karnataka tourist place kannada

# Trending Searches

• ತಾಜಾ ಸುದ್ದಿ
• ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು ಗ್ರಾಮಾಂತರ
• ಬೀದರ್​
• ಚಿಕ್ಕಬಳ್ಳಾಪುರ
• ಚಿಕ್ಕಮಗಳೂರು
• ದಕ್ಷಿಣ ಕನ್ನಡ
• ಉತ್ತರ ಕನ್ನಡ
• ಸ್ಯಾಂಡಲ್​ವುಡ್
• ಸಿನಿ ವಿಮರ್ಶೆ
• ಇತರೇ ಕ್ರೀಡೆ
• ಚುನಾವಣೆ 2024
• ಫೋಟೋ ಗ್ಯಾಲರಿ
• ವೈರಲ್​
• ಆಟೋಮೊಬೈಲ್​
• ಷೇರು ಮಾರುಕಟ್ಟೆ
• Kannada News Lifestyle karnataka Tourist Places Located in the midst of Western Ghats top 15 destinations to visit

Karnataka Tourism: ನೀವು ಭೇಟಿ ನೀಡಲೇ ಬೇಕಾದ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕದ 15 ಪ್ರವಾಸಿ ತಾಣಗಳು ಇಲ್ಲಿವೆ!

Karnataka tourist places: ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ರಾಜ್ಯ ಐತಿಹಾಸಿಕವಾಗಿ ಮಹತ್ವದ ಸ್ಮಾರಕಗಳು ಮತ್ತು ರಚನೆಗಳನ್ನು ಹೊಂದಿದೆ, ಇದರ ವಿಶೇಷತೆಯು ಪ್ರವಾಸಿಗರನ್ನು ಆಕರ್ಷಿಸುತ್ತದೆ..

Updated on: Jul 26, 2021 | 1:42 PM

ಕರ್ನಾಟಕದ ಭೌಗೋಳಿಕತೆ ಮತ್ತು ಭೂದೃಶ್ಯವು ವೈವಿಧ್ಯಮಯ, ಮನಮೋಹಕ ಪ್ರವಾಸಿ ಸ್ಥಳಗಳು ಮತ್ತು ಹೆಗ್ಗುರುತುಗಳಿಗೆ ಸೂಕ್ತ ತಾಣವಾಗಿದೆ. ಪಶ್ಚಿಮ ಘಟ್ಟಗಳು, ಡೆಕ್ಕನ್ ಪ್ರಸ್ಥಭೂಮಿ ಮತ್ತು ಕರಾವಳಿಯ ಮಧ್ಯದಲ್ಲಿ ನೆಲೆಗೊಂಡಿರುವ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕವು ವಿವಿಧ ಕಾಡುಗಳು, ಕಡಲತೀರಗಳು, ಜಲಪಾತಗಳು, ಕಾಫಿ ತೋಟಗಳು, ಸರೋವರಗಳು ಮತ್ತು ಪ್ರಕೃತಿಯ ಎಲ್ಲಾ ಕೊಡುಗೆಗಳಿಗೆ ನೆಲೆಯಾಗಿದೆ. ಐತಿಹಾಸಿಕವಾಗಿ ಮಹತ್ವದ ಸ್ಮಾರಕಗಳು ಮತ್ತು ರಚನೆಗಳನ್ನು ರಾಜ್ಯವು ಹೊಂದಿದೆ ಇದರ ವಿಶೇಷತೆಯು ಪ್ರವಾಸಿಗರನ್ನು ಆಕರ್ಷಿಸುತ್ತದೆ.

ಕರ್ನಾಟಕದ 15 ಪ್ರವಾಸಿ ತಾಣಗಳ ಪಟ್ಟಿ ಇಲ್ಲಿದೆ: 1)ಬಂಡೀಪುರ ರಾಷ್ಟ್ರೀಯ ಉದ್ಯಾನ – ಪ್ರಕೃತಿಯೊಂದಿಗೆ ಸಾಮರಸ್ಯ ಬಂಡೀಪುರ ರಾಷ್ಟ್ರೀಯ ಉದ್ಯಾನವನವು, ನೈಸರ್ಗಿಕ ವನ್ಯಜೀವಿಗಳ ಜೊತೆ ಕಾಡಿನ ದೃಶ್ಯಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಮತ್ತು ಶಬ್ದಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಮಗ್ನರಾಗಲು ಬಯಸುವ ಪ್ರಾಣಿ ಪ್ರಿಯರಿಗೆ ಪರಿಪೂರ್ಣ ತಾಣ. ಟೈಗರ್ ರಿಸರ್ವ್ ಮತ್ತು ರಾಷ್ಟ್ರೀಯ ಉದ್ಯಾನದ ಪಕ್ಷಿಧಾಮವನ್ನು ಮರೆಯಬೇಡಿ. ಇದು ಒಂದು ದಿನದ ಪಿಕ್ನಿಕ್ಗೆ ಸೂಕ್ತವಾದ ಆಯ್ಕೆಯಾಗಿದೆ. ನೀವು ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಗುರುತಿಸಬಹುದಾದ ಕೆಲವು ವನ್ಯಜೀವಿಗಳು ಆನೆಗಳು, ಜಿಂಕೆಗಳು, ಮತ್ತು ಹುಲ್ಲೆಗಳು.ಈ ಆಕರ್ಷಣೆ ಮೈಸೂರು ರೈಲ್ವೆ ನಿಲ್ದಾಣದಿಂದ ಸುಮಾರು 80 ಕಿ.ಮೀ ಮತ್ತು ವಿಮಾನ ನಿಲ್ದಾಣದಿಂದ ಸುಮಾರು 220 ಕಿ.ಮೀ ದೂರದಲ್ಲಿದೆ.

ಬಂಡೀಪುರ (ಚಿತ್ರಕೃಪೆ: ಕೆಎಸ್​ಟಿಡಿಸಿ ವೆಬ್​ಸೈಟ್​)

2)ಕೂರ್ಗ್- ಮೋಹಿಸುವ ಸೆರೆಯಾಳು ಕೂರ್ಗ್ ಪ್ರಾಚೀನ, ಕಡಿಮೆ ಜನದಟ್ಟಣೆಯ ಗಿರಿಧಾಮಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಒಂದಾಗಿದೆ. ಇದರ ನೈಸರ್ಗಿಕ ಮತ್ತು ಸೊಂಪಾದ ಹಸಿರು ಪ್ರಕೃತಿಯ ಸೌಂದರ್ಯವನ್ನು ಇಮ್ಮಡಿಗೊಳಿಸುತ್ತದೆ. ಇದು ಬೇಸಿಗೆ ಕಾಲಕ್ಕೆ ಸೂಕ್ತವಾದ ಸ್ಥಳ. ಕೂರ್ಗ್‌ ಕಾಫಿ ತೋಟಗಳು, ಜಲಪಾತಗಳು, ಹಸಿರು ಪರ್ವತಗಳಿಂದ ಕಂಗೊಳಿಸುತ್ತದೆ. ಇಲ್ಲಿನ ಮತ್ತೊಂದು ವಿಶಿಷ್ಟ ಆಕರ್ಷಣೆ ಎಂದರೆ ಟಿಬೆಟಿಯನ್ ಮಠ. ಪ್ರವಾಸಿಗರು ಕಾಫಿ ಎಸ್ಟೇಟ್ಗಳಲ್ಲಿ, ನದಿಯ ಪಕ್ಕದಲ್ಲಿ ಮತ್ತು ಪರ್ವತದ ರಮಣೀಯ ಹಾದಿಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಚಾರಣಕ್ಕೆ ಸಾಕಷ್ಟು ಆಯ್ಕೆಗಳನ್ನು ಹೊಂದಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಯಾವುದೇ ರೀತಿಯ ಶಾಪಿಂಗ್ ಅಗತ್ಯಗಳಿಗಾಗಿ ಸ್ಥಳೀಯ ಮಾರುಕಟ್ಟೆ ಇದೆ. ಕೂರ್ಗ್ ಮಂಗಳೂರು ರೈಲು ನಿಲ್ದಾಣದಿಂದ ಸುಮಾರು 106 ಕಿ.ಮೀ ಮತ್ತು ವಿಮಾನ ನಿಲ್ದಾಣದಿಂದ 250 ಕಿ.ಮೀ ದೂರದಲ್ಲಿದೆ.

ಕೊಡಗು (ಚಿತ್ರಕೃಪೆ: ಕೆಎಸ್​ಟಿಡಿಸಿ ವೆಬ್​ಸೈಟ್​)

3)ಹಂಪಿ – ವಾಸ್ತುಶಿಲ್ಪದ ಅದ್ಭುತ ಯುನೆಸ್ಕೋ ಘೋಷಿಸಿದಂತೆ ಹಂಪಿ ವಿಶ್ವದ ಪರಂಪರೆಯ ತಾಣಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಒಂದಾಗಿದೆ. ತುಂಗಭದ್ರಾ ತೀರದಲ್ಲಿ ನೆಲೆಗೊಂಡಿರುವ ಈ ಸ್ಥಳವು ವಿಜಯನಗರ ಸಾಮ್ರಾಜ್ಯದ ಐತಿಹಾಸಿಕ ನೆಲೆಯಾಗಿದೆ. ಬಂಡೆಗಳು ಮತ್ತು ಕಲ್ಲಿನ ಕೆತ್ತನೆಗಳು ಹಳೆಯ ಯುಗದ ಕುಶಲಕರ್ಮಿಗಳ ಕೌಶಲ್ಯ ಮತ್ತು ಪಾಂಡಿತ್ಯಕ್ಕೆ ಪುರಾವೆಯಾಗಿದೆ. ಇದು ಇತಿಹಾಸ ಉತ್ಸಾಹಿಗಳಿಗೆ ಸೂಕ್ತವಾದ ಪ್ರವಾಸಿ ತಾಣವಾಗಿದೆ. ಹಂಪಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಅಂತಹ 500 ಭವ್ಯವಾದ ರಚನೆಗಳು ಇವೆ, ಪ್ರತಿಯೊಂದೂ ತನ್ನದೇ ಆದ ಕಥೆಯನ್ನು ಹೊಂದಿದೆ. ಹುಬ್ಬಿ ವಿಮಾನ ನಿಲ್ದಾಣವು ಹಂಪಿಗೆ ಹತ್ತಿರದಲ್ಲಿದೆ, ಸುಮಾರು 74 ಕಿ.ಮೀ.

ಹಂಪಿ (ಚಿತ್ರಕೃಪೆ: ಕೆಎಸ್​ಟಿಡಿಸಿ ವೆಬ್​ಸೈಟ್​)

4)ಮೈಸೂರು – ಮೋಡಿ ನಗರ ಮೈಸೂರು ಅತ್ಯಂತ ಹಳೆಯ ನಗರಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಒಂದಾಗಿದೆ ಮತ್ತು ಕರ್ನಾಟಕದ ಎರಡನೇ ದೊಡ್ಡ ನಗರವಾಗಿದೆ. ತನ್ನ ಹಳೆಯ ಮೋಡಿಯನ್ನು ಕಾಪಾಡಿಕೊಳ್ಳುವಲ್ಲಿ ಯಶಸ್ವಿಯಾದ ಕೆಲವೇ ಕೆಲವು ನಗರಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಮೈಸೂರು ಕೂಡ ಒಂದು. ಮೈಸೂರಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಸಾಕಷ್ಟು ಅರಮನೆಗಳು, ವಸ್ತು ಸಂಗ್ರಹಾಲಯಗಳು, ದೇವಾಲಯಗಳು ಮತ್ತು ಪಾರಂಪರಿಕ ರಚನೆಗಳು ಇವೆ. ಆಕರ್ಷಣೀಯ ಬೃಂದಾವನ್ ಉದ್ಯಾನವನಗಳು ಮೈಸೂರಿನ ಪ್ರಮುಖ ಆಕರ್ಷಣೆಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಒಂದಾಗಿದೆ. ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು ವಿಮಾನ ನಿಲ್ದಾಣವು ಮೈಸೂರಿನಿಂದ 184 ಕಿ.ಮೀ ದೂರದಲ್ಲಿದೆ.

ಮೈಸೂರು. (ಚಿತ್ರಕೃಪೆ: ಕೆಎಸ್​ಟಿಡಿಸಿ ವೆಬ್​ಸೈಟ್​)

5)ಶಿವನಸಮುದ್ರ ಜಲಪಾತ – ಪ್ರಕೃತಿಯ ಕೋಪ ಮತ್ತು ಪ್ರೀತಿಯ ಸಂಕೇತ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕದ ಮಂಡ್ಯ ಜಿಲ್ಲೆಯಲ್ಲಿರುವ ಶಿವನಸಮುದ್ರ ಜಲಪಾತವು ವಿಶೇಷವಾಗಿ ಮಳೆಗಾಲದಲ್ಲಿ ನೋಡಲು ಒಂದು ಅದ್ಭುತ ದೃಶ್ಯವಾಗಿದೆ. ಇದು ವಿಭಜಿತ ಪತನವಾಗಿದ್ದು, ಗಗನಚುಕ್ಕಿ ಮತ್ತು ಭರಚುಕಕ್ಕಿ ಎಂದು ಕರೆಯಲ್ಪಡುವ ತೊರೆಗಳು ಒಂದಕ್ಕೊಂದು ಸಮಾನಾಂತರವಾಗಿ ಚಲಿಸುತ್ತವೆ. ಕಮರಿ ತುಂಬಾ ಆಳವಾಗಿದೆ ಮತ್ತು ಈಜುವುದನ್ನು ಅನುಮತಿಸಲಾಗುವುದಿಲ್ಲ ಆದರೆ ಪ್ರವಾಸಿಗರು ನೀರಿನ ಬಲ ಕಡಿಮೆ ಇರುವ ಭಾಗದಲ್ಲಿ ಸ್ನಾನವನ್ನು ಮಾಡಬಹುದು. ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು ವಿಮಾನ ನಿಲ್ದಾಣವು ಸುಮಾರು 175 ಕಿ.ಮೀ ಮತ್ತು ಮೈಸೂರು ನಿಲ್ದಾಣವು ಶಿವನಸಮುದ್ರ ಜಲಪಾತದಿಂದ 80 ಕಿ.ಮೀ ದೂರದಲ್ಲಿದೆ.

ಶಿವನಸಮುದ್ರ. (ಚಿತ್ರಕೃಪೆ: ಕೆಎಸ್​ಟಿಡಿಸಿ ವೆಬ್​ಸೈಟ್​)

6)ಗೋಕರ್ಣ-ನೆಮ್ಮದಿಯ ತಾಣ ಗೋಕರ್ಣ, ಈ ಸಣ್ಣ ಮತ್ತು ಕಡಿಮೆ ಜನಸಂಖ್ಯೆ ಹೊಂದಿರುವ ಪಟ್ಟಣವು ಕರ್ನಾಟಕದ ಉತ್ತರ ಕನ್ನಡ ಜಿಲ್ಲೆಯಲ್ಲಿದೆ. ಇದರ ಶಾಂತಿಯುತ ವಾತಾವರಣದಿಂದಾಗಿ ಪ್ರವಾಸಿಗರ ‘ಹೋಗಬೇಕಾದ’ ಸ್ಥಳಗಳ ಪಟ್ಟಿಯಲ್ಲಿದೆ. ಗೋಕರ್ಣ ಪ್ರವಾಸಿಗರನ್ನು ಆಕರ್ಷಿಸುವ ಕಡಲತೀರಗಳು ಮತ್ತು ಧಾರ್ಮಿಕ ದೇವಾಲಯಗಳಿಂದ ಕೂಡಿದೆ. ಪ್ರಸಿದ್ಧ ಮಹಾಬಲೇಶ್ವರ ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನಕ್ಕೆ ಭೇಟಿ ನೀಡದಿದ್ದರೆ ನಿಮ್ಮ ಪ್ರವಾಸ ಅಪೂರ್ಣವಾಗಿರುತ್ತದೆ. ಗೋಕರ್ಣದಲ್ಲಿನ ಕೆಲವು ಜನಪ್ರಿಯ ಕಡಲತೀರಗಲಿವೆ. ಕುಡ್ಲೆ ಬೀಚ್, ಓಂ ಬೀಚ್ ಮತ್ತು ಗೋಕರ್ಣ ಬೀಚ್. ಈ ಯಾವುದೇ ಕಡಲತೀರಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ನೀವು ಪ್ರಶಾಂತ ಮರಳು ಮತ್ತು ರೋಮಾಂಚಕ ನೀರಿನ ಕ್ರೀಡೆಗಳನ್ನು ಆನಂದಿಸಬಹುದು. ಗೋಕರ್ಣ ವಾಸ್ಕೋ ಡಾ ಗಾಮಾ ವಿಮಾನ ನಿಲ್ದಾಣದಿಂದ ಸುಮಾರು 150 ಕಿ.ಮೀ ಮತ್ತು ಕಾರ್ವಾರ್ ರೈಲು ನಿಲ್ದಾಣದಿಂದ 60 ಕಿ.ಮೀ ದೂರದಲ್ಲಿದೆ

ಗೋಕರ್ಣ. (ಚಿತ್ರಕೃಪೆ: ಕೆಎಸ್​ಟಿಡಿಸಿ ವೆಬ್​ಸೈಟ್​)

7)ಬೇಲೂರು ಮತ್ತು ಹಳೇಬೀಡು – ದೇವಾಲಯ ಪಟ್ಟಣಗಳು ಯಾಗಚಿ ನದಿಯ ತೀರದಲ್ಲಿರುವ ಬೇಲೂರು, ಹೊಯ್ಸಳ ಸಾಮ್ರಾಜ್ಯದ ಹಿಂದಿನ ರಾಜಧಾನಿಯಾಗಿತ್ತು. ಇದು ಅದ್ಭುತವಾದ ವಾಸ್ತುಶಿಲ್ಪ ಮತ್ತು ಸಂಪೂರ್ಣವಾಗಿ ರಚಿಸಲಾದ ಶಿಲ್ಪಗಳನ್ನು ಹೊಂದಿರುವ ವಿವಿಧ ದೇವಾಲಯಗಳನ್ನು ಒಳಗೊಂಡಿದೆ. ಬೃಹತ್ ಸ್ತಂಭಗಳು, ಸಂಕೀರ್ಣವಾದ ಕೆತ್ತನೆಗಳು ಮತ್ತು ಜೀವನ ಗಾತ್ರದ ಶಿಲ್ಪಗಳನ್ನು ಹೊಂದಿರುವ ಚೆನ್ನಕೇಶವ ದೇವಾಲಯ ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಅತ್ಯಂತ ಪ್ರಸಿದ್ಧವಾಗಿದೆ. ಮಂಗಳೂರು ವಿಮಾನ ನಿಲ್ದಾಣವು ಬೇಲೂರಿನಿಂದ 170 ಕಿ.ಮೀ ಮತ್ತು ಹಾಸನ ಸುಮಾರು 25 ಕಿ.ಮೀ ದೂರದಲ್ಲಿದೆ. ಹಳೇಬೀಡು ಕರ್ನಾಟಕದ ಹಾಸನ ಜಿಲ್ಲೆಯಲ್ಲಿದೆ. ರಾಜ ವಿಷ್ಣುವರ್ಧನ ಮತ್ತು ರಾಣಿ ಶಾಂತಲಾ ದೇವಿಯನ್ನು ಗೌರವಿಸಲು ಮುಖ್ಯ ದೇವಾಲಯವನ್ನು ನಿರ್ಮಿಸಲಾಗಿದೆ. ದೇವಾಲಯದಿಂದ, ಎದುರು ಬದಿಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಎರಡು ಬೆಟ್ಟಗಳ ಎರಡು ಎತ್ತುಗಳಂತೆ ಮತ್ತು ದಕ್ಷಿಣ ಭಾಗದಲ್ಲಿ ಗಣೇಶ ಆಕೃತಿಯಂತೆ ಕಾಣುವ ಬೆರಗುಗೊಳಿಸುವ ನೋಟವಿದೆ. ಈ ಸ್ಥಳವು ಮೊಘಲ್ ರಾಜವಂಶದಿಂದ ಹಾಳಾಯಿತು ಮತ್ತು ಆದ್ದರಿಂದ “ಹಾಲೆಬಿಡು” ಎಂಬ ಹೆಸರನ್ನು ಪಡೆದುಕೊಂಡಿದೆ, ಅಂದರೇ ನಗರವು ಹಾಳಾಗಿದೆ ಇಂದರ್ಥ. ಈ ಸ್ಥಳವು ಬೇಲೂರಿನಿಂದ ಸುಮಾರು 6 ಕಿ.ಮೀ ಮತ್ತು ಹಾಸನದಿಂದ 30 ಕಿ.ಮೀ ದೂರದಲ್ಲಿದೆ.

ಬೇಲೂರು – ಹಳೇಬೀಡು. (ಚಿತ್ರಕೃಪೆ: ಕೆಎಸ್​ಟಿಡಿಸಿ ವೆಬ್​ಸೈಟ್​)

8)ಜೋಗ್ ಫಾಲ್ಸ್- ನಯನಮನೋಹರವಾದ ಜಲಪಾತ ನೆಲದಿಂದ ಸುಮಾರು 850 ಅಡಿಗಳಷ್ಟು ಬೀಳುವ ಜೋಗ್ ಫಾಲ್ಸ್ ಭಾರತದ ಎರಡನೇ ಅತಿ ಎತ್ತರದ ಜಲಪಾತವಾಗಿದೆ. ಪ್ರಕೃತಿಯ ಸುಂದರವಾದ ಸೃಷ್ಟಿಯೊಂದರ ಅದ್ಭುತ ನೋಟವನ್ನು ಆನಂದಿಸಲು ವ್ಯೂ ಪಾಯಿಂಟ್‌ಗೆ ಹೋಗಲು ಮೆಟ್ಟ್ಲುಗಳಿವೆ. ಸಾಗರ್ ನಿಲ್ದಾಣವು ಜೋಗ ಜಲಪಾತದಿಂದ 28 ಕಿ.ಮೀ ದೂರದಲ್ಲಿದೆ ಮತ್ತು ಹುಬ್ಲಿ ವಿಮಾನ ನಿಲ್ದಾಣವು 130 ಕಿ.ಮೀ ದೂರದಲ್ಲಿದೆ.

ಜೋಗ ಜಲಪಾತ. (ಚಿತ್ರಕೃಪೆ: ಕೆಎಸ್​ಟಿಡಿಸಿ ವೆಬ್​ಸೈಟ್​)

9)ದಾಂಡೇಲಿ – ಮೋಜಿನ ತಾಣ ಕಳೆದ ಕೆಲವು ವರ್ಷಗಳಲ್ಲಿ, ದಾಂಡೇಲಿ ಪ್ರವಾಸಿ ತಾಣವಾಗಿ ಬೆಳೆಯುವ ಮಟ್ಟಕ್ಕೆ ತಲುಪಿದೆ. ಚಾರಣಕ್ಕೆ ಸೂಕ್ತವಾದ ಗುಡ್ಡಗಾಡು ಪ್ರದೇಶ, ಹೇರಳವಾಗಿರುವ ಹಸಿರು ಕಾಡುಗಳು ಮತ್ತು ವನ್ಯಜೀವಿಗಳಿಂದಾಗಿ ಇದು ರೋಮಾಂಚಕ ತಾಣವಾಗಿದೆ. ದಾಂಡೇಲಿಯ ಕಾಳಿ ನದಿ ದೋಣಿ ವಿಹಾರ ಮತ್ತು ಕಯಾಕಿಂಗ್ ಅವಕಾಶಗಳನ್ನು ನೀಡುತ್ತದೆ. ಹುಬ್ಬಳ್ಳಿ ವಿಮಾನ ನಿಲ್ದಾಣವು ದಾಂಡೇಲಿಯಿಂದ 55 ಕಿ.ಮೀ ದೂರದಲ್ಲಿದೆ.

ದಾಂಡೇಲಿ. (ಚಿತ್ರಕೃಪೆ: ಕೆಎಸ್​ಟಿಡಿಸಿ ವೆಬ್​ಸೈಟ್​)

10)ನಂದಿ ಬೆಟ್ಟ-ಸೌಂದರ್ಯದ ಉತ್ತುಂಗವನ್ನು ತಲುಪಿ ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿನ ಪೂರ್ವಕ್ಕೆ ಇರುವ ನಂದಿ ಬೆಟ್ಟಗಳು ತನ್ನ ಪ್ರವಾಸಿಗರಿಗೆ ಬೆಟ್ಟದ ತುದಿಗಳ ನೋಟಗಳೊಂದಿಗೆ ಪ್ರಾಚೀನ ಸರೋವರಗಳು, ಸ್ಮಾರಕಗಳು ಮತ್ತು ದೇವಾಲಯಗಳ ರಮಣೀಯ ನೋಟವನ್ನೂ ನೀಡುತ್ತದೆ. ಈ ಬೆಟ್ಟದ ಅತ್ಯುತ್ತಮ ಆಕರ್ಷಣೆಯೆಂದರೆ ತಂಪಾದ ಮತ್ತು ಮಂಜಿನ ವಾತಾವರಣ, ಇದು ಪ್ರವಾಸಿಗರನ್ನು ನಗರಗಳ ಏಕತಾನತೆ ಮತ್ತು ಶಬ್ದದಿಂದ ದೂರವಿರಿಸಿ ಹೊಸ ಜಗತ್ತಿಗೆ ಕರೆದೊಯ್ಯುತ್ತದೆ. ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು ವಿಮಾನ ನಿಲ್ದಾಣವು ನಂದಿ ಬೆಟ್ಟದಿಂದ ಒಂದು ಗಂಟೆ ದೂರದಲ್ಲಿದೆ.

ನಂದಿ ಬೆಟ್ಟ. . (ಚಿತ್ರಕೃಪೆ: ಕೆಎಸ್​ಟಿಡಿಸಿ ವೆಬ್​ಸೈಟ್​)

11)ಚಿತ್ರದುರ್ಗ ಕೋಟೆ – ಒಂದು ಬಲವರ್ಧಿತ ಕೋಟೆ ಚಿತ್ರದುರ್ಗ ಪಟ್ಟಣದಲ್ಲಿ ನೆಲೆಗೊಂಡಿರುವ ಈ ಮಹಾನ್ ಸ್ಮಾರಕವು ಪುರಾತತ್ವ ಅದ್ಭುತವಾಗಿದೆ. ಈ ಕೋಟೆಯು ಚಾಲುಕ್ಯರ ಆಳ್ವಿಕೆಯಿಂದ ಅಸ್ತಿತ್ವದಲ್ಲಿದ್ದಂತೆ ಅಪಾರ ಐತಿಹಾಸಿಕ ಮೌಲ್ಯವನ್ನು ಹೊಂದಿದೆ. ಈ ಕೋಟೆಯ ಸುತ್ತಲಿನ ಭೂದೃಶ್ಯವು ಎತ್ತರದ ಬೆಟ್ಟದಿಂದ ಅಲಂಕರಿಸಲ್ಪಟ್ಟಿದೆ ಮತ್ತು ಶಿಖರವು ಕಣಿವೆಯ ನೋಟವನ್ನು ನೀಡುತ್ತದೆ. ಈ ಸ್ಥಳ ಚಿತ್ರದುರ್ಗ ರೈಲು ನಿಲ್ದಾಣ ಮತ್ತು ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು ವಿಮಾನ ನಿಲ್ದಾಣದಿಂದ ಸುಮಾರು 200 ಕಿ.ಮೀ. ದೂರವಿದೆ.

ಚಿತ್ರದುರ್ಗ ಕಜೋಟೆ. . (ಚಿತ್ರಕೃಪೆ: ಕೆಎಸ್​ಟಿಡಿಸಿ ವೆಬ್​ಸೈಟ್​)

12)ಬಿಜಾಪುರ – ಶ್ರೀಮಂತ ಧಾಮ ಬಿಜಾಪುರದಲ್ಲಿ ನೀವು ಮಸೀದಿಗಳು, ಅರಮನೆಗಳು, ಇತ್ಯಾದಿಗಳನ್ನು ಆನಂದಿಸಬಹುದು. ಗೋಲ್ ಗುಂಬಾಜ್, ಬಿಜಾಪುರ ಕೋಟೆ ಮತ್ತು ಗಗನ್ ಮಹಲ್ ಇಲ್ಲಿರುವ ಕೆಲವು ಪ್ರಸಿದ್ಧ ರಚನೆಗಳು. ಬಿಜಾಪುರವು ತನ್ನದೇ ಆದ ರೈಲ್ವೆ ನಿಲ್ದಾಣವನ್ನು ಹೊಂದಿದೆ ಮತ್ತು ಬೆಳಗಾವಿ ವಿಮಾನ ನಿಲ್ದಾಣವು ಸುಮಾರು 160 ಕಿ.ಮೀ ದೂರದಲ್ಲಿದೆ.

ಬಿಜಾಪುರ ಗೋಳಗುಮ್ಮಟ. (ಚಿತ್ರಕೃಪೆ: ಕೆಎಸ್​ಟಿಡಿಸಿ ವೆಬ್​ಸೈಟ್​)

13)ಚಿಕ್ಮಗಲೂರ್- ಇಲ್ಲಿ ನೆಮ್ಮದಿಗೆ ಕೊರತೆಯಿಲ್ಲ ಚಿಕ್ಮಗಲೂರ್ ಬಹಳ ಪ್ರಶಾಂತ ಮತ್ತು ಸುಂದರವಾದ ಗಿರಿಧಾಮವಾಗಿದ್ದು, ನೋಡಲು ಸಾಕಷ್ಟು ರೋಮಾಂಚಕಾರಿ ಸಂಗತಿಗಳನ್ನು ಹೊಂದಿದೆ. ಭವ್ಯವಾದ ಪಶ್ಚಿಮ ಘಟ್ಟದ ಬೆಟ್ಟಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಒಂದಾದ ಚಾರಣ ಇಲ್ಲಿ ಜನಪ್ರಿಯ ಆಕರ್ಷಣೆಯಾಗಿದೆ. ಚಿಕ್ಕಮಗಲೂರಿನ ವಿವಿಧ ಆಕರ್ಷಣೆಯ ಸ್ಥಳಗಳು ಕುದ್ರೆಮುಖ ವನ್ಯಜೀವಿ ಅಭಯಾರಣ್ಯ, ಹಸಿರು ಮುಲ್ಲಾಯನಗರಿ ಚಹಾ ತೋಟಗಳು, ಹೆಬ್ಬೆ ಜಲಪಾತ, ಸುಂದರವಾದ ಬಾಬಾ ಬುಡಾನ್ ಗಿರಿ ಪರ್ವತಗಳು, ಭದ್ರಾ ವನ್ಯಜೀವಿ ಉದ್ಯಾನವನ ಮತ್ತು ಇನ್ನೂ ಅನೇಕ ಆಕರ್ಷಣೆಗಳು. ಚಿಕ್ಮಗಲೂರಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಮಾಡಬೇಕಾದ ಕಾರ್ಯಗಳ ವ್ಯಾಪಕ ಆಯ್ಕೆ ಇದೆ. ಸರೋವರದಲ್ಲಿ ಕಯಾಕಿಂಗ್‌ಗೆ ಹೋಗಬಹುದು ಅಥವಾ ಜಲ ಕ್ರೀಡೆಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಪಾಲ್ಗೊಳ್ಳಬಹುದು. ಭದ್ರಾ ಅಭಯಾರಣ್ಯದಲ್ಲಿನ ಟೈಗರ್ ರಿಸರ್ವ್ ಅನ್ನು ಅನ್ವೇಷಿಸಲು ಸಫಾರಿ ಸವಾರಿಗೆ ಹೋಗಬಹುದು ಅಥವಾ ಹಚ್ಚ ಹಸಿರಿನ ಚಹಾ ತೋಟಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಚಾರಣಕ್ಕೆ ಹೋಗಬಹುದು. ಚಿಕ್ಮಗಲೂರು ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿನಿಂದ ರಸ್ತೆಯ ಮೂಲಕ ಸುಮಾರು 4 ಗಂಟೆಗಳಿರುತ್ತದೆ.

ಚಿಕ್ಕಮಗಳೂರು. (ಚಿತ್ರಕೃಪೆ: ಕೆಎಸ್​ಟಿಡಿಸಿ ವೆಬ್​ಸೈಟ್​)

14)ಉಡುಪಿ – ಕರ್ನಾಟಕದ ರುಚಿ ಅರಬ್ಬಿ ಸಮುದ್ರ ಮತ್ತು ಪಶ್ಚಿಮ ಘಟ್ಟಗಳ ನಡುವೆ ಮರಳುಗಾರಿಕೆ ಹೊಂದಿರುವ ಮಂಗಳೂರು ಸಮೀಪದ ಉಡುಪಿ ಪಟ್ಟಣವು ದೇವಾಲಯಗಳು ಮತ್ತು ಆಹಾರ ಎಂಬ 2 ವಿಷಯಗಳಿಗೆ ಪ್ರಸಿದ್ಧವಾಗಿದೆ. ಉಡುಪಿಯಲ್ಲಿರುವ ಸುಂದರ ಮತ್ತು ಬೃಹತ್ ಶ್ರೀ ಕೃಷ್ಣ ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನವು ಪ್ರಪಂಚದಾದ್ಯಂತದ ಭಕ್ತರನ್ನು ಆಕರ್ಷಿಸುತ್ತದೆ. ಇಲ್ಲಿ 100 ವರ್ಷಗಳಷ್ಟು ಹಳೆಯದಾಗಿದೆ ಎಂದು ನಂಬಲಾದ ಶಿವ ದೇವಾಲಯವೂ ಇದೆ. ವಿಶಿಷ್ಟವಾದ ಉಡುಪಿ ಪರಿಮಳವನ್ನು ಹೊಂದಿರುವ ರುಚಿಕರವಾದ ದಕ್ಷಿಣ ಭಾರತದ ಆಹಾರಕ್ಕಾಗಿ “ಉಡುಪಿ ಪಾಕಪದ್ಧತಿ” ಆಹಾರ ಅಭಿಜ್ಞರಲ್ಲಿ ಮನೆಯ ಹೆಸರಾಗಿದೆ. ಉಡುಪಿ ಮಂಗಳೂರು ವಿಮಾನ ನಿಲ್ದಾಣದಿಂದ 60 ಕಿ.ಮೀ ದೂರದಲ್ಲಿದೆ ಮತ್ತು ಇದು ತನ್ನದೇ ಆದ ರೈಲ್ವೆ ನಿಲ್ದಾಣವಾದ ಉಡುಪಿ ರೈಲು ನಿಲ್ದಾಣವನ್ನು ಹೊಂದಿದೆ.

ಉಡುಪಿ . (ಚಿತ್ರಕೃಪೆ: ಕೆಎಸ್​ಟಿಡಿಸಿ ವೆಬ್​ಸೈಟ್​)

15) ಮುರುಡೇಶ್ವರ – ಪವಿತ್ರ ಸ್ಥಳ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕದಲ್ಲಿ ಭೇಟಿ ನೀಡುವ ಅತ್ಯಂತ ಪ್ರಸಿದ್ಧ ಸ್ಥಳಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಒಂದಾಗಿದೆ ಮತ್ತು ಭಾರತದ ತೀರ್ಥಯಾತ್ರೆಯ ಜನಪ್ರಿಯ ಸ್ಥಳಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಒಂದಾಗಿದೆ. ಇದು ಮಂಗಳೂರಿನಿಂದ ಸುಮಾರು 162 ಕಿ.ಮೀ ಮತ್ತು ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿನಿಂದ 497 ಕಿ.ಮೀ ದೂರದಲ್ಲಿದೆ. ಮುರುಡೇಶ್ವರನು ಶಿವನ ವಾಸಸ್ಥಾನ. ಈ ದೇವಾಲಯ ಪಟ್ಟಣವು ವಿಶ್ವದ ಎರಡನೇ ಅತಿ ಎತ್ತರದ ಶಿವ ಪ್ರತಿಮೆ (123 ಅಡಿ) ಮತ್ತು ಅತಿ ಎತ್ತರದ ದೇವಾಲಯ ಗೋಪುರ (249 ಅಡಿ) ಗೆ ಹೆಸರುವಾಸಿಯಾಗಿದೆ. ಮೂರು ಬದಿಗಳಲ್ಲಿರುವ ಸಮುದ್ರವು ಕಂದುಕಾ ಗಿರಿ ಎಂಬ ಸಣ್ಣ ಬೆಟ್ಟದ ಮೇಲಿರುವ ಮುರುಡೇಶ್ವರ ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನವನ್ನು ಸುತ್ತುವರೆದಿದೆ. ಸೂರ್ಯಾಸ್ತವನ್ನು ವೀಕ್ಷಿಸಲು ಇದು ಉತ್ತಮ ಸ್ಥಳವಾಗಿದೆ. ಮುರುಡೇಶ್ವರಕ್ಕೆ ಭೇಟಿ ನೀಡಲು ಉತ್ತಮ ಸಮಯವೆಂದರೆ ನವೆಂಬರ್ ನಿಂದ ಫೆಬ್ರವರಿ.

ಮುರುಡೇಶ್ವರ.(ಚಿತ್ರಕೃಪೆ: ಕೆಎಸ್​ಟಿಡಿಸಿ ವೆಬ್​ಸೈಟ್​)

ಲೇಖನ: ಜೆನಿಶಾ ಜರ್ನಿಸ್​

Published On - 4:34 pm, Sat, 24 July 21

• Tour Enquiry
• Sign up | Login
• My Bookings
• New User? Sign-up
• Domestic Tours
• South India
• Maharashtra
• Golden Triangle
• North India
• North East India
• International
• Maldives (Discontinued)
• All Domestic Tours
• All International Tours
• Offbeat Tours
• Domestic Cruise Tours
• Jungle Lodges by JLR
• Kabini River Lodge
• Bandipur Safari Lodge
• JLR Kings Sanctuary
• River Tern Lodge
• Kali Adventure Camp
• Hampi Heritage & Wilderness Resort
• K Gudi Wilderness Camp
• Car Rentals
• Destinations
• Tourist Places on Drive
• Driving Directions
• * Workation
• * Tour Plans
• List Property
• All Best Rated Destinations

35 Best Tourist Places to Visit in Karnataka

• within 5 km
• within 10 km
• within 20 km
• within 30 km
• within 40 km
• within 50 km

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 ...

Please wait... the destinations are being loaded

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.

Top 6 Karnataka Packages

Most popular tours, most popular tourist places in karnataka.

Similar Getaways

Popular Bangalore Getaways

• Top Places to Visit near Bangalore
• Best Hill Stations around Bangalore
• Best Waterfalls near Bangalore
• Adventure / Trekking near Bangalore
• Popular Beaches around Bangalore
• Top Heritage Sites near Bangalore
• Wildlife Sanctuaries near Bangalore
• Pilgrimage Sites around Bangalore

Popular Karnataka Getaways

• Best Places to Visit in Karnataka
• Top Hill Stations in Karnataka
• Best Waterfalls in Karnataka
• Best Beaches in Karnataka
• Advanture / Trekking Sites in Karnataka
• Best Pilgrimage Sites in Karnataka
• Historical / Heritage Sites in Karnataka
• Wildlife Parks in Karnataka

100% SECURE PAYMENTS

Domestic & international cards accepted.

Our WhatsApp Numbers

International tours, +91-8217845740, south india tours, +91-7995649483, goa, maharashtra, gujarat tours, +91-7032828835, north india tours, +91-9535139583, rest of india, +91-7799591230, request quote, travellers #.

Explore Tour Packages

Planning a Trip?

Discover affordable tour packages, need customized tour request quote, login / sign-up, your sign in was successful itinerary will be downloaded shortly., sign up with trawell.in.

Already Created Account? Login Here

Sign in with Trawell.in Account

Forgot Password?

New User? Sign Up Here

Activate Your Trawell.in Account

Your account is activated successfully. Login Here

Reset Your Trawell.in Password

Your password has been reset successfully. Login Here

Booking Policy

Type to search

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.

Miss travelling? Check out the best books about India to travel virtually.

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

And here’s a self-promotion ad-break.

I wrote a book about some hidden corners of India that remains off the beaten path. You can buy the Kindle version or the paperback on Amazon, Flipkart and Notionpress .

Use the code BXP20 to avail 20% discount on Notionpress.

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!

Leave a Comment Cancel Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Copyright Disclaimer

All images and content in the blog Backpack & Explore are copyrighted. Using these anywhere without permission of the blog admin can lead to legal action.

Affiliate Disclaimer

The site is mainly monetized through affiliates. This means when I recommend a hotel or service or any product, they are likely affiliate links. If you buy something by clicking on these links, we get a small commission for referring you, WITHOUT any additional cost to you.

We are affiliate partners of Amazon , Booking.com , and GetYourGuide , among others.   All product or service recommendations on our blog are based on personal experience and research. It is not influenced by any brands or affiliate partnership.

Feature of the Month - Europe Trip Planning

• Is Keukenhof worth visiting? A guide to Holland's Tulip Landscape
• Most Walkable Cities in Europe
• How To Plan a Europe Trip on Budget
• Best of Madrid in 3 Days
• Best of Amsterdam in 3 Days
• Best of Paris in 4 Days

Join India Travel Community

Popular posts on blog.

• 23 Beautiful Hill Stations near Bangalore to visit in 2023
• Road Trip Essentials - Checklist
• Road Trip with Baby- Checklist
• Best Cameras in India - 2023
• Best Resorts for Affordable Luxury

Dig Into Archives

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

Cubbon Park – Bangalore’s Eye Candy and My Green Oasis

Did you like my Karnataka travel guide? What are some of your best places in Karnataka? Let me know in the comments.

Want similar inspiration and ideas in your inbox? Subscribe to my free weekly newsletter "Looking Inwards"!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

You will be redirected to your dashboard shortly. We will also call you back in 24 hrs .

• 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

Image Source

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.

38 Best Places To Visit In Chikmagalur That Give A Tough Competition To The Northern Hills

South Weekend Holiday Packages On TravelTriangle

Delightful South Weekend Tour 3D/2N Package @ Rs 4,999

Plan your trip today!

South Weekend Family Tour Package 3D/2N @ Rs 4,999

Get quotes from multiple travel experts.

Exciting South Weekend Tour 4D/3N @ Rs 6,999

Compare & customize quotes before booking.

South Weekend Tour 5D/4N Packages @ Rs 9,999

Have Questions? Talk to our travel experts today.

Enchanting South Weekend 5D/4N Packages @ Rs 12,999

Best prices guaranteed. EMI option available.

See more at TRAVELTRIANGLE.COM

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.

25 Fun Places In Bangalore: Experience The Ultimate Whoopee At The Silicon Valley

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.

58 Fabulous Places To See In A Day Around Bangalore

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.

21 Historical Places In Karnataka Every History Buff Should Visit

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.

12 Best Places To Visit In Karnataka In March For A Fulfilling Vacay

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.

16 Super Amazing Weekend Getaways From Mysore For Your Trip

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.

Shopping In Mysore: Top 10 Things To Buy

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.

These 10 Adventure Sports In Mysore Will Definitely Perk Up The Level Of Your Vacation

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

Mysore Honeymoon: A Handy Guide To Romance Amidst Historical Monuments

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

12 Scintillating Places To Visit In Coorg In June That Are A Must For A Fun Vacay

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

5 Amazing Cottages In Coorg To Make You Feel At Home On Your Vacation

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

Monsoon In Karnataka: Here’s 15 Places You Must Visit During Monsoon

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

10 Pleasant Coorg Homestays That Are Simply Your Home Away From Home

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

18 Places To Visit In Bidar To Admire The Beauty Of Karnataka

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. 

Explore These Top 17 Places To Visit In Hubli For A Cultural And Heritage Tour Of Karnataka

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

13 Places To Visit In Thoothukudi For A Surreal And Amazing Experience

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.

13 Offbeat Things To Do In Old Goa With Your Best Pals

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.

5 Beautiful Temples In Coorg That You Should Not Miss On Your Trip

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.

28 Best Things To Do In Coorg For A Refreshing Escape From Urban Life

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

6 Adventure Sports In Kochi That Will Let You Challenge Your Fears

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.

Picturesque Places To Visit On A Friends Trip To Coorg

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.

5 Museums In Mangalore That Are A Must-Visit For Witnessing Mind-Boggling Curios

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.

Shopping In Mangalore: 6 Best Places To Shop And Splurge At This City In South

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.

Shopping In Gokarna Will Help You Explore The Magical Lanes Of The City

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!

For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer please click here .

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.

Looking To Book A Holiday Package?

Spellbinding Cochin Family Tour 2D/1N Package @ Rs 2,750

Himachal Family Tour Package 4D/3N @ Rs 8,750

Exciting Andaman Family Trip 5D/4N @ Rs 10,250

Gangtok & Darjeeling Tour Package 5D/4N @ Rs 13,000

Wonderful Goa Family Package 3D/2N @ Rs 6,500

Best prices guaranteed.

Riveting Rajasthan Vacation 3D/2N Package @ Rs 6,499

EMI option available.

Enchanting Uttarakhand Tour 4D/3N Package @ Rs 7,199

Explore best destinations with our experts.

Thrilling weekend full of fun.

Marvelous Gujarat Tour 3D/2N Package @ Rs 4,999

Talk to our experts today.

People Also Read:

Places to visit in Kufri Places To Visit In Panchgani Places To Visit In Thekkady

Recent Posts

A Guide To Hasanamba Temple: Look Into The Unique Pilgrimage Site

Exploring The Divine Grandeur Of Kotilingeshwara Temple

Exploring Mookambika Temple In Kollur And Unveil Its Mystical Charm

Journey To Subramanya Swamy Temple – A Spiritual Odyssey

47 meilleurs endroits à visiter à Karnataka qui vous assommeront totalement

Kabini Wildlife Safari: A Comprehensive Guide For Your Next Adventure

Trending Blogs

20 Mysterious Places In India To Visit In 2023 More Bizarre Than The Bermuda Triangle

10 Scariest Roads In India That Are A Driver’s Nightmare

101 Places To Visit In India Before You Turn 30 in 2024

35 Exotic Places To Visit In December In India 2024 To Enjoy A Surreal Vacation

60 Best Honeymoon Destinations In India In 2024

95 Best Honeymoon Destinations In The World In 2023 For A Romantic Escape!

Best Places To Visit In India By Month

Best places to visit outside india by month.

• TravelTriangle
• Karnataka »
• Tour Packages
• Honeymoon Packages
• Family Packages
• Budget Tour Packages
• Luxury Tour Packages
• Adventure Tour Packages
• Group Tour Packages
• Kerala Tour Packages
• Goa Tour Packages
• Andaman Tour Packages
• Sikkim Tour Packages
• Himachal Tour Packages
• Uttarakhand Tour Packages
• Rajasthan Tour Packages
• Tour Packages From Delhi
• Tour Packages From Mumbai
• Tour Packages From Bangalore
• Tour Packages From Chennai
• Tour Packages From Kolkata
• Tour Packages From Hyderabad
• Tour Packages From Ahmedabad
• Kerala Tourism
• Goa Tourism
• Sikkim Tourism
• Andaman Tourism
• Himachal Tourism
• Uttarakhand Tourism
• Rajasthan Tourism
• Hotels in Kerala
• Hotels in Goa
• Hotels in Sikkim
• Hotels in Andaman
• Hotels in Himachal
• Hotels in Uttarakhand
• Hotels in Rajasthan

• Travel Blog
• Top Attractions
• Hill Stations
• Places to Visit in India
• Things To Do
• Weekend Getaways
• Historical Places
• Tours & Itineraries
• Festival & Events
• Food & Restaurants
• Delhi Travel Blog
• Jaipur Travel Blog
• Goa Travel Blog
• Mumbai Travel Blog
• Bangalore Travel Blog
• Chennai Travel Blog
• Pune Travel Blog
• Hyderabad Travel Blog
• Kolkata Travel Blog
• Indian Holidays Calendar 2024
• Long Weekends 2024
• Travel Tips & Hacks
• Top 10 in India
• India Tourism Guide
• Indian Railways (IRCTC)
• Indian Railways News
• Metro Rail Networks
• Web Check-in
• Hotels in Delhi
• Hotels in Mumbai
• Hotels in Gurgaon
• Hotels in Bangalore
• Hotels in Jaipur
• Hotels in Chennai
• Hotels in Goa
• Hotels in Pune
• Hotels in Hyderabad
• Hotels in Kolkata

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

You May Also Like: Kannada Rajyotsava 2023 Date

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

You May Also Like: Places to visit in Dandeli

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.

Related Blogs

Latest Travel Blogs

GET FAB BLOGS IN YOUR INBOX!

Book a hotel.

• Social Share

Discover Hotels and Places Nearby

Top places to visit in india, hotels in india, hotels near airport, hotels near railway station, budget hotels, couple friendly hotels.

• Places to Visit in Agra
• Places to Visit in Ahmedabad
• Places to Visit in Amritsar
• Places to Visit in Bangalore
• Places to Visit in Bhopal
• Places to Visit in Chandigarh
• Places to Visit in Chennai
• Places to Visit in Coorg
• Places to Visit in Dehradun
• Places to Visit in Delhi
• Places to Visit in Dharamshala
• Places to Visit in Goa
• Places to Visit in Gurgaon
• Places to Visit in Guwahati
• Places to Visit in Haridwar
• Places to Visit in Indore
• Places to Visit in Jaipur
• Places to Visit in Kolkata
• Places to Visit in Lonavala
• Places to Visit in Lucknow
• Places to Visit in Mahabaleshwar
• Places to Visit in Manali
• Places to Visit in Mumbai
• Places to Visit in Mussoorie
• Places to Visit in Nainital
• Places to Visit in Nashik
• Places to Visit in Noida
• Places to Visit in Ooty
• Places to Visit in Rishikesh
• Places to Visit in Surat
• Places to Visit in Thiruvananthapuram
• Places to Visit in Udaipur
• Places to Visit in Varanasi
• Places to Visit in Pondicherry
• Places to Visit in Coimbatore
• Places to Visit in Kochi
• Places to Visit in Kodaikanal
• Places to Visit in Pune
• FabHotels: Hotel Booking App
• Hotels in Agra
• Hotels in Ahmedabad
• Hotels in Amritsar
• Hotels in Chandigarh
• Hotels in Coimbatore
• Hotels in Coorg
• Hotels in Dehradun
• Hotels in Dharamshala
• Hotels in Gangtok
• Hotels in Haridwar
• Hotels in Indore
• Hotels in Kochi
• Hotels in Kodaikanal
• Hotels in Lonavala
• Hotels in Lucknow
• Hotels in Mahabaleshwar
• Hotels in Manali
• Hotels in Mohali
• Hotels in Mussoorie
• Hotels in Nainital
• Hotels in New Delhi
• Hotels in Noida
• Hotels in Ooty
• Hotels in Pondicherry
• Hotels in Puri
• Hotels in Rishikesh
• Hotels in Thiruvananthapuram
• Hotels in Tirupati
• Hotels in Udaipur
• Hotels in Ujjain
• Hotels in Varanasi
• Hotels Near Ahmedabad Airport
• Hotels Near Amritsar Airport
• Hotels Near Bangalore Airport
• Hotels Near Bhopal Airport
• Hotels Near Bhubaneswar Airport
• Hotels Near Chandigarh Airport
• Hotels Near Chennai Airport
• Hotels Near Coimbatore Airport
• Hotels Near Goa Airport
• Hotels Near Gwalior Airport
• Hotels Near Hyderabad Airport
• Hotels Near Indore Airport
• Hotels Near Jaipur Airport
• Hotels Near Kolkata Airport
• Hotels Near Lucknow Airport
• Hotels Near Mumbai Airport
• Hotels Near Nagpur Airport
• Hotels Near New Delhi Airport
• Hotels Near Pune Airport
• Hotels Near Vadodara Airport
• Hotels Near Agra Railway Station
• Hotels Near Ahmedabad Railway Station
• Hotels Near Amritsar Railway Station
• Hotels Near Bangalore Railway Station
• Hotels Near Bhopal Railway Station
• Hotels Near Bhubaneswar Railway Station
• Hotels Near Chandigarh Railway Station
• Hotels Near Chennai Railway Station
• Hotels Near Coimbatore Railway Station
• Hotels Near Dehradun Railway Station
• Hotels Near Ernakulam Railway Station
• Hotels Near Ghaziabad Railway Station
• Hotels Near Gorakhpur Railway Station
• Hotels Near Guwahati Railway Station
• Hotels Near Gwalior Railway Station
• Hotels Near Haridwar Railway Station
• Hotels Near Indore Railway Station
• Hotels Near Kanpur Railway Station
• Hotels Near Kolkata Railway Station
• Hotels Near Lucknow Railway Station
• Hotels Near Ludhiana Railway Station
• Hotels Near Madurai Railway Station
• Hotels Near New Delhi Railway Station
• Hotels Near Pune Railway Station
• Hotels Near Ranchi Railway Station
• Hotels Near Surat Railway Station
• Hotels Near Tirupati Railway Station
• Hotels Near Udaipur Railway Station
• Hotels Near Ujjain Railway Station
• Hotels Near Vadodara Railway Station
• Hotels Near Varanasi Railway Station
• Hotels Near Vijayawada Railway Station
• Hotels Near Visakhapatnam Railway Station
• Budget hotels in Agra
• Budget hotels in Ahmedabad
• Budget hotels in Amritsar
• Budget hotels in Bangalore
• Budget hotels in Bhubaneswar
• Budget hotels in Chandigarh
• Budget hotels in Chennai
• Budget hotels in Coimbatore
• Budget hotels in Coorg
• Budget hotels in Dehradun
• Budget hotels in Ernakulam
• Budget hotels in Gangtok
• Budget hotels in Goa
• Budget hotels in Gurgaon
• Budget hotels in Haridwar
• Budget hotels in Hyderabad
• Budget hotels in Indore
• Budget hotels in Jaipur
• Budget hotels in Kodaikanal
• Budget hotels in Kolkata
• Budget hotels in Lonavala
• Budget hotels in Madurai
• Budget hotels in Mahabaleshwar
• Budget hotels in Manali
• Budget hotels in Mumbai
• Budget hotels in Mussoorie
• Budget hotels in Nashik
• Budget hotels in Ooty
• Budget hotels in Pondicherry
• Budget hotels in Pune
• Budget hotels in Rishikesh
• Budget hotels in Shirdi
• Budget hotels in Thiruvananthapuram
• Budget hotels in Tirupati
• Budget hotels in Udaipur
• Budget hotels in Varanasi
• Couple friendly hotels in Agra
• Couple friendly hotels in Ahmedabad
• Couple friendly hotels in Bangalore
• Couple friendly hotels in Bhopal
• Couple friendly hotels in Chandigarh
• Couple friendly hotels in Chennai
• Couple friendly hotels in Coimbatore
• Couple friendly hotels in Coorg
• Couple friendly hotels in Dehradun
• Couple friendly hotels in Dharamshala
• Couple friendly hotels in Goa
• Couple friendly hotels in Greater Noida
• Couple friendly hotels in Gurgaon
• Couple friendly hotels in Guwahati
• Couple friendly hotels in Hyderabad
• Couple friendly hotels in Indore
• Couple friendly hotels in Jaipur
• Couple friendly hotels in Kanpur
• Couple friendly hotels in Kochi
• Couple friendly hotels in Kolkata
• Couple friendly hotels in Lonavala
• Couple friendly hotels in Lucknow
• Couple friendly hotels in Mahabaleshwar
• Couple friendly hotels in Manali
• Couple friendly hotels in Mohali
• Couple friendly hotels in Mumbai
• Couple friendly hotels in Mussoorie
• Couple friendly hotels in Nashik
• Couple friendly hotels in New Delhi
• Couple friendly hotels in Noida
• Couple friendly hotels in Ooty
• Couple friendly hotels in Pondicherry
• Couple friendly hotels in Pune
• Couple friendly hotels in Rishikesh
• Couple friendly hotels in Siliguri
• Couple friendly hotels in Surat
• Couple friendly hotels in Udaipur
• Couple friendly hotels in Vadodara
• Couple friendly hotels in Varanasi

• Be our Franchisee
• Travel Agent
• Corporate Enquiries
• Quarantine Hotels
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Cancellation Policy

Top 30 places to visit in Uttara Kannada

Following are the top 30 places to visit in uttara kannada.

• Anshi National Park

Anshi National Park also known as Kali Tiger Reserve is a protected area and tiger reserve located near Dandeli in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, India. The park is a habitat of Bengal tigers, black panthers and Indian elephants, amongst other distinctive fauna. The Kali River flows through the tiger reserve and is the lifeline of the ecosystem and hence the name. The Tiger reserve is spread over an area of 1300 square kilometers. Park is best known for Birdwatching, Trekking, and Jungle Safari. Located at 52km from Dandeli, 54km from Karwar, 125km from Hubli, 492km from Pune. 503km from Bengaluru, 319km from Mangalore.

• Apsarakonda Falls

Apsarkonda is an Beautiful waterfall near Honnavar, in the district of Uttara Kannada, Karnataka, India. Close to the Apsarakonda beach, this beautiful waterfalls flows through the cliffs down to paddy fields and joins the see. This falls is not very deep and around 10m height, making it the best spot to enjoy with family. Places is well maintained also has a beautiful garden with many sunset and beach view points. Apsarakonda is located at approx 7km from Honnavar, 58km from Gokarn, 98km from Karwar, 182km form Goa, 78km from Jog Falls, 178km from Mangalore, 470km from Bengaluru.

• Benne Hole Falls

Benne Hole Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls. the river Aghanashini, which flows through the dense forests of the Devimane Ghats Water falls from about 200 feet. It's almost 25 km from Sirsi, near to Kasge. You have to go by walk almost 2km. You can also enjoy small trekking distance

• Bheemana Eri Gudda

A Must Visit Sunset View Point In Sirsi. 30 kms from Sirsi, Uttara Kannada district. Vast expanses of unspoilt/untouched greenery, hill after hill as if they are waves. Less than 1km walk to summit, easy walk. There is no facility available. No tea, not even water. Even it's difficult to find one to ask the route

• Burude Falls

Dandeli is a town in Uttara Kannada District of Karnataka, India. For adventure activities, Dandeli provides a perfect holiday destination or a weekend getaway. From white-water rafting in Kali river, mountain biking in the hilly terrains, trekking to spot tigers as well as rare species of birds, Small hidden waterfalls, Nature view points, Dandeli has it all to appease you in the lap of nature. Trekking is one of the top things to do in Dandeli. Jungle trekking is adventurous journey along the thick Dandeli forests where visitors can explore the nature, wildlife & birds. There are several trekking routes in Dandeli. Kavala Caves trek, Kulgi-Nagzari Valley trek and Potoli-Shiroli trek. These are organized by Kulgi Nature Camp, which is run by the forest department. Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is adjacent to Anshi National Park and also part of the Anshi Dandeli Tiger Reserve. Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary housing nearly 200 species of birds, so known as is a birdwatchers paradise. Sightings of the black panther, the Indian pangolin, the giant Malabar squirrel, Indian sloth bear, Indian elephant and the Indian peafowl are pretty common. The king cobra and the mugger crocodile are the prime reptilians in Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary. Dandeli is located at approx 106km from Karwar, 72km from Hubli, 456km from Bangalore, 96km from Goa, 437km from Pune.

• Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary

Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is located near the town of Dandeli in Uttara Kannada District of Karnataka, India. This Sanctuary is adjacent to Anshi National Park and also part of the Anshi Dandeli Tiger Reserve. Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary housing nearly 200 species of birds, so known as is a birdwatchers paradise. Sightings of the black panther, the Indian pangolin, the giant Malabar squirrel, Indian sloth bear, Indian elephant and the Indian peafowl are pretty common. The king cobra and the mugger crocodile are the prime reptilians in Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary. For adventure activities, Dandeli provides a perfect holiday destination or a weekend getaway. From white-water rafting in Kali river, mountain biking in the hilly terrains, trekking to spot tigers as well as rare species of birds, Small hidden waterfalls, Nature view points, Dandeli has it all to appease you in the lap of nature. Dandeli is located at approx 106km from Karwar, 72km from Hubli, 456km from Bangalore, 96km from Goa, 437km from Pune.

• Full Moon Beach

Gokarna is one of the major tourist attraction, located in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, India. Gokarna is know for historic Mahabaleshwar Temple and Many beaches surrounding it. This temple attracts major tourists across the country because of legends and history associated with it. The temple also finds mentions in the Hindu epics of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. There is a beach facing the temple. Other than temples, Gokarna is know for it's scenic beaches, Om Beach, Half Moon Beach, Full Moon Beach and Kudle beach are the popular once. Om beach derives its name from its shape, Its shape is like Om in Hindi so called as Om beach. Very nice and clean beach with less crowd. One can do trekking from there and view amazing sunrise and sunset. It has steps leading down to the beach. Some water sports/ adventure are available like banana boat, kayaking and so on. Every year thousands of tourists visit Gokarna for pilgrim as well as to soak themselves on these beaches. Gokarn is located at approx 177km from Udupi, 231km from Mangalore, 488km from Bengaluru, 133km form Goa, 645km from Kochi, 208km from Belgaum.

• Half Moon Beach

Half Moon Beach is a small crescent-shaped beach lying 1 nautical mile (2 km) south-east of Scarborough Castle on the north coast of Livingston Island, in the South Shetland Islands of Antarctica. The beach lieas at the western extremity of Porlier Bay in the north of Ioannes Paulus II Peninsula. The descriptive name was recorded by Robert Fildes, who had sealers working here in 1820–21 and 1821–22.[1] Wreckage of the Spanish ship San Telmo that sank off the island in 1819 was subsequently found on the beach.

Kadra Dam is located near Karwar which is constructed across river Khali in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka in India. It is one of the popular Karwar tourist places. Irrigation and power generation dam (150MW) across river Kali. Well connected with Karwar, Yellapur. . The major attractions of this area is a beautiful park with fountains, cascades, caves, colorful trees and plants. Mahamayi Temple near Kadra is an ancient and popular temple that attracts pilgrims from nearby villages. Kadra Dam is located approx 42km from Karwar, 20km from Anshi National Park, 60km from Yellapur, 131km from Hubli, 114km from Goa, 147km from Belgaum, 310 km from Mangalore.

• Karwar beach

Karwar beach also called as Rabindranath Tagore Beach is located in Karwar city which is located on the shores on Arabian sea in Uttara Kannada district of Karantaka, India. It is a clean and silent beach with peace and serenity on and around the beach is mind calming. Have plenty of adventure sports too. there is a children playing are available, one can also explore the war museum and a fish museum near the beach. Karwar is a harbour city with ever green geography, surrounded by hills from western ghats from one side, Arabian sea at the other side and mighty Kali river which flows trough the city which makes it one of the best places to visit for tourists across the region. Karwar is located at approx 70km from Goa, 60km from Gokarn, 271km from Mangalore, 528km from Bengaluru. 659km from Mumbai, 176km from Belgaum, 170km from Hubli.

• Kavala Caves

• Kodasalli Dam

Kodasalli Dam is built across the Kali River (Kalinadi) in Yellapura taluk of Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka state, India. This dam was built by Karnataka Power Corporation Limited. This electric power generating station is classified as hydroelectric power station. It is 72km from Karwar, 150 km from Sirsi, 97 km from Yellapur and 80km from Joida.

• Kudle beach

Kudle Beach is one of the popular beach near Gokarn Om Beach. Gokarna is one of the major tourist attractions in Karnataka, which has temple and many beaches. of the beaches Kudle Beach is most visited one becouse of it's unmatched beauty. It's a picturesque beach, surrounded by hillocks and rocks from three sides. It is the best destination for beach trekking. Trekkers can walk for a long unobstructed distance, enjoying the pristine scenery of hills on three sides and the sea stretching till the horizon. Kudle beach is located at approx 1.5km from Gokarn Om Beach. Gokarn is located at approx 177km from Udupi, 231km from Mangalore, 488km from Bengaluru, 133km form Goa, 645km from Kochi, 208km from Belgaum.

• Kuli Magod Waterfalls

However, among all the attractions near Magod Falls, the Kulimagod Falls (in Kannada, kuli means pond) stands out for its sheer beauty and accessibility. It is formed by a tiny tributary of Bedti and its relatively easy accessibility has made it a not-to-be missed spot for nature tourists who travel to Magod Falls. Normally, it takes a great amount of trekking down the valley for one to reach the foot of any waterfall. This is not the case with Kulimagod. With very little effort, one can get under its misty showers falling down from a height of about 50 feet. To get there, one has to take Magod road from Yellapur and take a left turn just before Magod Falls. There is a sign board at this turning, which directs us to the Kulimagod Falls.

• Lalguli Falls

Lalguli Falls is an Exotic Waterfall located near Lalguli village in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, India. It is near Yallapur. Lalguli Falls is created by River Kali when it rolls down the rocky steps from a height of around 250 feet. It attracts many tourists throughout the year because of its natural scenic beauty. It provides a serene and peaceful environment. The best season to visit is from October to December and during summer it will be dry. One need to get the help of local people to reach the falls as it's inside the dense forest. Lalguli village is located at approx 15km from Yellapura, where as Yellapura is located at 70km from Hubli, 100km from Karwar, 50 km from Sirsi.

• Magod Falls

Magod Falls is a group of waterfalls in Karnataka, India, where the river Bedti falls from a height of nearly 200m in two steps. The falls are located about 17 km from the town of Yellapur, in the district of Uttara Kannada and are easily accessible from several lakes and towns.

• Mirjan Fort

The Mirjan Fort is located on the west coast of the Uttara Kannada district in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. The fort known for its architectural elegance was the location of several battles in the past. It is about 0.5 kilometres (0.31 mi) from the National Highway 66 and 11 kilometres (6.8 mi) from Gokarna, the famous Hindu pilgrimage centre on the west coast of India. According to the first historical version, Queen Chennabhairadevi of Gersoppa (under the Vijayanagara Empire) was initially credited with building the Mirjan Fort in the 16th century. She ruled for 54 years and also lived in the fort. During her reign, the port at Mirjan, which is 32 kilometres (20 mi) to the south east of Karwar, was used for shipping pepper, saltpetre and betel nut to Surat. Gersoppa, a district annexed to Bednur, was famous for the pepper exported from this region. Consequently, the Portuguese gave the epithet "Rani, the Pepper queen" (“Rainha de Pimenta” in Portuguese) to the Queen of Gersoppa.

• Murudeshwar

Murudeshwara is a major pilgrimage and beach destination located in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, India. Murudeshwara is know for it's ancient temple, tallest statue of lord shiva and beautiful beach. Murudeshwara Beach is located at overlooking the monumental statue of Lord Shiva, this beach is the perfect picnic spot for families and loved ones. You can also enjoy boat rides around the magnificent Murudeshwar Temple. The Statue of Lord Shiva on the lap of the Arabian sea in Murudeshwara is the second biggest statue of Lord Shiva in the world after the statue in Nepal. The statue and temple are located on the beach in Murudeshwara. The magnificent Murudeshwara temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, which is built on the Kanduka Hill which is surrounded by the Arabian Sea on three sides. The main temple's entrance, also called the 'gopura' stands at 123 feet and you can witness the breathtaking view of the Shiva statue from the top of the gopura. With these attractions Murudeshwara is one of the top tourist destination in the region. Murudeshwara is located at approx 12km from Bhatkal, 77km from Gokarn, 156km from Mangalore, 488km from Bengaluru, 190km from Goa, 570km from Kochi, 265km from Belgaum.

• Murudeshwara Beach

Om Beach is one of the wonderful and amazing beach located in Gokarna in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, India. Om beach derives its name from its shape, Its shape is like Om in Hindi so called as Om beach. Very nice and clean beach with less crowd. One can do trekking from there and view amazing sunrise and sunset. It has steps leading down to the beach. Some water sports/ adventure are available like banana boat, kayaking and so on. It is located at approx 5km from Gokarn temple. Every year thousands of tourists visit Gokarna for pilgrim as well as to soak themselves on these beaches. Gokarn is located at approx 177km from Udupi, 231km from Mangalore, 488km from Bengaluru, 133km form Goa, 645km from Kochi, 208km from Belgaum.

• Sadashivgad Fort

Sadashivgad is a village located in Karwar, Uttara Kannada district, in the state of Karnataka in India. Significant and picturesque, it is now a popular tourist destination located by the Kali river bridge, which has been built at the confluence of the river and the Arabian Sea.

• Sathodi Falls

Sathoddi Falls is a beautiful hidden waterfall in the Western Ghats, near Yellapur in Uttara Kannada District of Karnataka, India. Waterfall is formed by number of unnamed streams and falls from the height of 50ft. The stream then flows into the backwaters of the Kodasalli Dam, into the Kali River. Road to the waterfall is not in good conditions, but not too dangerus too. but 5km road near the falls is good. There is an concrete walk path of around 1km from the parking area to reach the foot of the waterfall. View of the waterfall is mesmerizing. Best time to visit is during December to March when waterfowl is moderate and one can take a dip in the clean and crystal water. It's also heaven for nature lovers during the monsoon. On the way there is an hanging bridge called Shivapura hanging bridge, 5km before the falls, which is constructed on the backwaters of the Kodasalli dam across the hills, which gives a mesmerizing views of the backwater and surrounding hills. Sathodi Falls is located at approx 35km from Yellapur, 90km from Hubli, 467km from Bengaluru, 190km from Goa, 483km from Pune.

• Shirley Falls

Shirley Falls or Shirale Falls is a scenic waterfall located near Yellapur, in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, India. Just 15 minutes drive from small town Yellapur and 30 minute scenic trek follows to reach Shirley Falls. Waterfall is hidden inside the Arabail ghat, Many tourists and travellers are unaware about this falls, one has to trek down a muddy road of 2 kms to reach the falls. Trek to the falls walking through the jungle, speaking with the nature, under the private areca palms is scenic. Shirley Falls is located at approx 13km from Yellapur, 63km from Gokarn, 83km from Hubli, 148km from Belgaum, 161km from Goa, 437km from Bengaluru, 274km from Mangalore.

• Shivaganga Falls

Shivaganga waterfalls is one of the lesser known waterfall located near sirsi in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, India. Shivaganga waterfall falls from a height of 242 feet from top. Sonda or Shalmala river is the source of the waterfall. Shivaganga Waterfall is a part of the Western Ghats of Karnataka, hidden in thick forestland is located very closely to Sirsi, Ankola and Yellapur Taluks of Uttara Kannada. Its a must visit for trek enthusiastic, one has to trek down for 3km inside dense jungle to reach the waterfall. Shivaganga Falls is located at approx 37km from Sirsi, 64km from Yellapur, 135km from Hubli, 114km from Gokarn, 228km from Goa, 295km from Mangalore, 437km from Bengaluru.

• Shivapura Hanging Bridge

Shivapura Hanging Bridge is located near Yellapur in Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka. This beautiful bridge is just 5km away from popular tourist attraction Sathodi falls. It is pure bliss to ride on it. This is a beautiful destination. The bridge gives a connectivity between Yallapur and Uluvi/Dandeli. This Bridge is constructed on the backwaters of Kodasalli Reservoir, which is formed by great River Kali. Perfect place for birdwatchers and nature lovers. Getting there is an adventure ride. Bridge surrounded by green hills with clods flying by makes it one of the must visit place for nature lovers and photographers. This bridge is at the distance of 20km from Yellapur and is just 5km before the famous "Sathodi Waterfalls".

Supa Dam is built across Kali river near the town of Ganeshgudi (near Dandeli) in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, India. The power house at the foot of the dam has two electricity generators of fifty megawatt each. Supa Dam and its reservoir is the big reason for the survival of the wildlife around this area. The view is amazing , the greenery all around and the blue waters make it a perfect sight . The gigantic dam is a must visit place. Everyone is not allowed to enter dam, but one can enjoy the beautiful view of blue backwaters from a view point located in Ramanagar Road 5kms from Ganeshgudi. Must visit place when you visit Dandeli National Park / Anshi National Park or Kaali Tiger Reserve. Supa Dam is lcoated at approx 1km from Ganeshgudi, 23km from Dandeli, 105km from Karwar, 86km from Hubli, 470km from Bengaluru, 87km from Goa, 417km from Pune.

• Tattihallia Dam

Tattihallia Dam also know as Tattihalla Dam is a small reservior located near Dandeli in Uttar Kannada district of Karnataka, India. Nice dam , beautiful located in-between the forest and mountains. It is 3km from Bhagawati (haliyal taluk). It is a source of livelihood for the surrounding rural people. By fishing. One can reach the dam by car, four wheeler, or by bike. Has a tar road till dam but need to be improve more. Great Fishing spot. Great spot to stay cook enjoy with friends and family too.

• Unchalli Falls

Unchalli Falls, also known as Lushington Falls, is a waterfall created by a 116-metre (381 ft) drop in the Aghanashini river. The fall is located near Sirsi in Uttara Kannada District of Karnataka, India. The falls are named for J. D. Lushington, a District Collector for the British Government, who discovered the falls in 1845. Heggarne, a hamlet in Uttara Kannada district, is 33 km from Sirsi. The falls are reached by a 5-kilometre (3.1 mi) trek from Heggarne through thick forest. Here the river makes a cavalcade of water falls and eventually leaps into a steep valley to form a spectacular, picturesque waterfall. The falls are sometimes called Keppa Joga because of the deafening sound they make.

Places to visit by Category in Karnataka

Places to visit by District in Karnataka

• Uttara Kannada (33)

Destinations by State

• Andaman (1)
• Andhra Pradesh (15)
• Arunachal Pradesh (9)
• Chhattisgarh (3)
• Gujarat (18)
• Himachal Pradesh (9)
• Jammu and Kashmir (11)
• Jharkhand (8)
• Karnataka (157)
• Kerala (34)
• Madhya Pradesh (18)
• Maharashtra (58)
• Manipur (4)
• Meghalaya (18)
• Mizoram (4)
• Nagaland (4)
• Odisha (16)
• Pondicherry (2)
• Rajasthan (32)
• Sikkim (11)
• Tamil Nadu (26)
• Telangana (8)
• Uttar Pradesh (13)
• Uttarakhand (7)
• West Bengal (16)

Top Tourism Cities

Related Blogs

Near by you.

TripiWiki.com @ 2018 - Privacy policy and Terms and conditions.

We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you've provided to them or that they've collected from your use of their services. You consent to our cookies if you continue to use our website. I agree

• SKIP TO MAIN CONTENT
• ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಸರ್ಕಾರ
• Government of Karnataka

• A+ Font Size Increase
• A Normal Font - Selected
• A- Font Size Decrease
• A High Contrast
• A Normal Contrast - Selected

Tourist Places

Below are the various Tourist spots of the district. You can navigate to each toursit spot details from here.

Clinging to the south western flank of the Indian Peninsula, Uttara Kannada is a tropical paradise redolent with myths and legends. The gift of life to this strip of land between the Arabian Sea and the Wall of Mountains known as the Western Ghats is brought by the monsoons.

The natural luxuriance has filled it’s art forms with a lushness visible in the carvings that embellish the temples and in the gold jewellery that women wear which picks it’s design from seeds, buds, flowers, snake heads and tiger claws. As also in the vibrant costumes of the Yakshagana performers which reflects the colors of nature itself.

Karwar provides a tranquil expanse to discover peace and one’s inner self, the poet Laureate Rabindranath Tagore himself realised that Karwar beach was (a fit place in which to realise the beauty of nature is not a mirage of imagination but reflects the joy of the infinite). This scenic coastal district has 24 beaches which lend themselves beautifully to the worshipers of the sun and sand. With more than 70% of it’s area under forest cover Uttara Kannada is a colourful canvas of nature. The Sahyadri or the Western Ghats with their rich hilly forest tracts picturesque valleys, spectular designs of lofty monolithic rocks.

Karwar is well connected to prominent cities in India through rail (Konkan Railway) and road (National Highway). Ample number of buses ply from the district to various cities including Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Manipal, etc.

Sathodi Falls is a picturesque rectangular-shaped waterfall in the Western Ghats. Several unknown streams converge near Kallaramane Ghat to become…

Bhimkol Lake is located amidst the greenery, making it an attractive destination for nature lovers. This Bhimkol Dam has the…

Magod Falls is a popular waterfall in North Canara (Uttar Kannada) district, in Yellapur taluk, on river Bedti. Here, the…

A small river Nadibhag reaches the bay with roaring waves and a sway of cool wind along with the canoe…

It’s absolutely a hidden gem, offers tourists an awesome experience. Best place to explore green Mangrove forest, beautiful sunset.

Name Apsarakonda is derived from Apsara (angel) and Konda (pond), meaning a pond for angels. May be divine angels used…

Vibhuthi Falls is located in Achave Gram panchayat, Ankola taluk. The word “Vibhuthi” means limestone. The water in this falls…

The sand here looks like black sesame, which is why the beach is named Tilmati. The name comes from the…

Yana is a village located in forests of the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. It is located in the Sahyadri…

Mirjan Fort is known for its amazing construction skills. Locally available red stone (laterite) has been used for its construction.

• Page - 1 of 2

• Education News

Karnataka 2nd PUC revaluation result 2024 declared; check KSEAB II PUC Examination 2 schedule here

Karnataka 2nd PUC Supplementary Exam 2024 schedule

Karnataka 2nd puc results 2024.

• In the Arts stream, out of 1,87,891 students who appeared, 1,28,448 passed, resulting in a pass percentage of 68.36%.
• For Commerce stream, 2,15,357 students appeared, with 1,74,315 passing, achieving a pass percentage of 80.94%.
• In the Science stream, out of 2,77,831 students who appeared, 2,49,927 passed, resulting in a high pass percentage of 89.96%.
• Overall, a total of 6,81,079 students appeared for the Class 12 exams, out of which 5,52,690 students passed, yielding an overall pass percentage of 81.15%.

Visual Stories

ASSOCIATE PARTNER

TYRE PARTNER

Uttara Kannada Lok Sabha Election 2024: Poll Date, Candidates and Key Constituency Issues in The BJP Bastion

Reported By : Shubhangi Sharma

Last Updated: May 03, 2024, 12:15 IST

New Delhi, India

Voting for Uttara Kannada seat will take place on May 7 in the third phase of Lok Sabha polls. (Image: Shutterstock)

The Uttara Kannada Lok Sabha constituency encompasses part of Belgaum district and the entire Uttara Kannada district in Karnataka.

The Uttara Kannada Lok Sabha constituency, one of the 28 parliamentary constituencies in Karnataka, falls under the General category. It encompasses part of Belgaum district and the entire Uttara Kannada district. Presently, it consists of eight Legislative Assembly segments: Khanapur and Kittur in Belgaum district, and Haliyal, Karwar, Kumta, Bhatkal, Sirsi, and Yellapur in the coastal district of Uttara Kannada. Voting for the Uttara Kannada Lok Sabha seat will take place on May 7 in the third phase of General Election 2024. The counting of votes will take place on June 4.

2019 Result and 2024 Candidates

Anantkumar Hegde of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had won the 2019 Lok Sabha election from the Uttara Kannada seat. He has been the MP of Uttara Kannada since 2004.

The candidates for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Uttara Kannada are Visheshwar Hegde Kageri of the BJP and Dr Anjali Nimbalkar of the Congress.

Political Dynamics

It’s a tight two-way contest between the BJP and the Congress in this BJP bastion, led for four consecutive terms by Anantkumar Hegde, who has been snubbed this season.

Where BJP Stands

The BJP, which secured victory in 25 out of the 28 Lok Sabha seats in Karnataka during the 2019 elections, has opted not to field the prominent figure of Hindutva in the state, sitting MP Anantkumar Hegde, who won the seat in 2019 with a margin of 4.79 lakh votes amidst a sweeping Modi wave.

Hegde, a former union minister and six-time MP representing Uttara Kannada, was excluded from the party’s lineup after he sparked a controversy with a statement alleging that the BJP seeks to ‘change the constitution’.

Moreover, his record as an MP has been questioned owing to his alleged lack of focus in the region’s development, its issues and his failure to make a mark in parliament. In fact, a study has found that Hegde is only one of 9 MPs in the country who did not speak a word in the Lok Sabha in the last five years.

Visheshwar Hegde Kageri

Shunting the sitting MP, the BJP has fielded Visheshwar Hegde Kageri, who is a former assembly speaker and six-time MLA from Sirsi which falls under the Uttara Kannada Lok Sabha seat. Kageri, also from the Brahmin community and known as a soft-spoken and moderate grassroots leader, is a well-known face in the constituency, however, he is no match for the firebrand orator Anantkumar Hegde, and lacks die-hard following, which is a noticeable drawback for the BJP this election season. In 2023, Kageri lost from Sirsi to Congress’ Bhimanna Nail by over 8700 votes.

Modi Factor

The Modi factor, though not as pronounced as 2019, is prevalent here. The focus of voters is not on the candidate but on PM Modi. The Modi government’s delivery welfare schemes such as the Awas Yojana, Kisan Samman Nidhi and Ayushman Bharat are some examples.

Moreover, the seat is traditionally known to resonate with national Hindutva issues giving way to events that transcend caste divides. The Ram Mandir movement has resonated with voters for decades, and the newly-inaugurated temple in Ayodhya holds tremendous emotive value in the hearts of most Hindu voters.

However, much of this is dampened with the dropping of the sitting MP and the Congress’ own soft-Hindutva push at the local level.

Other Factors

In the 2023 elections, the BJP scored 44% of the vote, a 4% higher vote share than the Congress, in Uttara Kannada. This is a favourable indication, especially with BJP in alliance with the JD(S), which scored 9.5% of the vote.

The JD(S) is a minor player in the region, but it holds the potential to bolster the alliance by a few percentage points, which is crucial in this tightly contested electoral battle.

Caste factors are also at play here. The dominant Maratha caste in Uttara Kannada, comprising over 2.2 lakh votes, is expected to split between the BJP and the Congress.

The Ediga community which roughly comprises roughly 2 lakh votes, is expected to only partially support the BJP. Additionally, much of the Brahmin (1.6 lakh voters) and Halakki Gouda (1.10 lakh) community will lean towards the BJP.

The constituency also has a sizeable Lingayat vote bank at around 1 lakh, which the BJP expects a significant chunk of votes from.

The fishermen’s community form about 80,000 voters in the seat, and they lean largely towards the BJP owing to a slew of welfare measures in their favour.

Where Congress Stands

The Congress has fielded Dr Anjali Nimbalkar, who comes from the Maratha community. Nimbalkar, a seasoned leader and spokesperson for the Indian National Congress, served as the representative for Khanapur in Belgaum district at the Karnataka Legislative Assembly from 2018 to 2023.

Nimbalkar, a medical professional by occupation, stands out as one of the most highly educated MLAs in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, holding a Master’s degree in Gynaecology and Laparoscopy.

Nimbalkar made her electoral debut in the Khanapur assembly seat which she won by a margin of nearly 6,000 votes.

In the 2023 assembly elections, however, Nimbalkar was defeated at the hands of Vithal Halagekar of the BJP by a staggering margin of 53,000 votes.

While she has been focusing on soft-Hindutva, Nimbalkar’s freak election loss, her “outsider” status, and ideological differences in her family are drawbacks in her campaign efforts.

BJP Alleges “Conflict of Interest”

The BJP has opened up a front against her, on the grounds that her highly influential IPS husband may wield his powers to favour her election.

In a written communication to the Election Commission last month, the BJP urged for Nimbalkar to be relieved from all election-related responsibilities, citing concerns of a conflict of interest.

Currently serving as the commissioner of the Department of Information and Public Relations, Nimbalkar assumed this position following the formation of the Congress government in Karnataka. As a highly influential IPS officer, his association with a candidate could potentially sway other IPS officers and law enforcement personnel deployed for election duties.

Factors in Favour

Religious minorities such as Christians and Muslims form roughly around 3 lakh votes, and are expected to lean towards the Congress.

Moreover, Nimbalkar is expected to compete for a major chunk of Maratha, Ediga and SC votes, which could play a deciding role in the election.

The Congress’ five MLAs from the constituency are also expected to bolster her position.

And most importantly the state government, currently under Congress CM Siddaramaiah, is a major strongpoint for Nimbalkar. The party’s “Five Guarantees” in the state have turned the political tide significantly and countered the central government’s welfare push with its own schemes dedicated towards helping combat inflation, delivering free electricity up to 200 units per month, free bus rides for women, stipends for unemployed youth and free ration.

These schemes, despite concerns that they engross the state in debt, have been implemented rapidly and will have an impact on polling day.

BJP vs Congress on Welfare Schemes

The BJP alleges that the Congress, with its five guarantees, has disturbed the fiscal stability of the state of Karnataka. Recently, Basavaraj Bommai, former Chief Minister of Karnataka and BJP candidate for the Gadag-Haveri Lok Sabha constituency, launched a blistering critique against the Congress government’s fiscal management, alleging that it is driving the state towards bankruptcy. The BJP also accuses the Congress government of discontinuing the Kisan Samman Nidhi and Vidya Nidhi schemes.

Saffron dominates Uttar Kannada this election season and both the BJP and the Congress are responsible for this. To match the hype around Ram Mandir and the saffron effect of the BJP in the constituency, Congress candidate Nimbalkar is engaged in Hindutva politics of her own. Her nomination rally was brimming with saffron flags and Hindutva symbols, including her own outfit which comprised a saffron sari and headgear. While the Muslim community sees this as their votes being taken for granted, the Congress is assured that there will be no repercussions on that front. Meanwhile, BJP leader Kedar Kolle has quipped that Nimbalkar has “taken the colour on lease” from the saffron party until elections are over.

Communal Tensions

Uttara Kannada is susceptible to communal tensions between Muslims and Hindus. There has been a rise in Islamist groups here. Bhatkal in particular, is an area with a large Muslim population. Despite having a population of fewer than 150,000 people, Bhatkal in the Uttara Kannada district hosts units from every intelligence agency, whether state or central. The town’s name itself holds significant weight, particularly beyond Karnataka, evoking memories of Yasin and Riyaz Bhatkal, notorious masterminds behind numerous terror attacks in the country. Matters got heated between the two communities when RSS activist and popular doctor DU Chittaranjan was assassinated in his house in 1996.

Fishermen’s Issues

Fishermen form about 80,000 voters in the seat, and they lean largely towards the BJP owing to a slew of welfare measures in their favour. Among fishermen, compensation has been a longstanding concern. Previously, if a death occurred during fishing, the family received Rs 6 lakh as compensation. However, this amount was increased to Rs 10 lakh, with Rs 5 lakh provided by the Centre and Rs 5 lakh by the State under the BJP government.

Additionally, there is a call for the government to prohibit light fishing, as it disproportionately affects small fishers. There is also a demand for the development of a major port in Belekeri to create employment opportunities for the local fishing community. The formation of a separate Fishery Ministry has brought benefits to the community, with the BJP’s introduction of the PM Matsya Sampada Yojana being the first-ever scheme for the welfare of fishermen and the fisheries sector.

Airport Project

The Karwar Airport project resulted in land loss for farmers, prompting the state government to offer compensation of five gunta of land to each affected farmer. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in October oversaw a meeting in Bengaluru to review the project’s advancement, focusing on land acquisition and infrastructure development for the airport, situated around 90 kilometres from Bhatkal.

Farmers’ Issues

Farmers in Uttar Kannada are dealing with an acute water crisis which peaks during the hot summers. Funds to improve their farming revenues are diverted towards building bore wells to seek water for irrigation. During droughts, these borewells start drying out as well which causes tremendous devastation to farmers who are already debt ridden. Owing to this problem, farmer suicides are reported far too often here.

Untapped Tourism Potential

Uttar Kannada has untapped tourism potential, owing to its beaches such as the Om Beach in Gokarna, geological sites like Gogarbha cave, Yana Rocks, and historical places like Mirjan fort built during the Vijayanagara Empire, Murudeshwar town and lots more. Moreover, religious tourism is also a major possibility. Home to the African-origin Siddi tribe which has a rich culture of its own, Uttar Kannada has a plethora of reasons why investment in promoting and facilitating tourism would pay off.

NH 66 Delayed

The construction of the four-lane National Highway 66, which began over a decade ago, still remains unfinished, posing considerable challenges for the locals in Uttara Kannada’s Bhatkal. Despite numerous pleas, both the Highway Development Authority and district administration, along with elected representatives, have chosen not to address the issue.

Infrastructural Development

Coastal Development

During the presentation of the 2024-25 Budget, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced an allocation of ₹3,000 crore for the comprehensive development of the fisheries sector. Additionally, he reaffirmed plans to construct all-weather ports at Keni and Pavinakurve in Uttara Kannada district. A significant highlight was the introduction of Karnataka’s first sea ambulance along the coast.

The Centre has allocated a package of Rs 6,975 crore for highway projects across eight districts of North Karnataka, including Belagavi, Vijayapur, Bagalkote, Uttara Kannada, Koppal, Raichur, Kalaburagi, and Bidar.

National Highway 66, formerly NH-17 and part of NH-47, is a busy four-lane, 1640 km (1020 miles) long road along India’s western coast. It connects Panvel to Cape Comorin, passing through Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. In Karnataka, it is undergoing a major overhaul and being upgraded to a 60-meter-wide highway with grade separators, expanding from Karwar to Talapady to accommodate future growth.

Highway 52 commences at the intersection of National Highway 66 (previously NH-17) in Ankola, extends through the Arebail Ghat of the Western Ghats, and proceeds to Yellapura before reaching the city of Hubballi (Hubli). The road has been widened and extended in many sections.

Karwar Airport

The Indian Navy is currently building an airport at the Seabird naval base, situated 5 km away from Ankola. The Karnataka government is considering collaborating with the Navy to designate a portion of the airport for civilian use. To facilitate this, 97.10 acres of land are undergoing acquisition procedures. However, the extension of the runway is still pending.

Vande Bharat

Two Vande Bharat trains have been committed connecting Belgaum to Pune and to Bangalore. People are awaiting the commencement of these services with great anticipation. Additionally, the Mangalore-Goa Vande Bharat also has a stop in Karwar.

Voter Demographics (2011 Census)

The total number of voters in Uttara Kannada as per the 2019 data is 15,52,483 of which urban voters are 23.6% and rural voters are 76.4%. The literacy rate in the constituency is at 72.43%.

While the constituency has 7.8% SC voters, there are 3.7% ST voters. Meanwhile, 71% are Hindu voters, 12.8% Muslims, 1.5% Christians and 1.12% Jains.

Check Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 3 Schedule, Key Candidates And Constituencies At News18 Website .

• lok sabha election 2024
• uttara kannada lok sabha election

Top Things to Do in Dandeli, Karnataka

Places to visit in dandeli, explore popular experiences, tours in and around dandeli.

Day Trip from Goa to Anshi National Park (Kali Tiger Reserve)

Dandeli One Night and Two Days Stay With Swimming Pool & Rafting

Private 3-Day Dandeli Birding Tour from Hubli

Goa to Anshi National Park, Extension to Wildlife Safari Tour

CULTURAL & HISTORIC DAY TOUR ATTRACTIONS - Churches, Temples & Spice Plantation

3-Day Private Taj Mahal, Agra and Delhi Tour from Goa or Mumbai

Hubli to Badami & Hampi UNESCO WHS Tour

From Goa - Overnight Taj Mahal Agra Private Tour by Return Flights

Discover Buddhism & Culture: A Heritage Journey

Village Tour and Goan Portuguese Fusion Meal with a Local

Nature and wildlife tours.

Top Attractions in Dandeli

Other Top Attractions around Dandeli

Private Sightseeing Tours

Private and Luxury

Cultural tours, multi-day tours, historical tours, tours & sightseeing, what travellers are saying.

• Syntheri Rock
• Sykes Point
• Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary
• Anshi National Park
• Kavala Caves
• Shiroli Peak

• Department of Tourism

+91-80-2235 2828

[email protected]

Sign up to newsletter

• Uttara Kannada

• Information
• Things To Do
• How to Reach

Uttara Kannada District is one of the largest districts in Karnataka with abundant natural resources and varied geographical features. It is surrounded by Belagavi and Goa State to the North, Dharward in the East, Shivamogga and Udupi in the South. Kannada & Konkani are the 2 major regional languages spoken here. With a total land area of 10.25 lakh hectares, 8.28 hectares is under forest land.

It has thick evergreen forest, perennial rivers, home to some of India’s finest beaches, adventure destinations and waterfalls, all of this with abundant flora and fauna. It has a long coastline of about 140 km in length with a port at Karwar which is developed as an all-weather port.

Karwar is the district headquarters of Uttara Kannada District. Surrounded by 5 islands and with beautiful beaches, this port town of Karwar is located on the Kali River. Karwar has all the characteristics of a perfect seaside holiday destination. With gentle silver waves and miles of golden sand, Karwar has captivating landscapes, ringed hill ranges and valleys and forests. Inspired by such great beauty, the great Indian writer and Nobel Laureate, Rabindranath Tagore penned one of his first works, Prakritir Pratishodh (Nature’s Revenge), at this paradise, marking the beginning of a glorious literary journey. Devbagh is the most enchanting of the five islands along the Karwar coast.

For further information, visit the official district website Click here!

When to go: The best season to visit any part of Uttara Kannada would be post-monsoon between September-March when the sea is playful and the days are not all that sultry.

Tourism offices:

Office of the Deputy Director Department of Tourism NH-17, Near RTO Office, Goa Main Road, Karwar, Uttara Kannada Tel: +91-8382-221172 Cell: +91-9483132206

Quick links

Om Beach Gokarna

Netrani Scuba Diving

Sathodi Falls

INS Chapal Warship Museum

Beaches & Islands

• Om Beach Gokarna (63 km) : One of the acclaimed beaches in the country, Om Beach takes the shape of an 'Om', a Hindu spiritual symbol. In the shape of two crescents joined together to form an Om, the beach offers a breathtaking view of the sunset. The long stretch of white sandy beach adjoining the rocky terrain appeals to travellers from around the world.
• Kudle Beach, Gokarna (65 km): One of the most popular beaches in Gokarna, Kudle Beach lies between the main beach of Gokarna and Om beach. With a wonderful spread of greenery, the long stretches of sand look quite lovely during the season. Filled with beach bums, volleyball lovers, musicians playing by the sea and backpackers lazing around, the beach is a perfect getaway for a relaxing vacation.
• Half Moon Beach, Gokarna: Half Moon beach is a quiet beach on the Gokarna town coastline. It can only be accessed by hiking or by motor boats that ply from Om beach. The hiking trail along the coast is narrow with hills on the left and deep blue sea to the right. The beach has plenty of rocks and a small patch of sparkling clean sand. The view of the sea coast from the hill is just breathtaking.
• Paradise Beach, Gokarna (65 km) : Paradise beach is also known as full moon beach. There is no road connectivity to paradise beach and the easiest way is to board a motor boat from Om Beach or Half Moon Beach. A 20 minute hike from Half Moon beach is another great option. Almost 70% of the beach is covered in rocks and the remaining section has clean white sand. This beach is an ideal place for camping.
• Rabindranath Tagore Beach: Surrounded by rocky hills and lined with innumerable trees, the beach is an ideal place to unwind. Located in the heart of the city, one can spend the evening on the beach witnessing the beautiful sunset which is a great way to relax. The beach is also the venue for a number of cultural activities, including the famous Karavali Utsav. The beach is also good for parasailing to a get a bird’s eye view of the coastal town.
• Devbagh Beach : Devbagh beach is really a perfect getaway for tourists searching for privacy as well as calm. It is famous for the golden sands and cool breeze, and provides adventure sports enthusiasts with a variety of water sports such as snorkeling and kayaking. It is also famous for the delicious seafood and other local cuisines.
• Majali Beach: Majali Beach is located at Majali Village, which is a small town that lies on the northern tip of coastal Karnataka. Apart from its scenic beauty, this beach is popular for its delicious local coastal cuisine. There is a lake situated close by, where activities like kayaking and rowing can be enjoyed. This beach also provides magnificent views of the setting sun.
• Binaga Beach: Known for its exquisite beauty and widespread seashore, Binaga Beach is about 5 km from Karwar. The beach is covered by green hilltops on three sides and offers clean and calm atmosphere for the visitors. Our Lady of St Anne’s Church lies on the Binaga Beach, which was built by the Portuguese.
• Koodi Bagh Beach: Koodi Bagh Beach is located at the confluence of the Kali River and the Arabian Sea, at a distance of 4.5 km from Karwar. This beach is very clean and is a perfect destination for adventure lovers. For thrill-seekers, the beach offers water sports like canoeing, kayaking and banana boat ride.
• Kurumgad Island: Situated 4km from the mainland, this tortoise-shaped island is renowned for the hilltop Narasimha Temple, which attracts thousands of devotees during the annual jatra held in January. Kurumgad is steeped in history, complete with the remains of a fort with cannon holes. Enjoy the panoramic view of the sea, sand, and neighbouring islands.
• Basavaraj Durga Island (90 km): Basavaraj Durga an island fortress situated near Honnavar. It is believed that the fort was constructed in 16th century during Vijayanagara kings. Shivappa Nayaka, the Keladi ruler captured the fort and gave it the name of Basavaraj Durga in memory of Keladi Prince Basavaraj. This fort is surrounded by a strong fortification raised by gigantic laterite blocks and has ruined mounted guns. It covers a total area of around 19 hectares. The island is also dotted with many fresh water wells. There is a temple here where the locals especially fishermen/ boat owners visit with their families every year on Makar Sankranti Day to perform poojas seeking protection from nature's harm throughout the year while working in the sea.
• Devgadh Island : Devgadh Island is a small island and picnic spot off the coast of Karwar city in North Canara. The name Devgadh is derived from ‘Devara Gudda’, Kannada for God’s Hill.
• Anjadev Island : Anjadev is a small island off the coast of Karwar in Uttara Kannada district. Anjadeva Island, also referred to as Anjediva is about 1.3 kms in length and 300 meters in width, resulting in a total area of just about 1.5 square kms.
• Haigunda : An island in the midst of Sharavati river, 20 kms from Honnavara

Adventure/Activities

• Netrani Scuba Diving (135 km) : Netrani island off Murudeshwara is one of the few popular Scuba diving destinations in Karnataka.The Nethrani Island also known as Pigeon Island is off the Murudeshwara coast. This is an enchanting island with a wild growth of trees and curved rocky formations that shelters numerous pigeons. The island with its corals and clear waters is probably the best snorkeling/ dive sites in India. There are great opportunities for snorkeling; both for beginners to deep-diving experts here. There are multiple operators in Murudeshwara who conduct single dives as well as scuba diving courses. Being able to swim like a fish, to see them in close view underwater and seeing colourful corals will be an experience to cherish, a perfect adventure for everyone in the family.
• Dandeli White Water Rafting : Dandeli is a popular adventure sports destination in Karnataka due to white water rafting opportunities in Kali river. Experience the thrills of white water rafting on some unpredictable stretches of the Kali River at Dandeli – probably the best place after the options available in the Ganges. The rafting trail stretches for around 12 km, making it an exhilarating stretch which is ideal for both professionals and inexperienced rafters.  The stretch of river is covered with dense forests, offers several grade 2 (simpler to negotiate) and grade 3 (needs a bit more effort) rapids making the rafting experience exhilarating, adventurous and memorable. The 12 km rafting excursion lasts 3 to 4 hours end to end, including transportation from resort to starting point.
• Yana Rock Climbing : Yana rocks are an adventure seeker’s ultimate destination. Yana in Uttara Kannada district attracts trekkers and climbers from all over the world. The gigantic crystalline like rock formations of Yana stand proud and tall among the evergreen forests of the Western Ghats in Uttara Kannada District. Yana is an ideal destination for pilgrims, trekkers, and nature-lovers alike. A 16km trek through the cool and breezy hills brings you to the foot of the mountain where the rock formations begin. At the top, a stunning sight awaits you: the awesome Bhairaveshwara and Jaganmohini shikharas (or peaks). A cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva lies below these shikharas. The vagaries of time have caused these limestone structures to turn blackish brown and lots of beehives dot the rock surface. A popular legend associated with Yana holds that Bhasmasura, an evil demon, performed penance to Lord Shiva and obtained the power of reducing to ashes anybody on whose head he placed his hand. An ungrateful Bhasmasura, however, soon decided to test the boon on his benefactor. To escape from him, Lord Shiva came to earth and hid in Yana. Lord Vishnu taking the form of a beautiful woman Mohini, challenged the demon to a dance and made him touch his own head and thereby reducing him to ashes.
• Watersports in Murudeshwara : Visitors can experience JetSki ride, banana boat ride and other watersports.
• Bird Watching in Ganesha Gudi : A popular spot in Dandeli to see and photograph a wide variety of birds, including hornbills.
• Jenu Kallu Gudda : A panoramic view point in the Western Ghats, 17 kms from Yellapura town.
• Syntheri Rocks (82 km): Located in the dense forests of Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary and in the way of River Kaneri, stands Syntheri Rock. It is monolithic granite structure with a height of 300 feet. Owing to the flow of the river nearby and the continuous erosion over several thousand years, it has resulted in the rocks getting weathered with lots of nooks and holes. These are home to innumerable blue rock pigeons and countless hives of honeybees. Entry to the venue is controlled by State Forest Department with parking facilities. From the parking area, one needs to climb down to reach the base of the Syntheri Rock.
• Kavala Caves (120 km): The Kavala caves are located in the Dandeli Sanctuary. Embedded in the rocks on the ridge overlooking the Kali River valley, these natural caves were created by water seeping through porous rocks over millions of years. The caves are replete with ancient limestone formations. Though the caves are about 15 feet high, the mouth is only three feet in height. You will need to use a powerful flashlight to explore these caves; they are pitch dark with lots of bats. After crawling on hands and knees for about 30 feet, the roof opens to a height of about 10 feet. A few more steps lead you to a giant stalagmite which resembles a Shiva Linga. During the Maha Shivarathri Festival, thousands of devotees throng this place. The view of the river valley from Kavala caves is breathtaking.
• Sadashivgad Fort: The Sadashivgad Fort was built in 1698 by the Sonda kings on a 200 ft hillock. Although in ruins today, only the arched entrance gateway seems to be in a good condition. There is also a statue of Shivaji Maharaj with his horse on top of the hill. It offers a spectacular view of the Kali River on one side and the Arabian Sea on the other.
• Mirjan Fort: Known for its design, located 21 kms from Gokarna.

• Unchalli Falls : Unchalli Falls is a popular waterfall in Uttara Kannada district’s Sirsi Taluk. River Aghanashini drops 116 meters here creating a magnificent waterfall. Visitors can view it from the viewing deck or hike down the steps to get a closer look from the foot of the waterfalls. Unchalli Falls is the best visited post monsoon season. Unchalli Falls was first discovered by J. D. Lushington, a British officer, way back in 1875
• Sathodi Falls : Sathodi Falls is a picturesque rectangular shaped waterfall in the Western Ghats. Several unknown streams converge near Kallaramane Ghat to become Sathodi Falls and plunge from a height of about 15 m to create a picturesque picnic spot. In between the bushes and the rocky terrain, there are small pathways leading to the waterfalls.
• Lalguli Falls (118 km): Lalguli Falls are located about 15km north of Yellapur in Uttara Kannada District. Here, the Kali River creates a grand spectacle by tumbling from a height of approximately 250 feet, in a series of picturesque rapids set at varying heights.
• Magod Falls (110 km): Here, the Bedthi River takes two distinct leaps, to hurtle from a height of 650 feet into a rocky ravine. The thickly wooded countryside, the roar of gushing water and a beautiful view combine to make this spot an ideal choice for outings.
• Vibhuti Falls (70 km): Vibhooti Falls gets its name from the lime stone rock found in the vicinity of this waterfall. The Vibhuti Falls is located close to Yana can be reached by a short trek through a jungle trail. There is a big waterfall of around 25 ft and a small one of 3 ft here.
• Shirale Falls: 13 kms from Yellapur, Shirale is an offbeat waterfall that requires 2 kms of hiking from nearest road access. Beautiful and hidden in the forest falls is totally worth the hiking effort.
• Shivaganga Falls : 22 kms from Sirsi, Shivaganga Falls is made by Sonda river falling into a deep valley
• Susubbi Falls : 30 kms from Sirsi, Susubbi Falls is made by a perennial spring called Bilihole falling from a height of about 11 meters
• Apsarakonda Falls : The name refers to the pond of the Angels. Apsarakonda Falls 96 kms South of Karwar and 7.5 kms from Honnavara.

Nature & Wildlife

• Anshi National Park(55 km) : The Anshi National Park is an evergreen tropical forest with an area of 339.86 sq km. located in an eco-sensitive part of the Western Ghats. Anshi is rich in rare species of flora and fauna with about 197 species of birds. The topography of the park is such that it has deep valleys, steep hill slopes and dense forests. A wide variety of trees such as teak, silver oaks, eucalyptus and bamboos are found here. Spotted deer, sambar, barking deer, mouse deer, common langur, sloth bear, gaur (Indian bison), wild boars, fox, bonnet macaque, slender loris, mongoose, tiger, jungle cat, jackal, pangolin, elephants, Malabar giant squirrel and the porcupine can be seen in the park.
• Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary (110 km): Sprawled over an area of 475.01 sq km in the Uttara Karnataka district, Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is a birdwatcher’s paradise, housing nearly 200 species of birds. Undulating streams, diverse wildlife, and innumerable trekking trails make Dandeli a dream destination. It is also one of the two places in Karnataka to report frequent sightings of the elusive black panther. There are a variety of reptilian and amphibian species in and around the wildlife sanctuary. A variety of species such as the barking deer, sambhar, flying squirrel, Malabar giant squirrel, bison and tiger are found in the sanctuary. The Dandeli forests also play host to the graceful Virnoli Rapids, the magnificent Supa Dam, the Syntheri Rocks, the Kulgi Nature Education Camp and the Kavala Caves with their Shivling-like stalagmites which offers a stunning view of the Kali River Valley.Jungle Lodges and Resorts operates 2 resorts here which are in close proximity (around 30 km) namely Kali Adventure Camp and Old Magazine House wherein you can indulge in activities like wildlife safari, white water rafting, coracling etc.
• Dandeli Hornbills : Hornbills are spectacular birds hard to miss. With their large, yellow coloured beaks, hornbills are easy to spot and are a bird photographer’s delight. Dandeli in Karnataka is the most popular place to spot Hornbills.
• Attiveri Bird Sanctuary : Attiveri is one of the popular bird sanctuaries in Uttara Kannada district, spread over 22 square kms and centred around Attiveri lake. Attiveri bird sanctuary is known to be home to about 79 different bird species migrating from over 22 countries during the winter season.

Religious Places

• Mahabaleshwar Temple Gokarna (60 km) : Gokarna is a temple town, a major Hindu pilgrimage centre and a beach attraction in Kumta Taluk of North Canara district. Gokarna is home to the legendary temple of Mahabaleshwara which houses the atmalinga of Lord Shiva. Legend has it that Ravana, the King of Lanka performed penance on Kailasa Hill. He pleased Lord Shiva and secured Atmalinga from Him; but on the condition that the atmalinga will never be placed on earth, or else it will get fixed there. The devas learnt about this and were frightened that Ravana would become all powerful. They approached Lord Ganesha who in the disguise of a Brahmin boy tricked Ravana and kept the atmalinga in the ground which permanently got fixed here. Mahabaleshwar Temple is built around this exact place. Nearby you can also visit the Venkatramana Temple, the Ganapati Temple, and the Koti Theertha tank where pilgrims perform their ablutions. Other must-sees in Gokarna are the enormous temple chariots which are dragged along the main street during Shivaratri festival during February.
• Murudeshwara : Located on the main Mangalore- Karwar Highway, Murudeshwara is sandwiched between the picturesque Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea. Its main attraction is a Shiva Temple with Chalukya and Kadamba sculptures built in the Dravidian style of architecture with an awesome Shiva statue and its pristine beach. The temple is located on a hillock which offers a magnificent view of the sea. The temple complex is famous for its tall Shiva statue which is around 37 m high and is the tallest Shiva statue in India. The temple gopura at 237 ft is the 2nd tallest in India. From across the beach, one can see the mammoth statue sparkling against the backdrop of a blue sky. There is also a huge statue of the Gitopadesha depicted in the lush garden here complete with a chariot.
• Idagunji Ganapathi Temple (105 km): Idagunji is a small place in Honnavar, on the banks of Sharavathi River, which has the famous Idagunji Ganapathi Temple. The temple is very famous and receives lakhs of devotees each year. The Ganapathi here is known as Panchakhadya Priya (meaning ‘Ganapathi who is fond of five eatables’). The Ganesha idol is in a standing posture and is a ‘Dwibhuja Ganapathy’ or two handed Ganesha unlike other Ganeshas who has four hands. Ganesha here is holding Modaka (a sweet) and Padma (Lotus) in His hands.
• Ulavi Channabasaveshwara Temple, Joida (90 km) Ulavi Channabasaveshwara Temple is one of the important pilgrimage centres in Uttara Kannada District of Karnataka specially for the followers of Channabasavanna. Situated amidst dense forests, this picturesque location is the Samadhi of Channabasavanna, one of the most respected saints of the Lingayat faith. The annual fair at Ulavi attracts pilgrims from all over Karnataka.
• Sahasralinga (140 km): Sahasralinga literally translates into 'One Thousand Lingas’ and the name is derived from the numerous Lingas that have been carved on the rocks along the banks of the Shalmala River. Linga is a manifestation of Lord Shiva and most of these Lingas of varying shapes and sizes can be clearly seen when the water level is low in the river. Most of the Lingas here features a Nandi (vehicle of Lord Shiva) alongside. Every year, on the occasion of Maha Shivratri, devotees from across the country visit the place to perform pujas. Interestingly, there is a similar Sahasralinga in Seam Reap (also known as Kbal Spean) very close to the famous site of Angkor Wat in Cambodia.
• Marikamba Temple, Sirsi (110 km): A highly revered temple among devotees, the Marikamba Temple at Sirsi is dedicated to Goddess Durga in the form of Marikamba. Constructed in the year 1688, the main deity Goddess Durga is in an intensely powerful form. The eight-armed idol is almost 7- feet tall and mounted on a tiger. Legend has it that the deity was discovered in a pond near Hanagal in Hubbali. The temple has the rare paintings of murals in Kaavi art on its walls, an art form native to the Konkan region of coastal Karnataka. This involves the creation of patterns done in red colour against a white background. Thousands of devotees visit the Temple during the Marikamba Jathre that is held once in two years.
• Kavadikere Temples: Durga and Kashi Vishwanatha temples located on the banks of Kavadikere lake, 5 kms from Yellapura city
• Huliyal: Huliyal is a town in North Canara popular for Mallikarjuna temple and fort, Sri Rama, Dattatreya, Maruti, Pete Basaveshwara and Venkataramana temples, six mosques, three Durgahs, a Roman Catholic Church and tomb of Haider Shah. Huliyal is 50 kms from Hubballi and 150 kms from Karwar.
• Madhukeshwara Temple, Banavasi (135 km): This temple town is located on the Vardha River, and is known for its rice, sugarcane, arecanut, spices, and the famous Banavasi pineapple. This is where the eminent poet Pampa wrote his poems. The Madhukeshwara Temple, famed for its architecture, derives its name from the honey coloured lingam in the inner sanctum of the temple. An imposing Nandi faces the linga.
• Venkatarama Matha: In Sunkeri, one finds many temples dedicated to Venkataramana Matha. The 300-year-old matha exhibits the finest ochre paintings on its walls. There is also a Naganatha Temple where an anthill is worshipped.
• Bedasgaon : Popular for Boppeshvaradeva temple
• Bhatkal : Home to over a dozen fine temples
• Bilgi : Ancient capital of Jain Palegars, Bilgi has Virupaksha, Mahadeva and Manumantha temples
• Dhareshwara : Popular for Dhareshwara Temple of Kalyana Chalukya era. Nagashringa Parvata with a cave is also a nearby destination to explore.
• Gersoppa : Home to Chaturmukha Basti, Vardhamana Basti.
• Haldipur : Popular for Shakaranarayana Temple, Chandeshwara temple, Gopalakrishna temple, Sunkadakatte Mahaganapathi temple, Marikamba temple, Salikeri and other temples
• Kadra : Popular for Mahamaya temple and Kadra dam.
• Kekkar : Home to multiple temples including Lakshminarasimha, Vishnu and Vinayaka temples
• Kumta : Major town in Uttara Kannada with Kumbhateshwara temple of Chalukya style as well as St John’s Church.
• Manjuguni : Home to Bete Venkataramana Temple of Vijayanagara Style

• Sonda : Sonda (also referred to as Sodhe) is a temple village in Uttara Kannada, headquarters of Sodhe Matha, established in the 13th century by Saint Madhavacharya. Sonda’s high altitude (2000 meters above msl) gives it a hill station like weather. Annual car festival at Honda is held every year during Holi Poornima (usually falls in March).
• Oyster Rock Lighthouse: Located on an island off the coast, can be reached via speed boats.
• INS Chapal Warship Museum : INS Chapal was an active warship with Indian navy and the star of naval warfare during 1971 Indo-Pak war. INS Chapal is now decommissioned, converted into a museum and attracts visitors in the city of Karwar.
• Rock Garden: Sculpture garden close to INS Chapal, showcasing tribal and village life.
• Jatayu Theertha: View point in Karwar
• Ankola : Ankola is a taluk and city in Uttara Kannada district in coastal Karnataka. Ankola is worth visiting because of its beaches, cultural heritage and beautiful nature
• Yellapura : Yellapura is a taluk and town in Uttara Kannada district, situated in the Western Ghats. Blessed with forests, ghats and blissful nature, Yellapur offers calm, offbeat and refreshing places of interest that should definitely be on the itinerary of travelers visiting the region.
• Ramnagar: Ramnagar is a village in Supa Taluk 112 kms from Karwar. Ganesha Gudi and Supa dam are the major tourist attractions near Ramnagar.
• Chandavar : Has a ruined fort, two mosques and few temples
• Sykes Point : A scenic view point inside Dandeli Games Sanctuary, 42 kms from Haliyal.
• Mundgod : Home to a Tibetan Monastery and settlement.

Tour Location

Kali Adventure Camp

Old magazine house.

Devbagh Beach Resort

Jlr sadashivgad sea view resort, jlr om beach resort, sterling karwar.

The Westend

Sai international karwar, camp riveredge paradise.

Kadu Mane homestay (Dandeli)

Shivamogga Lok Sabha Election 2024: In This Karnataka Constituency, Offsprings of 2 Former CMs in the Fray

T he Shivamogga Lok Sabha constituency consists of eight assembly segments — Shivamogga Rural (SC), Bhadravati, Shivamogga, Tirtha Halli, Shikaripura, Sorab, Sagar, and Byndoor. The current MP is BY Raghavendra of BJP.

Voting Factors

• Political Nerve Centre: Shivamogga, one of the political hotspots of Karnataka, is witnessing a generational change across parties and district. A prosperous Western Ghats district, Shivamogga has always been the political nerve centre of Karnataka, producing four chief ministers and dozens of other important figures as well as public movements. Children of two former chief ministers will be in the contest for the Shivamogga Lok Sabha seat, making it a high-contest constituency. The BJP has fielded its incumbent MP, BY Raghavendra, from Shivamogga, while the Congress has experimented with Geetha Shivarajkumar. Raghavendra is the son of BS Yediyurappa, while Geetha is the daughter of late S Bangarappa. Raghavendra has been elected to Parliament from Shivamogga three times. In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls and in the 2018 by-election, he defeated Geetha’s brother Madhu Bangarappa, who is now a minister in the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government. Madhu was then with JD(S). Raghavendra, in his first Lok Sabha election in 2009, had defeated S Bangarappa. Geetha had earlier contested from the seat on a JD(S) ticket in 2014 and lost against Yediyurappa by a huge margin. She had come third in that election behind Congress candidate Manjunath Bhandary.
• BJP’s Chances: The development work by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BY Raghavendra has put BJP in a pole position. Raghavendra and Yediyurappa’s influence reigns supreme. Locally, Yediyurappa and Raghavendra are more popular leaders, active and visible in the constituency. Incidentally, Shivamogga is the birthplace of socialism in Karnataka, farmers’ movement in India, and a stronghold of Congress and BJP as well as RSS. RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale hails from Hosabale village in Shivamogga district. BJP’s powerful general secretary — organisation BL Santhosh was also posted as an RSS full-timer in Shivamogga for 14 years. JDS state president CM Ibrahim hails from Bhadravathi. Shivamogga is securely held by the BJP. The Kesari faction could potentially enhance Hindu religious growth here, as it has been influential in all previous elections. In the Shivamogga Lok Sabha constituency, there are 2 lakh Muslim voters. If the Ediga community voters also show support for the Congress party, with the backing of Muslim and Ediga community votes, the path to victory for Congress might become smoother, making the Muslim community influential.
• BJP’s Challenges: The BJP’s house is not without its set of problems. Senior BJP leader and former deputy chief minister KS Eshwarappa has hinted that he will take a call on his next political move. Eshwarappa has been virtually sidelined by Yeddiyurappa and family. He has called for an internal review in the party and for lessons to be learned from the 2023 assembly defeat. JD(S) is currently not very strong in the region. Its contribution to the BJP kitty will be minimal. Many of its former leaders and workers have defected and joined the Congress and are now involved in campaigning for that party.
• Community Card: The Ediga community, which has 4.1 lakh members, shows a bigger preference for Congress than BJP. Muslims total around two lakh and overwhelmingly support Congress. The Lingayat community, with a population of 2.5 lakh, favours the BJP. The Brahmin community, consisting of 1.5 lakh, also prefers the BJP. Other communities like the Vokkaligas, OBCs etc are equally split in their support. Together, they make up another 4.5 lakh. The SCs, who make up around 2.15 lakh, are leaning marginally towards the Congress.

Key Voter Demographics

Total Voters of Shivamogga parliament seat as of 2019 Parliament Election: 17 lakh (approx.)

Male voters: 8.7 lakh

Female voters: 8.9 lakh

Caste-wise breakdown (approximate)

Ediga: 4.1 lakh

Lingayat: 2.5 lakh

Muslim: 2.0 lakh

Brahmin: 1.5 lakh

Vokkaliga: 1.5 lakh

OBC: 3.0 lakh

SC: 2.15 lakh

Religion-wise breakdown (Shivamogga District)

Hindu: 84.41 %

Muslim: 13.39 %

Christian: 1.51 %

Sikh: 0.02 %

Buddhist: 0.01 %

Jain: 0.53 %

Key Constituency Issues

• Infra Development: Several Union and state government schemes have contributed to progress, including those related to the Modi government’s welfare and development initiatives, such as national highways, railways, the Sigandur Bridge, airport, and Raksha University. Development work is very visible in Shivamogga in terms of industrial progress and infrastructure growth. But the rehabilitation of people affected by the Sharavathi dam remains unresolved. Few initiatives have been undertaken to create employment opportunities in the Lok Sabha constituency. This could potentially contribute to anti-incumbency.
• Communal Tensions: In Shivamogga, incidents of communal tensions between Hindu and Muslim communities are increasing, with more than 500 cases recorded annually. This has a significant impact on people’s lives. Last October, there was tension after stone pelting took place during an Eid-e-Milad procession. Stones were pelted at six houses in which six people were injured. There were also protests by Muslim residents in Ragigudda area over a cut-out of Tipu Sultan displayed by the community to mark the Eid Milad procession scheduled for the day. The police had covered a portion of the cutout, which had upset the community.
• Water scarcity: Water scarcity, like in many areas of rural and even urban Karnataka, remains a raging problem. According to government estimates, 238 villages in Shivamogga district are expected to face problems regarding drinking water supply in the future. Residents of two wards in Sorab taluk have already started relying on tankers to meet their drinking water needs. Last year, there was backlash against the state government over the Sharavathi reservoir. Farmers of Malnad are upset with the Congress government for failing to resolve issues related to grant of land to those who lost their land for the reservoir.

Key Infra Developments

• Shivamogga airport was operationalised last year, bringing much needed air connectivity to the area. PM Narendra Modi opened it, and it has been named after popular Kannada poet Kuvempu. There is politics around the airport. Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has permitted Karnataka State Industries and Infrastructure Development Corporation (KSIIDC) to conduct the operation and maintenance of this airport. It is the first airport to be operated, maintained by Karnataka government. State Infra minister MB Patil has even announced a subsidy of Rs 500 for every on-site availed ticket to travel from Shivamogga airport.
• Shivamogga Urban Development Authority (SUDA) is currently working to develop several residential layouts and has stopped issuing clearances to private layouts. State Urban Development Minster BS Suresh last October instructed officials to identify 250–300 acres of suitable land around the city and develop a layout.
• In February 2023, Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation stone and inaugurated multiple development projects worth more than Rs 3,600 crore at Shivamogga. These included the foundation stones for two railway projects in Shivamogga which include Shivamogga – Shikaripura – Ranebennur new Railway line and Koteganguru; railway coaching depot; multiple road development projects to be developed at a cumulative cost of more than Rs 215 crore; multi-village schemes worth more than Rs 950 crore under the Jal Jeevan Mission and 44 Smart City Projects worth more than Rs 895 Crores in Shivamogga city.

Check Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase 3 Schedule, Key Candidates And Constituencies At News18 Website .

• Tata Steel share price
• 166.45 -0.54%
• NTPC share price
• 365.10 -1.15%
• Kotak Mahindra Bank share price
• 1,547.25 -1.81%
• Tata Motors share price
• 1,013.80 -1.38%
• State Bank Of India share price
• 831.55 0.18%

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: PM Modi to address 4 rallies in Karnataka today to strengthen BJP's vote base

Lok sabha elections 2024: prime minister narendra modi to hold four rallies in north karnataka to strengthen bjp's voter base. voting for the remaining 14 lok sabha seats in karnataka on may 7. bjp aims to maintain a stronghold in the state against congress..

Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to deliver four rallies across North Karnataka on Sunday, aiming to boost the BJP's efforts to consolidate support in the region.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to hold public rallies in Belagavi, Uttara Kannada, Davanagere, and Ballari. These rallies are part of the BJP's approach to bolster its voter base in the North Karnataka region.

Also Read: Top Events of the Day: PM Modi back-to-back rallies in Karnataka; IMD heatwave alert, IPL 2024 match and more

PM Modi's complete schedule here:

Belagavi: Modi will start his day by addressing a public meeting at 10 a.m.

Sirsi, Uttara Kannada: He will then travel to Sirsi to speak at another public meeting at noon.

Davanagere: Modi's final event will be an election rally in Davanagere, beginning at 2 p.m.

Ballari: PM Modi will address a public meeting at 4 p.m. 

On Friday, voting took place in 14 of the 28 Lok Sabha seats in Karnataka. The remaining 14 seats, which are set for elections on May 7, include Bagalkot, Belgaum, Bidar, Bijapur, Chikkodi, Davanagere, Dharwad, Kalaburagi, Haveri, Ballari, Koppal, Raichur, Shimoga, and Uttara Kannada.

Also Read: Lok Sabha polls 2024 LIVE updates: PM Modi to address four mega rallies in North Karnataka today

The BJP has consistently excelled in the Lok Sabha elections in Karnataka, which is the only southern state where the BJP has maintained a strong presence. In the 2019 elections, the BJP achieved a sweeping victory, winning 25 out of 28 seats.

The Congress party, which won just one seat in the 2019 elections, is now tasked with maintaining its foothold while the BJP aims to replicate its past success. Given this context, the upcoming elections pose a significant challenge for both parties.

In Karnataka, the Vokkaliga and Lingayat communities hold significant political influence. If these two groups unite, they have the potential to bring about substantial changes in the state's political landscape. The BJP experienced this dynamic in the assembly elections, where a combined platform of Vokkaligas and Lingayats posed a challenge.

Lingayats constitute the largest community in Karnataka, with Vokkaligas coming in second. Notable political figures, such as JDS chief HD Deve Gowda and Congress state president DK Shivakumar, belong to the Vokkaliga community.

The third phase of polling is set for May 7, covering 94 constituencies across 12 states/UTs, with the results expected on June 4.

(With inputs from agencies)

Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world 🌏 Click here to know more.

Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed – it's all here, just a click away! Login Now!

Wait for it…

Log in to our website to save your bookmarks. It'll just take a moment.

You are just one step away from creating your watchlist!

Oops! Looks like you have exceeded the limit to bookmark the image. Remove some to bookmark this image.

Your session has expired, please login again.

Congratulations!

You are now subscribed to our newsletters. In case you can’t find any email from our side, please check the spam folder.

Subscribe to continue

This is a subscriber only feature Subscribe Now to get daily updates on WhatsApp