Karnataka is a state in southwestern India, known for its stunning Arabian Sea coastlines. The capital, Bengaluru (formerly Bangalore), is a thriving high-tech hub, famous for its vibrant shopping scene and nightlife. To the southwest, Mysore is known for its grand temples, including Mysore Palace, which was the former seat of the region’s maharajas. Hampi, once the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, is home to remarkable ruins such as Hindu temples, elephant stables, and the iconic stone chariot.
top places to visit in Karnataka
Vidhana Soudha: Located in Bengaluru, Vidhana Soudha is the seat of the state legislature of Karnataka. It is an impressive structure designed in the Mysore Neo-Dravidian style and stands as an iconic symbol of Karnataka’s political history.
Mysore Palace: Also known as Ambavilas Palace, Mysore Palace is a historical royal residence and the official seat of the Wadiyar dynasty in Mysore. This grand palace is a stunning example of Indo-Saracenic architecture.
Virupaksha Temple: Located in Hampi, this ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Virupaksha (a form of Shiva) and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Group of Monuments at Hampi.
Abbey Falls: Situated in Coorg, Abbey Falls is a picturesque waterfall surrounded by coffee plantations. A hanging bridge allows visitors to get a closer view of the falls.
Shivanasamudra Falls: Located on the Kaveri River, Shivanasamudra Falls divides the river into two parts and is one of the most scenic waterfalls in Karnataka.
Narasimha Pillar: Found within the Chennakesava Temple complex in Belur, this 30-feet tall stone pillar is intricately carved and features miniature sculptures of various deities.
Jog Falls: Known as Gerosoppa Falls or Joga Falls, it is the second-highest plunge waterfall in India. Located in the Shimoga district, it is a major tourist attraction in Karnataka.
Mangaladevi Temple: A Hindu temple dedicated to Shakti in Mangalore, the Mangaladevi Temple is known for its beautiful architecture and cultural significance in the region.
Gol Gumbaz: Located in Bijapur, Gol Gumbaz is the mausoleum of Sultan Mohammed Adil Shah and is famous for its massive dome, which has an impressive acoustic design.
Kethapayya Narayan Temple: Situated at Mudbhatkal near Bhatkal, this temple is famous for its Vijayanagara style of architecture and intricately carved sculptures, drawing visitors interested in history and art.
top destinations in Karnataka
Bengaluru: The capital city of Karnataka, Bengaluru (formerly Bangalore) is known for being a tech hub, its vibrant nightlife, parks like Cubbon Park, and landmarks such as the Vidhana Soudha, Bangalore Palace, and Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace.
Mysore: Mysore is famous for its regal heritage, most notably the Mysore Palace. The city, which was once the capital of the Kingdom of Mysore, is also home to the historic Devaraja Market, known for spices, silk, and sandalwood.
Hampi: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Hampi is known for its ancient ruins from the Vijayanagara Empire, including the Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple, and the stone chariot, as well as its Daroji Bear Sanctuary.
Chikkamagaluru: A hill station in the Western Ghats, Chikkamagaluru offers trails through forests, coffee plantations, and scenic views, with attractions like Hebbe Falls and the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary.
Coorg: Also known as Kodagu, Coorg is known for its coffee plantations, the Madikeri Fort, Omkareshwara Temple, Abbi Falls, and its scenic beauty, making it a popular hill station.
Shivanasamudra: Famous for its waterfalls, Shivanasamudra is the site of one of Asia’s first hydro-electric power stations and offers breathtaking views of the Kaveri River.
Belur: Renowned for the Chennakeshava Temple, Belur is a town that showcases stunning Hoysala architecture.
Gokarna: A pilgrimage town with sacred sites like the Mahabaleshwar Temple, Gokarna is also known for its beautiful beaches, including Gokarna Beach and Kudle Beach.
Jog Falls: Located in the Shimoga district, Jog Falls is the second-highest plunge waterfall in India, offering a dramatic and scenic view.
Udupi: Famous for the 13th-century Sri Krishna Temple and its rich cultural heritage, Udupi is a significant religious and historical hub in Karnataka.
Dandeli: A town surrounded by dense forests, Dandeli is known for the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, home to animals such as black panthers, elephants, and many species of birds.
Mangalore: An important commercial center on the Arabian Sea, Mangalore is famous for its temples, churches, and beaches like Tannirbhavi and Kudroli.
Madikeri: Situated in Coorg, Madikeri is known for its scenic viewpoints, the Raja’s Seat, and the 17th-century Madikeri Fort.
Kudremukh: Known for its mountain range that resembles a horse’s face, Kudremukh is a hill station and a popular trekking destination in Karnataka.
Bijapur: A historical city in northern Karnataka, Bijapur is famous for its Adil Shahi dynasty monuments, including the Gol Gumbaz, an architectural wonder.
Halebidu: A town that was once the capital of the Hoysala Empire, Halebidu is known for its intricately carved temples such as the Hoysaleshwara and Kedareshwara Temples.
Kemmanagundi: A hill station with lush landscapes, waterfalls, and mountain views, Kemmanagundi is a popular retreat, known for its beautiful sunset views from Raj Bhavan.
Pattadakal: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Pattadakal is home to a group of 7th and 8th-century Hindu and Jain temples, displaying magnificent rock carvings and architecture.
Shravanabelagola: Known for the monumental Gommateshwara statue, Shravanabelagola is an important pilgrimage site for Jains and is also associated with the ascetic Chandragupta Maurya.
Murudeshwar: Known for the massive statue of Shiva and the Murudeshwar Temple, Murudeshwar is a coastal town in Karnataka with both religious significance and natural beauty.
Best time to visit Karnataka
The best time to visit Karnataka is from November to April, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing. The hill stations like Coorg and Chikmagalur are perfect during the summer, offering a cool retreat. While the monsoon season (May to August) enhances the beauty of waterfalls, it’s best avoided due to heavy rainfall. The winter months provide a gradual drop in temperature, making it ideal for exploring wildlife in national parks like Bandipur and Nagarhole. Overall, the period from November to April offers the most enjoyable weather for travel.
