Karnataka is a state that is blessed with varied landscapes. On one hand you have the coast and on the other side are rivers and lakes. Beautiful landscapes and a welcoming hospitality have made Karnataka a popular tourist destination in India.
The state has many places to explore and enjoy tourist activities. While all of them are good, there are a few places that stand out. Here is our guide to the best places to visit in Karnataka.
1. Coorg
Coorg is excellent for a short getaway in Karnataka. The hill station is well known for its coffee plantations that are great for exploring. The exotic scenery and the lush hills in Coorg are ideal for trekking. There are some great places to see too and you can enjoy delicious yummy local food in Coorg.
- Best Time to Visit: October and March
- Places to Explore: Namdroling Monastery, Talakaveri Temple, Mallalli Falls, Talakaveri
- Great For: Trekking, Nature Walks
2. Hampi
Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its ancient temples and ruins of the Vijayanagar Empire. Being a small city, Hampi can be explored in a day. You can either walk or choose to go on a cycle to tour the city.
In Hampi, you can shop for handmade bags, leather crafts and musical instruments, too.
- Best Time to Visit: September to March
- Places to Explore: the Virupaksha Temple, Matanga Hill and the Achyutaraya Temple
- Great For: Shopping, Sightseeing
3. Mysore
Mysore is a city entrenched in royal history and it is a popular tourist destination in Karnataka. The city is blessed with stunning temples and enthralling buildings and there is a lot of opportunity for sightseeing in Mysore.
The city is also great for shopping, with lovely local products. On the outskirts of Mysore is the Chamundeshwari Temple, an ancient temple that has cultural connections with Mysore.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Places to Explore: Mysore Palace, Chamundeshwari Temple
- Great For: Sightseeing
4. Murudeshwar
Located on the south coast of Karnataka, Murudeshwar is a beach town. Here you can see the second largest Shiva statue in the world. The coastal town is noted for its temples and architecture as well.
Other major attractions in Murudeshwar are water and adventure sports and beaches. There is also the Murudeshwar Fort to explore.
- Best Time to Visit: September to March
- Things to do: Adventure Sports, Temple Spotting
- Great For: Sightseeing
5. Chikmagalur
If you need to escape the city life, we suggest packing your bags and heading out to Chikmagalur. A haven of relaxation, the weather is nice for most parts of the year and the lush green surroundings set the right note for adventure sports. If you love coffee or long walks, visit one of the pristine coffee plantations in Chikmagalur.
- Best Time to Visit: September to April
- Places to Explore: Manikyadhara Falls, Kudremukh
- Great For: Relaxed Holidays, Nature Trails
