Places That Are Must Visit In Karnataka
The state of Karnataka is an amalgam of phlegmatic destinations of nature, barbaric spectacles of wildlife, flawless aura of majestic temples, the pristine beaches and daunting views of the festivals. Every abode is admirable, beauteous and delightful to visit. It draws you out of your hectic schedule letting you rejuvenate your exhausted souls. A trip to Karnataka is refreshing and you feel like you’re in the cradle of nature. We bring forth the best destination plans for your visit to Karnataka abating you to boggle your mind with such thoughts.
1. Nandi Hills
Well this place is a hub for people who make a living in Bangalore easing them out of their busy and tough week. A much anticipated place to spend your weekend in the lap of nature owing to its adjacency the cyber burghal making it an easy and laze place to visit. So if you’re bored of your chores and want you to escape your hectic life, Nandi hills and Mudenahhali Hills is your destination. Situated at a distance of 61 kilometers from the capital, this place is known for its breathtaking views and pietistic temples. The enticing breeze, the ground touching clouds and the panorama will make you feel at peace. Owing to its grand and valor amongst the tourists, there is a horticulture garden assembled at that place by the government of tourism. Other than this, mind captivating place has other attractions like Tipu Fort and a secluded village of Mudenahhali which is just a 55 kilometer drive from Nandi Hills. Attractions of this place include the memorial of Sri Murali Vulaganti and a 140 acre garden project undertaken by the Karnataka State Horticulture Department. So if you want to take some out for yourself spend some time in this lap of nature.
2. Sangama
As the name suggests, this place is known as the abutment of two angelic rivers Arkavathi and Kaveri. It is an ideal inland for people of Mysore and Bangalore. A refreshing trek or a hike is something you can’t deny to bustle. You can even extend your trek to a small aloof place called Mekedatu. You can even sit beside the waters of pristine Kaveri, enjoying the waves. This would rejuvenate and reenergize you for the coming week and will even make you feel peaceful at heart.
3. Ooty
The most divine of all hill stations in India; this is the most luring and ought to visit place on the lists. Its close proximity to Mysore which is about 126 kilometers and also to Bangalore which is 267 kilometers makes it easily accessible for tourists to visit. The place has an aura brailing with greenery, scent and vines of tea and coffee estates. You will enjoy the glittering clouds in the skies, invigorating climate and serenity around the place. Places like Conoor and Kodaikanal lying in the vicinity of Ooty are worth exploring too. The sedate and hushed environment is breathtaking too and is sure to lure you into extended your trip. Tagging these three hill stations will make your nature tour boastful and reviving for your mind and body. The tranquil landscape and pleasing views will make you extend your soul. The less human interaction in these places makes nature lovers enjoy heaven in a mist.
4. Jog and Sigandhur falls
Karnataka will feel like heaven for those who desire to spend some quality time in the laps of nature. Adding to the list for nature maniacs is the Jog and Sigandhur falls located in the Sagar districts of the state. These falls are considered to be the highest waterfalls in India and offer to be a very pellucid sightseeing for tourists. Both these waterfalls are located at a distance of 45 kms from each other. The Sigandhur falls is destined in a village of the same name which is also famous for Signadur Chowdeshwari Temple and the brooks of River Sharavathi.
5. Hampi
Known as the capital of the greatest Hindu empires in the pages of Indian history, Hampi is the village located in Karnataka. It was the last capital of Vijaynagara and is known for its picturesque construction and majestic landscape. The village is artistically decorated with captivating ruins. It is also covered with large cobblestones that extend to about 25 kilometers encompassing about 500 monuments in it. The ruins date back to 14th century creating an aura of exploration amongst the tourists.
6. Chitradurga Fort
We have another destination to hold your breaths for a while just in case you’re archeological ardor isn’t satisfied with the blazing ruins of Hampi. Situated on your to Hampi, the ruins of this fort stretches along the northwest part of Bangalore. Also known as the benevolence of the Deccan Plateau, this not so famous fort drapes the plateau and is a famous tourist attraction. This fort was built by the Palegar Nayakas around the 15th century. It is said that the fort was completed till mid of 18th century by Hyder Ali who defeated the Nayakas and took control over the fort. The history that the fort unveils is of great interest for tourists flocking to this fort. The ruins of this depicts that it was the largest fort in Karnataka during medieval times. It is said to consist of 19 gateways, 4 invisible passages, 2000 watchtowers, 35 entrances and 7 circular walls, 18 temples in the upper fort and a huge temple in the lower fort. Built on a granite hill, this fort it is brindled with large boulders and valleys representing the rocky landscape of the fort. Hiring a tourist guide at this place will unleash your mind with the boggling facts about the fort and will deepen your taste in Indian heritage.
7. Mysore
Every place on the Karnataka state map is a blend of monuments, zoo, temples and nature luring attractions owing to the rich amalgam of wildlife, greenery and traditional artistry. So is Mysore; the motherland of great kings and royal patronage. The city is enveloped by Chamundi Hills famous for pietistic ambience and marvelous architecture of Chamundeshwari Temple. Mysore appears as sprawling grass on being overviewed by these hills. The major tourist attraction of this place is the grandiose and imperial Mysore Palace and Jaganmohan Palace. The grand and exquisite paintings of the art gallery in Jaganmohan Palace will make you aw in amazement. St. Philomena’s Church located in the city center lets you unfold the Gothic architectural desire in you. Known for its love for animateness, Mysore homes one of the most popular zoo of the country; the Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens. Other than this, Mysore will also endear you by flipping the pages of Rail museum and the Regional Natural History Museum. Mysore will entertain every aspect of your visit to Karnataka letting you enjoy the monuments, temples, buildings and zoos under the basking sun. Mysore is worth your travel and will lure you to drop off the station into the wildness of this charming city.
8. Coorg
So after walking into the wilderness of Mysore, it’s time to relax under the splashing waters and salubrious climate enjoying the cool breeze under the shadows of the sun. Coorg is a mountainous hill station in Karnataka. Originally known as the Kodagu region, lying in the proximity of prominent cities of Bangalore and Mysore, this place is known for its serene vibes, babbling streams, misty atmosphere and hilly plateaus make this hill station very romantic and compelling one to visit. The area sprawls with coffee estates that add on to the beauty of it. The majestic waterfalls will indulge you into the soft music of gushing waters. The place is ideal for satiating you into some adventure sports like river rafting, mountain trekking and climbing. A visit to the Nagarahole National Park is must. The place is one of the top national parks of the country and a jeep safari will entertain you with herds of elephants walking past by a lake, the untouched wildness of flora and fauna, gurgling lakes and the avid climate. Other places to paint your presence with include the famous Buddhist monastery of Namdorling with Golden Temple and Omkareshwar Temple atop at its peak. So this city will revive your senses and is a complete pack of making your stay a memorable one.
9. Hassan
The city dwells on the south-western map of Karnataka. The city is highly religious and would befuddle you in where to stop. You can enjoy yourself into trekking and basking under the sun to bewitching pilgrimage sites and serenity. The aura of this place is very spiritual and devoting. It is an abode to the tallest towering statue of Bahubali; the son of the founder of Jainism. Located in the Shravanabelagola, carved out of a single granite rock; having a height of 58 feet; it is the biggest monolithic statue in the world. However, reaching to the statue requires a climbing of 600 steps barefooted. Apart from the majestic construction and spiritual essence, the ceremonies and rituals performed near the statue are of particular interest too. Other attractions include the ruins of the Sheitihalli Church encompassed by the gushing backwaters and Hasanamba Temple after which the place is named Hassan. Raiding to the Bisle Ghat which is only 90 kms from Hassan is a treat for nature lovers. Touring to the Mosale village nearby will revive you with religious energies and fascinating architecture. The nearby sightseeing plethora includes the historic towns of Belur and Halebid. Ruled by the Hoyasala dynasty during medieval times; this place is known for its incredible architectures and masterpieces of Shennakeshava and Hoysaleswara Temples. Located on the banks of the Yagachi River; Belur has a number of architectures to its name build during the Hoyasala rule. However, it was taken by the Mughals who attacked the kingdom and eventually lost its charm during the Mughal rule. A visit to Gorur Dam enthralling on the Hemavathy River will complete your visit to Hassan.
10. Mangalore
Known by different names and spoken in different dialects; this city has an energizing and vibrant nature. It can be said to be a conjugation of ancient culture and modern people. It is situated at the convergence of Netravati and Guripura rivers encircling the entire city into exquisite beaches. The city is known for its sacred and divine vibe and is a home of numerous temples scattered around. The most famous of them is the second tallest statue of Lord Shiva located in Murudeshwar which is 150 kms from Mangalore. This temple adorns the southern coast of Karnataka and has internal lifts to reach all the way to the top. Other religious places include Mangaldevi Temple, Kadri Manjunath Temple, Milagres Church, St. Aloysius Church and many more. The city is famous for its pleasing climate, gurgling waterfalls, lucid patterns of greenery easing you into a relaxing and satiating experience. The cuisines served in the city are of particular interest for tourists. The state government also promotes the city’s tourism owing to its intertwining nature amidst the mighty Arabian Sea and the majestic Western Ghats. The sandwiching nature of the city makes it one of the hottest tourists’ places of the state.
11. Bandipur
Famous for Bandipur National Park; a former hunting ground of the rulers and kings; the town is known for its lush greenery and the close proximity between the ground and the sky. It feels as if you’re walking amongst the clouds; an experience you will cherish for the rest of your lives. This place is heaven for nature, wildlife photographers and animal lovers’ destination. This place is where flora, fauna and humans co exist with each other. Being a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve; the jungle houses 230 species of birds, laughing deer, elephants, leopards, wild boars, tigers, Asiatic wild dogs, mongoose and reptiles. The wildness of nature is truly evident here. Common tourist activities around this place includes wildlife safaris, cycle tours, trekking and many more. This place will give you vibes of cuddling in the lap of Mother Nature and is truly a blessing to visit.
12. Bengaluru
Pronounced as Bangalore also; the real life of the state is revealed in this city. Exotic cafes, homely hotels, magnificent gardens, mouth-watering delicacies and majestic palaces; is a synonym with this city. Known as the ‘Silicon valley of India’ and the ‘Garden City’; the friendly ambience will make you fall in love with this city. This city is where technology is mastered and then it spreads to the rest of the India. Gardens like the sprawling 120 hectare Cubbon Park; nutured with numerous bamboos and banyan trees is a treat full of happiness and a must to visit place. Other mesmerizing and exotic places on your list should include the Lalbagh Botanical Gardens also. Other eye catching treats around the city comprises of the Palace of Tipu Sultan Ulsoor lake and Vidhana Soudha. The placid lake would also entertain you with boating facilities other than that of the serene beauty and calmness of the place. The summer palace of Tipu Sultan would let you to trace back to the history of the city. Bangalore is a very busy and active city of the state where you can glimpse the hustle and bustle hub. It is well connected by both air and rail making it easily accessible to reach. The climate is very pleasing and pleasant where you can roam around the city painting your presence everywhere.
13. Hubli
Commonly known as Hubli-Darwad collectively known as the twin cities, this region of Karnataka is highly uninvestigated and unplumbed by humans. Although it still remains to be of interest for tourists owing to having a greater geographical area next to that of Bangalore making it the second largest city of Karnataka. It is said to the industrial and commercial hub of Karnataka and so it is experiencing the greatest growth amongst other cities. The city is known for its trade of cotton persisting from the reign of Vijyanagara Empire. Although the tourism in the city might be adumbrated by Bangalore and Mysore and the other tourism rich cities of Karnataka but still it has its own portion of tourism for the state. The major attraction of this city is the Chandramouleshwara Temple devoted to Lord Shiva having a age old history of 900 years. Its majestic and breathtaking architecture is what amzes the tourists the most. Others include the Banashankari Temple which also dates back to its construction in the 13th century. Also the 61 feet tall statue of Shri 1008 Bhagwan Parshvanath is of major interests to the Jain pilgrims. The place is known as Navagraha Teertha. The Nrupatanga Hill is also a must visit in Hubli where you can camp with your friends or have a peaceful picnic with your family. The view of the city from these hills is astounding. A boat ride at the Unkal Lake is also an experience for people who love to frolic for adventures.
14. Gulbarga
The city is fuelled with enumerable historical forts, mausoleums, temples and other buildings. The city is known for its heirloom of Islamic art and culture. The culture is very well reflected in the architectural masterpieces like the Gulbarga Fort also known as the Bahmani Fort. This fort is a beautifully crafted mosque having a liking to the famous Cordoba Fort of Spain. A number of architectural stunners reflect the work of Sufi saint Syed Shah Qhabulullah Husayni and many other Islamic artists. Other tourists’ interests include the Haft Gumbaz Tomb and Khwaja Bande Nawaz Dargah a holy shrine of the Sufi Saint Hazrat Khwaja Banda Nawaz Gaisu Daraz. The Chandralamba Temple, Shri Dattatreya Temple and Chandrampalli Dam are of particular enthusiasm for tourists.
15. Bijapur
This place is famous to be the abode of Lord Ram during his period of exile. This city has its few districts into another state called Chattisgarh. This city is a place where the summers as hot as fire reaching peak temperature of 50 degree Celsius and winters are cold as frozen ice where temperatures as low as 0 degrees also prevail. It’s a heaven for people who adore wildlife and would care to spend some time in the wildness of the nature. The forest area covers maximum areas over this city and Tigers and Panthers are considered to be common sights of this city. This area has varied mountain heights and plateaus that give a panoramic view to the observer. The highest peak of this district is the Bailadila. River Indravati flows in between the hilly areas. Common adventure sports at this place include trekking, rock climbing etc.
16. Raichur
The district is encompassed with various historical forts and sites in turn dictating the cultural heritage of the city. The major attractions of this place is the Raichur fort which stands hall and halted enchanting the history of the great empires like the Chalukyas and Kakatiyas that governed this region. Religious temples like the Mahalaxmi Temple and Sri Sugureshwara Temple located in nearby villages in also of particular tourist interest. The mosque of Ek Minar ki Masjid is a must visit place which lures you in the view of the entire city. The Aam Talaab lake is sure to give you relaxing and peaceful vibes. Other attractions include the Maski, Mudgal, Hatti Gold Mines and Naradagadde.
17. Belgaum
This is the heaven of all the cities of Karnataka. It is the soul-soothing, revitalizing and reenergizing city having emerald green covers having the old Victorian beauty underlying it. This city is the place where you can actually walk amongst the clouds and touch them with your bare hands. The city has breathtaking waterfalls and misty hills emblazons the city. The city has a lot of religious places to visit too. The city is a blend of architectural masterpieces and various other historical forts and sites. The palces of Belgam are sure to drive you away into the charm of the nature. The cold wind will not only relax you but also give you goosebumps throughout your body. The major attractions of the place are mainly Amboli Hills, Gotak Falls, Vajrapoha Falls, Saundatti, Kapileshwar Temple and Safa Masjid. Although Belgam is located in Karnataka but it is closer to Maharashtra and Goa giving you a rich scenario and experience of the three cultures of the states. Anyone who wants to experience the boundless boundary of these states and reach a sense of amazement at the same time should interest themselves and expand the horizon of your memories by visiting this place.
18. Udupi
Famous for its seaside food, Udupi is just 56 kilometers away from Mangalore. Udupi is famous for its cuisine all over India. This city is very famous for its temples like the Anegudde Vinayaka Temple, Chandramoulishwar Temple, Udupi Anantheshwara Temple and the Sri Krishna Matha. The city is acclaimed for its culture, heritage, food, religious sites and cuisine. The city has distinguished resorts, islands and beaches. Amongst all the islands; St. Mary’s Island is the most proclaimed and brilliant one decorated it with picturesque scenes and aura. Other beaches Kapu beach and Kodi beach are also very august. The city maintains parity between the serenity and the assiduous lifestyle of the people.
19. Dandeli
Positioned in the reigns of Western Ghats of the northern Karnataka. This is the felicity for people who aren’t afraid to adventure their spirits out. The hilly areas, the mountains, the rich flora and fauna are all the bliss of this city. The city is beset with serene beauty. The activities that you can enjoy in this are adventure sports; a carefree vacation with your loved ones is exactly what you need to leave the chaos of your life behind. The city is famous for its wildlife sanctuary which is also a part of the Tiger Protection Programme. The city is a blend of soothing and eye catching scenarios, the beauty of the wildness of nature, the adventure you can engage yourself in and above all the chastity in your mind and heart. The city is bewitching and applauded for its picturesque nature.
20. Tumkur
Situated at a distance of 70 kilometers from north-west of Bangalore, this is the easiest gateway out to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy the weekend in peace and harmony. This is the destination for backpackers having tough weekdays. The city possesses an amiable weather, grand sightseeing and a clear blend of the city and village life. The other attraction in this city is the Shree Siddaganga Math which is a spiritual pilgrim site for tourists. The Shrine homes a number underprivileged children and in turn educates them. The city is rapidly developing and witnesses significant growth. Other attraction is Jayamangali blackbuck reserve. The city is famous for its thatte idli.
