Karnataka, between the Kannad Coast, the Western Ghats, and the Deccan Plateau, is a renowned tourist destination in India. The state has many attractions, including woods, hills, temples, caves, beaches, riversides, lakes, coffee estates, waterfalls, ruins, and more. It's a kaleidoscope with limitless opportunities for nature lovers, history buffs, foodies, and adrenaline-fueled safaris. From the metropolitan city of Bangalore to the scenic town of Coorg, there is a lot you can explore here. With our detailed guide discover the best places to visit in Karnataka and get ready for an unforgettable adventure on your next trip.
Top Tourist Places in Karnataka
Karnataka, with its spell-bound beaches, rich biodiversity, old cities, steep mountains, and many other attractions, combines modernism and ancient charm. Here, we've compiled a list of some of the must-visit places in Karnataka.
1. Coorg
Coorg, popularly known as the 'Scotland of India,' is a prominent hill station and one of the famous tourist places in Karnataka noted for its breathtaking scenery, coffee fields, and waterfalls. Visitors can experience exhilarating treks, elephant camps, river rides, animal sanctuaries, monasteries, and the Madikeri market. The Kodavas, a native clan that specializes in martial arts, are noted for their hospitality. Madikeri is the region's centre, and visitors can explore places like Virajpet, Kushalnagar, Gonikoppal, Pollibetta, and Somwarpet, as well as experience the notion of "homestays." Book your Coorg packages today.
- Places to visit in Coorg: Abbey Falls, Iruppu Falls, and Bylakuppe.
- 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 nearby.
- 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.
2. Badami
Badami, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Karnataka, is known for its sandstone cave temples, fortifications, and carvings. It was formerly the Chalukyas' royal capital and features Dravidian architecture with influences from South and North India. The caves are home to three Hindu and one Jain temples, and rock climbing is a popular sport in this unique place to visit in Karnataka.
- Places to visit: Badami Fort, Buddha rock-cut Caves, Agastya Lake, Aihole and Bhootnath Temple.
- 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.
3. Mysore
Mysore, popularly known as the City of Palaces in southern India, is a renowned must-visit place in Karnataka famed for its regal heritage, ornate architecture, silk sarees, and yoga practices. Mysore, located in the Chamundi Hills, is Karnataka's third most populous city, attracting millions of tourists each year. The Mysore Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-see for Indo-Saracenic architecture, ornate carvings, and stained glass windows. The palace is illuminated during Dussehra celebrations, attracting visitors and practitioners from all over the world. The Ashtanga School of Yoga, which originated in Mysore, also attracts visitors and practitioners interested in the ancient yoga technique.
- Places to visit in Mysore: 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
4. Bangalore
Bangalore, India's third-largest city, is one of the top 10 tourist places in Karnataka and is renowned for its dynamic culture and diversified population. As the country's IT hub, it has a cosmopolitan feel and is home to various attractions, including wildlife, nature, ruins, museums, architectural marvels, and gardens. The city has transformed from Garden City to India's Silicon Valley, and it is well-known for its gorgeous parks, cafes, and bars making it one of the famous tourist places in Karnataka.
- Places to visit in Bangalore: Bannerghatta Biological Park, Bangalore Palace, Lalbagh Glass Place.
- Best Time To Visit: October to February
5. Gokarna
Gokarna, a Hindu pilgrimage town in Karnataka, is a favourite destination and one of the most beautiful places in Karnataka for beachgoers and hippies because of its beautiful beaches and breathtaking scenery. The town draws visitors from all around the world seeking relaxation and serenity. Out-of-town beaches such as Kudle and Om Beach stand in stark contrast to the town's traditional way of life. Gokarna is a low-key, less-commercialized beach location with numerous temples that is popular among travellers seeking serenity and solemn enjoyment.
- Places to Visit: Mahabaleshwar Temple, Maha Ganapati Temple, and Om Beach
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
6. Hampi
Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in North Karnataka, is a favourite site for historians and architecture students and among the most visited places to travel in Karnataka. The village, located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, is home to around 500 architectural structures, including the Virupaksha Temple, which honours the Vijayanagara Kingdom's patron deity. The settlement is encircled by boulders, which provide spectacular views of the city and its surroundings. Hampi was designated a World Heritage Site in 1986. You can also check the must-visit places near Hampi for an extended adventure.
- Places to visit: Monkey Temple, Archeological Museum, Vijaya Vittala Temple and Royal Enclosure
- Best Time To Visit: October to March
7. Udupi
Udupi, a seaside town in Karnataka, is renowned for its temples, architecture, and native cuisine. It is between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats and is famous for its stunning beaches and old temples. Udupi is also home to Manipal's educational hub. The town is well-known for its beach culture, water sports, and the famed Krishna Temple. Visitors can also board a boat to St. Mary's Island, which is famed for its black rocks and one of the unique places to visit in Karnataka.
- Places to visit in Udupi: Sri Krishna Temple, Malpe Beach, St. Mary’s Islands, Ambalpady, and Shiriyara are the major attractions
- Best Time To Visit: December to February
8. Jog Falls
Jog Falls, also known as Gerusoppa Falls, Gersoppa Falls, or Jogada Gundi, is India's second-highest waterfall and one of the top nature places in Karnataka. It originates from the Sharavathi River and is separated into four sections: Raja, Rocket, Rani, and Roarer. The State Tourism Department built 1,500 steps from the overlook to the hill bottom, providing a beautiful vista. The waterfall is a popular tourist destination in Karnataka, with its full form visible during the rainy season. The falls are a two-hour trip from Shimoga city and are divided into four sections based on their streams.
- Places to visit: Linganamakki Dam across the Sharavathi River, Tunga Anicut Dam, and Thavare Koppa
- Best Time To Visit: Monsoon season
9. Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur, often known as the 'Coffee Land of Karnataka,' is a scenic hill station in the foothills of the Mullayanagiri range and a tourist place near Karnataka, famous for its peaceful nature, lush green trees, and the Yagachi River. As India's leading coffee grower, it provides a peaceful setting for coffee enthusiasts to explore its placid coffee plantations, nature walks, and trekking paths. Visitors can also enjoy guided excursions and homestays on the estates. Chikmagalur is also a famous trekking destination, with the Mullayangiri, Kemmanagundi, and Baba Budangiri climbs.
- Places to visit: Mahatma Gandhi Park, Coffee Museum, Mullayana Giri, Kudurekha Jamly.
- Best Time To Visit: September to May
10. Murudeshwar
Murudeshwar, a sacred town with the world's second highest Lord Shiva monument, is a popular day trip places in Karnataka destination known for its tranquil beaches and adventure sports. The town is also noted for its temples, forts, and the surrounding Netrani island, which provides water sports such as scuba diving and snorkelling. However, human meddling has caused the beach to become overcrowded and polluted, making it a popular tourist destination.
- Places to visit: Statue of Lord Shiva, Murudeshwar temple
- Best Time To Visit: October to May
11. Dandeli
Dandeli, one of the best tourist places in Karnataka, combines nature and adventure. It is located on the Kali River and offers a wide range of activities including river rafting, mountain riding, trekking, cycling, kayaking, and canoeing. The Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-see for wildlife enthusiasts, with an opportunity to see Bisons and Black Panthers. Other popular sights are the Kavla Caves, Ulavi Temple, Satholi Falls, and Sykes Point. Camping is a popular hobby, and many providers provide great experiences.
- Places to visit: Explore Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, Shiroli Park, and Kavala caves
- Best Time To Visit: October to May
12. Thirthahalli
Thirthahalli is one of the famous places in Karnataka, providing a relaxing atmosphere with beautiful green scenery and water sports. It is also the taluk headquarters in Shimoga District, known for the sacred river Tunga and its place in Indian mythology. The region is noted for its rich Kannada tradition, which has produced notable writers like Kuvempu, Ur Ananthamurty, and M K Indira.
- Places to visit: Kavaledurga Fort, Kundadri Hills, Ambutheertha, Srimane Falls, Chibbalagudde
- Best time to visit: October to March
13. Kemmanagundi
Kemmanagundi, a hill station with breathtaking vistas and lovely gardens, is the ideal summer destination for nature and adventure enthusiasts and is one of the best places in Karnataka. The area is ideal for trekking, nature hikes, and picnics, including attractions such as the Rock Garden, Z Point, Hebbe Falls, Kalahasti Falls, and Shiva Temple.
- Places to Visit: Hebbe Falls, Rock Garden, Z Point, and the Shiva temple.
- Best Time To Visit: September to February
14. Nandi Hills
Located to the east of Bangalore, Nandini Hills is one of the must-visit places in Karnataka and a prominent health resort famous for its tranquil lake, forts, and historic temples. It's an ideal weekend getaway, with breathtaking vistas and historical significance. Nandi Hills, located 60 kilometres distant, is a hidden wonderland with elaborately painted walls, pillars, and carved arches.
- Places to Visit: Nandi Temple, the century-old Lord Shiva Temple, and Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple are the primary attractions.
- Best Time To Visit: September to February
15. Karwar
Karwar, a lovely town near the Karnataka-Goa border, is among the famous nearby places to visit in Karnataka for its sun-kissed beaches, charming temples, and imposing forts. Karwar, also known as 'Kone' by southern locals, is a port city with picturesque beaches and a rich history reaching back to the 15th century. Karwar is also an excellent destination for adventure travellers, as it offers snorkelling, scuba diving, and surfing.
- Places to visit: Kurumgad Island, Sadashivgad Fort, Durga Devi and Nagnath Temple.
- Best Time To Visit: October to February
16. Srirangapatna
Srirangapatna, a small island town in Karnataka, is an architectural marvel in the Hoysala and Vijayanagar styles, best renowned for its Ranganathaswamy temple, a major Vaishnavite pilgrimage site. It is one of Karnataka best places to visit. The town, which was originally the capital of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, is home to several historical sites, including a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located 22 kilometres from Mysore and oozes old-world beauty and historical value, making it a popular tourist attraction.
- Places to visit: Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Dariya Daulat Palace, Balmuri Falls, Colonel Bailey’s Dungeon
- Best Time To Visit: October to March
17. Dharmasthala
Dharmasthala, also known as the Land of Charity, is a stunning temple town that combines tradition, culture, and religion. It is one of the important places in Karnataka and a pilgrimage place for the Shaiva, Vaishnava, and Jaina communities, located on the banks of the Nethravathi River in Karnataka, India. Another popular feature is the 39-foot-high Bahubali statue, which was carved from a single stone. Dharmasthala possesses natural beauty thanks to its location, which is enhanced by the copious and pervasive aromas of culture and spirituality in the air.
- Places to visit: Bahubali Statue, Manjusha Museum, Sri Manjunatha Temple, etc.
- Best Time To Visit: November to February
18. Kudremukh
Kudremukh, a notable hill station in Bangalore, is one of the renowned tourist places in Karnataka hill range famous for its lush forests, grasslands, and rolling meadows. The mountainside, named after a horse's face, is a biodiversity hotspot with beautiful splendour. Despite environmental problems, Kudremukh continues to be a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers. The mountain range, along with adjoining Varaha Parvatha, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that highlights the region's variety.
- Places to visit: Kudremukh Peak
- Best Time To Visit: November to February
19. Mangalore
Mangalore, a tranquil place to see in Karnataka, is situated at the estuary junction of the rivers Netravati and Gurupura on the Arabian Sea Coast. Mangalore, known for its magnificent beaches, seafood, sunrises and sunsets, is an excellent choice for a two-day getaway. Despite increasing commercialisation, it provides a relaxing escape from city life while retaining metropolitan flair. Major attractions include Kudroli Temple, Mangaladevi Temple, Someshwara Beach, Panambur Beach, Tannirbavi Beach, and Pilikula Nisargadhama.
- Places to visit: Tannirbhavi Beach, Panambur Beach, Someshwara Temple, St. Aloysius Chapel, Mangaladevi Temple
- Best Time To Visit: October to February
20. Shivanasamudra Falls
Shivanasamudra Falls is a popular waterfall formed by the Kaveri River that provides a tranquil setting for picnics and relaxation is a popular place to go in Karnataka. It is largely a hydropower project area, but it is also noted for its breathtaking waterfalls, Gaganachukki and Barachukki. Visitors can admire the waterfalls from benches and steps, with Barachukki Falls cascading down 250 feet and Gaganachukki Falls especially beautiful during rainy seasons.
- Places to visit: Gaganachukki Falls Bharachukki Falls Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple and Sivasamudra
- Best time to visit: July to January
- Nearest railway station: Maddur Railway Station – 60 km
- Nearest airport: Mysore Airport and Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru
Conclusion
Karnataka has a wide range of experiences, from tranquil hill villages to historic temples and a bustling metropolis. Places in Karnataka has something for everyone, including adventurers, history buffs, and environment lovers. From the architectural grandeur of Hampi to the lush beauty of Coorg and the spiritual aura of Udupi, each site makes an indelible impact. Book a vacation to Karnataka to discover its rich history, culture, and natural beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the top places to visit in Karnataka?
Karnataka boasts several must-visit destinations, including Bengaluru, Mysuru, Hampi, Coorg, Chikmagalur, Gokarna, Badami, and Bandipur National Park.
2. What are the best places to visit near Karnataka?
Some great places near Karnataka include Goa, Pondicherry, Ooty (Tamil Nadu), Munnar (Kerala), and Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu).
3. Which are the best adventure places in Karnataka?
For adventure enthusiasts, Karnataka offers treks in Kumara Parvatha and Kudremukh, river rafting in Dandeli, rock climbing in Hampi, and scuba diving in Netrani Island.
4. What are some good weekend getaways in Karnataka?
Popular weekend getaways include Coorg, Chikmagalur, Sakleshpur, Kabini, Gokarna, and Udupi, offering relaxation and scenic beauty.
5. What are the best hill stations to visit in Karnataka?
Karnataka’s top hill stations include Coorg, Chikmagalur, Agumbe, Kudremukh, and Sakleshpur, known for their breathtaking landscapes.
6. Which historical places should I visit in Karnataka?
Hampi, Badami, Pattadakal, Aihole, Belur, and Halebidu are renowned for their stunning historical and architectural heritage.
7. What are the best beaches in Karnataka?
Some of the most beautiful beaches in Karnataka are Gokarna Beach, Om Beach, Kudle Beach, Murudeshwar Beach, and Malpe Beach.
8. What are some offbeat places to visit in Karnataka?
Explore lesser-known gems like Agumbe, Gudibanda, Banavasi, Maravanthe Beach, and Honnavar for unique and peaceful experiences.
