Top places to visit in Karnataka

Coorg

Coorg, known as the Scotland of the East, is a heaven on Earth. During the harvest season, the scent of coffee fills the air, adding to the charm of the rich green hills and the blue skies. There are several popular tourist attractions in Coorg, such as the Namdroling Monastery, a famous religious site, and the must-visit waterfalls Abbey and Iruppu. The holy place Talakaveri, the origin of the river Cauvery, is located close to Coorg. The Dubare Elephant Camp at Dubare is less than an hour from Coorg, where you can enjoy bathing elephants. Trekking enthusiasts can explore the small peaks of Brahmagiri and Kodachadri, while adventure seekers can enjoy river rafting in Dubare.

Mysore

Mysore is known as Sandalwood City. The Mysore Palace was built under British supervision in the Indo-Saracenic style, a revival of the Mughal-Indo style. It's now a museum open to tourists. The Brindavan Gardens adjoins the KRS Dam and is a must-watch for its fountain show. Chamundeshwari Hill and the temple nearby are popular tourist destinations. Karanji Lake and Park is a great place to relax in nature. Shivanasamudra Falls, about 75 km away, is best visited from September to January. Karnataka has many national parks where tourists can spot animals in their natural habitat.

Bangalore

Bangalore is the capital city of Karnataka. This place is famous for its start-up industry and is called the Silicon Valley of India. But it's not just about technology. It used to be called Garden City because of all the beautiful parks and gardens like Cubbon Park and Lalbagh. Spring is the perfect time to visit because the city is blooming with flowers. You can also go hiking at Nandi Hills, a favoured sunrise spot. And if you're into breweries, nightlife, and clubs, you will love it. Remember to visit Bannerghatta Biological Park, the famous Bangalore Palace, and Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace. And for history buffs, the Chitradurga Fort is a must-see.

Mangalore

If you love the beaches, Mangalore is a perfect place for you. This city is surrounded by beautiful beaches, and it's a joy for the eyes. Two of the most popular beaches are Tannirbhavi and Panambur. But that's not all. Nearby towns like Udupi and Manipal are also worth exploring. One hidden gem I highly recommend is Pithrody Beach, about 15 kilometres away. This beach is truly stunning, with a river on one side and the Arabian Sea on the other. Trust me, and it's a sight you don't want to miss.

Chikmaglaur

If you're looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, Chikmagalur is the perfect destination. This beautiful hill station in Karnataka offers breathtaking views of the lush green hills and valleys. A must-visit spot for families is the Mahatma Gandhi National Park, where you can enjoy nature walks and bird watching. Take the chance to witness the stunning Kallathigiri and Hebbe waterfalls, popular tourist attractions in the area. And if you're up for some adventure, make the four-hour journey to see the Niagara Falls of India, Jog Falls, especially during the monsoon months. While you're in Chikmaglur, take a boat ride to explore two famous lakes in the area.

Hampi

Hampi is a place where you can party hard or learn about the culture of this ancient town. Hampi has numerous temples that are proof of its rich history, including the Sreevirupaksha, Vijaya Vithala, Hazara Rama, and Achyutaraya Temples. For adventure enthusiasts, Hampi offers Matanga Hill, Anjaneya Hill, and Hemakuta Hill, with breathtaking views of the sunrise and sunset. The ruins of Hampi, built in the 14th century, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and include the Hampi Bazaar, Lotus Mahal, and House of Victory. The hippie side of Hampi is emerging as a popular party destination, offering biking adventures, cliff jumping, and coral rides in the nearby villages and Lake Sanapur.

Gokarna

Gokarna is a picturesque location in Karnataka that feels like a scene from a movie. It's perfect for those who love mountains and beaches. Gokarna has plenty of beautiful beaches to explore. Om Beach is a serene cliffside beach where you can enjoy the waves or hike up the cliffs at sunrise or sunset. Half Moon Beach is a sacred spot that requires a hike to reach, but the effort is worth it. Gokarna Beach is famous and crowded, so finding a quiet location is challenging. Paradise Beach is the final beach, accessible only by hike or boat, and is a must-visit.

Vijayapura

Vijayapura is a small town in Karnataka that boasts of some of the most impressive architectural wonders in India. The city is often called the Agra of South India for its beautiful fusion of Hindu and Islamic architecture. One of the most famous monuments here is the Gol Gumbaz, which was built in the 17th century as the tomb of King Mohammad Adil Shah. The Jumma Masjid is another famous site in Vijayapura, also built by the same king to celebrate his victory over the Vijayanagar empire. The Bijapur Fort is another must-visit attraction built in the 16th century by Yusuf Adil Shah. Other notable landmarks in Vijayapura include the Ibrahim Roza, Bara Kaman, and Ibrahim Roza Masjid. These impressive monuments are not just architectural marvels but also reflect the rich history and culture of the region.