Karnataka, which is ranked as the nation’s fourth most popular tourist destination, offers a wide range of attractions. Karnataka, which stretches from Belgaum in the north to Bangalore in the south, is a world unto itself, offering stunning scenery, a plethora of cultural heritage, tranquil beaches, and delectable cuisine to suit every taste. Karnataka is the home of many ethnic groups, including Malayalis, Tamilians, Konkanis, Kannadigas, Muslims, and Christians.
It is home to the second-highest number of protected monuments in India, with most of them being found at Hampi, the former capital of the Vijayanagar Empire. Tens of thousands of pilgrims visit the world’s largest monolithic edifice, the statue of Lord Gomteshwar in Shravanabelagola, during the annual Mahamastakabhisheka festival. Karnataka is rich in animals and the abundance of nature in addition to history. It boasts more than 25 animal sanctuaries and 5 national parks, the most well-known of which are Bandipur and Nagarhole. Known as the “Silicon Valley of India” and home to thousands of IT businesses, Bengaluru is the state capital and a popular tourist destination. Because of its coffee farms, Coorg is one of Karnataka’s most popular travel destinations.
Visitor Destinations in Karnataka
1. Coorg
Set against the backdrop of towering Karnataka highlands and known for its constant mist, Coorg is a well-known coffee-producing hill station. It is well-known for the streams that run directly through the gorgeous, verdant slopes. Its culture and populace also contribute to its popularity as a travel destination. Known for their excellent hospitality, the Kodavas are a martial arts-focused local clan.
Kodagu, also referred to as Coorg is the wealthiest hill station in Karnataka. It is renowned for its rich vegetation and incredibly diverse surroundings. Plantations of coffee, spices, and forests surround the hills, further enhancing the scenery. The hub of the area is Madikeri, from where all modes of transit originate. Explore the charming towns of Virajpet, Kushalnagar, Gonikoppal, Pollibetta, and Somwarpet when visiting Coorg, and don’t miss the wonderful idea of “homestays” to add even more special touches to your trip!
2. Badami
Beautifully carved sandstone cave temples, fortresses, and engravings surround the Agastya Lake in a valley of craggy red sandstone. Badami, formerly known as Vatapi, is a pleasure for archaeologists. The best example of traditional temple architecture in India is Badami, which is part of the Aihole-Badami-Pattadakal UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is situated in the Karnataka district of Bagalkot.
Badami, which was once the Chalukyas’ royal capital, is home to several Dravidian architectural masterpieces that combine elements of both North and South Indian architectural design. The Badami Caves are home to one Jain temple and three Hindu temples. A well-liked pastime here for those seeking excitement is rock climbing.
3. Mysore
Known for being The City of Palaces, Mysore, or more accurately Mysuru, is one of the most significant locations in the nation in terms of historical eras. Its rich history includes its magnificent royal lineage, beautiful architecture, well-known silk sarees, yoga, and sandalwood, to mention a few. Nestled at the base of the Chamundi Hills, Mysore is the third-most populous city in Karnataka and attracts millions of visitors each due to its rich cultural legacy. The magnificent Mysore Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see is the main attraction.
One of the three biggest Princely States in the former Indian British Empire was Mysore. One of India’s most magnificent palaces, the Mysore Palace still commands respect today. Every inch of the Mysore Palace drips with opulence and intricate details, and every room you visit stands out in terms of its elaborate architecture, beautiful paintings, rich colors, and stained-glass windows. The palace is a well-known tourist destination that sees thousands of visitors mill in and around it every day. Every Sunday at dusk, the palace is magnificently illuminated for the Dussehra celebrations.
4. Hampi
The city of ruins, Hampi, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travelers can enjoy this historical site, which is located in the state of Karnataka amid the shaded depths of hills and valleys. Hampi is a backpacker’s paradise, surrounded by 500 historic sites, stunning temples, lively street markets, bastions, the Treasury Building, and intriguing remnants of the Vijayanagar Empire. Explore more than 100 locations within Hampi, an open museum that offers a unique perspective on the city’s past.
Around 1500 AD, Hampi served as the capital of the Vijayanagar empire and was reportedly the second-biggest city in the world. It lost significance during the ensuing centuries, and today you may explore the ruins of numerous temples and other buildings dispersed throughout a wide region. The surrounding landscape of Hampi is just as enigmatic as the ruins themselves; the city is encircled by rocks of varying sizes, and with a little effort, you can go to their summits for a breathtaking perspective of the surrounding countryside and the city as a whole. On the banks of the Tungabhadra River is where it’s situated. Well-known for its enormous, exquisitely carved temples, particularly the Virupaksha Temple.
5. Gokarna
Beach lovers and hippies are drawn to Gokarna, a Hindu pilgrimage town in Karnataka, because of its immaculate beaches and stunning scenery. Gokarna, which is located on the Karwar coast, draws millions of visitors each year who come here seeking serenity and leisure. The beaches outside of town, such as Kudle Beach and Om Beach, offer a distinct experience from town life.
The majority of international visitors are scattered throughout palm-fringed beaches, with very few Indians in sight. Gokarna is not a typical tourist destination. Everything on the beaches moves at a leisurely pace, making them ideal for a leisurely vacation. Gokarna is a ‘one of a kind’ location in the nation, surrounded by clean beaches, palm and coconut trees, and the ocean.
6. Udupi
The seaside town of Udupi in Karnataka is well-known throughout the nation for its South Indian eateries and vegetarian food. In addition to its serene beaches, undiscovered forests, and exquisitely carved old temples, Udupi is home to Manipal’s educational center. Udupi, which is 60 kilometers from Mangalore, is well-known for its stunning beaches and temple culture.
You may experience the best of both worlds when riding through this district, which is surrounded by the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea. Since this is a holy town, the Krishna Temple is among the main draws. Locally, Udupi is also referred to as Shivalli and Rajata Peetha.
Udupi boasts some of the most exquisite beaches in Karnataka. Due to its unique seaside lifestyle, a plethora of water sports, and beach shacks serving some of the best seafood in Southern Karnataka, Malpe Beach is a popular tourist destination. You may catch a boat to St. Mary’s Island, which is well-known for its black rocks, from here.
7. Chikmagalur
Jog Falls, the highest waterfall in Karnataka and the second-highest plunge waterfall in India is a popular tourist destination. Second only to the Meghalayan Nohkalikai Falls, Jog Falls cascades a massive 253 meters (850 feet) in a single fall. But before the monsoon, the flow of the falls is severely curtailed because of the nearby hydroelectricity facility, Linganamakki Dam. For the best chance of witnessing the falls in their entirety, visit during the monsoon season.
The major Shimoga city is a two-hour drive from Jog Falls. This seasonal cascade, also called the Joga Falls or Gerosappa Falls, is divided into four sections: Raja, Roarer, Rocket, and Rani. Some features of the streams served as the basis for their names. Rani is a calm stream with foam falls, Rocket flows down in various jets, Roarer is a powerful and violent river that rushes down to meet the Raja stream, and Raja is an uninterrupted stream. Try to find the streams the next time you’re there!
8. Jog Falls
The second-tallest statue of Lord Shiva in the world, standing 123 feet, is located in Murudeshwar. This town is a popular picnic destination for people from Kerala and Karnataka, with the Western Ghats dominating the town and the glittering Arabian Sea on three of its sides. Tourists are drawn to Netrani Island mostly by its beaches and adventurous activities.
The most popular locations are the Murudeshwar temple and fort, which captivate visitors with their natural beauty and rustic charm. Because it provides great prospects for scuba diving and snorkeling, nearby Netrani Island is also a popular destination for tourists. However, because of human interference, the Murudeshwar beach has grown quite busy and unclean and should be avoided.
9. Murudeshwar
The second-tallest statue of Lord Shiva in the world, standing 123 feet, is located in Murudeshwar. This town is a popular picnic destination for people from Kerala and Karnataka, with the Western Ghats dominating the town and the glittering Arabian Sea on three of its sides. Tourists are drawn to Netrani Island mostly by its beaches and adventurous activities.
The most popular locations are the Murudeshwar temple and fort, which captivate visitors with their natural beauty and rustic charm. Because it provides great prospects for scuba diving and snorkeling, nearby Netrani Island is also a popular destination for tourists. However, because of human interference, the Murudeshwar beach has grown quite busy and unclean and should be avoided.
10. Bangalore
Bangalore, the third-largest city in India, has progressively changed from being known as the Garden City to the Silicon Valley of India. Bangalore is well-liked for its many lakes, lovely parks, and good weather. Bangalore is well known for its restaurants, street food stands, unique cafes, coffee shops, and bars that are scattered around the city and provide food from all over the world. Bangalore offers it all: rooftop cafés, burgers, brunches, buffets, and late-night food.
Here, one can opt to visit one of the many renowned breweries for a nice, refreshing drink, shop in the numerous malls and street markets, or enjoy a stroll in the lovely Cubbon Park. The city is filled with numerous finely landscaped parks.
However, as is the case with any major metropolis, Bangalore’s extraordinary IT boom has altered many aspects of the city, including its increasingly hot climate, contaminated lakes, and extremely clogged roadways, particularly in the more recent neighborhoods. Bangalore’s neighborhoods are generally calm and peaceful, except for the core business and commercial districts (as well as the roads that lead to them), particularly the older neighborhoods like Jayanagar and J.P. Nagar.
Popular Packages for Karnataka
| Packages | Price | Days | Inclusion | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bangalore, Mysore, Nagarhole, Bandipur National Park | ₹ 15,000* | 4 Nights / 5 Days | Hotels, Car, Sightseeing, Meals | |
| Bangalore, Mysore, Coorg | ₹ 16,649* | 4 Nights / 5 Days | Hotels, Car, Sightseeing, Meals | |
| Mysore, Ooty, Kodaikanal | ₹ 14,000* | 5 Nights / 6 Days | Hotels, Car, Sightseeing | |
| Mysore, Chikmagalur, Coorg | ₹ 13,799* | 5 Nights / 6 Days | Hotels, Car, Sightseeing, Meals | |
| Bangalore, Chikmagalur, Hampi | ₹ 13,799* | 5 Nights / 6 Days | Hotels, Car, Sightseeing, Meals |
The Ideal Time to Travel to Karnataka
The greatest time to visit Karnataka is from October to April. The winter months are ideal for taking a wildlife safari or seeing the magnificent Mysore Dussera. Because Karnataka lies close to the western coast, the summer months of April through June are very humid. Hill stations are milder and colder than coastal locations. The ideal time to visit Karnataka varies depending on the season and the place you’re going. There’s never a better time to go trekking in locations like Antargange or view the stunning Jog Falls than during the monsoon season, which runs from July to September in some parts.
