10 Best Tourist Places to Visit in Karnataka

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10 Best Tourist Places to Visit in Karnataka

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Karnataka is the south-western region of India nearest to the Indian Ocean. It was previously known as Mysore State and was formed on 1 November 1956. It is the sixth-largest state by area and the ninth-largest by population in India. Karnataka has a rich and diverse culture, history, and natural beauty. It is home to the IT capital of India, Bengaluru, as well as many historical monuments, temples, palaces, national parks, beaches, and hill stations. Mysore is a city in the Indian state of Karnataka. It is known as the cultural capital of Karnataka.

The quintessential Karnataka occupies a focal place in the tourism map of India. Locked between the west coast and the 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.

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 is famous for being the Silicon Valley of India. This capital city of Karnataka is a renowned IT hub and is home to some of the world’s major IT corporations which operate out of the city. Moreover, Bangalore is also the hub of many start-ups and Indian tech companies.

Bangalore has pleasant and comfortable weather around the year. The best time to visit the city is during summer.
Don’t miss the Butterfly Park of Bannerghatta Biological Park, Bangalore Palace, and Tipu Sultan’s Palace.
Bangalore has two distinct seasons – wet and dry. The wet season begins with the monsoon in June and lasts till September. The rest of the year is mostly dry but may encounter unpredictable showers. The dry days are sunny, with temperatures not going beyond 25 – 30 degrees Celsius. The best time to visit Bangalore is from November to March.

* Top Things to See & Do

Cubbon Park
Lalbagh
Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium
National Gallery of Modern Art

2. Coorg

Located on the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats, the district of Kodagu, also known as Coorg, is renowned for its lush landscapes and aromatic coffee and spice plantations. Thanks to its cool climate and hilly terrain, the region that is home to the Kodava community, is often referred to as the “Scotland of India”.

Call it Coorg of Kodagu, it is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Karnataka. You should visit this place for its coffee plantations and its distinct culture. Topographically, it enjoys a high altitude and is spread out leisurely on the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats. The richness of its culture is also reflected in its wildlife, as it boasts three wildlife sanctuaries and a famous national park in India called Nagarhole National Park, nowadays popularly known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park. Checking out the traditional costume, known as “kupaya”, is as exciting as trying out the native dishes, kadumbuttu, and pandi curry. If the waterfalls don’t interest you, maybe the temples will. If both of them don’t, then you can always explore the coffee plantation and take in the beauty of the countryside.

* Best Things to See & Do

Nagarahole National Park
Abbey Falls
Tibetan Buddhist Golden Temple
Dubare Elephant Camp
Brahmagiri Peak
Raja’s Seat
Mandalpatti View Point

3. Hampi – One of the recommended places to visit in Karnataka

Hampi, a mesmerizing village located in the northern part of Karnataka, is a testament to the rich history and architectural marvels of India. The ancient city of Vijayanagara, which once thrived in this area, has left behind a treasure trove of stunning ruins, temples, and monuments that attract travelers from all over the world.

Natural Beauty: Describe the breathtaking landscape of Hampi, with its boulder-strewn hills, lush paddy fields, and the Tungabhadra River that adds to the charm of this place.
Activities: Suggest activities for visitors, such as exploring the ruins, trekking the hills, and enjoying a coracle ride on the river.
Cultural Insights: Share insights into the local culture, festivals, and traditions of the region.
Local Cuisine: Mention some must-try local dishes and where to find them.
Travel Tips: Offer practical tips for travelers, including the best time to visit, how to get there, and any special guidelines for visiting the temples.
Photography Tips: Share tips for capturing the best images of Hampi’s stunning landscapes and architecture.

* Top Things to See & Do

Queen’s Bath
Vijay Vittala, Virupaksha, Hanuman & Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple
Lakshmi Narasimha Statue
Hemakuta Hill Temple Complex
Matanga Hill
Hampi Street Bazaar

4. 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.

1. Badami:

Badami, formerly known as Vatapi, was the capital of the Chalukya dynasty. It is famous for its rock-cut cave temples, which were excavated in the 6th and 7th centuries.
The four cave temples at Badami are dedicated to Hindu deities, with impressive carvings and sculptures depicting various mythological scenes.
The site also features a picturesque artificial lake, Agastya Tirtha, surrounded by sandstone hills.

2. Aihole:

Aihole is considered the cradle of Hindu rock architecture and is known for its diverse temple complexes.
The temples at Aihole showcase a blend of architectural styles, including Dravidian and Nagara styles, reflecting the experimentation and evolution of temple design.

3. Pattadakal:

Pattadakal, also known as Raktapura, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is renowned for its group of monumental temples.
It served as a ceremonial center for the Chalukya kings and features a harmonious blend of North Indian and South Indian architectural styles.

* Top Things to See & Do

Badami Cave Temples
Agyasta Lake
Northern Fort Temple
Badami Fort

5. Kabini

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 should be on your list of places to visit in Karnataka.
Kabini is a region in the Western Ghats mountain range in South India, primarily located in the state of Karnataka. It is known for its picturesque landscapes, wildlife sanctuaries, and biodiversity. The region attracts nature enthusiasts and trekkers due to its lush greenery and the presence of several wildlife reserves, including the Nagarhole National Park and Bandipur National Park. Additionally, the Kabini River, which flows through the region, is a popular spot for boat safaris, offering opportunities to spot various species of birds, elephants, and other wildlife. Overall, Kabini is a notable destination for eco-tourism and wildlife enthusiasts in India.

* Top Things to See & Do

Boat Safari on Kabini River
Wildlife Safari in Nagarhole National Park
Visit Bandipur National Park
Kabini Dam
Kabini Backwaters

6. Jog Falls

Jog Falls is a spectacular waterfall located in the state of Karnataka, India. It is one of the highest plunge waterfalls in the country and is formed by the Sharavathi River. The falls are situated in the Western Ghats and are surrounded by lush greenery.

Jog Falls is known for its picturesque beauty and is a popular tourist attraction. The waterfall has four distinct cascades known as Raja, Rani, Rover, and Rocket, creating a breathtaking sight when the water is in full flow during the monsoon season. The best time to visit Jog Falls is during the rainy season when the water volume is at its peak.
The nearby town of Sagara serves as a gateway to Jog Falls, and there are viewpoints and steps that allow visitors to get different perspectives of the falls. Jog Falls is not only a natural wonder but also holds cultural and historical significance in the region.
Don’t miss the Linganamakki Dam and Tunga Anicut Dam nearby.
Exploring the Thavare Koppa Lion & Tiger Reserve is a must-do.

* Top Things to See & Do

Jog Falls Viewpoints
Gersoppa Dam
Waterfall Trek
Visit Linganamakki Reservoir
Kanoor Fort

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.

Mangalore, a coastal city in the southwestern state of Karnataka, India, offers a mix of natural beauty, historical sites, and cultural experiences.
Mangalore is situated on the west coast of India, along the Arabian Sea. It is known for its picturesque coastal landscapes and proximity to the Western Ghats.
The culture of Mangalore is a blend of Tulu, Konkani, Kannada, and other influences. The predominant languages spoken are Tulu, Konkani, Kannada, and Beary.
Mangalore is a tourist destination with attractions such as Panambur Beach, Ullal Beach, Sri Mangaladevi Temple, and Sultan Battery. The city also serves as a gateway to the hill station of Coorg and the temple town of Dharmasthala.
The city is well-connected by road, rail, and air. Mangalore International Airport caters to both domestic and international flights. The New Mangalore Port is one of the major ports on the west coast of India.

* Top Things to See & Do

Panambur Beach
Ullal Beach
Mangaluru Seemanthi Bai Government Museum
Sri Mangaladevi Temple
Bejai Museum
Mangalore Fish Market
Pilikula Nisargadhama

8. Karwar

Karwar is a coastal city in the Uttara Kannada district of the Indian state of Karnataka. 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.
Water sports activities such as snorkeling, parasailing, and banana boat rides are available at some of the beaches, providing adventure and recreation options.
The travel guide of the Karwar comprises of references to some of the most scenic and exhilarating spots from the city. It is often regarded as one of the key tourist places from the district.
The Uttara Kannada region is very well recognized for its platonic beauty, natural surroundings, thriving lush hills, exquisite scenery and magnificent mountains that are just a quintessential part of the Western Ghats.

* Top Things to See & Do

Kurumgad Island
Devbagh Beach
Kali River and Backwaters
Majali Beach Village
Warship Museum
Kurumgad Island

9. Gokarna

Gokarna is a small temple town located in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka state in southern India.

“Land of palm trees, blue seas and golden sands”

The town of Gokarna would have been just another sleepy little town, just like so many others in Karnataka, had it not been for Gokarna Beach. Fondly called the OM Beach, as it resembles the religious Hindu symbol OM, it is a picture of undisturbed serenity. The shoreline of this famous beach in Karnataka stretches all the way until it meets a rocky cliff, as is the case with several other beaches here. It is connected to other beaches via a boat ride, apart from walking. Boating is looked forward to enthusiastically, as are banana boat rides. Most of all though, it is dolphin spotting which promises to make your day.
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, snorkeling, and parasailing here.

* Top Things to See & Do

Dolphin spotting
Banana boat rides
Watch the spectacular sunset
Fishing
Mahabaleshwar Temple
Sunset Viewpoints

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 situated in the Western Ghats and is known for the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, home to diverse flora and fauna, including species like black panthers, elephants, and various species of birds.
The town is a hub for adventure enthusiasts, offering activities such as white-water rafting in the Kali River, trekking, bird-watching, and jungle safaris.
The Kali River, flowing through Dandeli, provides opportunities for water-based activities like river rafting, kayaking, and coracle rides.
Adventure camps in Dandeli offer activities like river crossing and ziplining, providing a thrilling experience amidst the scenic beauty.
Dandeli is close to Anshi National Park, known for its rich biodiversity and the presence of the elusive black panther. It is part of the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary.
Visit Nagzari Viewpoint for stunning views of the river and the dense forests surrounding Dandeli.

* Top Things to See & Do