Best Places To Visit In Karnataka – Iris Holidays

With scenery that changes every few miles Spanning mountains to coastlines there are several places to visit in Karnataka –  pristine beaches like Gokarna and Karwar, misty hill stations like Coorg and Chikmagalur, heritage cities like Mysuru, ancient ruins like Hampi, serene backwaters and riverine islands like Srirangapatna, and rich wildlife reserves like Bandipur, Nagarhole, and Bhadra. From the lush Western Ghats, waterfalls like Jog, coffee and spice plantations, sacred temples, to adventure stays and eco-resorts, Karnataka is packed with unique experiences for every kind of traveler!

Karnataka, often called the “One State, Many Worlds,” is a major tourist destination in South India that attracts visitors from across the globe. It is famous for its world heritage monuments, beaches, hill ranges, wildlife, royal heritage, classical arts, and flavourful Udupi and coastal cuisine.

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The South Indian state is bestowed with heritage, art, history, cuisine, and more. From lively Bangalore to the peaceful beach town of Gokarna, you can watch the young life hustling and the older life spending time in the parks.

So how does travel fit into this life between morning meetings and evening tea sessions? Whether you are from Karnataka or an outsider, you can find a myriad of places worth a vacation, especially when your mind needs a reboot.

List of Top 10 Popular Places to Visit in Karnataka

1. Coorg
2. Hampi
3. Gokarna
4. Mysore
5. Bangalore
6. Udupi
7. Chikmaglur
8. Murudehwar
9. Mangalore
10. Dandeli

Karnataka is home to numerous tourist destinations that can easily rejuvenate you, both emotionally and physically. Take a look at the best locations that will make you fall in love with South India:

1. Coorg

Do you want to visit a land of coffee and avocados? That’s your morning breakfast, and Coorg’s lifeline. The hill station of Karnataka is covered with kokum, eucalyptus, pepper, jackfruit, betel nuts, silver oaks, avocados, and coffee plantations. Locals often visit Madikeri during the monsoon and summer to escape the heat.

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Most Popular Attractions: Stuart Hill, Pushpagiri, Brahmagiri, Thandiyandamol, and Namdroling Monastery

• Ideal Time: 2 Days
• Closest Airport: Mangalore International Airport
• Closest Railway Station: Mysore Junction
• Average Travel Cost: INR 10,000 to 20,000

2. Hampi

Scout the ancient ruins, snake sculptures, and river beds among the treks and hills of Hampi Village. As you begin the adventure, you can observe the paddy villages, wild langurs, and blue skies. Don’t miss out on interacting with the natives who have interesting stories to tell, and the crunchy dosas that are enough to tantalise your taste buds.

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Most Popular Attractions: Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple, Hampi Market, Tungabhadra River

• Ideal Time: 3 Days
• Closest Airport: JSW Vidyanagar Airport
• Closest Railway Station: Hospet Junction
• Average Travel Cost: INR 5,000 to INR 15,000

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3. Gokarna

Gokarna promises a magical experience through its calming surroundings and is a dream location for beach lovers. The town is known for its beaches; however, few people discuss the fascinating surrounding mountains. You can trail through the hills, and who knows, one might lead you to a hidden beach? Its other fascinating spots are tree resorts and yoga farms, which connect you to nature.

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Most Popular Attractions: Om Beach, Gokarna Beach, Kudle Beach

• Ideal Time: 3 Days
• Closest Airport: Goa International Airport
• Closest Railway Station: Gokarna Road Railway Station
• Average Travel Cost: INR 5,000 to INR 15,000

4. Mysore

The city is a tale of good food (of course, Mysore Dosa), artists, yoga sessions, and surrounding hills. Apart from this, Mysore is also home to Karnataka’s rich history and heritage. Let’s not skip the month-long Mysore Dussehra that entices the travellers to stick around.

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Most Popular Attractions: Brindavan Gardens, Mysore Zoo, Chamundi Hill Temple

• Ideal Time: 2 Days
• Closest Airport: Mysuru Airport
• Closest Railway Station: Mysore Junction
• Average Travel Cost: INR 6,500 to INR 15,000

5. Bangalore

Silicon Valley is a quintessential place to visit when travelling to Karnataka. Although there’s not just a professional life, but so much more to discover here, like the mountains, heritage walks, and ancient temples. You can also find a range of camping sites near Bangalore, which can evoke the adventurer in your heart.

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Most Popular Attractions: Nandi Hills, Skandagiri Hill, Lalbagh

• Ideal Time: 2 Days
• Closest Airport: Kempegowda International Airport
• Closest Railway Station: Bangalore City Railway Station
• Average Travel Cost: INR 5,000 to INR 20,000

6. Udupi

Udupi is a popular pilgrimage site that hosts thousands of Krishna devotees. This place amid the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea is renowned for its unexplored forests and relaxed beaches. It also attracts tourists with the delicious Udupi cuisine, which is traditionally served as prasad to those who visit the Krishna Temple.

Most Popular Attractions: Malpe Beach, St. Mary’s Island, Krishna Temple

• Ideal Time: 3 Days
• Closest Airport: Mangalore International Airport
• Closest Railway Station: Udupi Railway Station
• Average Travel Cost: INR 5,000

7. Chikmagalur

Karnataka is on the coastal side, but it is also home to several mountainous regions. Among the many beautiful hill stations is Chikmagalur, a small town at the bottom of the Mulliyangiri Range. It is often called the Land of Coffee due to the several plantations across the region. The velvety mountains, silver oaks, blue lakes, and ancient temples of Chikmagalur will also mesmerise you.

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Most Popular Attractions: Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Mullayanagiri, Baba Budangiri

• Ideal Time: 2 Days
• Closest Airport: Mangaluru Airport
• Closest Railway Station: Kadur Junction
• Average Travel Cost: INR 3,000 to INR 20,000

8. Murudeshwar

Another coastal region in Karnataka is Murudeshwar, a town that is renowned for its pilgrimage sites. It is known as home to Lord Shiva and houses the 2nd largest Shiva statue in the world. However, the religious expedition isn’t the only attractive spot here, as its beaches promise the most beautiful sunset of all time.

Most Popular Attractions: Murudeshwar Beach, Kanduka Giri, Netrani Island

• Ideal Time: 2 Days
• Closest Airport: Mangalore International Airport
• Closest Railway Station: Murudeshwar Railway Station
• Average Travel Cost: INR 7,000 to INR 15,000

9. Mangalore

This popular town of Karnataka meets at the confluence of the Gurupura and Nethravathi Rivers. It is enveloped with sprawling beaches, coconut trees, and calming temples. Mangalore also serves as a popular starting point for Dharamshala, Udupi, and Gokarna.

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Most Popular Attractions: St Aloysius Chapel, Mangaladevi Temple, Kadri Manjunatha Temple, Mukka Beach

• Ideal Time: 2 Days
• Closest Airport: Mangaluru International Airport
• Closest Railway Station: Central Railway Station
• Average Travel Cost: INR 25,000 to INR 32,000

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10. Dandeli

Dandeli is an ideal stop for adventurers who love river rafting, kayaking, jungle safari, or rappelling. This place is located on the River Kali bank, and is a beach lover’s favourite. It has plenty of adventure sports options that promise to enhance your Karnataka trip.

Most Popular Attractions: Syntheri Rocks, Sathodi Falls, Kavala Caves

• Ideal Time: 2 Days
• Closest Airport: Hubli Airport
• Closest Railway Station: Dandeli Railway Station
• Average Travel Cost: INR 2,000 to INR 6,000

Which Activities to Enjoy in Karnataka?

Karnataka is a hub of travellers, offering an exclusive range of activities for you. Here’s a look at how you can spend your holidays:

Art and Craft

The Kannada folk dance instantly catches your attention and entices you to be a part of the performance. From classical to folk and music, you can experience everything here. Some of the most popular forms are Bharatnatyam, Gombe Aata, Huli Vesha, Dollu Kunitha, and Kamsale Nrutya.

Spirituality

Immerse in the magic of deities in Karnataka, and seek blessings and prosperity. Some of the most popular religious sites in Karnataka include Tala Kaveri, Udupi Sri Krishna Temple, Sringeri, and Sri Mookambika Temple.

Tranquillity

Breathe the fresh air, talk to the birds, and dip your feet in the pool. Karnataka is a land of bliss, and promises to make your travel worthwhile. The most popular places across the Southern State are Godachinamalki Falls, Burude Falls, Hebbe Falls, Gokak Falls, and Jhari Falls.

Wildlife

Karnataka isn’t only home to nature, but also to everything that comes along, such as animals. From Indian elephant and tigers to flying squirrel and lion-tailed macaque, you’ll find nature in its best form at the Kannada sanctuaries. Some of the places to observe the wildlife are Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary, Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, and Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary.

There are several options for bird watchers as well, including Attiveri Bird Sanctuary, Adichunchanagiri Peacock Sanctuary, and Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary. You can spot spoonbill, Indian roller, darter, spot-billed pelicans, egrets, and many other birds here.

Water Sports

Since Karnataka is a coastal region, you have the opportunity to enjoy sea adventures across cities. Some of the most popular water sports options are scuba diving, white water rafting, and aquatic parasailing. Also, different regions are popular among tourists for trekking, microlight flying, and rock climbing.

Festivals

Karnataka is famous as a land of culture, and invites people from all walks of life to be a part of its festivities. From the Kaveri Sankramana festival to Pattadakkalu Dance Festival and the Shravanabelagola Maha Mastakabisheka, each occasion is given equal respect and consideration in the southern region. For anyone keen on attending the festivals, they can plan their trip around those months. For instance, Gombe Habba falls between September and October, depending on the Hindu calendar. Kanakagiri Utsava is celebrated around Phalguna and is observed in March.

Food

How can we miss the podi idlis and the Mysore masala dosa? Anyone visiting Karnataka for the first time would love to indulge in the South Indian cuisine, a perfect mix of spiciness and tanginess. Some dishes that you ought to try are banana bun, Mangaluru fish curry, goli baje, maddur vada, and Mysore pak.

When to Plan a Visit in Karnataka?

You would neither be comfortable roaming the streets in scorching heat, nor when it is pouring consistently. So, the best time to plan a trip to the state is between October and March, i.e., in winter when the surroundings are cool and comforting. That’s when you can sightsee, trek, explore nature, and enjoy the festive aura. However, if your holidays are only possible in summer, try to cover the major hill stations so you get respite from the intense heat.