Top Tourist Destinations in Karnataka - A Complete Travel Guide (North to South Route)
Karnataka, one of India's most diverse states, blends royal heritage, lush hills, golden beaches, and wildlife sanctuaries. From the palaces of Mysore to the ruins of Hampi, the coffee hills of Coorg, and the temples of Badami, every destination tells its own story.
Whether you start your journey in Bangalore or Belgaum, this guide will take you city by city, helping you travel across Karnataka smoothly and experience every highlight.
South Karnataka - The Heritage & Hill Region
1. Bangalore - The Garden City
Start your journey from Bangalore, Karnataka's bustling capital. Top attractions include Cubbon Park, Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Vidhana Soudha, Bangalore Palace, ISKCON Temple, and UB City Mall. Nearby getaways: Nandi Hills, Skandagiri, Ramanagara (trekking paradise). Best time to visit: October to February.
2. Nandi Hills
Just 60 km from Bangalore, Nandi Hills is perfect for sunrise views, paragliding, and weekend treks. Must-visit: Tipu's Drop, Yoga Nandishwara Temple.
3. Mysore - The Royal City
Known for the grand Mysore Palace and Dasara Festival, Mysore blends history and culture beautifully. Top attractions include Chamundi Hills, Brindavan Gardens, Jaganmohan Palace, and St. Philomena's Church. Nearby: Srirangapatna (Tipu Sultan's Fort), Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary.
4. Coorg (Madikeri) - Scotland of India
A misty hill station wrapped in coffee plantations and waterfalls. Top attractions: Abbey Falls, Raja's Seat, Dubare Elephant Camp, Talacauvery Temple, Brahmagiri Trek. Activities: Coffee estate tours, river rafting, trekking. Best time: September-March.
5. Chikmagalur - Coffee & Calm
Another peaceful hill town known for Mullayanagiri (highest peak of Karnataka) and lush plantations. Must-see: Hebbe Falls, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Kemmanagundi. Nearby: Horanadu Temple, Kudremukh trek, Kalasa.
Karnataka is where heritage meets nature, where every stone tells a tale and every hill whispers ancient secrets.
6. Bandipur & Nagarhole National Parks - Wild Karnataka
Experience thrilling jeep safaris in these tiger reserves. Wildlife: Tigers, elephants, leopards, deer, and exotic birds. Best time: October-May.
7. Kabini & BR Hills
Ideal for luxury jungle lodges, bird watching, and forest drives. Don't miss: Kabini backwaters sunset cruise.
8. Shravanabelagola, Belur & Halebidu - Hoysala Heritage Circuit
Shravanabelagola: Jain pilgrimage site with the 57-ft Bahubali statue. Belur & Halebidu: Showcases the finest Hoysala temple architecture.
9. Shivanasamudra Falls & Talakadu
Combine temple visits with scenic waterfalls. Shivanasamudra: Twin waterfalls on the Kaveri River. Talakadu: Sand-covered temples with ancient legends.
Central Karnataka - Waterfalls, Forts & Forest Trails
10. Hampi - UNESCO World Heritage City
A historic wonderland of stone temples, chariot shrines, and ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire. Highlights: Virupaksha Temple, Lotus Mahal, Vittala Temple, Tungabhadra River. Tip: Explore by cycle or coracle boat.
11. Chitradurga
Known for its massive Chitradurga Fort with secret passages and hilltop views. Nearby: Davangere (famous for Benne Dosa!).
12. Shimoga (Shivamogga) - The Gateway to the Ghats
Base for nature exploration. Must-visit: Jog Falls - one of India's highest waterfalls, Sakrebailu Elephant Camp, Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary. Nearby: Thirthahalli, Kodachadri, Agumbe (Cherrapunji of South India).
13. Kudremukh & Sakleshpur
A hiker's dream with green peaks and misty trails. Top treks: Kudremukh Peak, Bisle Ghat, Jenukal Gudda. Stay: Coffee plantation homestays.
Coastal Karnataka - Sun, Sand & Spirituality
14. Udupi
Known for Udupi Sri Krishna Temple and Malpe Beach. Take a short boat ride to St. Mary's Island for unique coral formations.
15. Mangalore
A vibrant coastal city with beaches and temples. Visit: Panambur Beach, Tannirbhavi Beach, Kadri Temple, and Gokarnanatheshwara Temple. Food: Don't miss Mangalorean seafood and Neer Dosa!
16. Murudeshwar
Famous for the towering Shiva statue and stunning seaside temple. Nearby: Netrani Island (Scuba diving spot).
17. Gokarna - Calm Beach Paradise
A quieter alternative to Goa, Gokarna offers Om Beach, Kudle Beach, and Half Moon Beach. Perfect for yoga, surfing, and beach cafes.
18. Karwar & Devbagh Island
Serene beaches with calm waters — ideal for water sports and nature walks. Karwar: Inspired poet Rabindranath Tagore! Nearby: Devbagh Island Resort for scuba & kayaking.
19. Maravanthe, Kundapura & Kumta
Maravanthe: Drive between the Arabian Sea and Suparnika River. Kundapura: Peaceful coastal village with Kodi Beach. Kumta: Hidden beaches and temples nearby.
20. Honnavar & Yana Caves
Visit Eco Beach and Apsarakonda Waterfalls; trek to the Yana Rock Formations — a geological wonder.
North Karnataka - Heritage, Temples & Ancient Marvels
21. Badami - Rock-Cut Wonders
Famous for sandstone cave temples and ancient carvings. See: Agastya Lake, Bhutanatha Temples, Archaeological Museum.
22. Aihole & Pattadakal
Aihole: Known as the "Cradle of Indian Architecture". Pattadakal: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with Dravidian temple architecture.
23. Bijapur (Vijayapura)
Famous for the grand Gol Gumbaz, Ibrahim Rauza, and Malik-e-Maidan cannon.
24. Bidar
Showcases Persian influence in its architecture. Visit: Bidar Fort, Bahmani Tombs, Nanak Jhira Sahib.
25. Gulbarga (Kalaburagi)
Historic town with Gulbarga Fort, Khwaja Bande Nawaz Dargah, and old mosques.
26. Belgaum
A mix of British charm and local culture. See: Belgaum Fort, Gokak Falls, Military Mahadev Temple.
27. Dandeli - Adventure Capital
Adventure capital of North Karnataka! Activities: River rafting, ziplining, jungle safaris. Stay: River lodges and forest resorts.
From the royal corridors of Mysore to the ancient stones of Hampi, Karnataka is not just a destination—it's a journey through time, culture, and nature's finest artistry.
Offbeat & Spiritual Escapes
Dharmasthala: Sacred town with Manjunatha Temple. Subramanya: Famous for Kukke Subramanya Temple. Horanadu: Annapoorneshwari Temple surrounded by forests. Sringeri: Seat of Adi Shankaracharya's first monastery. Kollur: Home of Mookambika Devi Temple. Mundgod: Peaceful Tibetan settlement near Hubli.
Travel Tips for Karnataka Tour
Best time to visit: October to March (monsoon for waterfalls)
Local transport: KSRTC buses, cabs, trains
Languages: Kannada, English, Hindi
Food to try: Bisi Bele Bath, Neer Dosa, Mangalorean fish curry, Coorg pork
Stay options: From budget homestays to luxury eco-resorts across the state
Plan Your Karnataka Tour with BuzzinTrips
Explore Karnataka the way you like — custom itineraries, hill treks, beach holidays, and heritage tours designed by BuzzinTrips. Contact BuzzinTrips today to plan your dream Karnataka vacation — explore, experience, and escape the ordinary.