Best Tourist Places to Visit in Karnataka
Karnataka a beautiful state located in India which is said to have one state but many worlds.This beautiful region of India has so many touristic places which is home to thousands of wildlife and many diversification of flora and fauna found in this region. The capital of the beautiful state is Bangalore a rapidly developing city which is home to some of the most touristic places in Karnataka. This massive state has all kinds of tourism involved , from pilgrimage to beach are available in Karnataka. This state it has its own solitude and its own pace. We, Yatramantra welcomes you to Karnataka where its “one state but many worlds” in different regions. The best tourist places to visit in Karnataka:
- Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary:
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary in Mandya is also known as Pakshi Kashi of Karnataka. It is the largest bird sanctuary in the state which is about 40 acres and comprises six islets on the banks of the River Kaveri.The islets came into being in 1648. The ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali observed that the isles formed an nesting ground for birds, and persuaded the Wodeyar kings of Mysore to declare the area a wildlife sanctuary in 1940.Roughly 170 birds have been recorded here. Of these, the painted stork, Asian openbill stork, common spoonbill, woolly-necked stork, black-headed ibis, lesser whistling duck, Indian shag, stork-billed kingfisher, egret, cormorant, Oriental darter, and heron breed here regularly. The great stone plover and river tern also nest here.The park is dwelling to a large flock of streak-throated swallows. One best places to visit in karnataka About 50 pelicans have made Ranganathittu as their permanent home.During the months of January and February, more than 30 species of birds are found and the season of the sanctuary is from November to June. This is one of the best places to visit in karnataka for nature tourism.
- Lalbagh Botanical Gardens:
Lalbagh Botanical Gardens literally means The Red Garden, is a renowned botanical garden in southern Bangalore.The garden was formerly commissioned by Hyder Ali, the ruler of Mysore, and later completed by his son Tipu Sultan. It has a well-known glass house which hosts an annual flower show.Lalbagh abodes India’s largest collection of tropical plants and also has a lake, and it is one of the main tourist attractions in Bangalore. It is also home to a few species of birds. The commonly sighted birds include Mynah, parakeets, crows, Brahmini Kite, Pond Heron, Common Egret, and Purple Moor Hen.The park also has some rare species of plants brought from Persia, Afghanistan and France. With a complex watering system for irrigation, this garden is aesthetically designed, with lawns, flowerbeds, lotus ponds and fountains. Most of the old trees are labelled for easy identification.The Lalbagh Rock, one of the oldest rock formations on earth. One of the best places to visit in karnataka This geological monument for the peninsular gneiss formation is also a tourist attraction at the gardens. It has been designated by the Geological Survey of India on the Lalbagh hill which is made up of 3,000 million-year-old peninsular gneissic rocks.Lalbagh has four gates.This is one of the best places to visit in karnataka for nature tourism.The western gate, situated near Siddapur Circle; the eastern gate opens to a wide road and near to Jayanagar; the southern gate is often referred to as the main gate and is near Lalbagh Road and the northern gate is a fairly wide and opens to a big road that leads to the Glass House and serves as the primary exit.The government of Karnataka organizes “Janapada Jaatre” in Lalbagh on the second and fourth weekends (both Saturday and Sunday) of every month. Janapada Jaatre, which means Folk Fair, features folk dance, music and plays performed by troupes from all parts of Karnataka. The show mainly portrays the cultural folklore of Karnataka, the traditional costumes and musical instruments.One of the four cardinal towers erected by Kempe Gowda II, also a major tourist attraction, is seen above this hillock. This tower gives the full view of Bangalore from the top. Making it one of the best tourist places to visit in Karnataka.
- ISKCON Temple Bangalore:
ISKCON Temple also known as Sri Radha Krishna Temple is located at Rajaji Nagar in North Bangalore.It is one of the largest ISKCON temples in the world which abodes the deities of Radha and Krishna. In May 1997, Bangalore ISKCON Temple was inaugurated by His Holiness Jayapataka Swami & the ninth president of India – Shankar Dayal Sharma.This temple is also a huge cultural complex. This project was conceived and executed by Madhu Pandit Dasa following the desires of HDG A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the Founder-Acarya of ISKCON to uphold Vedic culture and spiritual learning.Around 1976, devotees from different parts of India and the world had instigated activities of ISKCON in different parts of South India like Bangalore, Hubli, Madras, etc. They conducted Sankirtans in the streets, enrolling life members, arranging programs in the houses and large public programs in pandals.One of the best tourist places to visit in Karnataka.There is a gold-plated flag post 56 feet high and a gold plated kalash shikara 28 ft high. There is free distribution of Sri Krishna Prasadam to all visitors during the darshana hours.ISKCON Bangalore comprises six shrines, where the main shrine is of Radha-Krishna, Krishna Balrama, Nitai Gauranga, Srinivasa Govinda, Prahlada Narasimha and Srila Prabhupada.
- Mysore Zoo:
Mysore Zoo one of the city’s most popular attractions officially known by Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens is a zoo located near the palace in Mysore. It is one of the oldest and most popular zoos in India, and is home to a wide range of species.Mysore Zoo was created in 1892 in the summer palace of Maharaja Sri Chamaraja Wodeyar, and was originally called the Palace Zoo. The zoo was originally set up by G.H. Krumbeigal, a German landscaper and horticulturist. Over the next 10 years the zoo was expanded with spacious fields.The zoo was opened to the public in 1902, and now includes a bandstand and an artificial lake. It was given to the Department of Parks and Gardens of the Mysore State Government in 1948. The zoo was expanded first with the acquisition of the Karanji Tank (Karanji reservoir), in which an artificial island has been created as a sanctuary for birds.The zoo was handed over to the Forest Department in 1972, and was entrusted to Zoo Authority of Karnataka in 1979.One of the best places to visit karnataka.This is one of the best places to visit in karnataka for nature tourism.The zoo had completed 100 years in 1992. The centenary celebrations were held in 1990 and 91.
- Mysore Palace:
Mysore Palace is the official residence and seat of the Wodeyars — the rulers of Mysore. The palace houses two durbar halls (ceremonial meeting halls of the royal court) and incorporates a mesmerizing and gigantic array of courtyards, gardens, and buildings.The palace is in the central region of inner Mysore, facing the Chamundi Hills eastward. The architectural style of domes of the palace is normally described as Indo-Saracenic and blends Hindu, Muslim, Rajput, and Gothic styles. It is a three-story stone structure with marble domes and a 145 ft five-story tower. The palace is bounded by a large garden. The entrance gate and arch hold the emblem and coat of arms of the kingdom of Mysore.The Golden throne is one of the main attraction of Mysore Palace .It is both antique and sacred. The very sight of the throne itself is considered as privilege.The palace has three entrances: the East Gate, the South Entrance and the West Entrance. In addition, there are numerous secret tunnels from the palace cellar leading to Srirangapatna, other palaces, and confidential areas.One of the best places to visit karnataka.This is one of the best tourist places to visit in Karnataka. The palace features a number of unique rooms. Ambavilasa, Gombe Thotti (Doll’s Pavilion) Kalyana Mantapa and other rooms like the Diwan-e-aam, a public durbar where the general population could meet the king at scheduled times to submit petitions, an armory which contains arms used by the members of the royal family.The palace complex includes twelve Hindu temples. The oldest was built in the 14th century, while the most recent was built in 1953.
- Cubbon Park:
Cubbon Park is a landmark ‘lung’ area of the Bangalore city, located within the heart of city in the Central Administrative Area.It was originally created in 1870, when Major General Richard Sankey was the then British Chief Engineer of Mysore state. It has been spread over an area of 100 acres then and subsequent expansion has taken place and now it has an area of about 300 acres.It has a prosperous testimony of abundant flora and fauna plantations attached with several inspiring and aesthetically located buildings and statues of famous personalities, in its limits.This public park was first named as “Meade’s Park” after Sir John Meade, the acting Commissioner of Mysore in 1870 and later renamed as Cubbon Park after the longest and best serving commissioner of the time, Sir Mark Cubbon.In 1927, on the occasion of Silver Jubilee of Sri Krishnaraja Wodeyar’s rule in Mysore State the park was again renamed as “Sri Chamarajendra Park”, as an honour to the 19th century ruler of the state Sri Chamarajendra Wodeyar, during whose rule the park came into existence.The landscape setting in the park artistically assimilates natural rock projections with groves of trees, enormous bamboos, with verdant expanse and flower beds and the monuments within its boundaries, synchronized by the Horticulture Department of the Government of Karnataka.The mostly green area of the park has many motor able roads, and the well laid out walking pathways running through the park are frequented by early morning walkers and the naturalists who study plants in the peaceful natural environment.Bangalore got its nick name as Garden City due to the presence of this park. The significance of the Park to the city’s environment is best stated by two Urban Architects who have won the national competition to design ‘Freedom Park.’Indigenous and exotic botanical species found in the park are about 68 genus and 96 species with a total of around 6000 plants/trees.One of the best places to visit karnataka. Indigenous species found in the park are: artocarpus, cassia fistula, ficus, polyalthias etc., and exotic species such as araucaria, bamboo, castanospermum australe, grevillea robusta, millettia, peltophorum, schinus molle, swietenia mahagoni, tabebuia. etc.Among the ornamental and flowering exotic trees lining the roads in the park are the silver oak the first oaks introduced to Bangalore from Australia and the gulmohar tree with bright red flowers with long petals along the Cubbon road in the park, which is extensively cultivated tropical ornamental tree around the world.The avenue of araucarias along with canna beds on either sides of the road from the Central Public Library to Hudson circle, avenue of Swieteninas in the Northern side of the park, the Java fig avenue along the road leading to the Government Museum, polyalthia avenue along the road from Queen’s statue to King Edward statue and the chestnut tree avenue from the Chamarajendra statue to Siddalingaiah circle are testimony to the botanical richness of the park. From the Attara Kacheri towards the East, terrace garden developed on a gradient provides a beautiful vista.Other attractions at the Park are the Ringwood circle, lotus pond and bamboo grove nook. The formal gardens, from the central hall of the original Attara Kacheri – now the Karnataka High Court extends along the ceal esplanade developed symmetrically with avenues, to the Museum building.Another impressive artistic structure is Iyer Hall, which houses the Central Library with a rose garden as a frontage.This is one of the best tourist places to visit in Karnataka. Other buildings located within or at the fringe of the park are the Indira Priyadarshini Children’s Library, the Venkatappa Art Gallery, the Aquarium (stated to be the second largest in India), the YMCA, Yuvanika — the State Youth Centre, Century Club, Press Club, Jawahar Bal Bhavan, Tennis Pavilion, the Cheshire Dyer Memorial Hall and the Ottawa Chatter.A bandstand, in an octagonal shape made with cast-iron, was built in the early part of the 1900s. Before India’s Independence, the British Royal Air Force used to play western band music at the band stand every Saturday evening. One of the best tourist places to visit in Karnataka. An attraction for children here is the well planned children’s amusement park as part of Jawahar Bal Bhavan, which has the toy train, Puttani Express that runs within the Park, the Doll museum and a boating facility. A 20-million-year-old fossilized tree — a gift from the Geological Survey of India, is also cited at the park.Memorials in the form of marble statues in honour of Queen Victoria (installed in 1906), King Edward VII (installed in 1919), Major General Sir Mark Cubbon, Sri Chamarajendra Wodeyar (installed in 1927) and Sir K. Sheshadri Iyer (installed (in 1913) are located in front of the historical buildings within the park.This is one of the best places to visit in karnataka for nature tourism.
- Vidhana Soudha:
The Vidhana Soudha, the seat of the state legislature of Karnataka is located in Bangalore.It is an impressive building, erected in a Mysore Neo-Dravidian style and it integrates elements of Indo-Saracenic and Dravidian styles. The structure was completed in 1956. Kengal Hanumanthaiah is accredited with the conception and construction of the Vidhana Soudha.The base stone was laid by the then Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, in the year 1951. However, it was Hanumanthaiah who was active in the remodel and speedy construction of Vidhana Soudha. He visited Europe, Russia, the United States, and other places and acquire the idea of building the Vidhana Soudha by incorporating various designs from the buildings he had seen.He took a lot of attention and effort in building this marvellous granite building. It was meant to curtail the British-built Athara Kacheri building. Hanumanthaiah was criticized for the millions he spent to construct the building.This is one of the best tourist places to visit in Karnataka. The Vidhana Soudha has four floors above and one floor below ground level and sprawls across an area of 2,300 by 1,150 feet.One of the best places to visit karnataka. It is the largest Legislative building in India. Its eastern facade has a porch with 12 granite pillars, 40 feet tall. Leading to the entrance hall is a stairway with 45 steps, more than 200 feet wide. The central dome, which is 60 feet in diameter, is crowned by a portrait of the Indian national emblem.The frontage of the building is inscribed with the slogan “Government’s Work is God’s Work”. In 1957, the Mysore government planned to replace the inscription with Satyameva Jayate, but the change did not take place.In 1996, the inscription inspired a U.S. state governor, George Voinovich of Ohio, who visited and proposed etching “With God, all things are possible” onto the Ohio Statehouse, prompting a high-profile lawsuit. The building is illuminated on Sundays and public holidays.
- Wonderla:
Wonderla, Bangalore has been ranked 1st in India and the highest Amusement park in India. It has 55 land and water-based rides.The park features a wide variety of attractions including some rides, water rides, a musical fountain and laser shows, a virtual reality show. It has a full-fledged dance floor with a twist: electronically controlled rain showers and attractions specially designed for children, and these are gentle yet unusual like a kiddies free fall ride. It uses solar-heated water for all its pools during winter.It has conference facilities for up to 1,000 persons, and features five restaurants with a total seating capacity of 1,150. It has locker rooms with over 2,350 lockers and restrooms and showers.One of the best places to visit karnataka.The park also features a first aid facility and a paging system.The park opened its resort; an 84-room hotel complex spread over 100,000 square feet to public in 2012. The resort features dedicated children’s play areas and other recreational and conferencing facilities.
- Badami Cave Temples:
Badami Cave Temples are a complex of four comprising Hindu, Jain and Buddhist cave temples located in Badami, a town in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka. The caves are considered an example of Indian rock-cut architecture, especially Badami Chalukya architecture, which dates from the 6th century.The cave temples represent some of the earliest known examples of Hindu temples. UNESCO has described the designs of the Badami cave temples.Caves 1 to 4 are in the escarpment of the hill in soft Badami sandstone formation, to the south-east of the town. In Cave 1, among various sculptures of Hindu divinities and themes, a prominent carving is of the Tandava-dancing Shiva as Nataraja. Cave 2 is mostly similar to Cave 1 in terms of its layout and dimensions, featuring Hindu subjects of which the relief of Vishnu as Trivikrama is the largest. The largest cave is Cave 3, featuring Vishnu-related mythology, and it is also the most intricately carved cave in the complex. Cave 4 is dedicated to revered figures of Jainism.One of the best places to visit karnataka.This is one of the best tourist places to visit in Karnataka. Cave 5 may be a Buddhist cave. Another cave was discovered in 2015, about 500 metres (1,600 ft) from the four main caves, with 27 Hindu carvings.Badami cave temples are man-made, all carved out of soft Badami sandstone on a hill cliff. The plan of each of the four caves (1 to 4) includes an entrance with a verandah (mukha mandapa) supported by stone columns and brackets, a distinctive feature of these caves, leading to a columned mandapa, or main hall (also maha mandapa), and then to the small, square shrine (sanctum sanctorum, garbhaghrha) cut deep inside the cave. The cave temples are linked by a stepped path with intermediate terraces overlooking the town and lake. The cave temples are labelled 1–4 in their ascending series; this numbering does not reflect the sequence of excavation.The architecture includes structures built in the Nagara and Dravidian styles, which is the first and most persistent architectural idiom to be adopted by the early Chalukyas. There is also a fifth natural cave temple in Badami, a Buddhist temple, a natural cave that can only be entered by crouching on all fours.
- Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum:
The Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum Bangalore (VITM), is a constituent unit of National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), Ministry of Culture, Government of India, time-honoured in reminiscence of Bharat Ratna Sir M Visvesvaraya.It is a self-effacing building with a developed area constructed in the quiet surrounding of the Cubbon Park, covering various industrial products and engines.In order to honour Bharat Ratna Sir M Visvesvaraya, the great visionary, celebrated engineer and statesman of our country, the All India Manufactures’ Organization, Mysore State Board, decided to set up a Science & Technology Museum at Bangalore and the foundation stone was laid by Shri B.D. Jatti, Chief Minister of erstwhile Mysore State in the year 1958. It was opened by the first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in the year 1962.The first gallery set up at VITM on the theme ‘Electricity” was opened to the public in the year 1965 under the mentorship of CSIR.One of the best places to visit karnataka.The Mobile Science Exhibition (MSE) launched by VITM in the year 1970 with 24 participatory exhibits mounted on a bus for taking science to the common man’s door step.In 1978, the science museums/centres including VITM were delinked from CSIR and brought under a newly formed Society known as National Council of Science Museums (NCSM).In the year 1979, a link block was constructed which raised the total built up area of the Museum.The “Engine Hall” displays engines of a variety of automobiles, machines used in industry, a jet aircraft engine, and other mechanical devices.This is one of the best tourist places to visit in Karnataka.This is one of the best tourist places to visit in Karnataka. The certainty and accuracy of mechanics is demonstrated by the rolling balls that travel endlessly within metal tracks. It is amusing to watch the balls moving over roller coaster, looping a loop and bouncing high to be caught by a basket. Principle of conservation of energy can be explained realistically through this exhibit.The ‘Electro Technic Gallery’ holds interactive electrical exhibits which work on the basic principles of electricity, electronics and communication. A modernized version of Electro Technic gallery is opened to public during 2010. This gallery exhibits the conventional experimentation like Oersted’s experiment, Barlow’s wheel, Faraday’s ring, etc.A demonstration on electrostatics, which comprises Tesla coil, Van de Graaff generator etc. is also on display. This is a must visit for all the students of electricity at basic and advanced level and all those who are attracted by the marvels of electricity.The ‘Fun Science gallery’ displays exhibits on sciences of sound, optics, fluids, math and perception.
- Brindavan Gardens:
Brindavana Gardens located in the Mandya one of the major attractions of Srirangapatna. It lies adjoining the Krishnarajasagara dam which is built across the river Kaveri and visited by close to 2 million tourists per yearThe garden is maintained by the Cauvery Irrigation Department and the garden is open to the public and an entry-fee is charged. The garden also has topiary works, pergolas and gazebos.One of the best places to visit karnataka. The main attraction of the park is the musical fountain in which bursts of water are synchronized to the music of songs. There is a lake within the garden with boating facilities available for visitors.This is one of the best places to visit in karnataka for nature tourism.
- Kadri Manjunath Temple:
Kadri Manjunatha Temple located in Mangalore houses the temple of Manjunatheshwara built during the 10th or 11th century on the hills of Kadri which is a very beautiful and popular temple in Mangalore. It was converted to a complete stone structure during the 14th century. The idol of Lord Manjunathaswamy of the temple is called as oldest of the South Indian Temples.According to historians this temple was known as Kadri Manjunatha where is Manjunatha relates to Shiva and Kadri is derived from Kadri Vihara which was Buddhist monastery of Vajrayana cult.In front of the temple, at an height there are a number of water ponds and there’s a garden surrounding the ponds. During karthika maasa, deepothsava is held here.This is one of the best tourist places to visit in Karnataka. There are statues of Machendranath, Gorakanath, Shringinath, Lokeshwara, Manjushri and Buddha in the temple.This is one of the best tourist places to visit in Karnataka.The chief deity of this temple is Manjunatha. There is a shiv ling on him. The statue of Lokeshwara which is about 1.5 meter tall is in the seated position with three faces and six arms is tipped to be the best bronze statue in India.There is a natural spring at an elevated location at the back of the temple. It is called Gomukha.One of the best places to visit karnataka. The water from this spring has been let into ponds of different sizes adjacent to it. People visiting the temple rinse themselves in these ponds before entering the main temple.
- Abbey Falls:
Abbey Falls is in Kodagu, is located between private coffee plantations with stocky coffee bushes and spice estates with trees entwined with pepper vines. A hanging bridge constructed just opposite the fallsThe rise in tourist arrival over the years has taken a huge toll on the natural beauty of the place and resulted in polluted water that stinks during the summer season and unaccountable amount of plastic littering throughout the estate and the river.From Madikeri the waterfall is accessible by a well laid road till the coffee estate gate. Thereon, a small hike through the coffee and spices plantations leads to the waterfalls. The roar of the falls can be heard from the road.One of the best places to visit Karnataka for its serenity and bliss.
- Chennakesava Temple:
The Chennakeshava Temple, famed as Vijayanarayana Temple that has been built on the banks of the Yagachi River in Belur, by the Hoysala Empire King Vishnuvardhana have been proposed to be listed under UNESCO World Heritage.Chennakesava is a form of the Hindu god Vishnu. The temple was commissioned by King Vishnuvardhana in 1117 AD. The Chennakesava temple has three entrances and their doorways have decorated sculptures of doorkeepers on either side.
- Udupi Sri Krishna Matha:
Udupi Sri Krishna Matha devoted to Krishna is located in the city of Udupi in Karnataka. The Matha area resembles a living ashram considered as a holy place fordaily devotion and living. The Udupi Anantheshwara Temple which is over a 1,000 years old is in the surroundings of Sri Krishna Matha.The Krishna Matha was founded by the Vaishnavite saint Shri Madhwacharya in the 13th century. This is one of the best tourist places to visit in Karnataka It is believed that Madhwacharya found the murti of Sri Krishna in a large ball of gopichandana.The daily offerings to god and administration of the Krishna Mutt are managed by the Ashta Mathas.The Krishna Matha is known throughout the world for its religious customs, traditions, and learning in Dvaita or Tatvavaada philosophy.One of the best places to visit karnataka. It is also the centre of Daasa Sahitya, a form of literature that originated in Udupi.Festivals like Makara Sankranthi, Ratha Sapthami, Madhva Navami, Hanuma Jayanthi, Sri Krishna Janmashtami, Navarathi Mahotsava, Madhva Jajanti (Vijaya Dashami), Naraka Chathurdashi, Deepavali, Geetha Jayanthi etc. are celebrated here very grandly every year.
- Chennakesava Temple:
SomanathapuraThe Chennakesava Temple located at Somanathapura is one of the finest examples of Hoysala architecture. The temple was built by Soma, a Dandanayaka in 1268 C.E. under Hoysala king Narasimha III.The ceiling of the mantapa is supported by lathe turned pillars, a standard feature in Hoysala constructions.The temple is housed inside an impressive high walled enclosure and the entrance to the complex is through a porch with tall lathe-turned pillars.The material used for the temple is Green schist. The temple which is built on a platform is a triple shrine and fully satisfies that terminology as all shrines have a superstructure that is intact. Inside the temple, each shrine has a vestibule that connects it to the main rectangular mantapa. Like the shrines, all three vestibules also have their own tower called the Sukanasi.All the three shrines are 16 pointed stellate in design and their towers follow the same pattern. Hence the whole structure looks like a rhythmic progression of well decorated projections and recesses called architectural articulation. The number of points make the towers look circular in shape.
- Ragigudda Anjaneya Temple:
The Ragigudda Sri Prasanna Anjaneya temple is devoted to Hanuman located in Jayanagar. The temple was formed in 1969 and registered in 1972. The temple also hosts a Shivalinga along with Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Hanuman shrine in the same precinct. The temple is situated on a hillock. It is believed that the hillock which hosts the main deity Sri Prasanna Anjaneya Swamy was formed from a heap of Ragi Millet and hence was termed “Ragigudda”.There is a smaller temple dedicated to Ganesha, Navagrahas and Rajarajeshwari at the base of the hillock. The temple also plays host to the holy trinity of the Hindu’s engraved on huge rocks at the side of the temple.This temple has become the social centre in this locality and also has a charitable arm which provides affordable education and healthcare to the less privileged in and around the temple.During the month of December every year the festival of Sri Hanumajjayanthi is celebrated as a 12-day-long event in grandeur at the temple with over 35000 pilgrims attending the festivities.
- Kudremukh:
These mountains lie on the western ghats in Chickmanglur district Karnataka. Its a peak which horse shaped, the meaning of Kudhremukh means horse face. This has become an attraction in the region of Dakshina Karnataka because of its breath taking view and serene routes towards this peak. This is a off beat location which is quickly gaining tourism boasting Manglore tourism. Kuderemukh is 105 Kms away from Manglore which make it easy to access , Kudremukh is the 3rd highest peak in Karnataka. Most recommended mode of transportation is by road.
- Jog Falls:
This serene off-beat waterfall is located at Shimoga district which makes it really easy to access. The closest airport from this tourist destination is Manglore international Airport is around 180 Kms away from here. This waterfall is India’s 3rd highest waterfall in India which is located at Shimoga district. This is an isolated region where there are not that many tourists. People are suggested not to swim in this waterfall because of its incredible height and underwater current . ranked 13th in the world by the waterfall database. They are also known as the Gersoppa Falls or Jogada Gundi.
- Bannerghatta National Park:
This beautiful national park is situated close to Bangalore India which make it very convenient to reach through various modes of transportation. This tourist destination helps to boast Karnataka tourism for it overwhelming beauty and diversification of life, flora and fauna. This beautiful national park waas founded in the year 1970 and it was declared as a national park by 1974 and in 2002 a part of the park became a biological reserve.It is a popular tourist destination with a zoo, a pet corner, an animal rescue centre, a butterfly enclosure, an aquarium, a snake house and a safari park. There are ancient temples in the park for worship and it is a destination for trekking and hiking. The Zoo Authority of Karnataka, the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, and the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and Environment (ATREE) are collaborating agencies. Within the national park area are six rural villages enclosed within three large enclosures for sheep and cattle farming.
- Karanji Lake:
This particular tourist destination is situated around 142 kms away from Bangalore , You can reach this plaace through various modes of transport which is offered by Karnataka tourism.This aviary is the biggest ‘walk-through aviary’ in India.There is also a museum, the Regional Museum of Natural History which is located on the banks of this lake. The total area of Karanji lake is 90 hectares.One of the best places to visit karnataka. While water spread area is about 55 hectares, the foreshore area measures about 35 hectares.Karanji lake is owned by the Mysore Zoo Authority. This makes it a very popular location for tourists to visit this particular water body.
- Bandipur National Park:
This National park is home to which makes this a popular tourist destination which helps us boast Karnataka tourism, Bandipur National park, an 874-sq.-km forested reserve in the south India Karnataka, is known for its small population of tigers. Once the private hunting ground of the Maharajas of Mysore, the park also harbors Indian elephants, spotted deer, gaurs (bison), antelopes and numerous other native species. The 14th-century Himavad Gopalaswamy Temple offers views from the park’s highest peak which is a breathtaking view which makes tourists wanting to visit the national park throughout the year.
- Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace:
This beautiful Palace is one of the main tourist attraction which is located at Banglore. This beautiful palace has an Indo Islamic architecture which helps this region to generate a noticeable increase in Karnataka tourism for seeing the various different touristic destinations in Karnataka state. . Hyder Ali commenced its construction within the walls of the Bangalore Fort, and it was completed during the reign of Tipu Sultan in 1791. After Tipu Sultan’s death in the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War, the British Administration used the palace for its Secretariat before moving to Attara Kacheri in 1868. Today the government of Karnataka maintains the palace, which is located at the center of Old Bangalore near the Kalasipalyam bus stand. This is a must to visit in Karnataka tourism.
- Krishna Raja Sagara Dam:
Krishna Raja Sagara is most commonly know as KRS which is both the lake and the dam which was constructed along the lake.It is located close to the settlement of Krishnarajasagara. The dam is across Kaveri River, in Mandya in Karnataka state, India.There is an ornamental garden attached to the dam, called Brindavan Gardens which make a noticeable change in Karnataka tourism.These are one of the top places to visit in Dakshina Karnataka.
- Kodachadri:
This beautiful mountain peak is located at Shivmoga a district in Karnataka state, This peak consists of a dense forest which is home to a thousand species of wildlife which make it a very scenic view for all photographers visiting this region of Dakshina Karnataka.The name comes from native word “Kodacha” or “Kodashi” which means hill of Kutaja flowers and “Adri” a Sanskrit word, both combined together coined the word Kodachadri.
- Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple:
This beautiful temple is also know as Gavi cave temple which is a perfect example of Indian rock cut architecture.This cave temple dedicated to Shiva in Bangalore is a well visited temple. Built in the 16th century AD by Kempe Gowda, the founder of Bangalore Karnataka, Temple Gavi Gangadhareshwara is an architectural marvel that attracts the faithful by the hordes. One of the oldest temples in Bangalore Karnataka, Gavi Gangadhareshwara temple was built by Kempe Gowda in recognition after being released from prison of five years by Rama Raya. There are other idols inside idol Agnimurthi including having two heads, seven hands and three legs. Those who worship this deity believe will cure one of the defects of the eye .
- Baba Budangiri:
This a mountain situated at Baba budan range which of the Western Ghats. This place is located in Chikmagalur district. This is a popular place which helps us boast Karnataka tourism.The main peaks in this range are the Mullayanagiri and Baba Budangiri (height 1895 m). Collectively, these peaks are known as Chandradrona Parvatha Shreni (Chandradrona Mountain Range) as they naturally form the shape of a crescent moon.Mullayanagiri (also spelt Mullayanagiri or Mullayanagiri) is the highest peak in the Baba Budangiri range. With a height of 1930 m (6317 ft), it is the highest peak between the Himalayas and the Nilgiris. There is a famous trekking trail between Mullayanagiri and Baba Budangiri. This destination makes it in one of the top places to visit in Karnataka state.
- Lalitha Mahal:
This palace is the second largest place of Mysore. The elegant palace is painted pure white. It was converted into a heritage hotel in 1974.Built on a raising ground, the palace was fashioned on the lines of the St. Paul’s Cathedral in London and is one of the imposing structures of the Mysore city.It is now run as an elite hotel of the Ashok Group of the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) under the Government of India.Mysore rulers were considered as great patrons of arts and architecture and were reasonably ostentatious in their living style, as is evidenced by the number of highly beautiful monuments consisting of palaces, temples, churches and gardens that they built to enhance the architectural heritage of their Kingdom. This place plays a vital role in Karnataka tourism.
- Jaganmohan Palace:
This beautiful placa is situated in Mysore, Karnataka. in the princely city of Mysore, India. Its construction was completed in 1861 and was initially used by the Wodeyars, kings of Mysore as their home (when the present majestic Mysore Palace (Amba Vilas Palace) was under construction after the old palace turned into ashes owing to a fire accident). It is now converted into an art gallery and a function hall.This is one of the best tourist places to visit in Karnataka. The palace is one of the seven palaces of the royal city of Mysore and one of the most beautiful contributions of the Wodeyar Kings of the city during their regime. The royal family has innumerable contributions not only to Mysore but also to some of the most important present metropolitans like Bangalore. That’s why Jagan mohan place is listed as one of the top touristic places in Karnataka. The tourist visiting this heritage hotel play an major role in Karnataka tourism.
- Chamundeshwari Temple:
This beautifully constructed temple falls on Chamundi hills which is 13 kms located from the palace city Mysore. This Hindu temple is temple located on the top of Chamundi Hills . The temple was named after Chamundeshwari or Durga, the fierce form of Shakti, a tutelary deity held in reverence for centuries by Mysore Maharajas. This spiritual place.The original shrine is thought to have been built in the 12th century by Hoysala rulers while its tower was probably built by the Vijayanagar rulers of the 17th century which increase Karnataka tourism in this region.
- St. Mary’s Basilica, Bangalore:
St. Mary’s Basilica is a basilica located in the Archdiocese of Bangalore in the Indian state of Karnataka. It is among the oldest churches in Bangalore and is the only church in the state that has been elevated to the status of a minor basilica. The Shrine was then known as ‘Chapel of Kanikkai Madha’ and was located in their village where rice was grown. The rice grown in the village had a distinct white colour, and hence the settlement came to known as Bili Akki Palli or colloquially known as ‘‘Blackpally’’ which is a popular Karnataka tourism region known as Shivanagar in Bangalore.
- Ulsoor:
This beautiful region of Bangalore is one of the most oldest neighbourhood of Bangalore which make it a must to visit. It is located in central Bangalore, and begins roughly near the eastern terminus of MG Road. This region of Bangalore i reknown for its streets and temples which have been constructed here.There are several old temples in Ulsoor, which are scattered throughout the area.One of the best places to visit karnataka if you’re seeking spiritual tourism.The oldest temple is the Halasuru Someshwara Temple, was built by Kempe Gowda. In the 16th century and is a mixture of Hoysala, Chola and Vijayanagara architecture which help to boost Karnataka tourism.
- Dodda Ganeshana Gudi:
Dodda Basavana Gudi (the Nandhi Temple) is situated in Bull Temple Road, Basavanagudi, area of South Bangalore, part of the largest city of the Indian state of Karnataka. The Hindu temple is inside a park called Bugle Rock.The bull referred to is a sacred Hindu demi-god, known as Nandi; Nandi is a close devotee and attendant of Shiva. Dodda Basavana Gudi is said to be the biggest temple to Nandi in the world. The stone cult image of Nandi is continually covered with new layers of butter, benne in the local language of Kannada. There is a cult image of the elephant-headed Hindu deity son of shiva Ganesha close by.Every year on the last Monday and Tuesday of the Hindu month of Karthika Maasa a groundnut fair is held in the temple premises and groundnut is offered to the deity. This fair is known as ‘Kadalekaayi Parishe’ in local tongue. Groundnut sellers and devotees throng the place during Kadalekai Parishe.
- Tannirbhavi Beach:
Tannirbhavi beach is a beach in Mangalore can be reached either by land near Kuloor Bridge or by ferry via Gurupura river from Sultan Battery.Tannirbhavi is one of the popular beaches in Mangalore city, and comes second in popularity to the nearby Panambur beach. Tannirbhavi beach has some basic facilities like life guards, proper toilets, a parking lot, a couple of small eateries and some concrete benches.
- Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary:
This beautiful and very serene wildlife sanctuary is situated in Dakshina Karnataka which is 15 kms north west of Chickmagalur. This beautiful wild life sanctuary is a tiger reserve, This wild life sanctuary is famous for its beautifully scenic paths and various different kinds of flora and fauna found here.Ebbe Giri is the highest peak in the sanctuary which is the most habitable region of Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. This particular region boosts Karnataka tourism because of its serene atmosphere. This wild life sanctuary is must to visit for its various diversification of life that is found here.
- Railway Museum Mysore:
The Railway Museum was established in 1979 by Indian Railways, the second such museum after the National Railway Museum in Delhi. This museum is popularly visited by thousands of tourists. The museum is opposite the Central Food Technology and Research Institute on Krishnaraja Sagar Road. It has locomotives and a gallery of photographs and paintings depicting the growth of railways in India. Railway signals and lights are also displayed. The museum has a battery-operated mini-train giving a short ride for children on the grounds. This museum is one of the most visited museum in Mysore after the Mysore palaces.
- Hebbe Falls:
This serene waterfall is situated 10 Km away from a famous hill station Kemmangundi in Karnataka, India. This waterfall is a important tourist destination in this particular region because of its crystal clear water and its serene trek routes. There are two falls situated in this region Dodda hebbe and Chikka hebbe. This region is an offbeat region in Karnataka tourism. its located in Chikmagalur district.
- Mangaladevi Temple:
The Mangaladevi Temple is a Hindu temple at Bolara in the city of Manglore in the South Indian state of Karnataka, situated about three km southwest of the city centre. The temple is dedicated to Hindu god Shakti in the form of Mangaladevi. The city of Manglore is named after the presiding deity, Mangaladevi. The temple is of significant antiquity and is believed to have been built during the 9th century by Kundavarman, the most famous king of the Alupa dynasty during the 9th century under the aegies of Matsyendranath. As per another legend, the temple is believed to have been built by Parashurama, one of the ten avatars of Hindu god Vishnu and later expanded by Kundavarman.The temple is built in Kerala style architecture, which is common in all temples in the South Indian state of Kerala and Western Ghats, with most of its structure made of wood. The presiding deity, Mangaladevi in the central shrine is in a seated posture. There are shrines around the sanctum for other deities.In modern times, the temple is maintained and administered by hereditary trustees. The temple is open daily from 6 a.m to 10 am, 12 pm to 1 pm and 4 pm to 8 pm. This tourist destination generates a huge revenue to Karnataka tourism.
- Gol Gumbaz:
Gol Gumbaz is the mausoleum of Mohammed Adil Shah, Sultan of Bijapur. The tomb, located in Bijapur, Karnataka in India, was completed in 1656 by the architect Yaqut of Dabul. The name finds its roots from Gola gummata deriving from Gol Gombadh meaning “circular dome”. It is constructed as per the Deccan architecture these are the few reasons there is a boost in Karnataka tourism industry.
- Mahakuta Group of Temples:
The Mahakuta group of temples is located in Mahakuta, a village in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka state, India. It is an important place of worship for Hindus and the location of a well-known Shaiva monastery. The temples are dated to the 6th or 7th century CE and were constructed by the early kings of the Chalukya dynasty of Badami. The dating of the temples is based on the style of architecture which is similar to that of the temples in nearby Aihole and the information in two notable inscriptions in the complex: the Mahakuta Pillar inscription dated between 595–602 CE (written in the Sanskrit language and Kannada script) and an inscription of Vinapoti, a concubine of king Vijayaditya, dated between 696–733 CE and written in the Kannada language and script. this is an very off beat Karnataka tourism which offers more than just spirituality.
- Skandagiri:
Skandagiri also known as Kalavara Durga, is a mountain fortress located approximately 62 km from Bangalore city, and 3 km from Chickballapur in the Indian state of Karnataka. It is off Bellary Road (National Highway 7 Hyderabad-Bangalore Highway), and overlooks Nandi Hills and Muddenahalli. The peak is at an altitude of about 1350 meters. It is accessed from Kalavara village, which has population of 1093 according to 2011 census. This temple offers breathtaking views and architecture, which make it one of touristic places in Karnataka.
- Halasuru Someshwara Temple, Bangalore:
Halasuru Someshwara Temple is located in the suburb of Halasuru (also called Ulsoor) in Bangalore, India. The oldest temple in the city dating back to the Chola period, it is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Major additions or modifications were made during the late Vijayanagara Empire period under the rule of Hiriya Kempe Gowda II, but the temple is still known for its ethnicity and its Cholan architecture which still attracts tourism. One of the best places to visit karnataka for spiritual tourism.
- Thippagondanahalli Reservoir:
This famous reservoir is located in Kumudavathi river which is 38 Km away from Bangalore, Karnataka.Thippagondanahalli Reservoir, also known as T G Halli Dam or Chamarajsagar, It is used by the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) as a major source of drinking water for western Bangalore. The lake is a man-made reservoir, created by the building of a dam which was inaugurated in 1933. Bharath Rathna Sir M Visvesvaraya supervised the construction work. This tourist destination is still been visited by tourists for their weekend picnics so this attracts Karnataka tourism of locals.
- Nisargadhama:
Its’ an island formed by river Kaveri near Kushalnagar in the district of Kodagu, Karnataka, India. This beautiful island is known for it very scenic views and the flora and fauna found here is completely different from other regions of Karnataka.Visitors are allowed to get into water at a few shallow and safe points along the river. Elephant rides and boating are some of the other attractions. It also has a forest department-run guest house and treetop bamboo cottages. This place is blooming with the help of Karnataka tourism.
- St. Aloysius Chapel:
It’s a Christian chapel in Mangalore in the state of Karnataka, St. Aloysius College Chapel is an architectural marvel that could stand comparison with the chapels of Rome. What makes this chapel unique compared to the other chapels in the country is the beautiful paintings that cover virtually every inch of the walls. Bro. Moscheni from Italy is the creator of this master piece. One portion of the chapel paintings depicts the life of Aloysius Gonzaga to whom Aloysius College and chapel is dedicated to. This has a very different type of Karnataka tourism.
- Hesaraghatta Lake:
Hesaraghatta Lake is a manmade reservoir located 18 km to the north-west of Bengaluru in Karnataka state, t is a fresh water lake created in the year 1894 across the Arkavathy River to meet the drinking water needs of the city. Sir K. Seshadri Iyer, the then Dewan of erstwhile Mysore state and the then Chief Engineer of Mysore, M. C. Hutchins, planned to build the scheme called the “Chamarajendra Water Works” to store a three-years’ water supply to the city. These are a very reasons tourist visit this man made marvel in Bangalore. This plan has been a success ever since.