Karnataka is located in the southwestern region of India. It is a rich state, rich in culture & heritage as well as the diversity of its landscape. Larger than life palaces fascinate you as much as the beaches & hill stations, all of which are an intrinsic part of Karnataka tourism places. It attracts sightseeing lovers as much as adventure enthusiasts. It also boasts a glorious past which is evident in its forts, palaces and ancient towns, one example of which is the illustrious Vijayanagara Empire. But Karnataka’s fascination also extends to its hill stations which are major tourist attractions like Chikmagalur, quiet relaxed beaches and temples like Virupaksha and Vitthala, that stand as a testimony to the architectural perfection achieved in the past. This is why a holiday in Karnataka is a getaway to complete delight, rife with adventures, sightseeing and entertainment!.
Karnataka is a place of million stories that are told through its forts, palaces, and ancient towns. They bear testimony to its glorious past. A past shaped by powerful dynasties, kings and empires. A heritage tour of Karnataka consists of visiting its famous palaces like the Mysore Palace, Bangalore Palace and Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace. There are forts like Gulbarg, Raichur, Mirjan & Bidar. Each of these forts has played a key role in its history & are architectural splendours as well. And then there’s Hampi, the shining jewel of the Vijayanagara Empire. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, exploring its temples, streets and bazaars is like going back in time. Other famous heritage sites are Badami, Pattakadal and Aihole.
Karnataka tourism also boasts a rich wildlife. Spot Royal Bengal Tigers, elephants, sloth bears, leopards, or reptiles and birds during your wildlife safari. It has some of the most famous national parks, bird sanctuaries and wildlife sanctuaries. Some of the famous national parks & wildlife sanctuaries in Karnataka are Bandipur, Nagarhole, Someshwara, Bhimgad & Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary. Spot birds of all shapes, colours and sizes at bird sanctuaries like Bonal, Attiveri, Bonal and Hornbills of Dandeli.
You can escape to the hill stations during your holidays in Karnataka for a change. The Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, run through Karnataka. These ghats contain the most beautiful hill stations in India. You come across trekking trails, waterfalls, coffee plantations, temples and wildlife. One of the hill stations, Chikmagalur, was the first place in India where coffee was introduced. Agumbe is famous for being the site where “Malgudi Days”, a popular TV serial, was shot. Other popular hill stations in Karnataka are Madikeri, Chikkamagaluru, Kodachadri, Nandi Hills and Kogadu.
The beaches in Karnataka are different from those in Goa. Its coastline stretches to 320 kilometers with more than 40 beaches. Not by the topography so much, as the vibe and environment. Most of them are quiet, many secluded. They are ideal for those who want to enjoy a quiet day at the beach. Perhaps the most famous of these is the OM Beach. Shaped like an OM, it offers breathtaking views of the sunset. Jet ski, banana boat rides and parasailing are some of the water sports activities available. Panambur, Someshwara, Tannirbhavi and Ottinene are other famous beaches in Karnataka.
Karnataka is a hub of adventure tourism. Scuba diving, white water rafting, rock climbing and trekking offer adventure enthusiasts the adrenaline rush. Skydiving in Mysore, rock climbing in Ramanagara, microlight flying in Bangalore & scuba diving in Netrani Island are immensely popular. Battling the rapids at Bheemeshwari and parasailing at Malpe & Gokarna beaches are also famous adventure activities. Trekking is a highly sought after adventure tourism activity in Karnataka. Trekkers have several options to choose from. Some of the popular treks are Kudremukh, Kumara Parvatha, Narasimha Parvata, Kanoor, Kodachadri and Coorg Plantations.
Hindu, Muslim, Jain, Sikh and Christian places of worship can be found in Karnataka. Spiritual enlightenment is a major reason for visiting this southern state. It is mind boggling to think that there are more than 34,000 temples.
Temples : Many of the temples in Karnataka were built in the 10th century and are dedicated to Lord Shiva. You will come across different styles of temples. For example, the Hoysalas built the temples on raised complex star shaped platforms. The Badami Chalukyas, on the other hand, were masters of rock cut caves and temples. Two of the most famous temples in Karnataka are Virupaksha and Vitthala. Both of them are located in Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some of the famous temples are Omkareshwara, Someshwara, Shri Kadri Manjunatha and Marikamba.
Mosques : There are an equal number of mosques in Karnataka which evoke admiration with their architecture. Many of these were built during the reigns of the Bahmani & Deccan Sultanates. Jama Masjid, Jamia Masjid, Ek Minar Mosque & Zanana Masjid.
Churches : The churches in Karnataka are some of the oldest in India. They belong to Roman Catholics, Syrian, Mar Thoma, Protestant and other Christain communities.
Jain Temples : There are also a lot of Jain temples in Karnataka, which is not surprising. Jainism enjoyed royal patronage in Karnataka under various historic kingdoms, from Chalukyas to Kadambas. One of the most famous Jain temples is located in Shravanabelagola in Hassan district. It consists of a massive 18 feet tall black granite statue of Gomteshwara, the first Tirthankara.
Buddhist Monasteries : Buddhism also enjoys a strong presence. The settlements at Mundgod in Uttara Kannada & Bylakuppe in Mysore are very “Tibet-like.” Some of the famous monasteries are Namdroling, Bylakuppe and Manjunatha in Kandri.
Gurudwaras : There are two famous gurudwaras in Karnataka. One is Gurudwara Nanak Jhira and the other is Gurudwara Guru Nanak Prachar Sabha. Of these, Gurudwara Nanak Jhira in Bidar holds a special significance. It is associated with a major legend.
Like any other state, Karnataka has its fair share of festivals. Almost all of them originated under a certain ruler or dynasty. Whether it’s the Kambala Buffalo Race or the Hampi Dance Festival, every festival offers a different experience. The rich culture, customs and traditions of the different communities are reflected in the festivals. During Deepavali and Dussehra, the entire state is reinvigorated with energy and spirituality. Other major festivals are Chalukya Utsav, Hampi Utsav, Pattadakal Dance Festival, Mysuru Dasara, Shravana Belagola Mahamastakabhisheka, Kambala and Vitla Pindi.
In the museums of Karnataka, you will come across rare manuscripts, sculptures, statues, art and artefacts. You get to have a close look at its past, filled with rulers, dynasties and empires. Most of the museums are located in Mysore and Bangalore. Some of the must visit museums in Karnataka are Folklore Museum, Government Museum, HAL Heritage Center and Aerospace Museum, Manipal Museum of Anatomy and Pathology.
The richness of Karnataka is reflected in its cuisine too. Different parts of Karnataka have their own special cuisines. For example, dishes like Goli Baje and Mangalore Fish Curry are famous in Coastal Karnataka. The famous Mysore Pak, Thatte Idli, Ragi Mudde and Puliyogare are relished in South Karnataka. While visiting North Karnataka, Raagi Ambali, Jolada Rotti, Dharwad Peda and Belagavi Kunda are dishes you should not miss. Coffee is a major beverage for the people of Karnataka. Filter coffee is special in its own way and is available in all the restaurants and high end restaurants.
Coorg : Coorg is a famous tourist hill station in Karnataka. There are three wildlife sanctuaries and a famous national park called Nagarhole. There are several options for sightseeing.
Halebeedu : The town of Halebeedu was once the 2nd capital of the Hoysalas. The temples which stand today are specimens of architectural excellence. These are Kedareshwara & Hoysaleshwara.
Mysore : It was once the capital of Tipu Sultan, known as the Tiger of Mysore. Some of its tourist attractions are Mysore Palace, Devaraja Market, Crawford Hall and Jagan Mohan Palace.
Srirangapatna : Visit Srirangapatna for its royal past. It served as the capital of various kings and dynasties. Visit palaces, temples and forts here during your sightseeing tour.
Agumbe : Those who have read Malgudi Days will be familiar with Agumbe. A high-altitude village, it’s home to India’s online Rainforest Research Station. There are several sightseeing sites.
Shravanabelagola : Shravanabelagola is a famous Jain pilgrimage destination in Karnataka. This is believed to be the place where Chandragupta Maurya breathed his last. The most famous tourist attraction is Bhagawan Bahubali Statue.
Bijapur : Bijapur was founded by the Chalukyas during the 10-11th centuries. It is great for those who want to explore historical sites. Some of the attractions are Bijapur Fort & Jama Masjid.
Somnathpur : Visit Somnathpur for the fabulous structures built during the reign of the Hoysalas. You will come across the most spectacular temples here.
Bengaluru : Bengaluru, the capital of Karnataka, is dotted with high tech industries. Go shopping, visit a wildlife sanctuary, spend some time in one of its many parks or hangout at the glitzy malls.
Udupi : Boasting one of the longest walls in the world, Kumbhalgarh is the second-largest fort in India. This impressive fort is not to be missed witnessing in Rajasthan.
Bandipur National Park : Bandipur National Park is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Spot Royal Bengal Tigers, Asiatic Elephants and a wide variety of bird species. Rosewood & sandalwood are found in plenty here.
Winters are the best time to visit Karnataka. During the months between November to March, the weather is cool and pleasant. The hill stations enjoy pleasant weather throughout the year. During the summers, it can get extremely hot and humid.
Karnataka Region | South India |
Karnataka Capital | Bengaluru |
Coordinate | 15.3173° N, 75.7139° E |
Total Population of Karnataka | 61,095,297 (According to 2011 Census) |
Geographical Area | 191,976 square kilometres |
Total Districts in Karnataka | 31 |
State Animal of Karnataka | Indian Elephant |
State Bird of Karnataka | Indian Roller |
State Flower of Karnataka | Tavare-gadde, Kamala (Kannada) Botanical Name: Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. |
State Tree of Karnataka | Indian Sandalwood |
Major Tourism Festivals of Karnataka | Shravanabelagola Maha Mastakabisheka, Kaveri Sankramana Festival, Hoysala Mahotsava, Hampi Festival, Makar Sakranti, Dussehra Festival, Pattadakkal Dance Festival…etc |
Major Tourist Attractions Karnataka | Hill Stations, Wildlife, Heritage, Beach, Pilgrimage, Museums, Waterfalls, Adventure |
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