21 Historical Places in Karnataka
Are you a history buff in search of some incredible historical places in Karnataka, or simply a traveller trying to learn something? Check out some fantastic historical landmarks that may take you back to centuries ago. As the city was once ruled by the Nanda Empire, Mauryan Empire, Satavahanas, and more, there is, truly, a lot to discover here. Even today, travellers can witness the impressions left by people belonging to centuries back. Are you feeling the urge to learn more about these sites, or just visit them? Then, keep reading.
List of 21 Historical Places in Karnataka
Here is a list of some of the most famous historical places in Karnataka that you must explore during your visit if you are a history buff. Take a look at all the famous historical monuments of Karnataka before you proceed to book your trip so that you do not miss out on any while you’re there.
- Hampi – City Of Ruins
- Mysore – City Of Palaces
- Bijapur – Biggest Domes In India
- Shimoga – Ancient Rulers And Dynasties
- Bangalore – The Silicon Valley
- Badami – Unique Rock Cut Temples
- Halebidu – The History Of The Hoysala Empire
- Srirangapatna – Magnificent Architectural Masterpieces
- Aihole – The Temple Complex Of Karnataka
- Dandeli – Ancient Limestone Caves
- Ramanagaram – Age-Old Silk Trade
- Hassan – The Elegant Hasanamba Temple
- Bidar – The Seat Of Ancient Kingdoms
- Talakadu – Temples Buried In Sand
- Melukote – The Religious Land
- Somnathpur – Land Of Vaishnava Temple
- Mirjan Fort – Holding The Historical Ruins
- Madikeri Fort – The Gem Of 17th Century
- Sringeri – Explore The Ancient Relics
- Pattadakal – The UNESCO Heritage Site
- Karkala – Home To Jain Temples
1. Hampi – City Of Ruins
Also called as the ‘City of Ruins’, Hampi is one of the most famous historical places in Karnataka under UNESCO. The city is known for its ancient temples and monuments that date back to a thousand years. It has been an important seat in the history of Karnataka and has around 500 ancient temples, archaeological monuments, treasury buildings, and bastions. What makes this place a famous backpacker’s delight is its hippie vibe along with vibrant street markets abound with handcrafts and souvenirs. Virupaksha Temple and Vithala Temple are the most famous historical places in Hampi. To explore the major historical monuments of Karnataka, make sure to visit this fascinating city.
Places to Visit: Vijaya Vittala Temple, Sri Virupaksha Temple, Hanuman Temple, Hemakuta Hill Temple Complex
Things to do: Trekking, Camping, Nature Walks, Taxi Boat Rides, Cliff Jumping, Swimming
Best time to visit: October to February, as the monsoons make the hills and hilly roads slippery
How to reach: Hampi is just 13 KM from Hospet and is easily accessible by road. There is no railway station here and the nearest railway station is at Hospet. The nearest airport is in Belgaum, which is 270 km from Hampi.
Also Read: Places To Visit In Hampi
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2. Mysore – City Of Palaces
Mysore has been one of the most iconic places in the history of Karnataka, as it used to be the home for the Wodeyar rulers for seven centuries. It is visited by more than 2.5 million tourists every year. That’s not all. Mysore has myriad attractions for you to explore like Lalitha Mahal, Jagmohan Palace, Brindavan Gardens, and Mysore Zoo. You could also go shopping in the city and buy famous souvenirs like Khadi cotton, incense sticks, sandalwood products, etc. Do not forget to try the world-famous Mysore Pak on your visit.
Places to Visit: Mysore Palace, Lalitha Mahal, Jagmohan Palace, Karanji Lake, Melody World Wax Museum, Railway Museum
Things to do: Theme Parks, Nature Tours, Silk Shopping, Wildlife Spotting
Best time to visit: July to February
How to reach: Mysore has a domestic airport, Railway Station and a well-connected network of roads. Cars, self-driven rentals, buses and taxis etc are readily available.
3. Bijapur – Biggest Domes In India
Bijapur is home to the world-famous Gol Gumbaz or Gol Gummata, a must-visit historical place in North Karnataka. It is the mausoleum of Mohammed Adil Shah with a big circular dome that gives this city its name. Gol Gumbaz is a single mammoth structure and one of India’s biggest domes. The city houses numerous prominent historical monuments of Karnataka. Shivagiri, Jama Masjid and Bara Kaman are some of the prominent landmarks in Bijapur that should be explored. Bijapur is well-connected to other offbeat historical places in Karnataka and is an ideal spot for day-excursions.
Things to do: Visit monuments and places of interest, explore palaces and garden tours
Best time to visit: October to February
How to reach: There is no airport in Bijapur, but it has a railway station and good connectivity with all the other places via roads.
Related Post: Tourist Places In Bijapur
4. Shimoga – Ancient Rulers And Dynasties
The list of top 10 historical places in Karnataka cannot be complete without the mention of Shimoga which was an important seat for many dynasties. Have a rendezvous with its bygone rulers at Shivappa Nayaka Palace Museum. Shivamogga is also home to the exotic flora and fauna of Karnataka. Nature is abounding with tigers and other wild animals. The gushing waterfalls like Jog Falls, Dabbe Falls, etc. also put this place on the bucket list of every wanderlust soul.
Places to Visit: Jog Falls, Kodachadri, Dabbe Falls, Kundadri, Agumbe
Things to do: Visit Agumbe, Explore waterfalls, Tiger and Lion Safari; Bird-watching, Trekking
Best Time to visit Shimoga: October to March
How to reach: Shimoga is accessible via roads and rails and has its own railway station. The nearest airport is Mangalore Airport, which is 195 km away.
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5. Bangalore – The Silicon Valley
Before it became the Silicon Valley of India, Bangalore was already a focal point of Karnataka politics, commerce, and trade. Bangalore is another notable mention in the list of historical places in Karnataka, which includes palaces, forts, and many other places to visit. It offers a sneak peek into the region’s political, cultural, traditional, and religious history. Apart from having a fascinating history, the places in Bangalore also serve as seats for modern urban living.
Places to Visit: Bangalore Palace, Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, National Gallery Of Modern Art, Vidhana Soudha
Things to do: Explore forts, halls, memorial halls, palaces, gardens and other places; art galleries; museums; fine dining; boating and music concerts
Best Time to visit: September to March is best throughout the year.
How to reach: Bangalore has an international airport, railway station, and fantastic road network connecting it to all the major parts of Karnataka.
Related Post: Things To Do In Bangalore
6. Badami – Unique Rock Cut Temples
Badami is one of the offbeat historical places in Karnataka, where you will find exquisite temples and historical monuments. The megalithic dolmens are evidence that this city was settled in prehistoric times. The unique rock-cut temples of Mahakuta are the main reason people visit this place. The red sandstone cliffs, Badami Fort, and Agastya Lake are other major attractions of Badami. Rock Climbing is one of the most famous activities for adventure enthusiasts.
Places to Visit: Magnificent Badami Cave Temples, Alluring Bhutanatha Group Of Temples, Traditional Mallikarjuna Group Of Temples, Mesmerizing Badami Fort
Things to do: Rock climbing, Archaeological tours, Cave exploration, Nature walks
Best Time to visit: July to March
How to reach: Badami is easily accessible by road as the nearest railway station is 100 km away in Hubli, and the closest airport is in Belgaum, which is 190 km away.
7. Halebidu – The History Of The Hoysala Empire
Located in Hassan district, Halebidu is also one of Karnataka’s most famous historical places. The city used to be the capital of the Hoysala Empire during the 12th century. No wonder you will find glimpses of Hoysala architecture in the temples and monuments of Halebidu. Its shrines and temple complexes are amazing and awe-inspiring. Hoysaleshwara and Kedareshwara temples are some of the most important historical sites in Halebidu that you must visit.
Things to do: Visit Belur, temples, dams, museums, archaeological monuments, go shopping, and go to the Hoysala Mahotsava celebration.
Best Time to visit: October to February
How to reach: The best way to reach Halebidu is by road, as the nearby railway stations are in Hassan, Mangalore, and Mysore. The nearest airport is in Mysore, which is 125 km away.
Related Post: Places To Visit In Halebidu
8. Srirangapatna – Magnificent Architectural Masterpieces
Srirangapatna is located in the Mandya district and is an egg-shaped island in the Cauvery River. Only 15 km from Mysore, it is an excellent day excursion. Srirangapatna is home to some of the most magnificent architectural masterpieces from Vijayanagara and Hoysala kingdoms. The Ranganathaswamy Temple holds a special place in the heritage of Karnataka and is thronged by millions of visitors every year. It is the most important temple of Vaishnavites.
Things to do: Waterfalls, temples, bird watching, garden walks and exploring historical places and landmarks
Best Time to Visit: July to March
How to reach: Srirangapatna has a railway station and good road connectivity with all the other major cities. The nearest airport is in Mysore, which is 32 km away.
9. Aihole – The Temple Complex Of Karnataka
Aihole is one of the most famous historical places in Karnataka, and it is also called the temple complex of Karnataka. It has more than 100 carved temples from the Chalukya Empire and is also most likely to be included in the list of historical places in Karnataka under UNESCO.
Things to do: Visit temples and temple complexes, climb hills, climb and explore other archaeological places.
Best Time to visit: The best time to visit Aihole is from October to March.
How to reach: Aihole is most straightforward to reach via roads. The nearest railway station is in Bagalkot and is just 34 km away. The nearest airport is 189 km away in Belgaum.
Related Post: Places To Visit In Aihole
10. Dandeli – Ancient Limestone Caves
Situated in the Uttara Kannada District of Karnataka, Dandeli is blessed with verdant foliage, dense forests, and smashing views because it lies on the banks of the Kali river. But its limestone caves make it stand out from other historical places in Karnataka. Formed by volcanic activities, the famous Kavala Caves in Dandeli draw a vast influx of tourists yearly with their bizarre winding tunnels and about 375 entrance steps. Home to snakes and bats, these caves have immense stalagmite structures, which are a significant attraction for devotees of Lord Shiva and count among the best heritage places in Karnataka.
Places to Visit: River Kali, Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, Shiroli Peak, Molangi Falls, Disney Park, Kodasalli Backwaters
Things to do: Trekking, exploring caves
Best time to visit: October to May
How to reach: The nearest railway station is Alnavar Junction, 23 km away from Dandeli. The nearest airport is Hubli, 56 km away from Dandeli.
11. Ramanagara – Age-old Silk Trade
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Another one of the most celebrated historical places in Karnataka is Ramanagara. Tucked amidst the tough rocky hillocks and bounded by lush green surroundings, Ramanagara is a popular weekend getaway for people in Karnataka, especially Bengaluru. Besides its lush surroundings, Ramanagara is famous for its tall granite hills. But what really makes it a historical locale is the age-old silk production tradition that has earned this place the name of the Silk City of India. The silk produced here forms the input for the famous Mysore Silk.
Things to do: Trekking, climbing granite hills, shopping
Best time to visit: November to February
How to reach: The nearest railway station and airport are in Bangalore.
Related Post: Restaurants In Ramanagara
12. Hassan – The Elegant Hasanamba Temple
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Located 187 km from Bangalore in the Malnad and Maidan districts, Hassan is famous as the temple architecture capital of Karnataka. Hassan draws its name from the presiding deity Goddess Hasanamba, which means ‘smiling mother’ in the Kannada language. Mainly popular for the magnificent Hassanamba Temple, Hassan is among Karnataka’s most popular historical temples. However, its ancient Hoysala architecture can also be seen in many other structures in the city. This unique and age-old architecture dominates various structures from the Shettihalli Church to the revered Jain temples across Hassan.
Places to Visit: Shettihalli Church, Hasanamba Temple, Lakshmi Devi Temple, Maharaja Park, Gorur Dam
Things to do: Visit temples for their Hoysala architecture and history
Best time to visit: Year-round
How to reach: The nearest railway station is Hassan Junction Station. The nearest airport is in Bangalore.
13. Bidar – The Seat Of Ancient Kingdoms
Boasting its rich culture and heritage, Bidar is a flourishing city in South India that is packed with numerous historical monuments of Karnataka, famed for their bewitching architecture, interesting history, and ancient artefacts. Bidar was once the centre of power for many great kingdoms like the Chalukyas, Allauddin Khilji, and Muhammad bin Tughluq, all of whom had left a great history and heritage for this city and a rich architectural legacy. The presence of several temples, mosques, and tombs brings a lot of tourists to this city every year.
Things to do: Visit temples, mosques, and tombs; explore the flora and fauna
Best time to visit: October to March
How to reach: The nearest airport is in Hyderabad.
Related Post: Places To Visit In Bidar
14. Talakadu – Temples Buried In Sand
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Sitting snugly on the banks of the Kaveri River in Karnataka, the town of Talakadu is a mystical place with a rich history and heritage. It is famous for many historical temples in Karnataka that are located within its premises, the most prominent being the Vaidyanatheshwara Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Devotees of Shiva come here from every nook and corner of the country at least once to bathe in its aura and spiritual vibe. Besides this shrine, several other temples have been dug out from under the sand and excavated once every 12 years for the ‘Panchalinga Darshana’, a unique form of worship.
Things to do: Visit the unique temples
Best time to visit: November to March
How to reach: The nearest railway station is in Mysore, 45 km away. The nearest airport is in Bangalore, located 120 km away.
15. Melukote – The Religious Land
Image Credit: Dineshkannambadi for Wikipedia
This religious place holds substantial importance among the Hindus in South India. Situated in the Mandya district of Karnataka, this place is home to many temples. It is also famous for the Vairamudi festival, which takes place here and is visited by devotees from all parts of the country. The main highlights of this place are the Sri Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple and Cheluvanarayana Temple, resting on the hilltop.
Things To Do: Sightseeing, Temple Tour
Best Time To Visit: February-December
How To Reach: From Mysore, it’s a journey that crosses the Mysore-Bangalore highway after Srirangapatana.
Related Post: Melukote Temple
16. Somnathpur – Land Of Vaishnava Temple
Image Credit: Abhiram Saralaya for Wikipedia
Situated on the banks of the Kaveri River, Somanathapura temple is considered one of the beautiful towns. This place is famous for preserving the stunning architecture of the Hoysala, which is also called Prasanna Chennakeseva Temple or Kesava temple. This was built during the year 1258 CE, and it is a Vaishnava Hindu temple where Lord Krishna is worshipped. The temple is one among the 1500 temples which were built by the kings of the Hoysala empire. Nominated as a Unesco World Heritage Site, this place is home to one of the famous monuments of Karnataka.
Things To Do: Sightseeing, Temple Tour
Best Time To Visit: October-March
How To Reach: From Mysore, it’s a road journey to Bannur, which can be covered by bus, and then from here, one can take a car or bike on rent to reach Somnathpur.
17. Mirjan Fort – Holding The Historical Ruins
Image Credit: FarEnd2018 for Wikipedia
Situated by the banks of the Aghanashini River, the Mirjan Fort reflects the royal history of Karnataka. Located at a distance of 11 kms from the town of Kumta, this place is spread across an area of 4.1 hectares. This fort is considered a witness to battles in the 16th and 17th centuries. The fort looks magnificent and appears like a beautiful fairytale-like castle which is surrounded by grass.
Things To Do: Sightseeing
Best Time To Visit: September-February
How To Reach: No direct flights connect this place, but one can find taxi or train services to reach here.
Related Post: Places To Visit In Karnataka In Winter
18. Madikeri Fort – The Gem Of 17th Century
Image Credit: Vijayakumarblathur for Wikipedia
This is one of the main highlights of Coorg in Karnataka and offers a pleasant escape from the hustle-bustle. Located in Madikeri town, this fort gives an insight into the glorious history of Coorg and is one of the most prominent landmarks among all the Karnataka historical places. From the elevated architecture of the fort to the fantastic views to admire in the backdrop, this place appears like a painted picture. Built-in the 17th century by Muddu Raja, this fort is considered one of the important historical monuments of Karnataka.
Places to Stay: Grand Mercure Mysore, The Raviz Calicut, Fairfield By Marriott Coimbatore, Royal Orchid Central, Hotel Sai Palace
Things To Do: Sightseeing
Best Time To Visit: July-September
How To Reach: This town is located in Coorg, which is well-connected with many cities by air, train, and road.
19. Sringeri – Explore The Ancient Relics
Image Credit: Irrigator for Wikipedia
Locally called Sri Kshetra Sringeri, this is a tiny hilly town in the Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka. This is known as the pilgrimage centre, which Adi Shankara built during the 9th century. As per the records, it is believed that Adi Shankaracharya stayed here for 12 years and taught his disciples. Alongside that, many temples and historical relics can be explored.
Things To Do: Sightseeing, Temple Tour
Best Time To Visit: October-March
How To Reach: From Mysore, it’s a journey that crosses the Mysore-Bangalore highway after Srirangapatana.
Related Post: Sringeri Homestays
20. Pattadakal – The UNESCO Heritage Site
Image Credit: Dineshkannambadi for Wikipedia
Amongst all the Karnataka historical places, this is considered the treasure trove of the Hindu and Jain temples in South India. The Pattadakal shares boundaries with the Aihole-Badami-Pattadakal complex, a UNESCO heritage site. Located on the banks of the river Malaprabha, the place holds its legacy and dates back to the 4th century. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple showcases a beautiful blend of North and South Indian architecture and is counted among the excellent heritage sites in Karnataka.
Things To Do: Sightseeing, Temple Tour
Best Time To Visit: February-December
How To Reach: From Mysore, it’s a journey that crosses the Mysore-Bangalore highway after Srirangapatana.
21. Karkala – Home To Jain Temples
Image Credit: Shiva Shankar for Wikipedia
This is an offbeat place located in the Udupi district of Karnataka, which is famous for its historical significance. Known for its ancient temples and Jain Basadis, the name of this place is derived from the Karikal, which means ‘black stone’ as there is a huge amount of black granite in the area. This is one of the important religious places for Jains and Hindus. One of the well-known historical places in Karnataka, it has been nominated as a World Heritage site by UNESCO.
Things To Do: Sightseeing, Temple Tour
Best Time To Visit: October To March
How To Reach: The nearest railway station is Udupi, which is connected to many major cities and Chikmagalur.
You May Also Like To Read: Places To Visit Near Udupi Within 100 Kms
Visiting these historical places in Karnataka is always better than learning about Indian history through books. If you are taking a trip to Karnataka, you might as well head for a historical tour of the state to learn about the rulers and dynasties in the south.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Historical Places In Karnataka
What is the oldest historical place in Bangalore?
Halasuru Someshwara Temple is the oldest historical landmark in Bangalore. It dates back to the 12th and 13th Centuries. What are the famous monuments in Karnataka to explore?
Karnataka has forts, palaces, summer palaces, memorial halls, temples, cave temples, rock-cut temples, pillars and many other different types of historical places to visit. What are the must-visit places to explore in Karnataka?
Mysore, Badami, Aihole, Srirangapatna, Bangalore, Hampi, Halebidu, Shimoga and Dandeli are the must-visit historical places in Karnataka. What is the historical capital of Karnataka?
Mysore, or Mysuru was the historical capital of Karnataka. Which Maqbara is in Karnataka?
Tipu Sultan’s summer palace is located in Bangalore which is an iconic historical attraction and is visited by thousands every year. Which is the first historical place in Karnataka?
It is believed that Hampi is the first historical place in Karnataka. Other historical places include Badami and Pattadakal. Which places are the best in Karnataka for day excursions?
Bangalore offers all kinds of facilities and is located near all the major historical places in Karnataka. Badami and Belgaum are also good places for day trips. What is the historical importance of Karnataka?
Karnataka has a rich history, dating back to thousand of years ago. It was, once, home to numerous dynasties and empires, inlcuding the Mauryas and Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, and Vijayanagara.
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