Karnataka Tourist Places

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The dynamic southern Indian state of Karnataka is home to a wealth of varied tourist sites that appeal to adventurers, nature lovers, history buffs, and spiritual seekers. Karnataka is a state where the past and present coexist together, from the magnificent historical sites of Hampi and Badami, which evoke the majesty of former empires, to the lavish places of Mysore, which display regal grace. It is a well-rounded destination for all types of tourists because of the stunning architecture of the Belur and Halebidu temples, the serene hill stations of Coorg, Chikmagalur and Agumbe and the seaside appeal of Gorkarna and Karwar.

Karnataka is home to some of India’s best national parks and sanctuaries for wildlife lovers. During exhilarating safaris in Bandipur National Park and Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary, where guests can see tigers, elephants and leopards in their native environments. The captivating Jog Falls, one of India’s tallest waterfalls and the ethereal Shivanasamudra Falls are located in the verdant Western Ghats. With its thriving nightlife, gardens, and contemporary attractions, Bengaluru, also referred to as India’s “Silicon Valley”, offers a contrast. Karnataka’s great diversity guarantees a memorable trip, whether you’re visiting ancient sites, relaxing on the beach or looking for an adventure in the wild.

Karnataka Tourist Places

1. Bangalore

Bangalore (renamed as Bengaluru) is known as the ‘Silicon Valley of India’ and “Garden City of India”. The city is an IT hub and a hot spot for IT freaks. The city is well planned with beautiful and scenic gardens and freshwater lakes. It is a wonderful place for those tourists who want to enjoy nightlife at pubs, restaurants and bars. It is also home to many ancient temples, palaces and historical monuments. A lot of tourists frequent this city between September to February, however, October to February is the most pleasant time to visit Bengaluru.

Places to visit in Bangalore:  Bengaluru Palace, Bannerghatta National Park, Lal Bagh Botanical Garden, Cubbon Park, Innovative Film City theme park, Shiva Temple, Chunch Falls, Wonder La Water Park, Bull Temple, Tipu Sultan’s Palace, Bengaluru Aquarium, Ulsoor garden, Lumbini gardens, HAL Aerospace museum, and Old fort.

2. Mysore

Mysuru, also known as Mysore, is one of the famous heritage cities of Karnataka and sought-after Karnataka tourist places. The city of Mysuru is situated at the bottom of the Chamundi Hills. The city is well known as the ‘City of Palaces’, and is one of the highly frequented tourist destinations of Southern India. Mysuru is famous for its silk industries and a variety of handicrafts. The city is home to several palaces and heritage structures. It is also famous for ancient sculptures, silk sarees, Mysore paintings, and food like Mysore Pak, Mysore Masala Dosa and so on. A lot of tourists frequent this place during Dushera around October and November when the festival of Dushera is celebrated with pomp and gaiety. It is one of the best tourist spots for people who love to spend time in the lap of nature. Tourists can also spend some time exploring the handicrafts of sandalwood and rosewood and beautiful elegant silk sarees, handloom and dress materials. Tourists should make it a point to visit the Tipu Sultan’s palace when visiting Mysore.

Places to visit in Mysore:  Mysore Palace, Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, Chamundeshwari temple, Srirangapatna including Ranganathittu bird sanctuary, Sand sculpture museum, Karanji Lake, Art Gallery, St Philomena’s Church etc.

To book a package to Mysore, click below

3. Coorg

Coorg is also known as Kodagu and is situated in the south-western region of Karnataka. Coorg is known as the ‘Scotland of India’ and lies at the lap of the enticing mountain valleys and green forests. It is a hill station with a large number of coffee plantations and a tourist’ paradise with a serene atmosphere and misty mountains. It is well known as a trekking and rafting destination in Karnataka. It is the best destination for adventure lovers and nature lovers who love exploring nature at its best. Coorg is well connected through road to most of the southern cities and the nearest railway station is situated at Mysuru and the nearest airport is situated at Mangalore and Bengaluru.

Places to visit in Coorg:  Dubare Elephant Camp, Abbi Falls, Irrupu Falls, Omkareshwara temple, Golden temple, Raja’s seat, Gaddige tomb, Madikeri fort, Nisarga Dhama, Coffee Plantations.

To book a package to Coorg, click below

4. Mangalore

Mangalore (also known as Mangaluru), is called the Gateway of Karnataka, surrounded by the Arabian Sea on one side and the Western Ghats on the East.  It is one of the port cities of India, which lies ashore in the Arabian Sea. Mangalore is considered to be a commercial, industrial, educational and healthcare hub of the west coast of India. Mangalore has a tropical climate and is blessed with scenic beauty; it is a combination of picturesque hilly landscapes, freshwater streams coconut palms and beaches. It is home to a rich cultural heritage where many classical dance forms and folk arts are practised. A lot of tourists frequent this place during the Navaratra and Dushera festivals as the Dushera is celebrated with pomp and show especially at the Gokamatheswara temple and Mangaladevi temple

Places to visit in Mangalore:  Kudroli Gokarnath temple, Jama Masjid in Kudroli, Kateel Shree Durgapa, Bejai Museum, Kadri Hill Park, Kadri Manjunatha Temple, St. Aloysius Chapel,  New Mangalore Port, Pilikula park and golf course, Ullal beach, Thannibhavi beach, Mangalore beach, Panambur beach, Sammilan Shetty’s Butterfly Park; Pilikula Nisargadhama (Zoo, Botanical garden, Lake Water Park).

5. Chikamanglur

Chikmagalur is a town located at the foothills of the Mullayanagiri range of the Western Ghats in Karnataka. The town is surrounded by several hill stations like Baba Budangiri, Kudremukha, Kalasa, Sringeri, Mudigere and so on. Chikmagalur is known as the Coffee land of Karnataka. It is a hot travel destination for trekkers and nature lovers, honeymooners and explorers who love spending time in the lap of nature. It is home to numerous temples, coffee estates and national parks. Chikmagalur is a tourist’s paradise, with picturesque landscapes, majestic green hill ranges, and coffee plantations. It is considered to be one of the most serene and attractive destinations in Karnataka, with mesmerising hill valleys, waterfalls and lush green landscapes. It is one of the best destinations for nature freaks and honeymooners.

Places to visit in Chikamanglur: Mullayanagiri, Sringeri Mutt, Annapurneshwari temple, Hebe Falls, Jhari waterfalls, Baba Budangiri Hills, Kemmangundi Peak, Kudremukh National Park, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Muthodi Wildlife sanctuary.

To book a package to Chikamanglur, click below,

6. Udupi

Udupi is also known as Odipu. It is well known as Lord Parashurama Kshetra and renowned for Kanakana Kindi. It is often referred to as the temple city as it’s a well-known pilgrimage site. Udupi is surrounded by the Western Ghats in the East and the vast Arabian Sea in the west. Udupi has its unique culture and spirituality being a well-known pilgrimage destination. The city attracts a lot of tourists and is distinguished for its architecture, temples stone and wood carvings and Yakshagana art form. Udupi is a traveller’s paradise with lush green mountain valleys in the East and mesmerizing blue water beaches in the West. Due to its diversity in culture, art and landscape, a lot of people love to frequent this place. It being a spiritual and pilgrimage destination it is often considered a sacred land.

Places of Tourist Interest: Kapu beach, Mattu beach, Padubidri beach St. Mary’s Island, Kodi beach, Kudlu falls, Sri Krishna temple, Anneggude Vinayaka temple, Ananteshwar temple.

7. Hampi

Hampi is one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. It is home to historic ruins of the last great Hindu kingdom of southern India; which include remains of forts, water structures, royal and holy structures and complexes, mandapas, temples and so on. It is one of the well-known pilgrimage centres and one of the most popular Karnataka tourist places in southern India. Hampi lies on the banks of river Tungabhadra and rests on a hilly terrain. It is also frequented by tourists during the three-day Hampi festival from October- November every year. Tourists can have a mesmerising view of the ancient ruins and structures by climbing high boulders that are spread around Hampi. It is a paradise for people who have an interest in ancient and historical sites and travellers who love to visit pilgrimage centres.

Places of Tourist Interest: Jewel of Hampi- the stone chariot, Lotus Mahal, Asivekalu Ganesha temple, Achyuta Raya temple, Dasara Diba, Saraswati temple, Vittala temple, Archeological museum, Hazara Ram temple, Hampi Bazar etc.

To book a package to Hampi, click below

8. Shimoga

Shimoga is also known as Shivamogga. It lies on the bank of river Tunga, and is considered the “Gateway of the hilly region of the Western Ghats”. Shimoga is nicknamed as “Gateway of Malnad”. The city has a picturesque landscape with green paddy fields and coconut and areca nut grooves. A lot of tourists are attracted to this place for its scenic beauty, lush green areas, mesmerising hill valleys, attractive forests, picturesque waterfalls and magnificent architecture. It is a traveller’s paradise with a blend of ancient art and architecture forms, modern-day adventure sports, wildlife safari opportunities and a lot more things to explore while enjoying their stay with family and friends. Shimoga is nature bliss where one gets the opportunity to enjoy and experience nature in its raw form.

Places to visit in Shimoga: Shivappa Nayaka’s Palace, Jpg Falls, Kote Seetharamanjaneya temple, Gajanur Dam, Koodli, Tyavarekoppa national park, Sakkare Bayalu elephant training camp, Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary, Gudavi bird sanctuary, Subrahmanya temple, Gudde Mardi hills, Shivagange waterfalls, Kunchikal falls, Bhadra wildlife sanctuary.

9. Hassan

The city of Hassan got its name from the Hasanamba temple of the goddess Hassanamba. It is known as the temple architecture capital of Karnataka. Hassan attracts a lot of tourists for its temples and pilgrimage sites and ancient architecture, art and culture. It is one of the best places for tourists who want to enjoy their holidays in a peaceful, calm and comfortable place. People who love to explore historic sites, sculptures and architecture would love this place as there are a lot of things to explore for them. It is home to the ancient capital of the Hoysala kingdom. The town of Belur lies a few km away from Hassan and is famous for its ancient temples, and stone carvings. By staying in Hassan one will get the feel of ancient times dating back to the 12^th century.

Places to visit in Hassan: Lakshmidevi temple; Sadashiva temple; Bucheshwara temple; Someshwara temple; Halebidu; Kemmanagundi; Hemavanthy dam; Votehole dam; Yagachi dam; Manjarabad dam; Belur; Shravanabelagola; Gorur; Shettyhalli; Koravangala; Hoysala temples in Mosale; Ramanathpur temples; Shri Ranganatha temple.

10. Gokarna

Gokarna is a temple town in Karnataka. It is one of the seven important Hindu pilgrimage centres. The Arabian Sea surrounds Gokarna on one side and the Rocky Mountains and the Western Ghats on the other side. The beaches around Gokarna are a hot favourite of tourists who visit this place. It is the best for tourists who want a peaceful and relaxed holiday. The destination has picturesque landscapes, which are complemented by coconut grooves, banana trees, deep blue beach waters and traditional brick houses. It is one of the important centres for Sanskrit learning.

Places to visit in Gokarna: Mahabaleshwara temple, Mahaganapathi temple, Uma Maheshwara temple, Bhadrakali temple, Tamra Gauri temple, Kotitheertha, Kudle beach, Om beach, Half Moon Beach, Paradise beach, Gokarna beach, Yaana hills.

To book a package to Gokarna, click below

11. Sakleshpur

Sakleshpur is a hill station in Karnataka. A lot of tourists frequent this place for its biodiversity and magnificent landscapes. It is a land of plantations, with coffee, cardamom, pepper and areca plantations. It is paradise for nature lovers, who love to explore nature and spend their time in pure natural settings. The place is rich in both flora and fauna. One of the main attractions of the place is the Bisle viewpoint which offers a magnificent and overwhelming view of three mountain ranges Pushpagiri Range, Kumara Parvatha and Dodda Betta. The Green Route trek is a famous and hot trekking spot between Sakleshpur and Kukke Sabramanya.

Places to visit in Sakleshpur: Manjarabad Fort, Mookana Mane Abhi Falls, Kumar Parvat, Jenukal Gudda, Bettada Bhairaveshwara temple, Manjehalli waterfalls, Green route trek, Sakleshwara temple, Raxidi estate, and Bisle viewpoint.

12. Bijapur

Bijapur is also known as Vijayapur. Bijapur is famous for its ancient monuments and architecture; it is one of the heritage cities situated in Karnataka. A lot of tourists are attracted towards the place for its ancient and magnificent architecture. It is one of the best places to visit for tourists who love to explore history and experience ancient Indian lifestyle and culture. The city of Bijapur is home to palaces, tombs, museums, and religious places. Tourists who love Indian classical and folk music can visit this place when the Bijapur Music Festival is organised.

Places to visit in Bijapur: Gol Gumbaz, Archaeological Museum, Ibrahim Rauza, Almatti Dam, Shivgiri Temple, King Edward VII memorial, Malik-e-Maidan, Uppali Buruz etc.

To book a package to Bijapur, click below

13. Chitradurga

Chitradurga lies in the beautiful river valley of Vedavati. It is famous for its picturesque landscapes, stone fortresses and historical sites. Tourists who love to explore history and ancient architecture will enjoy exploring Chitradurga. It is a calm and serene place which gives a pleasant feel of the ancient Indian pre-historic lifestyle. The hilly valleys and lush green areas give the place a soothing and magnificent look. The dam sites are excellent places for people to enjoy picnics with their dear ones. 

Places to visit in Chitradurga: Chitradurga Fort, Chandravalli caves, Hidimbeshwar Temple, Vani Vilas Sagar Dam, Davanagere, Government Museum, Ganapathi Temple, Sri Maharshi Valmiki Museum, Bheemasamudra Dam, Chinmuladri hills, Jagadguru Murugharajendra math.

14. Dandeli

The city of Dandeli is named after the local deity Dandelappa. It lies amidst the Western Ghats on the bank of river Kali.  The natural beauty and biodiversity of the city attract a lot of tourists annually. Tourists who love to spend time amidst nature and love adventure activities frequent this place. It is one of the hot spots for adventure sports and white water rafting in India. Dandeli is a combination of ancient and modern attractions with religious and historic landmarks, ancient caves, river valleys, biodiversity, and green forests and beauty all around the place. People who wish to enjoy a silent, calm and relaxed holiday with their dear ones can visit this place.

Places to visit in Dandeli: Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, Shiva Mandir, Datta Mandir, Nagadevta Mandir, Balamiri Ganesh Mandir, Mrutyunjay Math, Shankaracharya Math, Supa Dam.

15. Karwar

Karwar is a beautiful city surrounded by the Sahyadri ranges and evergreen forests in the East and the Arabian Sea in the West. It is considered to be one of the greenest cities in India. Karwar is known as the Kashmir of Karnataka and is well known for its eco-tourism. It is one of the best holiday destinations for those tourists who love to spend time on the pristine beach, enjoy the cool breeze and environment of hill valleys and love to explore the biodiversity of dense forests. Adventure-loving tourists can try out numerous water and adventure sports to boost their thrill and enjoyment.

Places to visit in Karwar: Rabindranath Tagore Beach, Binaga Beach, Devbagh Beach, Kali Bridge, Karwar Bridge, Kurumgad Island, Majali Beach, Oyster Rock Lighthouse, Anshi National Park, Chendia and Nagamadi Falls, Devkar Fall, Guddahalli peak, Habbu Mountain, Hyder Ghat pass, Mudgeri dam, Makkeri, Kot Shiveshwar, Sadashivgad Fort, Shahkarammuddin Dargah, Maritime museum. Sri Ayyappa temple, Narshimha temple, Durga temple, Casurina Beach Arga beach, Shejjeshwar temple.

16. Hospet

Hospet is located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River. The Tungabhadra dam attracts a lot of tourists to Hospet around the year. It is one of the well-known historical cities in Karnataka. A lot of tourists frequent this place for its scenic beauty and historical sites and monuments. Hospet is a symbol of ancient Indian history, art and culture. People who love to explore historical ruins and ancient culture can visit this place. Tourists also frequent Hospet due to its proximity to Hampi a World Heritage site. Visit this place with your dear ones to enjoy a relaxed holiday.

Places to visit in Hospet: Anantasayanagudi, Tungabhadra Dam, Kings Balance, Virupaksha Temple, Raghunath Temple, Nayakanahatti Thipperudra Swamy Temple, Vitalla Temple, Lotus Mahal, Harihara, Royal Palace, fish aquarium, Chakra Vana, Nandanavana Park, Shri Ramulu Park, Daroji Bear sanctuary.

17. Badami

Badami in ancient times was known as Vatapi and is famous for its ancient rock-cut temples. It has also been selected as one of the heritage cities for HRIDAY by the government of India. Tourists who love to explore history would love the place, it is home to beautiful sandstone caves temples, structures carvings and fortresses. Badami has a blend of both South and North Indian styles of architecture and is known as the city of cave temples. It is a tourist’s paradise with a picturesque landscape, calm and serene atmosphere, and photogenic backgrounds, with a touch of history.

Places to visit in Badami: Agastya Lake, Bhuthanatha group of temples, Badami fort, Badami cave temples, Open air museum, Banashankari temple, Pattadakal.

To book a package to Badami, click below

18. Aihole

Aihole is also known as Aryapura. Aihole was once the capital of the ancient Chalukya dynasty. It lies on the bank of river Malaprabha. It is home to numerous Hindu temples and is also known as the cradle of Hindu temple architecture. The place has as many as 125 temples scattered all around. It is home to Hindu, Buddhist and Jain temples, therefore it is also known as the spiritual village of Karnataka. It’s a delight for people who love to explore ancient architecture and sculptures. It is one of the best places for tourists who want to rejuvenate with the Indian spiritual culture.

Places to visit in Aihole: Durga temple, Ravana Phadi cave, Hucchappayya math, Hucchappayya Gudi, Ambigargudi temples complex, Jyotirlinga temple complex, Mallikarjuna temple complex, Ramlinga temple group, Vineyard shrines complex, Galaganatha temple group, Maddin temple group, Triyambakeshwara temple group, Kuntiguda complex, Lad Khan temple, Meguti temple, Gowda temple

19. Murdeshwar

Murdeshwar is named after the Hindu God ‘Shiva’ and is situated in the coastal area of the Arabian Sea and surrounded by the Western Ghats. It is home to both modern and traditional forms of architecture. It’s a delight for tourists who enjoy adventure sports and love to explore nature in its raw form and travellers who love to explore historical structures and architecture. Murdeshwar is becoming a hot spot for adventure sports like scuba diving, surfing and water sports. The destination is a blend of spirituality and exploration, adventure and serenity.

Places to visit in Murdeshwar: Murdeshwar temple, Raja Gopura, Statue of Sri Sarvacharya, Murdeshwar beach, Netrai Island, Murdeshwar Fort, Statue Park, Kanduka Hill, Bhatkal Beach, Jamia Masjid

20. Bandipur National Parks

 One of India’s best-preserved wildlife sanctuaries, Bandipur National Park is tucked away in the Nilgiri foothills and is a member of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Originally the Maharajas of Mysore’s exclusive hunting area, this 870 sq km area is now a flourishing tiger reserve under Project Tiger. The stunning combination of dry deciduous forests, verdant vegetation, and expansive grasslands in Bandipur provide the ideal environment for a wide range of wildlife.

Tourist places nearby: Gopalaswamy Betta a picturesque temple perched on a hill with misty surroundings that is ideal for seeing the sunrise. Additional animal experiences can be had at the Mudumalai Animal Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, which is only a short drive away. About 50 kilometres distant in Ooty (Tamil Nadu), a well-liked hill station with historical charm and tea estates.

To book a package to Bandipur National Parks, click below

21. Nagarhole National Park

Nagarhole National Park, also called Rajiv Gandhi National Park, is renowned for its lush forests, undulating hills, and the charming Kabini River. It is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. One of the greatest locations in India to witness tigers, leopards, wild elephants, and black panthers, it covers an area of 640 square kilometres. Large herds of elephants are drawn to Kabini’s serene backwaters, making it a wildlife lover’s heaven.

Tourist places nearby: Kabini Dam, a lovely reservoir with a breathtaking sunset view. A stunning waterfall in the middle of the Western Ghats is called Irpu Falls.

22. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

One of the most pristine and biodiverse protected regions in South India is Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, which is tucked away in the verdant districts of Shivamogga and Chikkamagaluru in Karnataka. This sanctuary, which covers 492 square kilometres, is a wildlife, nature, and adventure lover’s paradise. The Bhadra River, which flows through the sanctuary and enhances its ecosystems with lush foliage, dense woods, and picturesque sceneries, is the source of its name. More than 33 animal species, 250 bird species, and innumerable butterflies, reptiles, and amphibians can all be found in Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. One of the greatest locations to see the magnificent Bengal tiger in its native environment is this area, which was designated a Project Tiger Reserve in 1998. In addition to tigers, the refuge is well-known for its Indian leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and rare Malabar giant squirrels.

Tourist places nearby: Hebbe Falls, a breathtaking cascade encircled by dense woodlands, is one of the nearby tourist attractions. Trekking aficionados can find nirvana at Kudremukh National Park. A well-known hill range with coffee plantations is the Baba Budangiri Hills.

23. Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary

One of India’s most varied and exciting wildlife sites is the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, which is situated in the Uttara Kannada district in North Karnataka. Part of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka, covering an area of more than 866 square kilometres. This verdant woodland, which is traversed by the Kali River, is a sanctuary for nature photographers, adventurers, and animal aficionados.

The elusive black panther, Bengal tigers, Indian elephants, Malabar giant squirrels, sloth bears, and more than 300 species of birds may all be found at Dandeli, which is well-known for its dense deciduous woods, rocky landscapes, and abundant wildlife.

Tourist attractions: Dandeli provides the ideal fusion of adventure and animal exploration activities, including white-water, rafting, kayaking, Syntheri Rocks: A Wonder of Nature and trekking. 

To avail the best prices on packages comprising these places, write to info@groowynd.com. Explore Karnataka with Groowynd – A 9 – time Award winning travel company

FAQS: Tourist Places in Karnataka