Home to some of the vibrant cities and renowned tourist destinations, Karnataka is a state in southwest India with Arabian Sea coastlines. It is one of the most fast-growing states in India and is considered to be the IT capital of India. Bangalore is the capital city of the state as well as the chief IT hub of Karnataka. The cities in Karnataka are some of the most developed as well as culturally rich cities in India, which offer ample opportunities to go around and have an enjoyable holiday.
Encompassed by Eastern and the Western Ghats that fence Karnataka is the source of many east and west-flowing rivers of the state. The most important rivers that originate from these mountains are the Krishna, Kaveri, and their tributaries. Blessed with spectacular beaches, pristine hill stations, exotic wildlife sanctuaries, ancient forts, royal palaces, towering temples, and sprawling landscapes, Karnataka is a paradise for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and history buffs. This state has something for different kinds of travelers including families, friends, solo travelers, couples, backpackers, and honeymooners. There is no dearth of places to visit in Karnataka to enjoy a memorable vacation. Here are the top tourist destinations in Karnataka:
1. Bangalore
The capital city of Karnataka, Bangalore is nestled on the Deccan Plateau. This is fondly referred to as ‘The Garden City of India’ and is renowned for its lush green landscape. Bangalore is among the best places to visit in Karnataka owing to the breathtaking landscape of the city and its salubrious weather which attracts tourists from all over the country throughout the year. This beautiful city is a perfect blend of rich cultural heritage and natural wonders. From the early and medieval era to modern times, Bangalore is sprawling with numerous magnificent edifices, which makes the trip to Karnataka memorable. Read More.
- Best time to visit: October to February
- Places to visit: Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Bangalore Palace, Cubbon Park, Bannerghatta National Park, Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, Lumbini Gardens, Wonder La Amusement Park, ISKCON Temple, Jawahar Lal Nehru Planetarium
- Things to do: Boating at Ulsoor Lake, go-karting, cycling, quad biking, camping, and adventure activities
- Fairs and Festivals: Karaga Festival, Kadalekai Parishe (Peanut Festival), Swabhava Film Nights, Israeli Film Festival, Tour De France in Bangalore, Bangalore International Short Film Festival, and Varamahalakshmi
2. Mysuru
Renowned as the ‘Cultural Capital of Karnataka’, Mysuru is the southernmost city of Karnataka. Nestled in the foothills of Chamundi Hills, Mysuru is a perfect amalgamation of heritage structure and spiritual monuments. This is one of the three largest erstwhile Princely States of the British Empire in India. From spectacular places to vibrant festivals, Mysuru has something for every kind of traveler. This city is known for Mysore Pak, Mysore Sandal Soap, Mysore Silk, Mysore Peta, and Mysore Paintings. With its dazzling heritage, intricate architecture, and enchanting natural beauty, Mysuru is an amazing tourist destination of Karnataka. Read More.
- Best time to visit: July to February
- Places to visit: Mysore Palace, Mysore Zoo, Brindavan Gardens, Shuka Van, Chamundeshwari Temple, Somanathapura Temple, Bonsai Garden, Jaganmohan Palace, Karanji Lake, Rail Museum, St. Philomena’s Church
- Things to do: Boating at Karanji Lake, spot migratory birds in the zoo, heritage walk, river rafting, and horse riding
- Fairs and Festivals: Dasara festival, Vairamudi festival, Ugadi festival, and Dussehra.
3. Chikmagalur
Popularly called ‘The Coffee Land of Karnataka’, Chikmagalur is located in the lap of the Mullayanagiri Range. It is a perfect retreat for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. The paradisiacal beauty of this serene town makes it among the top tourist destinations in Karnataka owing to which it attracts a large number of tourists. It is a popular trekking spot and is known for a plethora of trekking trails including Baba Budangiri, Kemmanagundi, and Mullayanagiri. The calming weather and tranquil environs make it an amazing weekend getaway for those who wish to spend some time amidst peaceful surroundings. Read More.
- Best time to visit: September to March
- Places to visit: Baba Budangiri, Kemmanagundi, Mullayangiri, Kudremukh National Park, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Hebbe Falls, Coffee Museum, Coffee and Spice Plantation, Jhari Waterfalls
- Things to do: Coffee and spice plantation tour, nature walk, trekking, camping, hiking, river rafting, kayaking, jeep safari, golfing, and off-road jeep safari
- Fairs and Festivals: Kailash Fair and Diwali.
4. Hassan
Named after the Goddess Hasanamba, Hassan is known for its architectural marvels and ancient temples. It was once a major seat of the Hoysala Empire that ruled major parts of South India. This town is popular for Shettihalli Church that was built in the 18th century and Jain Temples along with it there are a plethora of ancient yet marvelous edifices that lures tourists from all over the country. It is a paradise for history buffs and architectural lovers. It is an amazing place to get glimpses of the grandeur and splendor of the kings and rulers of the bygone era. The temples of this city are intricately designed and their magnificence leaves everyone spellbound. Read More.
- Best time to visit: November to February
- Places to visit: Hoysala Temple, Hasanamba Temple, Shettihalli Church, Bhagwan Bahubali Statue, Gorur Dam, Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Kedareshwar Temple, Shri Ranganatha Temple, Ishvara Temple, Ramanathapuram Temples
- Things to do: Heritage tour, nature walk, trekking, bird watching
- Fairs and Festivals: Mahamastakabhisheka Festival
5. Hospet and Hampi
Flanked by the Tungabhadra River, Hampi and Hospet are twin cities located in the vicinity of each other. Both are the popular tourist places of Karnataka to visit with family and it is known for the magnificent ancient ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire.
Hospet is officially known as Hosapete and was built in 1520 by King Deva Raya, one of the most prominent kings of the Vijayanagara dynasty and Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagar Empire in the 1500s AD. Hampi houses UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These historic towns are blessed with rich heritage and depict the glory of the bygone era. Hampi and Hospet are home to some of the bewitching tourist places including almost 500 ancient monuments, temples, treasure buildings, and captivating remains. Read More.
- Best time to visit: November to February
- Places to visit: Tungabhadra Dam, Lotus Mahal, Archeological Museum of Hospet, Hazara Rama Temple, Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple, Hippie Island, Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple, Monolith Bull
- Things to do: Heritage tour, nature walk, bird watching, coracle ride, rock climbing, cliff jumping
- Fairs and Festivals: Hampi Festival
6. Srirangapatna
Holds cultural and religious importance, Srirangapatna is an island town. Located enclosed by the River Kaveri to form a river island, this town is popularly known as an important Vaishnavite center of pilgrimage in South India. The town gets its name from the revered Ranganathaswamy Temple, which is situated on the island and was built by the Ganga dynasty ruler of the area in the 9th century. This temple is an amalgamation of the Hoysala and Vijayanagar styles of architecture. The erstwhile capital of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, Srirangapatna is home to magnificent edifices. The monuments on the island town have been nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Read More.
- Best time to visit: October to March
- Places to visit: Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Nimishambha Temple, Dariya Daulat Bagh, Gumbaz, Balmuri Falls, Sangam, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Karighatta Temple, Kere Thonnur, Srirangapatna Fort, Mahadevapura
- Things to do: Temple tour, bird watching
- Fairs and Festivals: Navratri Festival
7. Madikeri
Boasts about sprawling coffee plantations, lush greenery, and misty hills, Madikeri is a picturesque hill station in the district of Coorg. This is a perfect hill station of Karnataka which thrives by a large number of tourists throughout the year owing to the soothing and calming weather. It is also known for its aromatic coffee plantations, which are one of their kind in the country. Along with coffee, Madikeri also comprises the plantations of spices, pepper, and cardamom. It is also known as ‘Scotland of India’ on grounds of its stunning location and fabulous weather. Madikeri is one of the best places to visit in Karnataka for honeymooners and families where they can enjoy quality time amidst a tranquil landscape. Read More.
- Best time to visit: July to September and November to April
- Places to visit: Abbey Falls, Talacauvery, Raja’s Seat, Namdroling Monastery, Madikeri Fort, Omkareshwar Temple, Chingara Falls, Chelavara Falls, and Bhagamandala
- Things to do: Trekking, elephant ride
- Fairs and Festivals: Dasara, Kailpodh, and Huthri Festivals
8. Bandipur National Park
One of the most beautiful and popular national parks of the country, Bandipur National Park was established in 1974 as a tiger reserve under Project Tiger. It houses the second highest population of tigers in the country. This national park was once the private hunting ground of the Maharaja of the Kingdom of Mysore. It is a prominent part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which is the largest wildlife-protected zone. Bandipur National Park is home to a tremendous number of wildlife species, including varied mammals, notable flowers, and trees. Jungle safari such as elephant safari, jeep rides, bus safari, and boat safari are the best ways to explore the national park and spot the exotic species of wildlife in their natural habitats.
- Best time to visit: October to March
- Places to visit: Gopalaswamy Hills
- Things to do: Jungle safari, boat ride, gypsy ride, bird watching, elephant ride
- Fairs and Festivals: Beladakuppe Mahadeshwara Swamy Temple Fair
9. Gokarna
Gokarna is a Hindu pilgrimage town, which is located on the coast of Karwar. It is known for the revered shrine of Mahabaleshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to the popular mythological belief, at this place Lord Shiva emerged from Mother Earth in the form of a cow, owing to which this town gets its name. Dotted with pristine beaches, ancient temples, and gushing waterfalls, Gokarna is one of the best offbeat tourist destinations in Karnataka where families and couples can partake in several activities to make their vacations memorable. This town is situated around River Aghanashini, which is considered to be sacred by the devotees. Soak in the spiritual aura of this religious site, witness the majestic sunset at the palm-fringed beaches, and delight in the surreal beauty of this temple town to make Karnataka trip memorable. Read More.
- Best time to visit: October to March
- Places to visit: Om Beach, Mahabaleshwar Temple, Paradise Beach, Kudle Beach, Gokarna Beach, Yana Caves, Half Moon Beach, Koti Tirtha, Maha Ganapati Temple, Kumta, Bhadrakali Temple, Belekan Beach
- Things to do: Surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, parasailing, jet-skiing, cycling, trekking, and mountaineering
- Fairs and Festivals: Mahashivratri Festival, Kartikeya Festival
10. Sakleshpur
An idyllic hill town nestled in the lap of the Western Ghats, Sakleshpur is blessed with scenic landscapes and unparalleled natural beauty. Encompassed by a number of plantations of coffee, tea, and spices, Sakleshpur is dotted with manmade wonders and nature’s gifts. It is a paradise for nature lovers and peace seekers who wish to enjoy rejuvenating time with their loved ones amidst serene environs. It is easily connected with the major cities and towns of the nearby states including Bangalore and Mangalore, which makes it among the top tourist destinations in Karnataka. There are a plethora of adventure activities in which tourists can indulge during their Karnataka trip and have an unforgettable experience.
- Best time to visit: October to March
- Places to visit: Manjarabad Fort, Sakaleswara Temple, Bisle Reserve Forest, Agni Gudda Hill, Manjehalli Waterfall, Kukke Subramanya Temple, Hadlu Waterfall
- Things to do: Trekking, camping, plantation tour, nature walk
- Fairs and Festivals: Mahashivratri Festival, Kartikeya Festival
