Best Places to Visit in Karnataka

Karnataka is the pride of South India where the tap of Carnatic music soothes the soul, the women in mustards and maroons with golden tinged silk saaris draw their own signature in the ambiance and where the most expressive dance form Bharatnatyam is performed with incomparable grace.

Moreover, Karnataka as a land-mass too offers enormous variety to the travelers, even if you are a beach person or someone who loves to indulge in the nature, perhaps someone who would love to surround yourself with the glint of city lights or a pilgrim wanting to visit spectacular temples; Karnataka has it all for you.

Visit Karnataka to experience the very essence of the rich culture of South India and to interact with its calm and friendly people.

Here is the list of 10 Famous places to visit in Karnataka:

  1. Bangalore
  2. Mysore
  3. Coorg
  4. Hampi
  5. Mangalore
  6. Bijapur
  7. Gokarna
  8. Hassan
  9. Nagarhole
  10. Badami

Bangalore

Bangalore Palace, Karnataka

Bangalore, though is bustling with quite a great population running around in haste, chasing papers under the city light; it is a justified capital of Karnataka. Bangalore is the city of haste, the city of academies and ITs, the city of music and astonishingly impressive art works.

The city is growing every day, where people are adopting modern culture too but have well embraced their tradition and it is living unscathed deep inside their hearts. The miraculous architecture of British Era is still equally charming as it was back then, who wouldn’t agree to adore its brilliance? Bangalore is one of the top places indeed an exquisite escapade if you are planning to visit Karnataka, thanks to its weather which is pleasant all year round.

Things to do :

Mysore

Mysore Palace

The vivacity of Woodeyar dynasty is spilling from every aspects of this city, especially during Dushehra festival. Mysore is indeed the second cleanest and a well planned city of India and its people are super-friendly and calm.

It is often said that in order to embrace the real south India, Mysore happens to be a must visit. What else boasts volumes about the south Indian tradition than silk sarees and sandalwood? Mysore is a master and famed place to grab the best of these.

Things to do:

Check-out Mysore Tour Packages

Coorg

Coorg, Karnataka

Coorg a.k.a Kodagu, is a paradise for those who cherish nature at its most pristine form. Skim through the landscape and there is lush greenery and glistening waterfalls; which make it a perfect hub for coffee and spice plantation.

The town is also home to ferocious yet adorable wildlife and a large number of species of birds. The majority here is of Kodava tribe, which are said to have relations with Greeks or Persians. The Kodavas exhibit their culture with pride, which has some heart-throbbing folk arts and music to get you captivated.

Things to do:

  • Abbey falls
  • Nagarahole wildlife sanctuary
  • Pushpagiri wildlife sanctuary

Also Read:

Hampi

Hampi, Karnataka

When we talk about Hampi, we picture long lost ruins dating back to the time of Vijayanagar era. These temples and forts are chiseled in order to create some fine and intricate artwork in their walls or doors or everywhere around.

The rough, rocky and beige landscape is a strong magnet for heritage lovers and pilgrims. One most cherished site is Vijayavitthala temple having its significance in the name of lord Vishnu. It is believed that the god himself was attracted by the beauty of this place and started living here.

Things to do:

  • Vithala temple
  • Hampi Bazaar
  • Virupaksha temple
  • Lakshmi Narsimha temple

Mangalore

Mangalore Beach

Mangalore is a preferred stop-over while you’re on a long journey. This city is at a distance of 200km from the capital of Karnataka: Bangalore. Even if you are not an explorer and are perhaps looking for some leisure time, then hop into the beaches with emerald sea waves splashing through rich sand. Its nature’s splendor, pristine golden beaches, and wellness retreats make this city one of the best honeymoon places in Karnataka.

The city otherwise also serves the pilgrims with beautiful temples and the significance of their stories. If you are a foodie, try the much-talked-about seafood of the city, and for shoppers, there is no dearth of markets and shopping areas.

Things to Do:

  • Mangala Devi Temple
  • Kadri Manjunath Temple
  • Gokarnanatheshwar Temple.
  • Tannirbhavi Beach

Book your customized Karnataka Beaches Tour

Bijapur

Gol Gumbaz, Bijapur

Bijapur is famous because of its eight day festival Lingayat Siddheshwara festival during January/February celebrated with zeal. Besides this there is a strong Islamic influence perhaps because of the Adil Shahi Kings, who ruled over this city for more than 200 years.

The ruins of Shahi kings still don’t fail to captivate its visitors. There isn’t any adjective that could aptly define the brilliance of architecture of that time; the ever famous Gol Gumbaz is a magnificent example of brilliance.

Gol Gumbaz is the biggest tomb ever built in India and stands on the second position when talking about the whole world. The central area of the tomb has the capacity to echo a sound seven times. While there also is a whisper room, where every mutter is clearly audible.

Things to do:

  • Gol Gumbaz
  • Archeological Museum
  • Ibrahim Rauza

Gokarna

Gokarna Beach, Karnataka

The name Gokarna itself signifies “cow”, which holds great significance in Hinduism. And thus, it could be guessed that Gokarna is known for its sanctity and that the city has one of the holiest temples of lord Shiva as it has a lingam known to be the original image of god.

Visit this ever-playful and vibrant town during the festivals like Shivratri or Ganesh chaturthi and take your spirits up high. Gokarna is also much talked about its beaches which are worth a visit. Due to its quiet beaches, it is also considered one of Karnataka’s best honeymoon destinations. Therefore, if you plan a romantic tour in the state, look for Karnataka honeymoon packages that include a trip to the Gokarna beaches.

Things to do:

  • Mahabaleshwara Temple
  • Maha Ganpati Temple
  • Kudle Beach
  • Om Beach

Best Things do in Gokarna That You Should Not Miss.

Hassan

Hassan, Karnataka

In order to merge into a scenic beauty you need to visit Hassan at least once. Taste the purest form of nature. Wherever your eyes would move, there will be lush greenery and white clouds making its way to the hill tops and merging into the dense forests. The lakes are so tranquil, one can sit beside it and just hear the birds sing and sink their songs deep into the heart. This beautiful town is growing each day but still has managed to keep its beauty intact.

Things to do:

  • Bhagwan Bahubali Statue
  • Bisile Ghat
  • Kadareswara Temple
  • Shettihalli Church

Nagarhole

Nagarhole National Park

Nagarhole National Park is named after a river which flows eastwards from its centre. It was once a wildlife sanctuary spread across the area of 582 Sq Km. Steadily more area was added and it now is 643.39 Sq Km in area and finally in 1983 it was declared a national park.

The national park is bestowed with the purest form of nature’s beauty where numerous species of animals and birds adds a little more charm. You can explore the national park by hopping into government run jeep safaris or boat rides.

Things to do:

  • Bird watching
  • Safari
  • Kabini lake
  • Boating

Badami

Badami Cave Temples, Karnataka

Badami means the color of badaam or almond and here it is referred to the red sand stone edifices and cliffs. The city is known to be the capital during the rule of Chalukya Empire and the Chalukyas left some iconic architectural brilliance for us to cherish. The Bhuthanatha group of temples is a famous tourist spot beside a lake and facing Agasythya Tank.

Things to do:

  • Cave Temples
  • Dattatreya Temple
  • Malegitti Temple

[ Browse through our Karnataka Tour Packages to plan your trip ]

Related Post

Bhavna Bura

Bhavna is a travel writer and travel photographer obsessed with different places around the world; a rather slow traveler who prefers to be solivagant to maintain inner peace. She loves to read travel articles which flows with beautiful rhythms and still well defines author’s experiences and the essence of the places.

Comments ( 11 )
Add Comment
  • Sunil

    Thanks for sharing this Blog. Really helpful

    • Diksha Khiatani

      Hey Sunil

      Thanks for your kind words and info. Keep on following our blogs for more such informative posts in the future!

  • Chitra Pandey

    Wonderful post. This blog has an amazing information about the destination places beautiful visiting spot and captures very impressive photos.

    • Diksha Khiatani

      Hey Chitra,

      Thanks for your kind words! Do follow our blogs in for more such informative posts in the future.

  • Nisha

    Wow! After reading I can’t wait to pack and explore. Keep up this good work.Thanks..

  • kavyasen

    Bangalore is justified capital of Karnataka. The city is growing every day, where people are adopting modern culture and embraced their traditions. So it is very popular for tourist. During Summer vacation, tourists are travelling this site and enjoy all these things. Below are the famous places of Karnataka:

    Lalbag Botnical garden
    mysore palace
    coorg
    yelagiri
    BR Hills

    With Fever pitch camp

  • Poonam

    Thanks for sharing this blog post having a lot of useful information and nice images. Badami in Bagalkot district of Karnataka is famous for its rock cut temples. However, you can know more about the places to visit in badami by clicking here: https://www.ixigo.com/places-to-visit-see-in-badami-lp-1069135

  • Davide

    I have been to some of the places mentioned. Mysore was my favourite, I really like the view of the city at night from Chamundi Hills with the palace lit up.

  • Rekha

    Liked your post… All the destinations mentioned in this post are quite beautiful and popular, but Gorkana is unknown for me.. I have never heard about this place but feeling good to know.

  • LSO

    Really Nice Places .One Must visit…

  • Famous Places In Karnataka | Quik Answer

    […] Karnataka is the pride of South India where the tap of Carnatic music soothes the soul, the women in mustards and maroons with golden tinged silk saaris draw their own signature in the ambiance and where the most expressive dance form Bharatnatyam is performed with incomparable grace. Know More… […]