Top Places to Visit Karnataka A Complete Handbook
Places to Visit Karnataka
With everything from beautiful hill stations and scenic beaches to ancient heritage sites, Karnataka is a traveler’s dream come true. This guide offers a thorough rundown of Karnataka’s must-see locations, well-known hiking locations, adjacent cities, and maps of the routes from Bangalore and Hubli to these locations, as well as affordable travel options.
Places to Visit Karnataka
1. Bangalore – The Silicon Valley of India
The vibrant metropolis of Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka, is well-known for its beautiful green parks, IT clusters, and agreeable climate. It is a historical, technological, and cultural melting pot.
Nearby Cities:
- Mysore (145 km)
- Tumkur (70 km)
- Chikballapur (60 km)
- Key Attractions:
- Lalbagh Botanical Garden – A historic botanical garden with rare plant species and a glasshouse.
- Bangalore Palace – A palace inspired by England’s Windsor Castle.
- Cubbon Park – A sprawling green in the heart of the city.
- Bannerghatta National Park – A wildlife park with safaris and a butterfly garden.
- ISKCON Temple – A temple dedicated to Lord Krishna.
- Check Karnatakatravels.com for your safe travels.
2. Mysore – The City of Palaces
Famous for its lavish palaces, colorful Dasara festival, and silk sarees, Mysore is renowned for its rich history and royal heritage. All year long, tourists are drawn to the city because of its timeless charm.
- Nearby Cities:
- Bangalore (145 km)
- Mandya (45 km)
- Coorg (118 km)
Key Attractions:
- Chamundi Hills, a sacred hill with the Chamundeshwari Temple offering panoramic views.
- St. Philomena’s Church: a neo-gothic church with breathtaking architecture;
- Mysore Palace: a magnificent Indo-Saracenic palace illuminated at night; and Brindavan Gardens, a well-known terraced garden with musical fountains.
- Road Map from Bangalore:
- Distance: 145 kilometers
- By Train: Rs. 185 (Shatabdi), Rs. 65 (Passenger)
- By Bus: KSRTC, Private Buses; Rs. 120 to Rs. 300
- By Air: Bangalore is the closest airport; there are no direct flights.
3. Coorg – Scotland of India
Kodagu, another name for Coorg, is well-known for its waterfalls, mist-covered highlands, and coffee plantations. For those who enjoy the outdoors and adventure, this place is ideal.
- Cities in the vicinity:
- 118 kilometers to Mysore
- Mangalore (135 km)
Important Attractions:
- Coffee plantations encircle Abbey Falls, a lovely cascade.
- Raja’s Seat is a picturesque vantage point with stunning sunset views.
- An exceptional opportunity to engage with elephants is offered by Dubare Elephant Camp.
- The sacred river Kaveri’s source is Talacauvery.
- Trekking Trails:
- The highest peak at Coorg, the Tadiandamol Trek, offers stunning views; admission is Rs. 50.
- The Brahmagiri Hills Trek in Coorg is a picturesque hike that winds through verdant forests and waterfalls. Admission is Rs. 100.
- The second-highest peak in Karnataka can be reached by the strenuous Pushpagiri Trek (Coorg); admission costs Rs. 200.
Road Map from Bangalore:
- Distance: 260 kilometers
- By Train: There are no direct trains; instead, take a train to Mysore and a bus from there.
- By Bus: KSRTC, Private Buses; Rs. 300 to Rs. 700
- By Air: Mangalore has the closest airport.
4. Hampi – The Forgotten Empire
Ancient ruins and breathtaking scenery may be found at Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is popular with both history buffs and backpackers.
- Cities in the vicinity:
- Hospet (12 km)
- Bellary (60 km)
Important Attractions:
- The magnificent temple devoted to Lord Shiva is called Virupaksha Temple.
- Vittala Temple is well-known for its musical pillars and recognizable stone chariot.
- An exquisite palace with Indo-Islamic design is the Lotus Mahal.
- The enormous Tungabhadra Dam features beautiful gardens.
Road Map from Bangalore:
- Distance: 340 kilometers
- By Train: Rs. 900 (AC), Rs. 150 (Sleeper)
- By bus: 400–1000 rupees (private buses, KSRTC)
- By Air: Hubli is the closest airport (165 km).
5. Gokarna: A Paradise for Beach Lovers
The modest seaside resort of Gokarna is well-known for both its religious significance and its immaculate beaches. For individuals looking for a tranquil beach getaway, it is an alternative to Goa.
- Cities in the vicinity:
- Karwar (60 miles away)
- Hubli (144 kilometers)
Important Attractions:
- Om Beach is a calm beach that is shaped like the letter “Om.”
- Kudle Beach is a peaceful beach that’s perfect for unwinding.
- The ancient temple of Mahabaleshwar is devoted to Lord Shiva.
- Paradise Beach is a remote beach that can be reached by boat or hike.
Road Map from Bangalore:
- 485 kilometers
- By Train: Rs. 1100 (AC), Rs. 250 (Sleeper)
- By bus: 600–1500 rupees
- By Air: Hubli is the closest airport (144 km).
6. Chikmagalur – The Coffee Land of India
The hill station of Chikmagalur is well-known for its coffee plantations, beautiful scenery, and comfortable climate. It is the perfect retreat for those who enjoy the outdoors.
Cities in the vicinity:
- Hassan (60 miles away)
- Mangalore (150 km away)
Important Attractions:
- The tallest peak in Karnataka, Mullayanagiri Peak, is ideal for trekking.
- The Baba Budangiri mountain range is well-known for its caverns and hiking routes.
- A charming waterfall surrounded by coffee plantations is Hebbe Falls.
Trails for Trekking:
- The Mullayanagiri Trek (Chikmagalur) is a modest hike that leads to the highest peak in Karnataka and offers stunning vistas. Admission is Rs. 50.
- A picturesque hike through verdant grasslands and wildlife sanctuaries, the Kudremukh Trek (Chikmagalur) costs Rs. 500 to enter.
- The breathtaking Kemmangundi Trek (Chikmagalur) leads to waterfalls and verdant slopes; admission is Rs. 100.
- Road Map from Bangalore:
- The distance is 245 kilometers.
- By Train: Kadur (40 km away) is the closest station; there is no direct train.
- By Bus: 300–800 rupees
- By Air: Mangalore has the closest airport.
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