Karnataka
Karnataka, India’s southwestern state, is renowned for its diverse cuisine, stunning natural landscapes, and rich cultural legacy. Karnataka has something for every sort of traveler, from old temples and palaces to scenic hill stations and beaches. This article will look at the best places to travel in Karnataka.
- Bangalore
Bangalore, also known as Bengaluru, is the capital city of Karnataka and one of India’s fastest-growing cities. Also known as the “Silicon Valley of India”, the city is well-known for its lively nightlife, inventive startups, and delectable cuisine. The iconic Bangalore Palace, Vidhan Soudhha, the Lalbagh Botanical Garden, and the ISKCON sanctuary are among the must-see attractions in Bangalore. A walk around Cubbon Park on Sundays is a delight as the park is bustling with people from across the city with their cute little doggos. Built in the 16th century by the founder of Bangalore, Kempe Gowda, the Bangalore Fort is a historic landmark in the city and offers a fascinating glimpse into its past. Commercial Street and Brigade Road are a shopper’s paradise for those who love shopping.
2. Hampi
Hampi, located in northern Karnataka, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of India’s most renowned historical sites. The city was once the Vijayanagara Empire’s capital and is now a famous tourist destination renowned for its ancient temples, monuments, and ruins. Some of the must-see attractions in Hampi include the Virupaksha Temple, the Vittala Temple, Lotus Mahal and the Elephant Stables. Renting a bicycle and exploring the place is one of the best things to do there. Matanga Hill offers a panoramic view of the entire town and is a perfect spot to watch the sunset. A traditional coracle ride on the Tungabhadra river offers a scenic view of the ruins.
3. Mysore
Mysore, also known as the City of Palaces, is a famous Karnataka tourist destination recognized for its rich cultural heritage and stunning architecture. Mysore’s must-see attractions include the Mysore Palace. Also known as the Amba Vilas Palace, it is a stunning example of Indo-Saracenic architecture and is illuminated every Sunday evening. The Brindavan Gardens is a beautiful garden complex located just outside Mysore. It is famous for its musical fountain, which is a popular attraction in the evenings. The Chamundi Hills are a series of hills located just outside Mysore. The hills are home to the Chamundeshwari Temple, a popular pilgrimage site, and offer stunning views of the city and surrounding countryside. The St. Philomena’s Church is a fine example of neo-Gothic architecture and is one of the largest churches in India. It is dedicated to Saint Philomena and is a popular tourist attraction in Mysore. Silk sarees, handicrafts, and sandalwood goods are also popular in the city.
4. Coorg
Coorg, also known as Kodagu, is a hill town in Karnataka’s Western Ghats. The city is well-known for its natural beauty, coffee plantations, and outdoor sports. A visit to the coffee plantations is a must-do activity. The Abbey Falls, the Dubare Elephant Camp located on the banks of the river Cauvery, and the Talacauvery, the source of the Cauvery River, are all must-sees in Coorg. Some of the trails to be checked out are Tadiandamol, Brahmagiri, and Pushpagiri. The Namdroling Monastery, a Tibetan monastery is located in Bylakuppe, and is the largest teaching center of the Nyingma lineage of Tibetan Buddhism in the world. You can explore the monastery and witness the daily rituals performed by the monks. The Raja’s Seat is a beautiful garden located in Madikeri town, and it’s a great place to watch the sunset. The garden is surrounded by hills and offers stunning views of the valley. Coorg is also well-known for its delectable food, which includes the well-known Coorgi pork curry, bamboo shoot curry, pandi curry and kadumbuttu.
5. Gokarna
Gokarna, on Karnataka’s western shore, is a small town known for its pristine beaches and ancient temples. Some of the beaches one can visit in Gokarna include Gokarna Beach, Om Beach, Kudle Beach and the Half Moon Beach. The Mahabaleshwar Temple and Maha Ganapati Temples are not only a religious site, but are marvels of architecture. Mirjan Fort, Yana Caves, are must visit places. The town is also renowned for its laid-back vibe and is a popular backpacker destination.
6. Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur, in the Mullayanagiri range’s foothills, is a popular tourist destination in Karnataka known for its coffee plantations and scenic beauty. Some of the must-see attractions in Chikmagalur include the Mullayanagiri peak, which is the highest peak in Karnataka, the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Hebbe Falls, which is located in the middle of a coffee estate. The city is also well-known for its trekking trails, such as the Kudremukh and Baba Budangiri treks. Apart from that, temples like the Sharadamba Temple and the Annapoorneshwari Temple are worth visiting.
7. Badami
Badami is a historic town in northern Karnataka known for its ancient temples, archaeological sites and rock-cut caves. Located in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka, Badami’s must-see attractions include the Badami Caves, which were built during the time of Chalukya,, the Bhutanatha Group of Temples, situated on the banks of the holy Agastya lake and dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Badami fort has stunning views of the surrounding area. Aihole and Pattadakal are two important archaeological sites located within a short distance of Badami. The town is also well-known for its delicious cuisine, which includes the well-known badanekayi ennegai and jolada rotti.
8. Udupi
Udupi, on Karnataka’s western coast, is a small town known for its ancient temples and beautiful beaches. Sri Krishna Temple is one of the most famous attractions of the place. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, it is considered as one of the holiest places in Karnataka. Malpe Beach, and St. Mary’s Island is known for its beautiful rock formations. Apart from the Krishna Temple, the Anantheshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Kadiyali Mahishamardini Temple are worth visiting. The Hasta Shilpa Heritage Village located near Manipal offers beautiful architecture. Kudlu Theertha falls, located in the Western Ghats offer a beautiful view of the surrounding forest.
Things to keep in mind while traveling in Karnataka:
Traveling within the state can be difficult in the absence of a well-located public transportation system. Karnataka is best visited between October and April. Winters are ideal for going on a wildlife safari or attending the grand Mysore Dussehra. Karnataka is quite humid during the summer months of April to June due to its proximity to the western coast. While the coast is hotter, hill stations are milder and colder. In fact, the best time to visit Karnataka is determined by the time of year and the destination. Some areas experience heavy rainfall during the monsoon season, which lasts from July to September, but if you want to go trekking in Antargange or see the beautiful Jog Falls, there’s no better time than the monsoons.