The Best Travel Destinations In Karnataka India

Every state in India has a story to tell, of kings and their kingdoms, of invasions, temples and many beautiful sites to show. Karnataka is a blessed state with beaches, architectural wonders, nature’s breathtaking assets, palaces and so much more. Here are the best travel destinations in Karnataka.

Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal

There are clusters of intricately-carved stone temples in Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal, all three of them 10 to 35 kilometers apart from one another on the banks of river Malaprabha. These stone structures were built in Karnata Dravida architectural style from the 6th through 12th-century when Chalukya kingdom reigned over South India.

Hampi

Mysore Palace

Mysore Palace was commissioned by Rajarshi Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV in 1897. Since 1912 until today, the palace is home to the Wodeyar family. The architecture of the palace is majorly Indo-Saracenic and had Mughal, Hindu, Gothic and Rajputs bits.

The interiors of Mysore Palace is full of mural art

Chitradurga Fort

Chitradurga Fort is named after the district in Karnataka and was first built by the Chalukyas in the 11th-century and expanded several times by the successive empires that ruled Karnataka. At one time it was known as ‘ukkina kote’ which means ‘steel fort’ or the impregnable fort. It is situated in a valley, by the river Vadavati.

Gokarna and Karwar beach

Gokarna is one of the seven significant Hindu pilgrimage sites and mostly known for Mahabaleshwara temple that worships Lord Shiva. Gokarna has the Western Ghats on one side and the Arabian Sea on the other. The beach is a majestic place to watch the sunset. Karwar beach, not too far away from Gokarna, is in Karwar village that was a training camp during World War II. Visitors can also see Kurumgad Island and Anjediva Island from the beach!

Gokarna is situated in the Northern part of Karnataka

Visitors can see islands from Karwar beach in North Karnataka

Mullayanagiri peak

Mullayanagiri is the highest peak in Chandra Dhrona range in Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka. Trekking to the peak is an especially adventurous and beautiful journey and the sunset view from the top is absolutely worth the mildly-difficult climb.

Mullayanagiri falls on the Western Ghats of India

Sivasamudram

Sivasamudram is a small city in Karnataka on the banks of river Kaveri and popular for its beautiful waterfalls. The best time to see the falls in full glory is between July and October. The round ‘saucer-shape’ boats are used for transport.

The round ‘saucer-shape’ boats, a typical in the Ghats of Karnataka

These round concave handmade boats are used for transportation in Sivasamudram, Karnataka

The best time of visit Sivasamudram falls is between July and October

Nagarhole and Bandipur National Park

Nagarhole National Park, also called Rajiv Gandhi National Park, is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The park has incredible wildlife, including mammals, birds, insects and reptiles inhabiting amidst hills, valleys and waterfalls. Then there is Bandipur National Park, which is a dry forest park.

Indian Jackal spotted in Nagarhole National Park

Halebidu Temples

Halebidu temple was built in the 12th-century by the ruler of Hoysala Empire. Although the temple was harmed by the Mughal emperors who tried to invade the area, the temple is mostly intact. The carvings on stone throughout the temple exterior are a marvelous sight.

Carvings on stone inside Halebidu temple in Karnataka

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.