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
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
See More: Famous Street Foods in Bangalore
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
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
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
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:
1. List the tourist places in North Karnataka?
Ans: The following are the beautiful tourist places in North Karnataka:
- Sathoddi Falls
- Badami Cave Temples
- Gol Gumbaz
- Godachinmalki Waterfalls
- Shri Banashankari Shakti Peetham, Badami
2. What are the historical places in Karnataka?
Ans: The following are some of the important historical places in Karnataka:
- Devanhalli Fort
- Badami Cave Temples
- Belur Sri Chennakesava Temple
- Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace
- Hampi Archeological Ruins
- Mysore Palace
- Bangalore Palace
- Bangalore Fort
- Bidar Fort
3. Which are the best places to visit in Karnataka in Summer?
Ans: The following are some of the best tourist places in Karnataka to be visited in summer:
- Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace
- Nagarhole National Park and Tiger Reserve
- Bandipur Tiger Reserve and National Park
- Mysore Palace
- Abbey Falls Madkeri
- Lalbagh Botanical Garden
- Sri Chamarajendra Park
- Iruppu Waterfalls
- Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
4. List the tourist places in Karnataka near Bangalore.
Ans: The following are some important tourist places in Karnataka near Bangalore
- Dodda Aalada Mara
- Bannerghatta Biological Park
- Bangalore Palace
- Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace
- Lumbini Gardens
- Sri Chamarajendra Park
- Lalbagh Botanical Garden
5. Which are the best places to visit in Karnataka during December?
Ans: The following are the 5 best tourist places to visit in Karnataka during December:
- Brindavan Gardens
- Bandipur Tiger Reserve and National Park
- Mysore Palace
- Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
- Raja’s Seat.
