Karnataka, the state with many worlds, has the second-highest number of nationally conserved ancient monuments in India. With a fascinating history that reaches you back to the era of prehistoric dynasties, Karnataka is considered as a treasure of history and heritage in South India. Karnataka’s awe-inspiring temples, enchanting monuments, caves, and UNESCO world heritage sites have attracted many travelers for hundreds of years. So without any further waste of time, let’s get started with some of the must-visit historical places near Bangalore.
10 Best Historical Places Near Bangalore
Karnataka has always been a great destination for history buffs and it homes numerous historical places. The list of historical places near Bangalore is never-ending. Here are the top 10 historical places near Bangalore to visit next year
1. Hampi – The City of Ruins
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hampi, is a huge open museum which displays the archaeological, religious, and historic significance of the prehistoric time. The former capital of the Vijayanagar Empire is filled with a vast number of architectural temples and magnificent monuments. One of the most famous historical places near Bangalore beholds the uniqueness and grandeur of the Vijayanagar Empire.
Things to do in Hampi: ● Bouldering ● Camping ● Trekking at Matanga Hill
Ideal for: Ruins of Hampi, Holy Temples, Sculptures, and Monuments.
Ideal trip duration: 3-4 Days
Weather: Hampi experiences moderate and dry climate throughout the year. The average annual temperature recorded is 27.3 °C. The climate remains quite cool and pleasant in October to March. Hampi receives inconsistent rainfall and the average annual rainfall is 608 mm.
Best time to visit: October to March
How to reach Hampi: Reaching Hampi is hassle-free and roadways are the best possible way to reach there. Hospet, the near-by town of Hampi, is well-connected from Bangalore and Mumbai, Pune, Kolhapur.
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2. Mysore – The City of Palaces
Being the Cultural City of Karnataka, Mysore is a perfect blend Hindu, Islamic, Gothic and Rajput style of architecture. Renowned for its magnificent heritage and obscure architecture, Mysore is one of the top destinations in Karnataka. The place houses a varied scope to explore palaces and buildings. Adding to this there are some traditional temples which makes Mysore – the City of Palaces.
Things to do in Mysore:● Silk Shopping ● SkyDiving ● Sightseeing ● Go Karting
Ideal for: Cultural Ambience, Festivals, Heritage Sculptures, and Palaces
Ideal trip duration: 5-6 Days
Weather: Mysore remains pleasant throughout the year. Summers are warm and winters are cold. The average temperature typically ranges from 16 °C to 27 °C. The average annual precipitation is 761.9 mm.
Best time to visit: October to February
How to reach Mysore: The roadways and railway networks are well-connected from Mysore to other parts of Karnataka and India. The airport is 170 Kilometers far from the city of Mysore.
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3. Badami – The Land of the Chalukyas
If you’re photogenic then there cannot be any place better than Badami. From the tale of the contribution of the Chalukyas to the breathtaking sunset view at Bhootnath Temple, this place has it all. Famed for its rock-cut cave temples, fortresses, fine carvings, and breathtaking architecture, Badami is also a gateway to many other historical sites in Karnataka.
Things to do in Badami: ● Explore the cave temples and forts ● Enjoy the fairs and festivals ● Photography
Ideal for: Rock Cut Structural Temples and Sightseeing
Ideal trip duration: 1-2 Days
Weather: Badami experiences a local steppe climate and about 676 mm of rainfall on average. The average temperature in Badami is 25.7 °C.
Best time to visit: September to March
How to reach Badami: Badami Railway Station, located 5 km away from the Badami, is the nearest railway station. People can also take the roadway to reach Badami.
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4. Pattadakkal – The Temple Town
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pattadakkal serves as a perfect mixture of both Nagara and Dravidian style of architecture. Pattadakal means a platform for carnation. Situated on the banks of the sacred river Malaprabha, the main complex houses 9 Shiva temples and one Jain temple which commemorates the Kings of Chalukya Empire. The ambiance of this historic site is sure to mesmerize every religious soul.
Things to do in Pattadakal: ● Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sites ● Sightseeing ● Classical Dance Festival
Ideal for: UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Age-Old Temples, Fairs and Festivals, Worshipping
Ideal trip duration: 1-2 Days
Weather: Pattadakkal follows the climate of typical Northern Karnataka regions as it remains pleasant almost throughout the year. The maximum temperature goes up to 40 °C in summer and the minimum temperature recorded in winter is 10 °C. The average annual precipitation recorded here is 513 mm.
Best time to visit: October to March
How to reach Pattadakkal:Five regular trains available from Bijapur to Badami Railway Station, 20 Kms away from Pattadakkal. Frequent Govt. buses are also available from Bangalore.
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5. Aihole – The Cradle of Indian Architecture
There are over 125 temples in Aihole and the temples are built following the Dravidian, Nagara, Phamsana and Gaja Prishtha style of architecture. The sculptures in the temples in Aihole are stupendously beautiful and the place hosts Hindu, Jain and Buddhist sites across caves and temples. No matter what, you just cannot miss this place!
Things to do in Aihole: ● Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sites ● Sightseeing
Ideal for: Rich and Illustrious History
Ideal trip duration: 1-2 Days
Weather: Aihole experiences a dry tropical climate throughout the year. Summers are extremely dry and hot, travelers usually avoid this time. Winters are pleasant and the winter temperature remains between 18 °C and 25 °C.
Best time to visit: October to March
How to reach Aihole: Aihole does not have its bus stop. Taxis are available from cities like Badami, Hubli, Bagalkot, Pattadakkal is connected to Aihole via NH-14.
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6. Bidar – The Crown of Karnataka
One of the most historic places in North Karnataka, Bidar holds architectural brilliance of the ancient South Indian dynasty. The city constitutes more than 60 monuments and 30 tombs and is often regarded as the “City of Whispering Monuments”. Besides its historical significance, Bidar offers a wide variety of flora and fauna sightseeing too.
Things to do in Bidar: ● Enjoy Fairs and Festivals ● Nature Study ● Sightseeing.
Ideal for: Historical, Cultural, and Religious buff.
Ideal trip duration: 1-2 Days
Weather: Warm and Temperate climate throughout the year. The average annual temperature is 10.8 °C in Bidar. The average annual rainfall is 629 mm.
Best time to visit: October to March
How to reach Bidar: Bidar is well-connected to the major cities of India via railways. One can get access to both superfast as well as passenger trains from Bidar Railway Station.
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7. Belur and Halebid – The Twin Town of Karnataka
Both places are home to several historical sites in Karnataka. Belur is known for the grand Hoysala Temple is built in the name of Lord Chennakesava, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu whereas Halebidu is famous for the Kedareswara temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temples depict the intricate carvings and sculptures very minutely with metal.
Things to do in Belur-Halebidu: ● Take part in Hoysala Mahotsava which is celebrated in March ● Worshipping
Ideal for: Carvings and Splendid architecture by the Hoysala Dynasty
Ideal trip duration: 1-2 Days
Weather: This region of Karnataka experiences a tropical type of climate. The average temperature is 22.5 °C. The average annual rainfall is 985 mm.
Best time to visit: October to March
How to reach Belur-Halebidu: The two cities are just 16 km apart. The region is well-connected with Bangalore, Mangalore, Chikmagalur, and Mysore by road.
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8. Bijapur / Vijayapura – The City of Victory
Founded by the Chalukyan Rulers, Bijapur has a lot to offer to the tourists. Bijapur features many monuments and structures that are must-visit. The place is well-known for its splendid mosques, palaces, and tombs. The craftsmen of that period followed the Islamic style of architecture and their obscure work is well displayed on the carvings and symmetry.
Things to do in Bijapur: ● Sightseeing ● Photography
Ideal for: Islamic Structures and Monuments
Ideal trip duration: 1-2 Days
Weather: Bijapur experiences a dry climate all year long. It sees a maximum temperature of around 42 °C in summer and a minimum temperature of around 15 °C in winter. The rainfall here averages up to 1550 mm.
Best time to visit: October to March
How to reach Bijapur: Bijapur Airport is the nearest airport to Bijapur. Bijapur Railway Station is also only 2 km away from the main city. Bus services are available from other cities. Enjoy a hassle-free ride to Bijapur.
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9. Melkote / Melukote – The Temple Town in Karnataka
Melukote is an amazing, one of its kind, temple town in Karnataka. Located in Mandya district of Karnataka, Melukote is one of the many historical places near Bangalore to visit as part of your Karnataka tour. Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple and Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple are two of the famous temples in Melukote. Apart from these two temples, Melukote also features several monuments and flora.
Things to do in Melukote: ● Nature Study ● Worshipping.
Ideal for: Festivals
Ideal trip duration: 1 Day
Weather: Melukote has a local steppe climate. The average annual temperature is 22.8 °C and it receives little rainfall about 590 mm annually.
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
How to reach Melukote: About 44 km off the Bangalore-Mysore Highway (NH-275). Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) provides regular bus services to Melukote from Mysore, K.R.Pet, and K.R.Nagar.
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10. Shravanabelagola – The City with Historic Wonders
Named after a pond “Belagola”, Shravanabelagola is famed for its vast collection of Jain Temples. Shravanabelagola is best known for the gargantuan Gommateshvara Bahubali statue. The statue is about 58-feet long and is also the world’s tallest monolithic stone statue. Shravanabelagola also features various monuments and temples. All these religious architectures have made Shravanabelagola famous for pilgrims.
Things to do in Shravanabelagola: ● Sightseeing ● Photography ● Exploration.
Ideal for: Jain Temples.
Ideal trip duration: 1 Day
Weather: Tropical climate throughout the year. The average annual temperature recorded here is 23.7 °C and an average rainfall of 621 mm.
Best time to visit: October to March
How to reach Shravanabelagola: The nearest railway station is in Shravanabelagola itself which is well-linked with other South Indian cities like Bangalore, Pune, Lucknow, Thane, etc.
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For the people who love to dig out the history of place, these are some of the best and handpicked historical places near Bangalore. While you’re in the state make sure to not miss out on these attractions and witness the age-old beauty of the places. Right from the ancient temples to the old towns, there is a lot more to explore. So, when you plan a vacation in Karnataka make sure to enjoy the best time around these places learning about their history.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Historical Places Near Bangalore
What is the importance of historical places?
Historical places are evidence of architectural achievement and the heritage of yesteryears. These places also reflect the history of ancient times. So, besides building new structures historical sites are also needed to be preserved.
Why is Karnataka so famous?
Karnataka is primarily known for its Heritage destination and splendor of ancient craftsmanship. Each of its cities has its importance. Its landscape, people, atmosphere, and history make it different from other states of India.
How many historical places are there in Karnataka?
Several historical places near Bangalore that hold intricate architecture and splendid monuments. Some of them are – Ruins of Hampi, Mysore, Bijapur, Badami, Aihole, Pattadakkal, and so on.
Which city is known as the Heritage city of Karnataka?
The city of Mysore is known as the Heritage city of Karnataka.
Is Karnataka safe for foreigners / single women?
Absolutely, Yes. Karnataka is one of the safest places to visit in India.
What is the best season to visit Karnataka?
Like other states in South India, Karnataka also experiences a warmer climate for most of the time. The Post-Monsoon season i.e., October to April is the ideal time to visit Karnataka.
How many days are needed to visit Karnataka?
It will take at least 5-6 days to cover the best part of Karnataka. However, it is difficult or nearly impossible to cover the whole of Karnataka in one go.
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