BannerImg

Located in southwest India, Karnataka is quite an underrated destination. It’s capital Bengaluru (or Bangalore) is a cosmopolitan centre, and it has many popular places to see in Karnataka, such as the royal Mysore, medieval Hampi, and numerous natural sites.

Stretching from Belgaum to the north to Mangalore in the south, Karnataka is a diverse state, with its own rich cultural heritage and historical treasures. Blessed with stunning beaches, fascinating architectural wonders and much much more, there are many places to see in Karnataka.

How To Reach Karnataka?

Karnataka is very well connected to all the other Indian states. Here is how you can get to the state.

Places To See In Karnataka
The beaches of Gokarna, Karnataka, India
By Air

Most people enter Karnataka through Bangalore, which has the bustling Kempegowda International Airport. Mangalore also has a major international airport. Other domestic airports are present at Mysore, Hampi, Hubli, Belgaum, and Bijapur.

Mangaluru also has an increasingly busy international airport and is a transit point for those going north to Goa, or south to Kerala. Hubballi, in central Karnataka, is a major railway junction for routes going into Maharashtra and northern India.

By Rail

Karnataka is well linked to the national rail network. Bangalore and Hubli have major rail terminals. The Konkan Railway connects Karnataka’s coast to Kochi, Goa, and Mumbai. You can also check out the luxury tourist train The Golden Chariot which covers many parts of South India and starts in Bangalore.

By Road

The state has an excellent network of roads, and many National Highways connect it to the rest of the country. The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) also has buses that connect the state to other major cities and states.

Also Read: 30 Fascinating Things To Do In Bangalore

Best Places To Visit In Karnataka

There are lots of amazing cultural and natural places to visit in Karnataka. From glittering palaces to national parks and serene beaches, here are some of the places to visit in Karnataka.

Natural Places

Jog Falls, visit Karnataka, India
Jog Falls in Karnataka, India
  • Nagarhole National Park — this lush national park which is home to incredible wildlife, including mammals, birds, insects and reptiles
  • Coffee plantations — Karnataka has some of the best coffee plantations in the country, and some of the best can be found at hill stations like Chikmagalur and Coorg
  • Jog Falls – located in the Shimoga District, it is said to be the second highest waterfall in the country and falls at a height of 830 feet.
  • The Karavali Coast — Karnataka’s coastline is home to some truly spectacular beaches. Don’t miss top destinations like Gokarna and Karwar.
  • BR Hills — Located in the Western Ghats, this area is full of unique flora and fauna and is known for its scenic sights and trekking trails.
  • Dandeli — this town in north Kannada is a go-to destination for adventure lovers, and is known for its white water rafting on the Kali River
  • Bandipur National Reserve — Set at the foot of the Nilgiri Hills, it has many opportunities for adventure activities, wildlife sanctuaries, elephant rides, and trekking
  • Bheemeshwari – Located on the Kaveri River, this is the perfect place for adventure sports, like kayaking, rappelling, zip-lining, trekking, coracle riding, and even fishing.

Cultural Destinations

Mysore Palace, Mysore, India Places To See In Karnataka
Mysore Palace, Mysore, India
  • Hampi — This UNESCO World Heritage Site was once the capital of the medieval Vijayanagara empire and is full of majestic ruins of Hindu temples, palaces, and more that date back to the 14th century. Book Now: One day private tour of Hampi world heritage site with guide and car.
  • Mysuru Palace — The sprawling and opulent palace was built for Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV in 1897 and is built in the Indo-Saracenic style, with Mughal, Hindu, Gothic and Rajput influences. Book Now: Mysore Sightseeing with Guide
  • Belur and Halebidu — Located in the Hassan district, these towns are known for their temples full of intricate carvings that date back to the 12th century Hoysala Empire.
  • Bylakuppe — The largest in South India, it’s home to Buddhist monasteries and temples all featuring the unique Tibetan architectural style.
  • Bijapur —  This town is known for its many historic monuments, including the Gol Gumbaz with its unique acoustic features
  • Shravanabelagola — It is home to the world’s largest monolithic statue, the 60-foot Gomateshwara Statue (or the Bhagawan Bahubali Statue) atop Vindyagiri Hill which dates back to 981 AD.

Also Read: A Travel Guide of Wonderful Places to Visit When in Mysore

Interesting Facts About Karnataka

Yakshagana-Karnataka
Yakshagana performers in Karnataka
  • Music, Art and Dance: Karnataka has a unique cultural heritage, and music and dance are a large part of this. Some of these include Yakshagana, a mix of dance, music and dialogue, and Dollu Kunitha, a rhythmic dance that uses decorated drums.
  • Local food: Karnataka boasts a very diverse cuisine. There are also iconic dishes, such as Bisi Bele Bhath, Mangalorean Fish Curry, Dharwad Peda, Mysore Pak, or the Mysore Masala Dosa.
  • Celebrations and Festivals: Karnataka is also famous for its vibrant festivals; most famously the extravagant Dussehra celebrations in Mysore, and Makar Sankranti in Kununurra.

Also Read: What To See and Do When Visiting Hampi

Best Places To Try Local Food In Karnataka

Local food in Karnataka is absolutely delicious.
Karnataka is also the land of delicious culinary cuisines.

Apart from being the land of historical importance, Karnataka also has an affluent culinary culture that makes it one of the best places for foodies. Here are some of the best places to visit in Karnataka to treat your taste buds with delicious local and street food: 

Mavalli Tiffin Room, Bengaluru

This place in Bangalore provides finger licking food that too at very reasonable prices. This iconic restaurant has been offering its services since 1924. Their best sellers include Ghee Masala Dosa and Rava Idli. If exploring Bengaluru has spiked your appetite, then you can order the thali that has more than two dozen items! Yes, you read it right! Eating at this place is one of the best things to do in Karnataka. There are various branches of this restaurant across the city, each of which has different opening hours. 

Iyer Mess, Bengaluru

This is a 60 year old mess in Bengaluru that firmly believes in preserving traditions. This eatery operates out of a small room of a house. They serve food on banana leaves and their thali is very reasonably priced. What’s more interesting is that their menu changes everyday, so everyday you get to try something new. From Sunday to Thursday, the opening hours are 11:30 am–3:15 pm and 7:15–9:30 pm. For Friday, the opening hours are 11:30 am – 9:30 pm and for Saturday, the opening hours are 11:30 am – 3:15 pm. 

Khan Saheb Grills And Rolls, Bengaluru 

This spot in Bengaluru is popular for leaving your taste buds tantalized! Apart from serving the typical local food of Karnataka, they also serve grilled items and delicious rolls. This spot offers both vegetarian and non-vegetarian delights. Their signature dishes include Egg Roll, Veg Roll, Chicken Tikka Roll, Paneer Tikka Roll, Mutton Seekh Kabab Roll to name a few. What makes this place even better is their affordable prices. The ambience is also very pleasant, making this place even more appealing. This place has several branches across the city and average opening hours are from 12:30 pm to 12:00 am. The price for one person ranges from ₹200-₹400. 

Hotel Atithi, Coorg

Hotel Atithi offers an exquisite dining experience that is quite appealing with its traditional touch. They serve pure vegetarian food on banana leaf and have a variety of flavourful cuisines. The hotel remains open till 10:30 pm. 

Coorg Cuisine, Coorg

This place is one of the highest rated restaurants of Coorg. This restaurant is popular for its friendly staff and great service. But what keeps bringing people back to this place is their appetizing food. This restaurant offers a wide variety of meat dishes and some of their best sellers include Koli Curry (Chicken Curry), Nool Puttu (Rice Noodles), Meen Bhartadh (fried fish) etc. The opening hours are from 12–4:30 pm and 7–9:30 pm. 

Giri Manja’s, Mangalore

This place in Mangalore has a lot of seafood delicacies that give a delectable taste of the local flavors. This place serves a variety of different fish, prawns, crab and squid. Apart from this, there’s something special for every day which makes the whole dining experience even more exciting. Another interesting fact about this place is that it has no printed menus. The opening hours of the restaurant are from 11:30 am–3:30 pm.

Best Time To Visit Karnataka 

Karnataka enjoys pleasant weather throughout the year, but the summers (April to June) can get quite hot, with temperatures going up to 45C. The crowd is also very high in this season. Monsoon starts from June and continues till September, and sees temperatures between 23 and 28, and is the best time to visit waterfalls, plantations, and natural sites though it also sees bad weather along the coast. Winter (November to February) sees the best temperatures, between 21 to 32C and is the best time to visit Karnataka.


Parting Words

We know our virtual guide on best places to visit in Karnataka must have left you craving for travel delights. The stunning beauty of Karnataka can be felt just by reading about it and experiencing it in reality is an even more surreal experience. 

From delectable cuisines to places that deserve to be explored, Karnataka is home to some of the most beautiful gems that adorn this magnificent state in the most wonderful way. Whether you want to explore some religious sites or you want to visit places that are of historical importance, Karnataka offers you almost everything. 

One of the most sought after destinations of this country, Karnataka has some of the most exquisite places that are unique and make our country the Incredible India! 

So, when are you planning your trip to Karnataka? 

FAQs

What is the best time to visit Karnataka?

The best time to visit Karnataka is from October to April. Because of its close proximity to the western coast, this state is quite humid during summers which is why it is best to visit this state during the months of October to April. 

What is the local food in Karnataka?

Bisi bele bath, Mysore Pak, gojju, Ragi Mudde, Mysore Masala Dosa are some of the popular local foods in Karnataka. 

What are the five famous tourist place in Karnataka?

Karnataka is home to a lot of destinations that are immensely magnificent and are worth witnessing. The names of some of the famous tourist places include Bangalore, Mysore, Coorg, Hampi, Gokarna to name a few. 

What Are the Best Places to Visit in Karnataka?

There are various places in Karnataka that are worth exploring. The names of some of the best places in Karnataka for tourists include Bangalore, Mysore, Coorg, Mangalore, Hampi, Hassan, Udupi, Gokarna etc. 

What kind of clothing should I carry for Coorg?

While planning your trip to Coorg, it’s best to pack light, cotton, comfortable clothing. You can carry a sweater or a jacket because it might get a bit chilly in early mornings or late evenings. 

What are some famous things I should buy from Karnataka for my family?

Karnataka is famous for a lot of things that could be good souvenirs. You can buy Mysore Pak, Sandalwood Products, Coffee, Silk Sarees among many more for your family. 

Which place is more beautiful in Karnataka?

Each destination in Karnataka is beautiful in its own way. Which destination is more beautiful actually depends on personal likes and preferences. Some of the most beautiful places in Karnataka include Coorg, Mangalore, Chikmagalur, Shimoga etc. 

Which is the best place for family trip in Karnataka? 

If you are planning a trip with family then there are a lot of places that you can visit in Karnataka. These include Hampi, Coorg, Udupi, Gokarna, Nandi Hills, Bangalore, Mysore, Kabini etc. 

Which is the best month to visit Karnataka? 

Any month from October to April is great for visiting Karnataka. During these months, the weather is extremely pleasant and is suitable for exploring the scenic beauty of this state. 

Which is the most visited place in Karnataka?

Some of the most visited places in Karnataka include Bangalore, Mysore, Coorg, Mangalore, Hampi, Hassan, Udupi, Gokarna, Kabini, etc. 

Which city is known as City of Temples in Karnataka?

Udupi is a city in Karnataka that is also famous as the city of temples by the locals. It also has various educational institutions and is considered to be one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in South India. 

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here