travel guide read my travelogue of the Panchapalli and Bettamugilalam drive .

We also visited the small Bettamugilalam village — which is at a height of 3000 m. Bettamugilalam was a small gorgeous village where neon pastures were dotted with colorful mud huts. Jackfruit and pipal trees were ample. And under the trees bright idols and temples stood shining.

To visit the Panchapalli dam we had to trace our way back to Denkanikottai (Aiyur forest). We arrived near the dam around late afternoon to find it completely dry.

We turned around from the dam and parked our car to find a trail into the lush pasture we had seen before. Walking downhill amidst hundreds of cows, one of whom had diarrhea, we arrived into the arms of the pasture. We only climbed up when the sun was about to set. What a day it was!

Oh did I forgot to mention the dark pink lotus lake and the Indian blue rollers flying above.

Pro Tip: On your Karnataka trip, drive, cycle, or run around in the monsoon and post-monsoon season. There can be only fewer pleasures in life.

12. Chikmagalur – The Land of Coffee

Coffee plantations, swaying silver oaks, green grasslands, endless velvety mountains, thick forests, blue lakes, forest reserves, rivers and dams, ancient temples, hills to hike — what can one not find in Chikmagalur, a hill station district on the Western Ghats of Karnataka.

About a five hour drive away from Bangalore (oh on this note let me request please don’t be angry with me for measuring every place from Bengaluru as that was my residence in Karnataka), Chikmagalur town is at a height of 1000 meters. It gets hot in March and April but as soon as the rain sets in the mountains become misty and the lands turn green.

We recently spent a month in Chikmagalur after the serious lockdowns of the first COVID wave. The main Chikmagalur town is surrounded by various villages and we were in the Chikkolale area. In that one month, I saw and explored so many places of this hilly region that I have to write about 20 guides just on Chikmagalur alone.

Sitting in our homestay swing upstairs we could see the Mullayanagiri peak — the highest peak of Karnataka — on a clear day. And if it got too rainy we would open up a bottle of homemade fig wine made from the figs of the old tree in the house itself.

The hills of Chikmagalur are interconnected and one can hike to one hill from another. But most of our efforts to trek there failed because the forest department had closed those hikes for the time. Travelers had been lost and a story about a leopard attacking a tourist had not helped either. The forest officer told us they were soon about to set up a tourism community under which they would officialize all trails and appoint guides and guards for each one of them. But for the time we had to confine to hiking around on our own only in open mountains (except this one time when we went through a jungle trail).

Here is the Blue Bell homestay we stayed at. Foothills homestay, Memories of Malnad , and Leisure homestay all look really nice too.

Pro Tip: Oh, I forgot to mention that the Fishland restaurant of Chikmagalur town is not to be missed, given you eat seafood, my only sin. Swiggy and Zomato work around the main town up to a distance. Just saying. No pressure.

how to reach: By road. The nearest railway station from Chikmagalur is 45-minute from the town.

13. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary – The Wild Thrives Here

The first time I entered the big room of River Tern Jungle Lodge, I saw the bellowing Bhadra river in front of me. The mountains on the horizon were faintly visible. We were on an island   and only on my far left could I see other huts scattered sparingly. Later I walked over a hanging bridge to get to another island to eat a large buffet. After stuffing ourselves on fried fish and sambhar (I also plucked ripe bananas right from the bunch hung in the dining), we made our way to the reception where a jeep awaited us to take us into the deep Bhadra wildlife sanctuary, home to leopards, tigers, bears, elephants, and other wild animals.

It could be all made up. Believe if you have to.

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary was the final cherry on our one-month Chikmagalur trip. The reserve is 80 km (50 miles) from the town of Chikmagalur and the drive took us almost two hours.

Bhadra river is also good for short swims and kayaking because the crocodiles are not close to the edge. River Tern Jungle lodge is an expensive accommodation but the stay includes all meals (which are too many and too heavy), two jungle safaris, a bird walk, and bonfires, etc.

This documentary on Bhadra Tiger Reserve by the Karnataka Forest Department is a joy to watch.

Pro Tip: Do not take the massage from the therapy center at the Bhadra jungle lodges. Do not.

14. Temples of Belur and Halebidu — The Best Examples of the Royal Architecture of Karnataka Empires

While roaming around the Hoysala temples of these villages, with a Nikon in hand, and curiosity in my heart, I could never take a moment of rest. Although I had the whole day on my hand, the wall carvings and the intricate stonework of the temples studded with deities left me dumbfounded.

How can one make such structures now? Beautiful, marvelous, amazing were some of the overused adjectives that left my mouth. And I have seen my fair share of temples around the world.

The Hoysala Empire ruled the present Karnataka between the 10th and the 14th centuries. The capital of the Hoysalas was initially located at  Belur  but was later moved to  Halebidu . Now what remains of their royal Hoysala architecture is these temples and shrines. 12th century Kannada inscriptions peak from every wall, and most of these are engraved with gods, goddesses, and demons each telling a story.

The towns are an hour’s drive away from Chikmagalur. My guide to the Belur and Halebidu temples provides all the travel information (coming up).

If the myriads of temples tire you out, do consider staying in the villages. KSTDC Hotel Mayura Shantala Halebeedu looks like a good option for both destinations. Bring high-resolution camera.

how to reach: by road or by train to Hassan which is 40 km from Belur.

15. Sharavathi Valley (Shimogga and Jog Falls) — A Green Luscious Karnataka Valley Facing Ecological Threat

Everyone has only heard of the 253-meter high Jog Falls of the Sharavathi Valley in Karnataka but no one knows the Sharavathi Valley has about 431 square km of dense evergreen forest. This protected Sharavathi sanctuary is full of azure lakes, obscure hikes, wildlife, waterfalls tucked away in high hills, and remote villages. Sharavathi is one of the most unexplored of the tourist places of Karnataka. In fact, most people don’t even know what is Sharavathi.

When I went to Sharavathi at the end of the year 2019, I didn’t know I needed to take visit permissions from the forest department in the Shimoga city. Also known as Shivamogga, Shimoga is the headquarters of the Shimoga district that contains the Shravathi valley. At that time I didn’t understand why I needed permits to visit waterfalls and lakes from the forest department. But when I drove to some of these natural places I understood that it was all under protection.

Sharavathi river flows through Shivamogga and the Uttar Kannada district of Karnataka for about 128 km (80 miles). But several dams have been formed over this river and its ecological system is under serious threat now. The reserve’s area is divided into core zone, buffer zone, and tourism zone.

Watch the below video if you want to know more about the damages done by the thoughtless developments around the Sharavathi river.

Now a valley where one needs permission from the forest department for almost every lake, backwaters, or waterfall can be imagined to be very untouched and wild. We would start driving on Sharavathi roads and for kilometers wouldn’t find any village or habitation. There was no one to ask as we don’t speak Kannada, and most of the locals don’t speak English there.

We did visit Jog falls once and the water had receded to pretty low levels. One has to climb down 1400 steps to the bottom and climb the same number up, of course. But Jog Falls is only one of the places. My recommendation to visit the Sharavathi Valley for a complete and beautiful experience is to first go to Shimogga and take permission there. See the list of places you can visit and ask for permits for the ones you would like to see. Even homestays take tourists to places without taking any permissions but I won’t recommend that route. The guards of some of these natural places also allow entry to visitors by taking money but those visits are rushed and hushed. So please avoid the risk.

Some stay options in Sharavathi: Gundimane (highly recommended though could be a bit pricey at rooms for about 2500 per day), Sri Ranga homestay (I’ve stayed here and recommend the homestay), Ibbani homestay , and Sugamya farm guesthouse.

 One of my most amazing experiences in Sharavathi was the hike to the hidden Belligundi (silver) waterfalls . Read the linked guide for the entire journey. Also, read this article on how a little lakeside picnic was enough to replace the big adventures we were hoping to have in Sharavathi.

16. Coorg — The Land of Coffee and Avocados

Avocados blended with sugar and carrying kilos of those mushy pieces of goodness home as a gift is how began my relationship with Coorg. Thanks to that homestay that  made my first home in this coffee district. Soon I started enjoying Coorg’s unique food, its long history, misty hills, stories of locals, and beautiful drives on my subsequent trips.

Coorg, now known as Kodagu, is one of the hill stations of Karnataka located in the Western Ghats. Locals and travelers flock to Coorg district and its main town Madikeri during summers and monsoon to get respite from the heat and enjoy the luscious rains of the region.

But overcrowding has affected the area negatively. I would advise all the other travel destinations of this Karnataka travel guide over Coorg anytime. Or go there in the offseason (February and March) when businesses need more help. Or choose more offbeat Coorg neighborhoods such as Stuart Hill (near Raja’s Seat ). Apart from this linked travel guide, I also have a photo essay on my slow life in Stuart Hill .

Coorgy hills are studded with coffee plantations where pepper, jackfruit, coconuts, betel nut trees, silver oaks, eucalyptus, avocados, kokum are only some of the other plants that grow in abundance. The best idea to stay would be to find a place in one of these coffee estates where you can roam inside freely.

Coorg has a long history, and its people are said to be descendants of the warrior tribe. They used to hunt the wild animals in their plantations, and they still follow most of these ancient traditions. But they are family people whom I have seen help each other all the time.

Some of my favorite places to stay in Coorg are listed in this article on guesthouses in Coorg, and my travel guide from Bangalore to Coorg tells about the destination, its culture, and important places.

How to reach: by road.

17. Namdroling Monastery — The House of the Monks in Karnataka

On your way to Coorg, do make a stop at Namdroling monastery. This monastery one of the largest Tibetan settlements in South India. The dormitory is huge and the premises are peaceful. Interested travelers who want to understand monk’s life from closeby can call and stay in the dormitory overnight. Do try. But please be respectful and quiet throughout your visit.

18. Hogenakkal Falls – And a Special Story (On the border of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu)

Holding the hand of my then new friend and now life partner, I sat in the coracle that whirled in the rowdy Kaveri. At a distance, the Hogenakkal falls — literally smoke over the rocks — cascaded to fall from a height of 20 meters. The frothy waters of Hogenakkal drowned all the surrounding sound and the freshwater drops splashing on our faces freshened us up.

Located at a distance of 127 km (80 miles) from Bangalore, Hogenakkal falls is a one-day trip from the city. Or a homestay or hotel can be found in the surrounding area for a longer exploration. Hogenakkal falls are formed as Kaveri enters Karnataka from Tamil Nadu, and thus the long smoky cascade of Hogenakkal is formed.

The 3-hour drive to the falls was scenic. Once at the falls, we used the public toilets and freshened up. Do carry toilet paper because the toilet is old-style. After the toilet, we straight went to the falls. From what I remember we walked over a bridge and then somehow reached the falls. At the mouth of the falls the stable rocks form perfect nature seats.

Behind the falls a further walk brings to a place where people can bath under the waterfall. But naked Indian men (with or without tight v-shaped underwear) will welcome you there so please beware. Monkeys are plenty and cattle roam the area. We also walked quite a bit on the rocks on the banks of the Kaveri and spent time seeing the old trees and the ancient Carbonite rocks.

Hundreds of flying foxes hang on those trees and towards the evening you may witness their flight into the world.

19. Shivasamudram Falls — The Ferocious One

At about 130 km (130 miles) from Bangalore, Shivasamudram makes for another exploration. Shivasamudram falls are ferocious and they fall as a combination of two — Gaganachukki Falls and Bharachukki Falls. The island town of Shivasamudram divides the Kaveri into these two falls.

The falls are located in Chamarajanagar District. The best months to visit this waterfall would be September to January.

Arriving early is the rule so you have enough time to explore.

20. Biligiriranga or BR Hills — A Wildlife Sanctuary Where I Spotted My First Ever Leopard

There he sits behind the foliage.

Where? I can’t see.

Sshh. If he hears loud voices he will leave. Let me show you.

The forest guard pointed me to the thickets in front. With an effort of many minutes and using the zoom lens of my camera I spotted the bright leopard perfectly camouflaged behind the thorny bushes. After observing his afternoon siesta for a long time, we drove on. Next we surprised a sloth bear who was just out for his evening meal. Naturally, the bear tumbled away as soon as he saw us. But I had my camera ready and I clicked. My travel guide to BR Hills tells it all.

At an altitude of 3500 feet above sea level, BR hills short for Biligiriranga hills, stand where the Western Ghats meets the Eastern Ghats, and make for an ecological hotspot. In addition to the location exoticism, the BRT wildlife sanctuary is quite large, 540 km² in the area to be precise, and is also an official tiger reserve.

BR Hills are located 179 km (112 miles) from Bangalore. On my one-day trip there I saw a leopard, sloth bears, Indian bison, monkeys and langurs, sambar deer, tortoises, eagles, owls, mongoose, and some other bird and animal life.

We were put up at the expensive Jungle Lodges. If you don’t want to stay at the jungle lodges, you can opt for one of the many BR hills guesthouses. But as they have to be booked separately from their websites, I’m putting down two properties (from Booking) that look promising: Gorukana BR hills resorts  and  this KSTDC hotel  (both with great reviews).

We visited during February end – the peak summer. Maybe our timing was perfect and that was why we could spot so many animals.

How to reach: By road is the best way.

Pro Tip : BR hills is also a good place for hiking. The locals and the forest officials will be able to provide more information.

21. Gokarna — A Coastal Karnataka Town With Calm Indian Ocean

He pulled my legs from the sea bed and I fell. But in the multiple trials before this one, I had learned how to float on my back. Effortlessly within seconds, I was on my back this time too. I gazed at the blue sky above me. The calm Indian ocean swayed me from side to side as a mother sways her child while singing her a lullaby. Swimming must be fun, I thought. I floated for more than an hour and decided to learn how to swim properly.

Floating in the sea is my strongest memory from Gokarna. Oh, I also remember eating grilled squids and other sea animals on the shacks there.

The beach town of Gokarna is located on the Southern coast of India. Though I have ventured into very obscure parts of Karnataka, I haven’t been to most of the beaches of Karnataka. But that’s going to change soon and the later posts of the blog will tell why.

On my three days in the town I stayed near the ocean almost all the time. Three beaches of Gokarna are most popular but no one talks about the mountains surrounding these known shores. My partner who visited the town with his friends boasts of many trails going through the surrounding hills. Who knows which one will bring you to a hidden beach?

Make Gokarna an adventure. Coconut Tree Resort , Namaste Yoga Farm , Viraz Valley , and Deva Samudra beach stay .

I highly recommend this place to stay in Gokarna but here are some other options.

How to reach: Gokarna is well-connected by road but the nearest train station and airport is a bit away.

22. Davanagere – If nothing, stop for the Davanagere Benne dosa

As soon as the bite of the buttery dosa touched our tongue, a satisfactory cry left our mouths. The mild coconut chutney and the creamy potato mash accompanied the dosa pretty well. Life seemed complete in those moments.

We accidentally stopped by the Davanagere town during our long road trip from Bangalore to Mumbai, and further on to the Himalayas through Uttar Pradesh. Once in the town, we realized we can’t leave without tasting the dosa that’s named after the town.

Davanagere must be visited just for the Davanagere benne dosa. Benne means butter. My long piece on Karnataka dosa is testimony to the goodness of these crunchy pancakes but Davanagere butter dosa was a level above all dosas I have had.

I’m sure the town will have other things to do but first eat the dosa and then figure out.

See what our early morning hunt for dosa brought us to.

How to reach: Davanagere is well connected with entire Karnataka.

23. Kolar — Temples, Boulders, and Caves

Getting down into the cave formed by the boulders, I wondered how much we will never see. This little boy walked ahead showing us the way into the cave. He didn’t think we would make it as he expected us not to be slow but to start jumping around the rocks, as he had since his childhood. But there we were, being fumbly and clumsy. We saw all he had to show though.

Capital of the  Western Gangas who ruled between 350 to 550 CE, Kolar is now known for its milk production, gold mines, and several ancient temples and caves. 70 km (44 miles) from Bangalore, the town of Kolar is easily accessible by public transport also. Some of the places we visited are Anthargange temple, Somnatheshwar temple, and some caves through hikes from the hilltop. You don’t have to worry about finding the caves as many locals, even small kids, act as guides to these hidden points. But make sure to hire a guide who seems trustworthy as many people wander there claiming to guide and incessantly pester travelers to hire them.

The view of the valley from the summit of Kolar hills is panoramic.

How to reach: Buses run until Kolar but there isn’t a railway station in town.

T ravel tip: If you are in Bangalore, do visit Basavanagudi . This old part of Bangalore town is full of ancient temples, caves, and parks dense with flying foxes. Oh, the South Indian food eateries there are some of the best in town.

Another Karnataka travel tip: I have also written about the organic stores for grocery shopping in Bangalore . And places to stay in Bangalore (personal recommendations) are listed in the attached link.

Pro travel tips for seeing Bangalore: Some of the must-see places in Bangalore are Cubbon Park , Lal Bagh, Koshy’s, Indian Coffee House, HSR Agara lake, and Shivaji Nagar. I may sound cliche but these places do give a general and historical sense of Bangalore. Take the metro from MG Road to somewhere. Walk around the town as much as you can. Sip coconuts and try gol gappas (fried fluffed breads filled with spicy water) wherever you find. MTR restaurants also serve delightful traditional dosa and South Indian delicacies. Exploring the Bangalore Palace area on foot is a great way to get to know the city. And many people run heritage walks through Bangalore. Try BangaloreWalks , Unventured , Klook , GetYourGuide, ToursbyLocals , and BangaloreCityTour .

Two properties where I love to stay in Bangalore are: Casa Cottage (for heritage and the garden) and Misty Meridian Serviced Apartments (for comfort, space, kitchen, and the sweet owner).

Here are the best restaurants near MG Road Bangalore .

Some of the other best visiting places in Karnataka are Manchinbele dam, Savandurga hill, and Channapatna town popular for toys. A few coastal places on my list are Udupi, Mangalore, and Murudeshwar. Bandipur, Kabini, and Nagarhole National Park are some more national reserves I haven’t seen. More historic temples are found at Pattadakal, Badami, and Aihole. There is the Nrityagram dance village and Yelahanka weavers, just to name a couple of artists and artisans of the state. And then the area has infinite possibilities for drives and hikes to be done.

I realize that even after wandering around Karnataka for months I may have only touched it slightly. We can keep talking about the Karnataka attractions but the more we see the longer the list seems to become. Let’s get on then for we have further to go.

This pine plantation under which I’m sitting (and writing this piece) near my guesthouse in Chindi village is quite young. With the loud wind, the pine supporting my back sways too. First I felt an earthquake was coming because everything shook. But I guess it was just the pine doing la-la-la-la-la.

Follow Up Read: Guide to Finding Affordable and Good Indian homestays and Tips on Searching Guesthouses in India

Languages Spoken in Karnataka

The official language of the state is Kannada and about 70 percent population of Karnataka speaks Kannada. But the state has some 50 tribal languages and 22 scheduled languages in the state. Other major languages spoken are Urdu (9.72%), Telugu (8.34%), Marathi (3.95%), Tamil (3.82%), Malayalam (1.69%), Tulu (3.38%), and Hindi (1.87%).

Yes, India is a bit crazy when it comes to languages.  

Given neither my out-of-the-station friends nor I speak Kannada, we found it hard to communicate in villages and rural Karnataka. Even in urban setups, a lot of locals don’t speak English. We had difficulty coordinating with cab drivers, bus drivers, local shops, and even fancy tourist places. 

You may find yourself stepping down into a cave in Kolar and your guide may not understand you feel claustrophobic. Or no matter how much you tell your cleaning lady you were asleep when she had rung the bell, she may not understand. And you won’t be able to figure out that it was not the cab driver’s fault he took the route he did.

But we survived, and we survived joyously. 

While traveling you won’t have a language problem in designated Karnataka tourist destinations and hotels at major travel spots. But as soon as you venture out of the known travel trail, get ready to use hand gestures to communicate. 

Pro travel tip for a long trip in Karnataka — Download offline Kannada language file and use the Google translate application. Its voice feature works wonders.

Weather in Karnataka (What are the best times for visiting places in Karnataka)

Karnataka is a Southern state of India. It gets hot during most parts of the year. But as the state is cradled by the Western ghat mountains on the west side, the temperature of those hilly regions mostly stays low. The long coast of Karnataka gets humid and sultry for the entire year as well. 

The capital Bangalore with an elevation of 920 meters enjoys pleasant weather during the entire year except for March and April when it gets considerably hot and dry. 

Central Bangalore has similar weather to central and northern states of India except the minimum temperature there only falls to 10 degrees versus 3-4 degrees in the Northern Indian plateau. 

Given the diverse climate, some parts of Karnataka can always be visited. So we traveled to the hilly regions of Coorg and Chikmagalur in the summer months of June and July when these coffee estates receive heavy rainfall. And central Karnataka was best-visited post-monsoon to February. Coastal towns are also pleasant from October to February. 

Every part of Karnataka will have a different best time to visit, and I have talked about those in the individual destinations above. 

Karnataka Food – My Most Important Reason to Travel to Karnataka

Karnataka food would be a new and enthralling experience for someone who has not eaten in any of the South Indian states. Here dosa, idli, vada, rice, millets, and bananas are a staple. 

I have written an extensive piece on the dosas of Karnataka . And apart from these crunchy companions, jowar (sorghum) roti meals, bonda soups, idli plates, non-vegetarian delicacies, seafood, and a plethora of rice preparations are common too. Chapati is eaten less, and sweets are rice-based too. 

I will only be able to do justice to Karnataka food in a separate article dedicated to the cuisine itself. So for now please be happy with these places to eat in Bangalore and the dosa article above. The food write-up will be sent your way soon. 

Enjoy these pictures of the food of Karnataka.

How to Travel Around the Various Karnataka Destinations? Transport in Karnataka.

Karnataka is well-connected by road. Buses and trains cover large parts of the state. Sometimes one may have to change many buses to reach their destination. But you can’t reach everywhere by public transport in Karnataka. Only a car can drive to remote valleys and obscure places. That’s why booking chauffeur-driven cabs is also common in Karnataka. Earlier we used to hire private taxis but now Ola and Uber also run intrastate travel cabs. A quick Google search bring up taxi numbers and call a few to check for prices and service quality. 

Having said that,  Redbus is a good website to book buses and this Indian railway government site is helpful to find train schedules and IRCTC for getting train tickets. Hitchhiking also works in Karnataka but make sure you are not alone and preferably find a family car to join in.

Flights connect only some major cities such as Mysore, Bangalore, Mangalore, Hubli, and Belgaum. Beyond these big cities, air connectivity is low in Karnataka. (Though several new domestic airports are coming up.)

Now to Travel Safety in Karnataka

Karnataka is considered a pretty safe state. Well, at least that is the response you will get from someone like me who has come from Uttar Pradesh and spent a lot of time in Rajasthan, Delhi, and other Northern areas. 

If we go by the  Wikipedia list of Indian states by crime , Karnataka is number 14 with 250 crimes per .1 million people. But the same statistics present Uttar Pradesh’s crime records to be 262 per .1 million too. I don’t know how much should I trust this list. 

In Bangalore, one can be out and about until late at night. But if you are a solo woman traveler, avoid getting out at night. During the day all roads and streets are fine. In a group, of course, you are even good at night. 

Traveling on the road in your vehicle at any hour is perfectly okay in Karnataka. Roads are pretty nice, and no one will bother you. If you use public transport, reserve seats in air-conditioned buses (for night travel) and feel free to choose any kind of bus for day travel. For trains, third-class air-conditioned coaches will ensure a safe journey. In the general compartments of the trains, woman travelers can get some unwanted attention, especially if traveling alone. So try the air-conditioned compartments. But during the day mostly everything is fine. 

Hitchhiking is also possible in Karnataka. Just make sure to get into a family car to avoid any mishaps. If you are getting into taxis alone, try getting a known driver through the help of your hotel or homestay hosts.  

Even in most rural villages people are looking forward to helping and not take advantage of anyone’s situation. The language gap does pose a barrier, but one has to maneuver her way around. 

I hope this helps.

Slow Travels in Mysore

A Serendipitous Stop in Karnataka Near Nandi Hills

Searched For Big Adventures, Satisfied With a Little Lakeside Picnic – In Karnataka’s Sharavathi Valley

Sunlit and Slow Living in Coorg’s Stuart Hill – In Photos

On Stuart Hill in Madikeri Coorg: Nothing To Do But So Much To Do

Celebrating My Parrot Mithu With Photos of Indian Parrots

My Best Bangalore Hotels, Apartments, and Homestays (Stayed At Each)

Who Knew Basavanagudi in Bangalore Could Be So Beautiful

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Explore Top 12 Places to Visit in Karnataka This Monsoon in 2024

If we make a painting of Karnataka, then the natural wonders, fascinating history, adventure, and religious value would be some prominent colors. Places to visit in Karnataka spell charm and sedation that you can enjoy throughout your holiday.

This state has its vibrant cultural legacy and historical wealth. And attractions are scattered all over its cities. Apart from it, these cities are blessed with beautiful beaches, enthralling architectural marvels, delicious cuisines with unique food items, and natural wonders.

If you want to plan your vacation in Karnataka and you are stuck with a question about the best tourist places in Karnataka, then you will get the answer here!

Make your vacation remarkable by visiting these tourist places in Karnataka and discover the true charm of the state.

Here is the list of top places to visit in Karnataka 2024 (July, August, September)

• Chikmagalur
• Nandi Hills

1. Bengaluru: The City of Diversity

It is a city that is also called the city of the garden and enjoyed rapid growth. Being blessed with delightful weather, fascinating lakes, and stunning parks, Bengaluru is one of the most popular tourist places in Karnataka. This lively city keeps fabulous attractions to keep you entertained on your Bangalore vacation.

Whether you are willing to spend a fun-filled day on a sightseeing tour, indulge in thrilling activities, shopping, or partying after sunset, you will get numerous things to do in Bengaluru. During your visit to this vibrant city, you should enjoy the night trek in Kunti Betta that renders you a unique experience.

You will find places where you can delve into Indian history and learn something about the rich culture. If you are inclined toward the adventures, unleash an adventurer in you by enjoying parasailing, trekking, camping wildlife tours, and watersports.

Tourist attractions of Bengaluru:

• Butterfly Park of Bannerghatta Biological Park
• Lalbagh Glass Place
• Bangalore Palace
• Cubbon Park
• Innovative Film City

2. Hampi: Enjoy the Ancient Vibes

This ancient village is nestled at the bank of the Tungabhadra River and now well-known as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It has numerous ruined temple complexes from the Vijayanagara Empire, which make it one of the best places to visit in Karnataka. The highlight of Hampi is its stony landscape and barren beauty that attracts tourists from all over the corner. If you are keen to explore history, then this place should be on your bucket list.

Once you step into this fascinating city, you will be amazed by looking at the craftsmanship of the skilled artisans of the era. Hampi ruins showcase around 500 architectural structures which are worth visiting. Apart from it, Hampi offers many dimensions that keep you entertained. You can ride on a bicycle and stroll around the temples.

You can visit Anjaneya Hill to get an aerial view of Hampi ruins, which is one of the best things to do in Hampi. For adventure lovers, rock climbing and cliff jumping are the best thrilling activities to pump an adrenaline rush.

Tourist attraction of Hampi

• Vijaya Vittala Temple
• Monkey Temple
• Queen’s Bath
• Archeological Museum
• Matanga Hill
• Virupaksha Temple
• Hippie Island

3. Bandipur National Park- Lap of Nature

Spending some time in this park is all about feeling the greenery, listening to birds chirping, and a unique charm of nature that will leave you awestruck. A well-known tiger reserve and bird sanctuary is a perfect thing for nature lovers and bird watchers. This park offers an exceptional blend of natural beauty and tranquility, which makes it one of the top tourist destinations to visit in Karnataka.

The famous tiger reserve and bird sanctuary is an idyllic retreat for nature lovers and bird watchers. The number of ardent nature lovers and families flocking to Bandipur National Park has made it the number one tourist place in Karnataka for picnics.

If you are looking for a spot for an enjoyable picnic time, this park has everything that you ever dreamt of for a perfect picnic. You will also find rich varieties of flora and fauna, such as wild elephants, gaurs, antelopes, and spotted deer.

Tourist attractions of Bandipur National Park

• Wildlife Safari
• Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple
• Himavad Gopalaswamy Temple
• Anjaneyar Temple
• Biligirirangan Hills

4. Coorg – The Scotland of India

Pleasant weather throughout the year and undulating green hills make it one of the best places to visit in Karnataka for couples. Apart from its widely famous coffee plantations, this hill station of Karnataka has so many things to offer. It is admirable at whatever it offers to tourists. Whether you will talk about its glorious history, natural beauty, thrill-packed activities, or mouth-watering cuisine, you can enjoy this town in many dimensions on your vacation.

This hill station is widely famous for its breathtaking landscapes that can easily win the heart of anyone. It embraces every kind of traveler and gives you something that suits you. Enjoying the coracle ride on a nearby river is one of the best things to do when you are in Coorg . Brahmagiri Peak is the answer for every nature lover, tranquility-seeker, and adventurous soul.

Tourist attractions of Coorg

• Abbey Falls
• Iruppu Falls
• Dubare Elephant Camp
• Nagarhole National Park
• Brahmagiri Peak

5. Wayanad – A Hub of Enthralling Natural Beauty

This idyllic destination is settled at an altitude of 2100 m above sea level. No wonder! Wayanad is one of the best hill stations that you can explore on your Karnataka vacation. It offers a tantalizing fragrance of fresh spices, stunning waterfalls, fascinating caves, rich wildlife, and luxurious resorts. This hill station has become a perfect spot for unwinding your mind, body, and soul. It attracts tourists from all over the world as it is filled up with natural beauty that you can feel in the air.

Apart from sightseeing and scenic beauty, this place has many things to offer that make your vacation great. You can indulge in fun-filled activities like trekking, camping, cycling, ziplining, and exploring the mysterious caves. A visit to Wayanad is all about redefining natural beauty and storing pleasant memories and unforgettable experiences in your heart forever.

Tourist attractions of Wayanad

• Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
• Pookode Lake
• Kalladi Forest
• Edakkal Caves
• Neelimala View Point
• Chembra Peak
• Thirunelli Temple

6. Chikmagalur – The Coffee Land of Karnataka

This destination is blessed with a pleasing combination of scenic beauty and the aroma of coffee and is officially known as the coffee land of Karnataka. This hill station is at the foothills of the Mullayanagiri range and well-known for its calm nature, rich green forests, and Yagachi River. Kemmangundi, Kudremukh National Park, Mullayanagiri, Hebbe Falls, Baba Budangiri,are some of the best places to visit in Chikmagalur. Apart from these places , you can encounter many other attractions.

Exploring the serene coffee plantation and going for a nature walk are some of the must-do things here . A tour to collect some cherishable moments for a lifetime and this tour gives you incredible ways to relish the greenery and unwind yourself. It is a perfect destination to feel the natural ambiance. If you are a coffee lover, then it is a paradise for you. A natural walk and trekking trails in the hills is a must-do activity in this hill station.

Tourist attraction of Chikmagalur

• Mahatma Gandhi Park
• Coffee Museum
• Mullayana Giri
• Kudurekha Jamly
• Inam Dattatreya Peetha

Read Also: Places to visit in Chikmagalur

7. Dandeli – The Adventure Hub

It is an incredible destination where adventure meets with nature. Dandeli is one of the top tourist destinations in Karnataka that thrillingly offers the beauty of nature. Rested on the Western Ghats of Uttara Karnataka. It is blessed by the lush green forests and lies on the banks of the Kali River. It is widely known as the hub of adventure that offers many opportunities to indulge in fun and thrill. River rafting is one of the most famous adventure activities here. But, Dandeli has so much to offer for adventure seekers.

You can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, mountain biking, trekking, and cycling. All these activities make it one of the best places to visit in Karnataka during summer. The Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is another thrilling element that will make it a perfect destination for nature lovers. After enjoying the adventure activity, you can enjoy the nature walk and night camps and enhance your traveling experience.

Tourist attractions of Dandeli

• Shiroli Park
• Kavala caves
• Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary
• Ulavi Temple

8. Gokarna- Enjoy Striking Beaches

The mix of pristine beaches and stunning landscapes make Gokarna one of the famous tourist places in Karnataka. If you are a beach lover, this place must be on your list for your Karnataka vacation. It is also a significant pilgrim place as it is the hub of many ancient temples. Whether you want to soothe your soul by visiting temples, enjoy the serene beauty of beaches or want to connect yourself with thrill, Gokarna is a win-win situation for you.

This ideal destination is perfect for sanctity and relaxation and attracts people from all corners of the world. The richness of coconut and palm trees, the ocean, and clean sands make Gokarna one of its kind destinations in Karnataka. You can enjoy exhilarating water sports like banana boat rides, snorkeling, and parasailing to make your vacation delightful.

Tourist attractions of Gokarna

• Mahabaleshwar Temple
• Maha Ganapati Temple
• Kudle Beach

9. Nandi Hills – Catch the Breathtaking View From Your Eyes

Nestled at a distance of 60km from Bangalore, Nandi hill is one of the perfect places to visit in Karnataka for weekend getaways that offers many attractions and beauty unconventionally. Tranquil lake, magnificent forts, ancient temples, and mesmerizing, make it one of the best tourist spots in Karnataka. Being at a height of 4851 ft above sea level, Nandi hills experience a pleasant climate and are counted as one the perfect places to visit in Karnataka in summer.

You can soothe your soul and give a feast to your eyes by enjoying the sunrise or sunset from a hilltop amidst cloud, fog, and misty weather. Listening to the sound of birds chirping while beholding the view of clouds is a moment that Nandi Hills offers you to cherish for a lifetime.

Tourist attractions of Nandi Hills

• Tipu’s Drop
• Tipu’s Summer Residence
• Nandi Temple
• Yoga Nandeeshwara Temple
• Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple

10. Mysore- Experience the Royal History

This city earned fame because of its silk sarees, yoga, and sandalwood. Visiting Mysore Palace is one of the must-visit destinations of Mysore and declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will be stunned by looking at the Indo-Saracenic architecture and intricate details at every inch. You can also practice yoga by visiting the Ashtanga School of Yoga and get a unique experience. It is one of the idyllic destinations to visit in Karnataka that will leave you with wow factors and awe-inspiring feelings.

Tourist attractions of Mysore

• Sri Chamundeshwari temple
• Mysore Palace
• Somanathapura Temple
• Brindavan Gardens

11. Badami: Explore Mesmerising Cave Temple

Badami is nestled in the northern part of Karnataka and is widely known for its history and architecture. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites that offer ancient temples, forts, and historical places. Once you set your feet in Badami, you will find Dravidian buildings, which have instances of both South and North Indian styles of design. Three Hindu Temples and one Jain Temple in Badami Caves are some of the main attractions of Badami.

Tourist attractions of Badami

• Badami Fort
• Durga Temple
• Lad Khan Temple
• Archeological Temple
• Huchimalli Temple
• Virupaksha & Papanatha Temple
• Galaganatha Shrine
• Buddha rock-cut Caves
• Bhootnath Temple

12. Udupi – Enjoy a Sacred Tour

Ethereal, grassy, and delightful are some words that describe Udupi. This city is well known for its Hindu Temple, and the highlight of this city is the 13th century Shri Krishna Temple. Being tucked between the misty Western Ghats and the picturesque Arabian Sea, Udupi is one of the most beautiful places in Karnataka. Even though it is well known for its temples. But apart from it, this city also offers many beautiful elements. Udupi is widely famous for its stunning beaches, architecture, wood, artifacts, stone carving, and Yakshagana, a theatre art genre.

Tourist attractions of Udupi

• Sri Krishna Temple
• Malpe Beach
• St. Mary’s Islands

These are some best places in Karnataka that offer experiences of glorious past, natural wonders, scenic beauty, thrilling activities, spiritual ambiance, and many more. You can choose from them to make your Karnataka tour remarkable as all are must-visit places.

A storyteller by heart, a content writer by profession, and a travel enthusiast by soul. Lokesh flows with innovation and creativity, and being with books and exploring new destinations keeps him enthusiastic.

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Top 5 Best Tourist Places in Karnataka

The expansive array of attractions within Karnataka’s tourism portfolio appeals to a diverse range of visitor preferences and desires. Highlighting the top best tourist places in Karnataka, we have the regal Mysore Palace, picturesque Coorg Hill Station, historically significant Hampi Heritage Site, enthralling Gokarna Beach and the imposing Jog Falls. These represent just a slice of what one can experience in this dynamic state through other equally mesmerizing locations such as Nandi Hills which continue to captivate our valued guests. It is mainly known for its Heritage sites, hills and Wildlife habitat. The city also stands out with its malls, multiplexes, parks, lakes, gardens, cafes, bars, palaces, museums, and other attractions. I tried my best to include the most famous tourist places in Karnataka. I hope you like these places during your visit to the state.

Coorg Hill Station​

Coorg is excellent for a short getaway in Karnataka, lies 1525m above sea level. The hill station is quite known for its coffee plantations, and a favored summer retreat to the state. The fascinating landscape and the green hills in Coorg are perfect for trekking and camping options, Coorg is the place to be for all nature lovers. It also attains a popular destination tag because of its culture and people. 

A local clan(Kodavas) specialized in martial arts and distinguished for their keen hospitality. Foggy hills, green forest, tea and coffee plantation, orange copses, surging streets, and breathtaking landscapes have made Coorg an exceptional holiday destination. Madikeri is the heartland of the Coorg area and was the seat of the ruling dynasty. Other famous hill stations are Nandi Hills, Chikmagalur, Shimoga, Ramnagaram, Agumbe, BR Hills, Kudremukh, and Kotagiri.

Ideal Trip Duration : 1-2 days Nearest City : Mysore Best Time to Visit : October-March Great For : Hiking, trekking, cycling, visiting waterfalls and touring tea and coffee plantations.

Mysore is one of the oldest cities and the second largest in Karnataka. It is one of the very few cities that has managed to maintain its old-world charm, well known as the City of Palaces. It has numerous tourist attractions that include impressive palaces, heritage structures, museums, temples, gardens, etc. Mysore Palace and Chamundi Hill Temple are the most popular places to visit in Mysore and due to this reason, we have also included this place in the best tourist places in Karnataka.

According to ancient story in the mythological Devi Purana, Mysore was dictated by the demon-king Mahishasura. He was called Mahishasura because he was a buffalo-headed beast. Hence, this place came to be known as Mahishuru, which later became Maisuru and Mysore.

The Mysore Kingdom, ruled by the Wodeyar family was initially served as a servant state of the Vijayanagara Empire. After the decline of the Vijayanagara Empire, the control of Mysore moved into the hands of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan between 1761 and 1799. After the death of Tipu Sultan in the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War, then the control was given over back to the Wodeyar family.

The nearest airport is in Bangalore, around 184 km from Mysore. It has frequent flights from Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Goa, Mangalore, and Thiruvananthapuram. Mysore has also pleasant weather throughout the year, though October to March is the best season to visit. It usually takes about 2 full days to visit the all-important places in Mysore.

Ideal Trip Duration : 1-2 days Best Time to Visit : October to March Great For : Sightseeing

Gokarna Beach​

Gokarna is a small and less populated town situated in the north Kannad district of Karnataka. It is around 150 km from the Vasco Da Gama airport and around 60 km from the Karwar rail station. This place is of the best tourist places in Karnataka and one of the offbeat destinations in South India due to its peaceful ambiance.  Your trip surely will be incomplete without a visit to the famous Mahabaleshwara temple and Om beach. Gokarna is just like a Goa. The beaches in this town are fantastic and perfect for a day out in the sun. You can also indulge in a few water sports at the beaches. 

The main attraction of the Gokarna is the Mahabaleshwar Temple, which houses the Atmalinga. Gokarna has considered being the Mukti Sthala, where Hindus perform funeral rituals. Followers visit the Gokarna temple in large numbers during Mahashivratri and Kartika Purnima festivals. The whole town gets decorated during the four days of the Mahashivratri festival.

Apart from being a spiritual town, Gokarna appreciated for its beaches. You will find beautiful beaches nearby, which have small shacks serving as accommodation along with many small shops and modern eateries. The five famous beaches are Om, Kudle, Gokarna, Half Moon, and Paradise Beaches. Among the beaches in Gokarna, the Om beach is usually popular among surfers. The beach gets its name due to the natural formation of the holy Om symbol.

Ideal Trip Duration:  1 Complete Day Nearest City:  Hubli (around 165 Kms) Best Time to Visit Gokarna:  October to March Great For:  Beaches, Sightseeing, and Adventure Sports

Hampi is one of the renowned  UNESCO World Heritage Site . It has located at a distance of 340 km from Bangalore and around 377 km from Hyderabad. The place is also home to many historical sites and the Vijayanagar Empire. The Nearest airport is Hubli, about 74 km. It is one of the best tourist places in Karnataka which you should not miss during your South India tour. The popular tourist spots are the Hampi Bazaar area and the Royal center near Kamalapur.

Hampi is an extremely famous place in terms of history and architecture. Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire and an integral part of the Empire in 1500AD. They had created a large army to protect it from other kingdoms. In addition, Hampi grew as a trade center for cotton, spices, and gemstones. It was one of the richest and largest cities in the world during the 15th and 16th centuries.

Ideal Trip Duration:  1-2 Days Best Time to Visit :  September to March Places to Explore : the Virupaksha Temple, Matanga Hill and the Achyutaraya Temple Great For : Shopping, Sightseeing

Chikmagalur​

Chikmagalur means The Land of the Younger Daughter. The nearest airport is Mangalore, at a distance of 158 km from Chikmagalur. If you love the fragrance of freshly fermented coffee in the mornings, then you are going to love this place, which has a perpetual smell of coffee lingering in the air. Chikmagalur is at an altitude of 3400 feet in the foothills of Mullayangiri Range in Karnataka. Above all, it is also renowned for high mountains, dense green forests, and its peaceful environment.

This hill state in Karnataka is very well known as the Coffee Land of Karnataka. It is the place where coffee did cultivate for the first time in India. A Muslim saint Baba Budan who brought coffee seeds from Yemen around 1600 year. Later, during the Europeans came to India, they took control over the plantations and started selling coffee and tea.

In addition, Many festivals celebrated in Chikmagalur for instance Ganesha Chaturthi, Deepavali, Ugadi, Dusshera. The climate of Chikmagalur is pleasant throughout the year.

Ideal Trip Duration : 1-2 Days Nearest City : Mangalore (around 148 Kms) Best Time to Visit : Throughout the year Great For : Relaxed Holidays, Nature Trails, touring tea and coffee plantations

Travel Tips for Karnataka​

Apart from the above top 5 tourist places, there are many other places which you can include in your itinerary like Udupi, Murudeshwar, Bandipur National Park, Shivanasamudra, and Jog Falls. I have created a list of good Karnataka tourist places, add as many as in your Karnataka’s itinerary. 

You can visit Karnataka throughout the year, but the winter months from September to February are the best season to visit. You can also see this from a different perspective, it is the busiest season, and hotels/resorts are expensive this season. Another thing, Karnataka is also safe for domestic & foreign tourists. People are here very progressive, you probably will start to like them in just a few days.

Do not forget to try Karnataka (Kannada) food/sweet dish. Some famous Kannada recipes are Korri Gassi, Davangere benne dosa, Neer Dosa, Mysore Pak, Pandi Curry, Bisi Bele Bhat, Haalbai And Huggi, Dharwad Peda, Chiroti, Raagi mudde. You can also take away some of the sweet dishes back to your home.

It usually takes at least 4-5 days to visit the top tourist places of Karnataka. It is difficult to cover all the places but you can start plan your itinerary with the best Karnataka places and then add more nearby places to it. I hope you will enjoy reading this post and it helps you to plan your Karnataka trip.

How to Plan 3 days trip in Karnataka?

Navigating through the most illustrious tourist destinations within Karnataka in 3 days trip can be daunting yet exhilarating. Your preferences and expectations will ultimately determine how much pleasure you derive from your visit to Karnataka. As an experienced travel planner, I have carefully curated a three days itinerary for your visit to Karnataka. This plan is tailored towards individuals residing outside the state, assuming that they possess adequate funds for air or rail travel expenses. For natives of Karnataka or those living within the state’s boundaries, the advantage remains in being able to better customize this schedule and maximize their efficient use of these three days.

• Commence your journey by boarding a flight heading directly toward Mysore Airport. On the first day of your trip, mark Mysore Palace as your first stopover; its proximity to the airport ultimately contributes to saving time while allowing ample room for exploration. Enhance the richness of experience by immersing yourself in local culture via visits to nearby locales or marketplaces.
• On following sunrise, start early towards Coorg Hill station using available options like cabs or trains; quite renowned for its calming waterfalls and an envelopment of mist-enhanced landscapes ideally suited for tranquility seekers. Seek comfortable accommodation there overnight.
• Chikkamagaluru is the final destination on day 3rd at Karnataka Tour. Inhabitants known popularly for stunning scenic beauty forming background tapestry behind coffee plantations thriving amidst trekking trails. A National key-point Mangalore houses nearest airport approximately located 158 km away facilitates easy transportation.

Caution – This might seem hectic due principally limited time rounding unique place variety. Yet planning 3 days Karnataka Trip without visiting most population-proclaimed places is nearly impossible. After all remember journey comprises primary memories over destination. So continue cherishing every movement retain traveling spirit alive irrespective environmental dispositions.

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Top 10 Places To Visit In Karnataka This Year

Table of contents.

The quintessential Karnataka occupies a focal place in the tourism map of India. Locked between the west coast and Deccan Plateau, the state boasts of forests, hills, temples, caves beaches, riversides, lakes, coffee estates, waterfalls, ruins, and so much more. Here is a roundup of places to visit in Karnataka .

Places to Visit in Karnataka

1. bangalore.

Bangalore, a colourful city of culture and people, is one of the best tourist places in Karnataka . The city is a complete joy to stay and explore.

• Bangalore has pleasant and comfortable weather round the year. Best time to visit the city is during summers.
• Don’t miss the Butterfly Park of Bannerghatta Biological Park, Bangalore Palace and Tipu Sultan’s Palace.
• The local food is absolutly to die for!

Endowed with coffee estates full of aroma, luxuriant greenery dotting the mountains, and stunning waterfalls plunging down the misty mountains, Coorg is aptly called ‘Scotland of India’ and makes it one of the best places to visit in Karnataka .

• Bathe and feed the elephants at Dubare Elephant Camp.
• Don’t miss the Bylakuppe Monastery, the second biggest Tibetan settlement in India.
• Catch an exciting wildlife safari at Nagarhole National Park.

3. Hampi – One of the recommended places to visit in Karnataka

The historic UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases the glory and splendour of architecture of the Vijayanagara Kingdom. Hampi has almost 500 architectural structures in its ruins.

• Don’t miss the Monkey Temple, Archeological Museum and Vijaya Vittala Temple.
• Virupaksha Temple is an architectural marvel.
• The Riverside Ruins are breathtakingly beautiful.

4. Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal

Dusty roads, barren topography, red stone architecture, and rocky cliffs iconize the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal.

• Badami is famous for Badami Fort, Buddha rock-cut Caves, and Bhootnath Temple.
• Durga Temple, Lad Khan Temple and Archeological Temple in Aihole are a must visit.
• Virupaksha, Papanatha Temple and Galaganatha Shrine are major attractions in Pattadakal.

Kabini is one of the most picturesque and tranquil tourist spots in Karnataka, located along the bank of a river with the same name. It is one of the highlights of Karnataka tourism .

• Enjoy boating at Kabini River.
• Explore Kutta, which is covered with coffee and spice plantations.
• A visit to the surreal Kabini dam is should be on your list of places to visit in Karnataka .

6. Jog Falls

The stunning Jog Falls are the second highest waterfalls in the country. This is one of the favourites amongst the Karnataka tourist places .

• Don’t miss the Linganamakki Dam and Tunga Anicut Dam nearby.
• Exploring the Thavare Koppa Lion & Tiger Reserve is a must do.

7. Mangalore

Once in Mangalore, strolling and sunbathing at the beaches, trying out scrumptious seafood, gazing at sunsets and visiting the shipyard just cannot be missed. It is popular amongst Karnataka’s points of interest .

• Don’t miss the beautiful Tannirbhavi and Panambur beaches.
• Marvel at the various temples and chapels for their stunning architecture.
• Try out the delectable seafood.

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Sun-kissed beaches, charming temples, and majestic forts with practically no crowds, that’s Karwar for you.

• Explore the uncluttered Majali beach.
• Take a boat ride up to Kurumgad Island, and explore the remnants of Sadashivgad Fort.
• Known for excellent seafood, try some amazing dishes while lounging at the beach.

Travelers seeking complete solace visit this beautiful low-key, laid-back, and less-commercialized beach town, which has won over backpackers with its quiet charm.

• Don’t miss the Mahabaleshwar Temple and other temples for their great architecture.
• Catch the sunset at the beautiful Om Beach.
• Try water sports like boat rides, snorkelling, and parasailing here.

10. Dandeli

Dandeli is an incredible getaway amidst nature and adventure. This scenic hilly terrain surrounded by deciduous forests and wildlife habitat is a great adventure destination. This is definitely one of the best places to visit in Karnataka .

• Dandeli is known for adventure sports, night camps, nature walks, boating, and angling in Kali River.
• Don’t miss white water rafting on Kali river.
• A trip to the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is a must do.

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Top 10 Places To Visit In Karnataka

Originally known as the princely State of Mysore, Karnataka was formed on 1st November 1956 and is located in the South-Western region of India. Close to the Arabian Sea and the Laccadive Sea, Karnataka is known for its beautiful yet unpopulated beaches and rich culture. The land has also seen the reign of the ancient kingdoms of the south such as the Chola, Chera, Vijaynagar, Sathavahanas, Maurya, Hoysala and many more right upto the Mighty Tipu Sultan and subsequently the British. Kannada is the main language spoken here and picking up a few local words can often be very helpful while travelling. The state is famous for its natural, cultural and architectural heritage and there are plenty of places one can visit on his/her trip to Karnataka.

1. Bangalore

The capital of Karnataka and the 3rd most populated city in India, Bangalore is often known by its nickname the silicon valley of India due to it being a major IT exporter in India. The city is now known by the Kannada name ‘Bengaluru’ which literally means ‘The City of Guards’. There are however, various different translations of this word. The town is famous for its various attractions which include both modern and historical place to visit. The various temples, palaces, lakes and forts etc. are definitive places to visit.

The down served as the capital of the princely State of Mysore for nearly six centuries with distinguished rulers like Tipu Sultan and Hyder Ali. The city is also known as the cultural capital of Karnataka and is famous for its various temples, palaces, forts and old churches. The town is known for being the birth place for various styles of Indian arts and crafts. Mysore is a major tourist destination in India and should be visited by all who want to experience the rich culture of this historical city.  

3. Mangalore

Mangalore is located between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats and is considered to be the 8th most clean city in India. The city has been an important one since the rule of the ancient kingdoms like the Mauryas, Chalukyas and the Hoysalas etc. however the city saw its golden days of prominence during the reign of Tipu Sultan and Hyder Ali. Mangalore was a primary source of tension between Tipu Sultan and the British. The city is famous for its amazing beaches and hills and the rich culture imbibed within various temples and monuments of the old days.

Located within the ruins of Vijaynagar, Hampi is a world heritage site and one of the most important historical sites across the world. Vijaynagar was the capital of the erstwhile Vijaynagar Kingdom and the ruins are built near the banks of the Tungabhadra River. The city has some of the most magnificent buildings and sites that display the architectural brilliance of the Vijaynagar rulers. Its various temples are heavily frequented by pilgrims and tourists and is a great place to visit.

Coorg is also known by its native name ‘Kodagu’ and is located on the slopes of the Western Ghats. It is a hilly location and is famous for its lush green surroundings and pleasant climate. It is also an important agricultural town in Karnataka and is famous for its coffee and paddy fields. The town of coorg is also famous for its natural wealth and a number of various species of flora and fauna. Coorg has various Buddhist monasteries that are a must visit. The various festivals and temples attract a huge number of tourists to this city.

Esablished between the 10th – 11th century AD by the Chalukyas and eventually came under the reign of the Delhi Sultanate and the Nizam of Hyderabad. Bijapur is known for its various historical monuments and forts. There are various temples in the town that were established in the ancient era of the Deccan kingdoms, however the city saw its best days under the Adilshahi Dynasty and has an evident Mohamedian influence in its culture. The various monuments in the city display a brilliant Muslim architecture and are some of the best sites to visit.

7. Hubli-Dharwad

These are the twin cities and are also the commercial and business hub of Northern Karnataka. The town Hubli is the fastest growing city after the capital Bangalore and is also known as ‘Chota’ or small Mumbai. The various temples, lakes and gardens in this city are a must visit. The city Dharwad is again another important city of Karnataka and is famous for its temples, monuments and is a home to a rich cultural and traditional heritage. The various arts, crafts and festivals in these cities will ensure you spend a decent amount of time here.

Badami got its name from the erstwhile reigning dynasty of the Badami Chalukyas and is famous for its stone temples and rock cut monuments. The city is historically significant as it has been mentioned in the Hindu mythological texts as well. The cave temples and the Agastya Teerth are few of the most important pilgrimage spots here. What makes the place unique is its peculiar location. It is located in a ravine across the shores of the Agastya Lake and is a marvelous place to visit.

9. Gulbarga

The city was founded by the sultans as their capital in the 14th century. Gulbarga is known for its various temples and Muslim monuments and memorials. The place is also been a home to the ancient kingdoms of the South with monuments and buildings dating back to the reign of the Maurya, Chalukya, Hoysala etc. The local cuisine is amazing and the place should be visited specially to try all of them out.

10. Gokarna

A small temple town located at the northern part of Karnataka, Gokarna is known for its temples and some of the most beautiful beaches in India. The Shiva temple of Mahabaleshwara is prime pilgrim spot in this town and houses what is believed to be the original image of lord Shiva’s lingam. It is one of the most favored holiday destinations in the state as its clean and unpopulated beaches are amazing.

The State of Karnataka has always been an important region since the reign of the ancient southern kingdoms and has played an important part in shaping up the history of our country. The pristine locations and the moniker of being one of cleanest states in India, Karnataka is an experience everyone must get indulged with.

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2 thoughts on “Top 10 Places To Visit In Karnataka”

Thanks for the post. I’m definitely packing my bags for Karnataka next vacation.

its really great and useful.

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• Hubli-Dharwad
• Chikmagalur
• Bandipur National Park
• Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary
• Kudremukh National Park
• Bannerghatta National Park
• Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
• Nagarahole National Park
• Biligiriranga Swamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary
• Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary
• Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
• National Parks In Karnataka
• Beaches In Karnataka
• Monuments In Karnataka
• Temples In Karnataka
• Waterfalls In Karnataka

• Department of Tourism

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Tourist Places in Coastal Karnataka

Coastal Karnataka is bestowed with sandy beaches, lush greenery, lively culture, magnificent temples, and delicious cuisine. If you are looking for a much-needed break from the hustle-bustle of daily life, the towns in coastal Karnataka will never disappoint you. Here is a list of the most sought-after destinations that you must visit during your next trip to Karnataka. An ideal road trip will take you through these cities, offering you a vacation like no other.

Murudeshwar :

Coastal Karnataka has plenty to offer for the weary travellers. So, if you are planning a vacation, head to one of these cities for creating memories to last for a lifetime.

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White pearl cruise experience, top 10 beaches in karnataka, houseboat experience in udupi, famous temples in karnataka, things to do in karwar.

THE 10 BEST Karnataka Waterfalls

Waterfalls in karnataka.

• Bodies of Water
• Nature & Wildlife Areas
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Big Groups
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Good for Kids
• Hidden Gems
• Adventurous
• Good for Couples
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Honeymoon spot
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Jog Falls

2. Abbey Falls

3. Hebbe Falls

4. Shivasamudram Falls

5. Iruppu Falls

6. Mallalli Falls

7. Barachukki and Gaganachukki Falls

8. Jhari Waterfalls

9. Chelavara Falls

10. Gokak Falls

11. Vibhooti Falls

12. Kudlu Theertha Falls

13. Unchalli Falls

14. Sirimane Falls

15. Kote Abbe Falls

16. Sathoddi falls

17. Apsarkonda Waterfalls

18. Koodlu Theertha Falls

19. Irpu Falls (Lakshmana Tirtha Falls)

20. Bandaje Arbi Falls

21. Balmuri Falls

22. Dabbe Falls

23. Hanuman Gundi Falls

24. Magod Falls

25. Godchinamalaki Falls

26. Chunchi Falls

27. Jogigundi Falls

28. ChunchanaKatte Falls

29. Shankar Falls

30. Ermai falls

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