7 Best Tourist Places To Visit In Karnataka
Located in the center of the Western Ghats, Kannad Coast, and Deccan Plateau, Karnataka serves as an ideal destination for tourists. The state is home to dense forests, calm beaches, coffee plantations, ruins, and lakes. Some places are renowned while others are left unappreciated although Karnataka has it all when it comes to various travel genres. Let’s discover some of the best tourist places to visit in Karnataka to get the best experience in the state.
Best Tourist Places To Visit In Karnataka
COORG
Surrounded by the beautiful Western Ghats, Coorg is a picturesque town in Karnataka. Known as the Scotland of India, Coorg lives up to its name with its rich culture, history, mouth-water cuisine, people, and views. This famous coffee-producing hill station is surrounded by panoramic views, a misty landscape, and a lush green forest. Rich in flora and fauna, this town has a lot of attractions. Not only does it have a natural beauty but from people to tradition to the quality of coffee, it attracts visitors from all around the world.
Coorg, officially known as Kodagu, surrounds you with the smell of coffee as soon you step into the town, making you feel refreshed. The local tribe Kodavas are known for their great hospitality and they specialized in martial arts. If you try the local Chocolate of Coorg, you will forget about the other chocolate and will crave Coorg chocolate more. It is safe to say that it is the best place to visit in Karnataka and heaven to coffee lovers.
Things To Do:
- River rafting in Barapole River
- Safari in Nagarhole National Park
- See the beauty of Abbey Falls
- Get an elephant ride in the elephant camp
- Savor the Local cuisines
- Witness Buddhist culture
How To Reach:
By Air: The nearest airhead to reach the city is Mangalore International Airport which is connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, and Kolkata.
By Rail: Coorg does not have a railway. The nearest railhead is Mysore Railway Station. One can take a local bus or hail a cab or taxi to reach Coorg.
By Road: Coorg is well connected with the main cities of South India by the network of roads. You can take private or state-run buses to reach the town.
MANGALORE
The coastal town of Mangalore remains one of the prime tourist places in Karnataka and is also the best place to visit during your trip to Karnataka. The capital city is known for its temple architecture, coconut palms, serene beaches, and islands. Being in the coastal area, the food served here is mostly seafood and authentic Kanara dishes which are mouthwatering.
The climate here is tropical, not too hot or cold, making it a perfect getaway. Although the city is getting commercialized, it provides a calming and pleasant ambiance. Mangalore is a perfect trip to witness the culture while surrounding yourself with a tranquil environment.
Things To Do:
- Day out at Kadri Park
- Indulge in Water sports at the beaches
- Go Temple Hopping
- Explore the beaches
- Try Mangalorean dishes
- Watch sunset
How To Reach:
By Air: Mangalore has its own airport, Mangalore International Airport which is connected with the major cities internationally and domestically.
By Rail: Mangalore is well connected with other metropolitan cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, and the South Indian cities. The nearest railhead is Mangalore Central Railway Station.
By Road: Mangalore is well connected through a road network all over India. So, it’s easy to reach the capital city.
HAMPI
Situated in the depth of hills and valleys in the state of Karnataka lies the city of ruins Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This town is one of the most precious gems of the state, full of history and peace. Surrounded by ancient monuments, unique architecture, and beautiful temples, Hampi is full of eye treats.
The remains of the Vijayanagar empire can still be found today in the captivating town. Hampi is like an open-air museum with many places to explore and see the city through the eyes of history. Wherever you go you will see captivating ruins that will take your breath and make you a history geek. Hampi not only has ruins but it has many other attractions to visit in the town.
Things To Do:
- Visit the UNESCO world heritage SIte of Virupaksha Temple
- Go to Hippie Island
- Enjoy the ride of Coracle
- Experience the Rock Climbing
- Try Cliff Jumping and see if you like it
- Admires the ruins of Queen’s Bath
How To Reach:
By Air: The nearest airports to reach Hampi are Bellary Airport (60km), and Hubli Airport(143 km). For international visitors, the nearest airport is Bengaluru Airport. One can hail a taxi or cab to reach the beautiful town.
By Rail: Hampi does not have a railway station, the nearest stop is Hospet Junction (13km) away from the temple town.
By Road: State-run or private buses both go to Hampi, which is well connected by road networks with cities like Bangalore, Bellary, and Pune.
KUDREMUKH
Located in the Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka, Kudremukh is one of the most mesmerizing destinations for nature lovers. It is a popular hill station among the crowd of Bangalore. Kudremukh is named after a mountainside that resembles a horse face. Covered with dense forest, meadows, and vast grassland, this hill range is a popular biodiversity spot and mineral wealth making it among the tourist places to visit in Karnataka.
The hills overlooking the Arabian Sea and chained by deep valleys are a trekker’s paradise. Kudremukh Peak is known for its flora and fauna diversity. Known for its ecotourism initiatives, the hill station has a lot of attractions like Kudremukh National Park, Hanuman Gundi Fall, and many other places to explore. Kudremukh is a breathtaking place to visit, even after so many threats from various sources to its ecology, it’s still shining as bright as the sun.
Things To Do:
- Trekking to Kudremukh Peak,
- Walk to Varaha Parvata
- Explore the Lakya Dam
- Take in the sight of waterfalls
- Go shopping in Janta Market
How To Reach:
By Air: The nearest Airhead to reach Kudremukh is Mangalore International Airport.
By Rail: The nearest railway station to reach Kudremukh is Mangalore Railway Station. One can hail a cab or taxi to reach the hill station. You can take both Karnataka state-run and private buses to reach this hill station and enjoy the green forest and views.
By Road: Connected by the network of roads, buses both private and state-run are available for Kudremukh from Mangalore, Chikkamagaluru, and Bangalore
CHIKKAMAGALURU
Chikkamagaluru translated as “Young Daughter’s Town” is a beautiful town in the heart of Karnataka. This calm town is also known as the “Coffee Land of Karnataka” as it is the birthplace and the highest producer of coffee in the state. This hill station is located at the foothills of the Mullayanagiri range in the Western Ghats.
This spiritual land is home to various temples including Sharadamba Temple, Kodanda Ramaswamy Temple, and many others bringing in devotees from all around the world. Not only that it is filled with trekking trails, rivers, rushing waterfalls, and wildlife. This hill town gives the best view of the sun rising at the Mullayanagiri peak. Chikkamagaluru brings an abundance of tourists to entice the experience of walking through the various coffee plantations.
Things To Do:
- Experiencing rafting at Bhadra River
- Explore the history of coffee in the Coffee Museum
- Jungle Safari at Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
- Go Coffee Shopping to take back home
- Tour the scenic village of Belavadi
- Enjoy Camping
How To Reach:
By Air: The nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport (110km). One can hail a taxi or cab to reach the hill town.
By Rail: Chikkamagaluru has its station but it is not well connected with cities. So, the nearest railway station is Kadur Railway Station.
By Road: This town is well connected with major cities like Chennai, Bangalore, and Mysore. You can take several buses to reach your destination.
SAKLESHPUR
Filled with lush greenery, Sakleshpur is a hidden paradise in Karnataka. It is located at the heights of the Western Ghats of India. Famous for its calm lakes, magnificent forts, and plantation of coffee, tea, and spices, add to the charm of this beautiful hill station. Being one of the less explored hill stations of Karnataka, its beauty is still shining, making people awe with its breathtaking verdant green views Its economy thrives on the plantation that is done here, which enhances this hill town’s beauty.
Only a few hours away from the Silicon Valley of India, it is a serene place with a variety of places to see, both natural and manmade sights. Talking about its history and spiritual importance, a 600-year-old Sakleshpur temple sits on the bank of river Hemavathi, and Bisle View Point takes your breath away with the panoramic sights and dense rainforest area making it the best tourist places to visit in Karnataka.
Things To Do:
- Take a look at octagonal designed Manjarabad Fort
- Trek to Agni Gudda Hill
- Enjoy a picnic at Jenukal Gudda
- Take a tour of the coffee and tea plantation
- Visit Sakleshpur
How To Reach:
By Air: The town doesn’t have an airport, so the nearest airhead to reach here is Mangalore International Airport. This airport has good connectivity with other cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and others.
By Rail: As it has its railway station, it’s easy to reach here as the rail network is connected with the cities of Karnataka, and the major cities of Karnataka are connected with other major cities in the country.
By Road: Sakleshpur has good connectivity of road network with the cities like Mangalore, Bangalore, and Mysore making it easy to reach the town by road one can also find a place to stay in the town.
UDUPI
Surrounded by so many legends and stories to its name, Udupai is a coastal district in the state of Karnataka. Located about 60 km away from Mangalore, this city is known for its various vegetarian cuisine and South Indian restaurants all over the country. Famous for its beautiful beaches, untouched forests, and temple culture, this city is surrounded by western ghats on one side and the Arabian Sea on the other side enhancing its beauty.
Udupi has a rich cultural heritage that is almost 700 years old. Being a holy town, which is known for its Hindu temples all around the world, it attracts a lot of visitors and devotees every year. Krishna Temple is the most famous tourist destination in the district along with Maple Beach. Udupi has both beaches and forests giving you the best of both worlds.
Things To Do:
- Offer a prayer at Krishna Temple
- Go sightseeing on the beaches
- Get enchanted by Kudlu Falls
- Know the history of Coins by visiting the Coin Museum.
How To Reach:
By Air: There is no direct flight to Udupi, the nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport. You can hail a cab and taxi from the Airport.
By Rail: Udupi is well connected by rail, Udupi Junction is the prime railway station to reach the city.
By Road: The connectivity of the road network is very good. You can take private or state-run buses to reach the city.