Bestowed with several spell-binding beaches, rich biodiversity, ancient temples, rugged mountains, and rich biodiversity, Karnataka is renowned for its alluring beauty.
Its cities are a perfect amalgamation of modernity and ancient charm. The dead-drop gorgeous landscapes of this state prove to be amazing tourist places. So, book your flights from the online travel booking portal of your choice and start exploring the incredible tourist places in Karnataka. The best of these are mentioned below:
Table of Contents
1 Shimoga
Shimoga is often referred to as the cultural capital of Karnataka. This colorful place is enriched with lush landscapes, beautiful waterfalls, and verdant forests. The verdant greenery and serene ambiance of Shimoga make it a popular tourist destination in the state. Famous rivers like the Tungabhadra, Sharavathi, Varada, and Kumadvathi carve out picturesque river valleys.
Tourist Attractions: Shivappa Nayaka Summer Palace, Kote Seeta-Rama Temple, Sakrebyle Elephant Camp, Sacred Heart Cathedral, Tyavarekoppa Lion Safari.
2 Mangalore
Mangalore is known to be among the serene tourist spots in Karnataka. You can take a weekend trip to this beautiful place to take a break from the hectic urban chores. This fascinating town is situated at the estuarine junction of River Netravati and River Gurupura.
Take a stroll and sunbathe at the beaches, try spicy, scrumptious street food, and view sunrises and sunsets at this gorgeous place. This serene town is a favorite tourist place of all time. Mangalore has a plethora of fascinating places that can be visited for a short vacation too.
Tourist Attractions: Tannirbhavi Beach, Panambur Beach, Someshwara Temple, Sammilan Shetty’s Butterfly Park, St. Aloysius Chapel, Mangaladevi Temple, Kadri Manjunath Temple.
3 Karwar
The picturesque town of Karwar cannot be missed when talking about the best tourist attractions in Karnataka. Karwar is an unexplored offbeat beach destination near the Karnataka-Goa border. The town is among the not-so-popular coastal places in the state.
Karwar is an ideal holiday destination for those who wish to have a secluded vacation away from the bustling city life. This beautiful town is famous for sun-kissed beaches, charming temples, and majestic forts.
The major tourist puller of this town is the exhilarating splendor. Karwar is surrounded by green hills, which are a part of the Western Ghats and enhance the beauty of the place.
Tourist Attractions: Majali Beach, Kurumgad Island, Sadashivgad Fort, Durga Devi Temple, Nagnath Temple.
4 Gokarna
Gokarna is a perfect pick for travelers looking for complete solace and solemn pleasure. This low-key and laid-back beach destination has won the hearts of millions of travelers and backpackers.
This place is among the top famous places in Karnataka. It is also a significant Hindu pilgrimage as it has many age-old temples in its confines. You can chill out and relax on the pristine beaches, indulge in exciting water activities or ride on the thrilling catamaran ride in Gokarna.
Tourist Attractions: Mahabaleshwar Temple, Maha Ganapati Temple, Om Beach. Thrilling water sports can also be enjoyed, such as banana boat rides, snorkeling, and parasailing.
5 Bandipur National Park
Holidaying in Karnataka means greenery, winding trails, chirping birds, and calls of the wild animals. The charm of Bandipur National Park will surely leave you awestruck on your vacation. This popular tiger reserve and bird sanctuary in Karnataka is an idyllic treat for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Tourists can also enjoy a one-day picnic at this amazing national park. The national park was once a private hunting ground for the rulers of Mysore. The place is now a rich habitat for a variety of flora and fauna.
Popular attractions: Wild elephants, spotted deer, gaurs, and antelopes.
6 Bangalore
A vibrant city of Karnataka, Bangalore is a popular tourist destination in the state. Famously known as the ‘IT hub’ of the country, the place has pleasant and comfortable weather, which makes it suitable for a vacation.
Filled with nature, wildlife, museums, architectural wonders, and gardens, the city is a treat for the locals and tourists. Leisure-loving travelers will get a chance to stay at the many luxurious villas situated here and experience grandeur.
Popular attractions: Butterfly Park of Bannerghatta Biological Park, Bangalore Palace, Lalbagh Glass Place, Wonder La Amusement Park, ISKCON temple, Aerospace Museum
7 Coorg
A quaint hill town in Karnataka, Coorg is aptly known as the ‘Scotland of India’. The surreal and jaw-dropping beauty of this place makes it one of the most desirable tourist places in the state. Beaming with coffee estates, the hill station is jammed with aroma, luxuriant greenery, and gushing waterfalls.
Coorg is a charm to every visitor. Adventure seekers can indulge in thrilling treks along the coffee and spice trails. Wildlife sanctuaries, monasteries, elephant camps, and coracle rides add to the fascination of the place.
Popular attractions: Abbey Falls, Iruppu Falls, Bylakuppe, Dubare Elephant Camp, Nagarhole National Park
8 Kabini
Among the most picturesque areas of Karnataka, Kabini is situated on the banks of River Kabini, which is a tributary of Cauvery. Offering ample wildlife for nature lovers, the place is in close proximity to Rajiv Gandhi National Park, Bandipur Forest, and Nagarhole National Park.
You can explore the vast wilderness here. If you are lucky enough, you can spot tigers, leopards, deer, wild elephants, and some nomadic birds. Head for a jungle safari for added adventure.
Popular attractions: Nagarhole National park, Kabini River, Kabini dam, hilly area of Kutta
9 Jog Falls
The second highest waterfall in the country, Jog Falls cascades from an altitude of 253 m (830 ft.). Formed by Sharavathi River, this majestic waterfall is divided into four segments- Raja, Rocket, Rani, and Roarer.
This waterfall makes for the most charming and breathtaking place in Karnataka. The alluring views of this fall can be seen closely from the bottom. The enchanting music of the water falling is a must-have experience during your trip to this state.
Popular attractions: Linganamakki Dam, Tunga Anicut Dam, and Thavare Koppa
For added recreation, you can also explore other places, such as Mysore, Murudeshwar, Kotagiri, Sringeri, Belur, Shivagange, Sakleshpur, Kanakpura, Dubare, Hasan, Devbagh, Halebidu etc. Book your flights now for a fun vacation in Karnat