Top 15 Tourist Places in Karnataka with Details

From the picturesque hill station to some of the cleanest and most beautiful beaches, from famous pilgrimage places to forests and jungles Karnataka has it all. Many tourist places in Karnataka are World Heritage Sites, and people from various countries visit these places. So if you are on tour to India, then you cannot afford to miss Karnataka, and the following are the 15 best tourist places in Karnataka that will take your breath away.

15 Best Tourist Places in Karnataka:

1. Bengaluru:

It is often referred as the Silicon Valley of India, Bengaluru is the capital city of Karnataka. The name Bengaluru is attained from the Kannada words ‘Benda Kulluru’ which means land of boiled beans. The city was founded by Kempa Gowda some 400 years ago and is one of the fastest growing cities in the country today and one of the best places to visit in Karnataka.

Highlights of the Tour:

Day 1: Start the day at around 10 a.m. after having breakfast and visit places like Banaskari Temple, Bull Temple, Dodda Ganapati Temple, Tipu Sultan’s Palace, etc
Day 2: Visit the Bangalore Palace, Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium, Ulsoor Lake and Lalbagh Botanical Gardens.

Places to Visit:

Vishweswaraiah Industrial and Technological Museum
Lalbagh Botanical Gardens
ISCKON Temple
Bangalore Palace
Tipu Sultan’s Palace

Best Time to Visit:

October to May

Peak Season:

March to May

Nearest City:

Bangalore

How to Reach:

The capital city of Karnataka is Bangalore connected to the other cities of Karnataka and India via air, rail, and road. You choose any mode of transport depending upon your location and budget to reach Bangalore.

Language Spoken:

Kannada, English, Hindi, and Telugu

Ideal Trip Duration:

2-3 days

2. Bandipur National Park:

It is located at a distance of 80km from Mysore and 215km from the Capital city of Bengaluru, the Bandipur National Park is one of the well managed National parks in India and one of the significant tourist places of Karnataka. It is one of the 15 sanctuaries of the Protect Tiger Scheme and is home to more than 80 tigers and 3000 Asian Elephants. They also feature other wildlife such as leopards, sloth bears, guars and a variety of bird life.

Highlights of the Tour:

Take a mini-bus safari that will take you around the Bandipur National Park
Go for a nature walk exploring the Bandipur National Park

Places to Visit:

Jeep Safari
Elephant rides
Gopala swamy Betta
Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary
Ooty

Best Time to Visit:

September to March

Peak Season:

October to December and April and May

Nearest City:

Mysore (80km), Bengaluru (215km)

How to Reach:

The nearest airport is Bengaluru Airport which is 255 km away
By rail, the Mysore Junction is the nearest railway station at a distance of 80km
A lot of public transport buses ply to and from Bandipur connecting the major cities of Karnataka

Language Spoken:

Kannada, Tamil, English, and Hindi

Ideal trip duration:

Half day

Read: Best Places to Visit in Mangalore

3. Chikmagalur:

Chikmanglur is a famous hill station in Karnataka and tops the Karnataka tourism places list. Located at the height of 3400ft at the foothills of Mullayanagiri range, Chikmagalur is one of the best hill stations located near Bengaluru. Famous for its coffee, Chikmagalur is also known as the coffee land of Karnataka. It is the very place where the coffee was cultivated for the first time in India by Baba Budan, a Muslim saint who had brought coffee seeds from Yemen in 1670

Highlights of the Tour:

Day 1: Start from Bengaluru early around 6 a.m. and visit the following places on your way to Chikmagalur

Yagachi Dam
Hirekolale lake
Kodanda Rama Temple

Day 2: Leave after breakfast from Chikmagalur and visit the following places:

Mullayanagiri
Kavikal Gandhi Viewpoint
Baba Budangiri
Manikyadhara Falls

Places to Visit:

Mullayanagiri
Baba Budangiri
Belur
Kavikal Gandi Viewpoint
Hirekolale Lake
Thari Falls
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

Best Time to Visit:

September to May

Peak Season:

March to May

Nearest city:

Mangalore(148km), Mysore (178km)

How to Reach:

The nearest airport is Mangalore at a distance of 158km
The nearest railhead is Kudur junction (40km) and Birur junction (47km)
Regular buses ply and connect the major cities of Karnataka to Chikmagalur

Language Spoken:

Kannada and English

Ideal trip duration:

1-2 days

4. Hampi:

Situated at a distance of 13km from Hospet, Hampi is an ancient village on the banks of the Tungabhadra river in the northern side of Karnataka. It is a place with a rich history and architecture and one of the best places in Karnataka. It was the capital city of the Vijayanagara Empire that flourished from 1343 to 1565 and was an important trade center for cotton, spices, and gemstones. And It was one of the largest and wealthiest cities in the world in the 15th and the 16th century. The ruins of the Vijayanagara empire seen in Hampi which span over an area of 26 km².

Highlights of the Tour:

Day 1: Start the day at 9 a.m. and cover the following places

Vittala Temple
Virupaksha Temple
Sri Krishna Temple
Mahanavami Dibba
Pattabhirama Temple

Day 2: Cover all the remaining areas mentioned in the list below and others not mentioned here on the second day.

Places to Visit:

Vittala Temple
Virupaksha Temple
Sri Krishna Temple
Mahanavami Dibba
Pattabhirama Temple
Ugra Narasimha Statue
Hampi Bazaar
Lotus Mahal

Best Time to Visit:

October to March

Peak Season:

November to February

Nearest City:

Hubli (160km)

How to Reach:

By air, the nearest airport is Hubli airport which is 160km away
By train, the nearest railway station is Hospet Junction (13km)
The city is connected to other cities through the bus.

Ideal trip Duration:

2-3 days

5. Mysore:

It is located at a distance of 140km from Bengaluru, Mysore is the second largest city and one of the most famous places in Karnataka. It was the capital of Mysore Maharajas who ruled Mysore from 1399 to 1947. Mysore has still retained the charm of its heritage buildings, temples, palaces, and traditions. According to Devi Purans, Mysore was ruled by the demon king Mahisasur. Hearing the prayers of the people, Devi Parvati took the avatar of Chamundeshwari and killed the demon. Since then the place is known as Mahisuru and later Maisure and Mysore.

Highlights of the Tour:

Day 1: Start the day early from Bengaluru and visit Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hill Temple, Brindavan Gardens. Stay in Mysore

Day 2: Visit the Mysore Zoo, railway museum, Jagan Mohan Palace, Kukkarahalli Lake and other attractions nearby.

Places to Visit:

Mysore Palace
Chamundi Hill temple
Mysore Zoo
Brindavan Gardens
Railway Museum
Jagan Mohan Palace
Lalitha Mahal Palace
Kukkarahalli Lake

Best Time to Visit:

September to May

Peak Season:

April to May, September to October

Nearest City:

Mysore

How to Reach:

By Air, the Bengaluru airport is the nearest airport which is at a distance of 182km
The nearest railway station is Mysore Junction connected to major cities of India.

Language Spoken:

Kannada, Tamil, and English

Ideal Trip Duration:

2 days

6. Shivanasamudra Falls:

It is located at a distance of 130km from Bengaluru and 80km from Mysore, Shivanasamudra Falls fall in the district of Mandhya in Karnataka. And It is one of the famous waterfalls near Bengaluru. It is a segmental waterfall where numerous parallel streams of waters are flowing adjacent to each other. If you want to experience the majestic nature near Bengaluru, then this is one place you should not miss.

Highlights of the Tour:

Reach the Shivanasamudra falls and enjoy its magnificence

Places to Visit:

Somnathpur
Mysore
Talakadu

Best Time to Visit:

September to January

Peak Season:

October to December

Nearest City:

Mysore (81km), Bengaluru (130km)

How to Reach:

By air, the Bengaluru Airport is the closest
By rail, the Mysore Junction is the closest
You can take a bus from airport or station to take you to Shivanasamudra Falls

Language Spoken:

Kannada, English

Ideal Trip Duration:

4 hours

Read: Top Tourist Attractions in Mysore

7. Belur:

Located at a distance of 215km from Bengaluru and 154km from Mysore, Belur is an important temple town located in Karnataka. It is known for its grand Hoysala temple of Lord Chennakesava who is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. And It is the best of the 3 Hoysala Temples declared as the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. It is one of the best natural places in Karnataka that fall on the Bengaluru – Chikmaglur route.

Highlights of the Tour:

On your trip from Bengaluru to Chikmagalur, Belur falls on the way. Don’t forget to visit the Chennakesava temple and Yagachi Dam before heading towards Chikmaglur

Places to Visit:

Chennakesava Temple
Yagachi Dam
Narsimha Pillar
Shravanabelagola

Best Time to Visit:

November to March

Peak Season:

November to March

Nearest City:

Mysore 154km

How to Reach:

The nearest airport is Mangalore airport (174km)
The railway station is Hassan railway Station (40km)
Nearest Bus Stand is Belur Bus stand (0km)

Language Spoken:

Kannada, Hindi, and English

Ideal Trip Duration:

2-3 hours

8. Gokarna:

Gokarna is a small town in the Uttar Kannada district of Karnataka and at a distance of 165km from Hubli and 163km from Panjim. It is one of the best natural places in Karnataka. The town is famous for its Mahabaleshwara temple that houses the Atmalinga, the powerful weapon of Ravana given by Lord Shiva himself. Apart from being a religious town. Gokarna is also known for its beaches. There are five beaches in Gokarna of which the Gokarna beach is very famous and is much crowded during the peak season.

Highlights of the Tour:

The Gokarna can be added to any trip in Karnataka. Seek the blessings at the Mahabaleshwara temple and then head for the Gokarna Beach. The other beaches also provide a beautiful sight.

Places to Visit:

Sri Mahabaleswar Temple
Gokarna Beach
Om Beach
Mirjan Fort

Best Time to Visit:

October to March

Peak Season:

November to February

Nearest City:

Hubli (165km)

How to Reach:

By air, the nearest airport is Dabolim Airport in Goa (154km)
Gokarna Road Railway station is the nearest railway station
There are regular buses available that connect you to different parts of the city.

Language Spoken:

Kannada, Hindi, English

Ideal Trip Duration:

1day

9. Jog Falls:

At a distance of 400km from Bengaluru and situated in the Shimoga district of Karnataka, the Jog falls are one of the highest waterfalls in India. It is one of the most picturesque waterfalls in India and one of the top destinations for tourism in Karnataka. So if you are ona Karnataka tour, then this is one spot you cannot miss. The water of this fall comes from 4 distinct cascades – Raja, Rani, Rover, and Rocket together which form the vast Jog falls.

Highlights of the Tour:

Visiting Jog Falls will only take 3-4 hours, but there are a lot of other destinations on the way that are worth a while and should be enjoyed on the way to Jog Falls. The Jog Falls can be and should be included in the Karnataka tour.

Places to Visit:

Unchalli Falls
Bennehole Falls
Yana
Murudeshwar
Kosalli Waterfalls

Best Time to Visit:

August to January

Peak Season:

September to December

Nearest City:

Hubli (161km)

How to Reach:

By Air, Hubli is the nearest airport (171km)
Nearest railway station is at Shimoga 105km away
Buses frequently ply to and from the Jog Falls.

Language Spoken:

Kannada, English, and Hindi

Ideal trip duration:

Half day

10. Nagarhole National Park:

It is located at 88km from Mysore and 218km from Bengaluru, Nagarhole is one of the famous wildlife sanctuaries in South India. Also known as the Rajiv Gandhi National Park, this place is a must add in the Coorg tour packages. The Nagarhole National Park is located towards the northwest of the Bandipur National Park and is separated by the Kabini Reservoir. More than 250 species of birds and wildlife are found at the Nagarhole National Park and is a place of bliss for any wildlife lover.

Highlights of the Tour:

Visit the Nagarhole National Park during your three days Bengaluru Coorg Trip. It will take a time of 4-5 hours and thus plan the day accordingly.

Places to Visit:

Irupu Falls
Coorg
Mysore
Wayanad
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

Best Time to Visit:

November to May

Peak Season:

April and May

Nearest City:

Mysore

How to Reach:

By Air, the Kozhikode International Airport is the closest (146km)
By Train, the Mysore junction is the closest (88km)
Regular buses ply from different cities and connect to Nagarhole National Park

Language Spoken:

Kannada, Hindi, English

Ideal Trip Duration:

Half day

Read: Most Beautiful Places India

11. Sakleshpur:

It is at a distance of 220km from Bengaluru, Sakleshpur is a beautiful hill station situated in the Hassan district of Karnataka. At the height of 3061m, Sakleshpur is one of the best hill stations of Karnataka and must be included in the Karnataka tour packages. It is a gateway to the Western Ghats from the Hassan side. Surrounded by the lofty green hills covered by coffee, cardamom and areca plantations, the view from this place is spectacular.

Highlights of the Tour:

Day 1: Start from Bengaluru early in the morning and visit the following locations on the way:

Sri Sakleshwara Swamy temple
Magajahalli Waterfalls

Day 2: Begin the day post breakfast and visit the following places before you drive back to Bengaluru

Mnjarabad Fort
Hemavathi Dam
Shettihalli Church

Places to Visit:

Manjarabad Fort
Sri Sakleshwara Swamy Temple
Magajahalli Waterfalls
Betta Byraveshwara Temple
Belur
Mangalore
Chikmanglur

Best Time to Visit:

October to April

Peak Season:

November to February

Nearest City:

Mangalore (151km)

How to Reach:

By Air, the nearest airport is Mangalore (161km)
By train, the nearest railhead is Sakleshpur railway Station which is at 1.5km

Language Spoken:

Kannada, Hindi, English

Ideal Trip Duration:

1-2 days

12. Udupi:

It is at a distance of 65km from Mangalore, Udupi is the temple town of Karnataka. It is one of the well-known tourist places in Karnataka known for its pilgrim places as well as clean beaches. Located between the majestic Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, Udupi is a land of sheer beauty.

Highlights of the Tour:

Day 1: Start from Bengaluru at 5 a.m. and on the way to Udupi visit

Bejai Museum
St. Aloysius Chapel
Kudroli Temple
Tannirbavi Beach

Day 2: Start from Udupi at 8 a.m. and visit

Udupi Sri Krishna Temple
St. Mary’s Island
Malpe Beach
Kaup Beach
Drive back to Bengaluru to reach around 10 p.m.

Places to Visit:

Udupi Sri Krishna’s temple
St. Mary’s Island
Malpe Beach
Kaup Beach
Brahmavar
Barkur
Chathurmukha Basadi – Karkala
Gomatheshwara Statue – Karkala

Best Time to Visit:

October to February

Peak Season:

November to February

Nearest City:

Mangalore (60km)

How to Reach:

The nearest Airport to Udupi is Mangalore Airport which is 65 km away.
The nearest railhead is the Udupi Railway Station and is well connected with all the major cities of Karnataka.

Language Spoken:

Kannada, Hindi, English

Ideal Trip Duration:

2 days

13. Dandeli:

Situated at a distance of mere 55km from Dharwad and 73km from Hubli, Dandeli is a picturesque beach town on the banks of river Kali in Uttar Kannada district of Karnataka. It is one of the top destinations to be included in your Karnataka tour packages as well as the Goa tour packages. Known for its water sports, Dandeli is one of the top destinations in India for white-water rafting.

Highlights of the Tour:

Day 1: Reach Dandeli and check into the hotel. Head for the Dandeli beach and indulge in some of the finest water sports such as water rafting, River crossing, river rafting, etc. In the second half of the day visit the Dandeli Wildlife sanctuary

Day 2: Leave early from the hotel for jeep safari or trekking. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Later visit the nearby sightseeing spots such as Syntheri Rock, Kavala caves, etc. before you bid farewell to the city.

Places to Visit:

Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary
Syntheri Rock
Kavala Caves
Ulavi
Sathodi falls
Magod falls

Best Time to Visit:

October to March

Peak Season:

November to December

Nearest City:

Hubli (73km)

How to Reach:

By Air, Hubli is the nearest airport (66km)
By rail, Alnavar is the nearest railway station (33km)

Language Spoken:

Kannada, Hindi, English

Ideal Trip Duration:

2-3 days

14. Murudeshwar:

It is located at a distance of 162km from Mangalore. Murudeshwar is a renowned pilgrimage cum beach location in Karnataka. Located in the Bhatkaltaluka of Uttara Kannada. Murudeshwar is a picturesque location between the Bhatkal and Honnaval and bounded by the Arabian Sea and The Western Ghats. Murudeshwara is a popular abode of Lord Shiva and an important pilgrimage site in South India.

Highlights of the Tour:

The Murudeshwar is a popular stop included in the 3-day tour from Bengaluru to Mangalore. On the way, all the important destinations of Murudeshwar can be covered.

Places to Visit:

Murudeshwar Temple
Murudeshwar Beach
Lord Shiva Statue
Kollur Mookambika Temple
Apsara Konda Falls
Bhatkal

Best Time to Visit:

October to March

Peak Season:

November to February

Nearest City:

Mangalore (162km)

How to Reach:

By Air, the nearest airport is Mangalore Airport which is 160km away
By train, the Murudeshwar Railway Station lies in the center of the city

Language Spoken:

Kannada, Hindi, English

Ideal Trip Duration:

1-2 days

Read: Things To Do In Badami Caves

15. Coorg:

If you are a nature lover and if the perpetually misty landscape is what you are looking for then Coorg is a place for you to be. It is a popular hill station known for its coffee production and the lush green hills here all contain coffee plantations. It is also known as Kodagu, Coorg is the most affluent hill station in the State of Karnataka and one of the not to miss places to visit in India.

Highlights of the Tour:

Day 1: Arrive in Coorg. Visit Raja’s Seat and Abbey Falls.

Day 2: Pay a visit to Omkareshwar, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. Also visit the Golden Temple, the largest Buddhist monastery in India.

Day 3: Visit Talacauvery, the beautiful island formed at the banks of river Cauvery. You need to trek through the rope bridges to reach here.

Day 4: Plan a trip to coffee plantations and experience some coffee plucking. You can also add some once in a lifetime experience to your trip before you end it.

Places to Visit:

Abbey Falls
Talacauvery
Golden Temple
Raja’s Seat
White water river rafting in Barapole River, Coorg
Nagarhole National Park

Best Time to Visit:

October to March

Peak Season:

October to March

Nearest City:

Mysore

How to Reach:

By air Mysore, Mangalore and Bengaluru are the nearest airports with a distance of 112km, 139km, and 255km respectively. You need to hire a can to reach Coorg
By rail, the Mysore Railway Station is the nearest.

Language Spoken:

Kodava Tukk

Ideal Trip Duration:

3-4 days

The aforesaid are 15 best tourist places in Karnataka. A blend of ancient history with scenic beauty, Karnataka is a must visit place and if visiting Karnataka do not forget to add these destinations in your itinerary. Every destination is unique and deserves a place in your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions & Answers: