Close to the Arabian Sea and the Laccadive Sea, Karnataka is known for its beautiful yet unpopulated beaches, palaces, tiger reserves, mega cities, ancient ruins and legendary hang-outs. In addition to Kannadigas, the state is inhabited by Kodavas, Konkanis and Tuluvas.
With an extensive range of ancient and old sculptured temples, attractive hill ranges, modern cities, endless beaches and unexplored forests, there are so many places in Karnataka that can keep you captivated. Karnataka holds the second place in India only behind Uttar Pradesh in terms of the protected monuments on a national scale.
Here is a list of some amazing places in Karnataka that are worth a spot in every traveller’s itinerary.
Bengaluru
The capital of India’s southern Karnataka state Banglore is the center of India’s high-tech industry. Besides, Bangalore is also famous for its nightlife, green spaces and shopping. The city is now known by the Kannada name ‘Bengaluru’ which literally means ‘The City of Guards’.
Nicknamed as the silicon valley of India, this city is also known as the “Garden City of India” because of its gentle climate, broad streets, greenery and the presence of many public parks, such as Lal Bagh and Cubbon Park.
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Ideal stay: 2-3 days
Attractions: Bangalore Palace, Bannerghatta National Park, Lal Bagh, Cubbon Park, Bull Temple, Ulsoor Lake, ISKCON Temple,
Markets: MG Road, UB City Mall
Activities: Wonder La Water Park, Legends of Rock
Delicacies: South Indian food such as Dosa, idli, sambhar, vada, uttapam and Mughlai cuisine with dishes like Tandoori chicken, Sheek Kebabs, Bangalorean Biryani, Chicken Kebabs
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Mysore
One of the most magnificent places in Karnataka. this one is a place like no other! Mysore served as the capital of the princely State of Mysore for nearly six centuries and the Mysore palace, blends Hindu, Islamic, Gothic and Rajput styles, that is dramatically lit at night and is truly a sight to behold.
Mysore is also home to the centuries-old Devaraja Market, filled with spices, silk and sandalwood. The birth place for various styles of Indian arts and crafts, Mysore is the best place to celebrate Dusshera in the month of October.
Ideal Stay: 1-2 days
Attractions: Mysore Palace, Mysore Zoo, Somnathpur, Chamundeshwari Temple, Nagarhole National Park, Brindavan Gardens, . St. Philomena’s Church, Jaganmohan Palace, Talakadu, Trinesvaraswamy Temple, Rail Museum
Markets: Devaraja market, Lansdowne building, Gandhi Square, shops around KR Circle, markets on Dhanvanthri Road
Activities: GRS fantasy park, enjoy wildlife Safaris on Nagarhole National Park
Delicacies: Idli, Dosa, Shavige Bath, Pongal, Chutneyl, Chutneys and Pickles, Vangi Baath (rice with Brinjal curry), Bisi bele bath (a spicy preparation of rice), Payasam, Jalebi, Rave Unde, Ladoo
Hampi
Hampi, a lost village in time somewhere in northern Karnataka, is one of the must-visit places in Karnataka for all culture and history lovers. It is located within the ruins of the city of Vijayanagara, the former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire.
Traditionally known as Pampakshetra of Kishkindha is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, owing to the ancient temples, forts, palaces and other monuments here. Being one of the safest destinations, Hampi is also a great place for solo travelers.
Ideal Stay: 2-4 days
Attractions: Virupaksha Temple, Vithala Temple, Elephant Stables, . Hampi Bazaar, Lotus Palace, Zenana Enclosure, Old Palace, Queen’s Bath.
Markets: Hampi Bazaar, Vittala Bazaar,
Activities: Rock Climbing
Delicacies: Pancakes, Pies, Pasta, FalPasta, Falafel, Salads, Vangi bath, Akki roti, Bisi Bele bath, Mysore Pak, Dharwad’s peda, Holige and Sajjige, Raagi Mudde and Jolada Roti
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Coorg
Also known as Kodava Nadu, Coorg is famous for its lush green surroundings and pleasant climate and easily makes it to become one of the most frequented places in Karnataka by most travellers. For those who want to sit back, relax and enjoy a good vacation away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Coorg is a great place to be.
The imposing mountains and teak wood forests make Coorg one of the most pleasant hill stations and it is also rated as one of the top hill station destinations in India. Coorg also offer a number of outdoor activities such as boating, trekking, fishing along with Ayurvedic treatment.
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Ideal Stay: 2-3 days
Attractions: Talakaveri, Bhagamandala, Nisargadhama, Abbey Falls, Dubare, Nagarahole National Park, Iruppu Falls, and the Tibetan Buddhist Golden Temple.
Markets: Kushal nager Market, FOOD BANQ, local markets
Activities: Trekking, boating, watch susnet at Virajpet, white river rafting, angling, Ayurvedic treatment
Delicacies: Sannakki (a fragrant kind of rice), pork, meat, fish, Akinclude Akki Oti (Rice chappathis), Pattus (a steamed dish), Pulvas, preparations of Pork, Dried Fish, Crab meat, Baimbale Curry (a preparation of Bamboo Shoots), Kumm Curry (a preparation of wild mushrooms), Chekke curry ( using unripe jackfruit)
Mangalore
An Arabian Sea port and a major commercial center in the Indian state of Karnataka, Mangalore in India has beautiful scenes along the seashore and by the riverside. Hills and ghats add to the picturesque beauty of the city.
Mangalore is considered to be the 8th most clean city in India and its rich culture imbibed within various temples and monuments along with pristine beaches and hills invite tourists from across the country.
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Ideal Stay: 2-3 days
Attractions: Ullal Bridge, Panambur beach, Gokarnatheshwara Temple, Milagres Church
Markets: Easyday, Kankanady Market, Urwa Market
Delicacies: Neer dosa, a variant of dosa, andpundi (rice ball)
Activities: Boating, golfing, water sports, Dirt Mania Outdoor Adventures
Guarded by tall palm trees, Karnataka has a rich culture and history to offer. And for those who just wish to sit back and relax, it has one of the best hill stations and some really good beaches. Feel free to share your thoughts in case you have visited any of these places.
