The arrival of monsoon in Karnataka turns it into a magical place. While the Western Ghats display their charm, the coastal regions near the Arabian Sea become all the more picturesque when the first drops of rain hit the ground. Nature puts up a great show during the monsoon in Karnataka. The plantations of Coorg will flash your eyes with its verdant greenery and striking vistas. The monuments of Hampi and Bidar look spectacular when drenched in the rain. And, the sparkling waterfalls of Agumbe turn into the wild roaring beasts. It would be a huge FOMO if you miss out on witnessing the most dramatic and scenic avatar that nature dons during the monsoons.
Weather In Karnataka
Due to the onset of heavy rainfalls, Karnataka weather in July is humid yet pleasant. The coastal regions and southern areas of Karnataka receive a high rainfall during the monsoons. The charm of the Western Ghats increase manifold as the rainforests are painted with fifty shades of greens.
The temperature plummets down to 28 degrees Celsius during the day which is a great relief from the scorching heat. In the night, you might need some woolens to keep yourself warm and the temperature can go as low as 20 degrees Celsius.
South Weekend Holiday Packages On TravelTriangle
Monsoon In Karnataka: Here’s 15 Places You Should Visit
Although the rains limit the option of sightseeing, there are various other exuberant experiences you can have during monsoon in Karnataka. From waterfalls to hill stations and high-rise mountains, there are a whole lot of attractions to explore in monsoon. The monsoon adds a magical charm around these places, so there they are:
- Hampi – Photowalk
- Maravanthe – Scenic Drive
- Agumbe – For Waterfalls
- Bidar Fort – Sightseeing
- Coorg – Enjoy The Rains
- Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary – Run Wild With Animals
- Mysore Silent Shores Resorts And Spa – Rejuvenating Stay
- Nandi Hills – Road Trip
- Trek To Skandagiri Hill – A Mesmerizing Mountain
- Gokarna – Beach Hopping
- Kabini – Walk In The Jungles
- Jog Waterfalls – Witness Majestic Nature
- Kemmanagundi – Scenic Hill Station At Its Best
- Kudremukh – Trek Through The Lush Grasslands
- Balur – Smell The Vast Coffee Estates
1. Hampi – Photowalk
Hampi is one of the best monsoon places in Karnataka. All of a sudden, the dry vistas of Hampi turn into green sprawling pastures. The copious temples which dot the scenic landscape of Hampi look breathtaking when drenched in the rains.
The pleasant weather makes it easier to hop from one monument to another in the pursuit of spectacular photos. The cloudy sky makes a terrific backdrop for the photos of the temples. Even Coracle boat rides in the mighty Hampi River and rock climbing becomes all the more thrilling.
Location: Vijayanagara district, Karnataka, India
Specialty: UNESCO has described it as an ‘austere, grandiose site’ of more than 1,600 surviving remains of the last great Hindu kingdom in South India.
Must Read: Places To Visit In Hampi
2. Maravanthe – Scenic Drive
Image Credits: Mayur Upadhya for Wikipedia
A small village on NH 66 in Karnataka, Maravanthe is where the sea and the river jog together. On one side the village is surrounded by the Arabian Sea while the other side is where the Souparnika River flows in tranquility. During the monsoon in Karnataka, Maravanthe becomes one of the most scenic beach roads which is why you ought to take a road trip here. It is one of the best places to visit in monsoon in Karnataka.
Location: Byndoor Taluk, Karnataka, India
Specialty: It is just 20 to 30 feet away and runs parallel to the sea
3. Agumbe – For Waterfalls
Image Credit: Shyam siddarth for Wikimedia Commons
Agumbe is known for its numerous waterfalls, natural splendor, and rich biodiversity. The high-altitude village in the Shimoga district is also known as ‘Cherrapunji of South’ since it is the highest rainfall place in Karnataka. Its many waterfalls like Onake Abbi, Jogi Gundi Falls, and Barkana Falls transform into thunderous marvels during the monsoon in Karnataka. The other pleasantry this place has to offer is the numerous trekking trails in the lush green rainforests of Agumbe which preserve an abundance of rare and exotic biodiversity. This is one of the popular hill stations near Mangalore.
Location: Shivamogga district, Karnataka, India
Specialty: Waterfalls and Temples of this serene hamlet are spell-binding.
Suggested Read: River Rafting In Dandeli
4. Bidar Fort – Sightseeing
Image Credit: Atanu srt for Wikimedia Commons
What once used to be the capital of medieval Deccan in now a popular destination with 98 monuments, all of which are spectacular and unique in their own sense. Settled on a hilltop, the ‘City of Whispering Monuments’ is one of the best places to visit during monsoon in Karnataka.
The 500-year old Bidar Fort stands tall in aplomb and has earned the city a prominent place on the Archaeological Map of India. The place got its name from Bidri artwork which is a unique 14th-century craft seen in metalwares. There are many souvenir shops in the city from where you can buy the world-famous Bidri handicrafts. The fort is an amazing place to visit near Hyderabad.
Location: Bidar, Karnataka, India
Specialty: The fort belonged to the first ruler of the Bahmani Sultunate
5. Coorg – Enjoy The Rains
Just when you think Coorg could not be any more beautiful, wait for the monsoons to arrive. The green coffee plantations unraveling behind the thick foggy mist looks so mystical and dramatic. Sweep the breathtaking panoramas of Madikeri town while it is drenched in the rain from the Raja’s Seat, the highest point in the town.
Abbey Falls, which is another famous tourist attraction in Coorg, becomes a fairyland in the monsoons. Not even the monsoon in Karnataka are able to stop bikers and travelers to come to Coorg to enjoy a hot cuppa fresh coffee. Simply put, this is one of the most amazing monsoon destinations in Karnataka.
Location: Kodagu district, Karnataka, India
Specialty: Coffee plantations, steep hills, countless streams, rich flora & fauna, lush forests and breathtaking views
Suggested Read: Coorg In Monsoon
6. Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary – Run Wild With Animals
Image Credit: NRay91 for Pixabay
If you are a wildlife enthusiast, the forests of Dandeli are one of the excellent places to savor the exotic flora and fauna during monsoon in Karnataka. The Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is the second largest wildlife sanctuary of Karnataka and the habitat of many reptiles, birds, and wild animals which come out in the open in this season. Spotting a black panther, leopard, or an elephant is a common site here.
The white-water rafting activity in the Kali River lures thrill-seekers and adventurists to get some adrenaline boost. Beware of the man-eating crocodiles who lurk in the deep waters of the river. Spend a night at the resort in the park to experience the wilderness at its best.
Location: Dandeli, Karnataka 581325
Specialty: It is a birdwatcher’s paradise, featuring over 200 species of birds, including the great hornbill and the Malabar pied hornbill.
7. Mysore Silent Shores Resorts And Spa – Rejuvenating Stay
Image Credit: Alpcem for Pixabay
Monsoon in Karnataka limits the option of sightseeing. But spending a rejuvenating weekend in a luxury resort seems like a brilliant option. Silent Shores Resorts & Spa in Mysore offers an enchanting vacay experience amidst nature. You will fall in love with this heavenly abode for its top-class hospitality and mesmerizing views of the surrounding hills. While it is raining outside, you can pamper yourself with Balinese, Swedish, and Ayurvedic Spa treatments.
Location: BEML Road, Plot No. 85-87, Hootagalli, Mysuru, Karnataka 570018
Specialty: Serene place for holidayers
Suggested Read: Best Resorts In Mysore
8. Nandi Hills – Road Trip
Nandi Hills and monsoons are made for each other. It is because of the spellbinding vistas and breathtaking sunsets and sunrise, Nandi Hills was once the retreat of Tipu Sultan and the Britishers. As soon as the monsoon in Karnataka arrives, the bikers ride on their metal beasts all the way up to the hills to enjoy the splendor of nature. A copious amount of attractions in Nandi Hills and its close proximity to Bangalore has made it popular among Bangaloreans and the tourists.
Location: Chikkaballapur Taluk, Kolar district. Karnataka, India
Specialty: An ancient hill fortress built by Ganga Dynasty and later enlarged and strengthened by Tipu Sultan
9. Trek To Skandagiri Hill – A Mesmerizing Mountain
Rise above the clouds while you stand at the pinnacle of Skandagiri Hills. And, guess what? Karnataka weather in August poses great views and experiences to go on this trek. The cotton candy clouds look so ethereal that you would want to jump on them but dare not. The winsome views of the sunrise you get from Skandagiri are unparalleled. Furthermore, it is one of the best monsoon treks in Karnataka. Having a bonfire in the night and camping under the marvels of the sky make it an experience worth having. This is one of the best places to visit in Karnataka during monsoon.
Location: Kalavara Durga, Karnataka, India
Specialty: Massive rock formation which overlooks Nandi Hills.
Suggested Read: Best Places To Visit Near Bangalore In Summer
10. Gokarna – Beach Hopping
A hippie’s paradise, the beaches in Gokarna are known for their scenic and virgin landscapes. With rocky mountains on one side and the Arabian Sea on other, this religious town offers you the most picturesque landscapes. All the five beaches are adjacent to one another and are known for their exquisite charm. However, be careful as the tides are high during the monsoon weather in Karnataka in July. So, you should rather enjoy the views of the ocean from the shack sipping beers than swimming in the sea.
Location: Kumta taluk of Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka, India
Specialty: One of the seven important Hindu pilgrimage centers.
11. Kabini – Walk In The Jungles
This is one of the most-visited places in Karnataka during the monsoons. You get to witness the magnificence of various animals, including reptiles, birds, elephants, and even Black Panther. Observing the flora in full bloom and various animals will make for one of the best experiences you can undergo in the monsoons of Karnataka. Therefore, make the most of it by visiting this place with your friends or family.
Location: Wayanad district, Kerala, India
Specialty: It originates in the Wayanad district of Kerala
Suggested Read: Cottages In Kabini
12. Jog Waterfalls – Witness Majestic Nature
Image Credit: Arkadeep Meta for Wikimedia Commons
Jog Falls will remind you of a dreamy world with its massive fall and heavenly environment, especially during monsoons. You will definitely witness the majestic nature at its best with rainbows every now and then. It is a segmented waterfall and depends on rainfall to become a plunge waterfall. The waterfall is formed by the Sharavathi river. This is one of the most famous waterfalls in Karnataka and also one of the highest in India.
Location: Shimoga district, Karnataka, India
Speciality: It is the third-highest waterfall in India.
13. Kemmanagundi – Scenic Hill Station At Its Best
Image Credit: Srinivasa83 for Wikimedia Commons
You often search for the best hill stations while planning a vacay. We are sure when you search for the top hill stations in Karnataka, Kemmanagundi comes up. It is a beautiful and picturesque hill station in the Chikmagalur district. There are plenty of landscapes and lush areas to cover. Moreover, some of the other top attractions in Kemmanagundi are Hebbe Falls, Shanti Falls, Z Point and the very famous Baba Budan Giri and Mullayanagiri hills trekking route. In simple terms, the abode of nature is endless.
Location: Tarikere taluk of Chikkamagaluru district, Karnataka, India
Specialty: Picturesque hill station
Suggested Read: Best Places To Visit In Karnataka
14. Kudremukh – Trek Through The Lush Grasslands
Image Credit: Ramesh Desai for Wikimedia Commons
Monsoon in Karnataka can feel the best while visiting the serene hill station of Kudremukh. The Shola Grasslands and forests in the Kudremukh National Park are one of the most interesting sites to visit for monsoon trekking. The Kudremukh peak is a high-range mountain that provides plenty of natural abodes and attractions to discover. Furthermore, the Hanuman Gundi and Kadambi waterfalls are 2 important sites to visit. This is amongst the most beautiful places to visit in Karnataka during monsoon.
Location: Mudigere Taluk, Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka, India
Specialty: Kudremukh the third highest peak in Chikmagalur District of Karnataka.
15. Balur – Smell The Vast Coffee Estates
Image Credit: stachelblitz_01 for Pixabay
Balur is a village in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka. The best sights during the monsoon season are the vast expanse of coffee estates, approximately 400-acres. Moreover, the green gets greener and you feel like Balur being the purest place on earth. The Hemavathi river originates from between the plantations which is rich with plantations, waterfalls and streams. Some amazing places to visit in the region include Charmadi Ghat, Charmadi Falls, and Kode Kallu.
Location: Hassan district, Karnataka, India
Specialty: Terrains of lush green plantations.
Suggested Read: Hill Stations Near Mangalore
How To Reach Karnataka
Karnataka is a prominent state with tourism taking a great deal of the economy. So, here’s how you can enter the beautiful state of Karnataka:
By Air: There are 6 airports currently connecting the state with India and the rest of the world. The airports are in Bangalore and Mangalore (both international), Hampi, Mysore, Belgaum, Hubli and Bijapur.
By Rail: With an interstate and wide range of network, the connectivity is very well with the rest of India.
By Road: State-owned Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation connects major parts of the state. Also, the NEKRTC and NWKRTC are other main carriers that offer bus services connecting remote areas of the state. Plus, there is great connection of road link infrastructure throughout the state.
Further Read: Haunted Places In Karnataka
Traveling in the monsoons can be a bit of a hassle. But monsoon In Karnataka is worth it for the tremendous views and experiences you get. Do not refrain yourself from planning a trip to Karnataka for monsoons can be a wonderful time to explore the coastal beauty and charming hills.
For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here.
Cover Image Source: Shutterstock
Frequently Asked Questions About Monsoon In Karnataka
Which place has heavy rain in Karnataka?
There are a number of places in Karnataka that receive significantly heavy rainfall. Places like Agumbe and Hulikal, located in Shimoga District; Talakaveri in Madikeri district; and Amagaon in Uttara Kannada District are considered to receive the heaviest rainfall in Karnataka. When is monsoon in Karnataka?
There is no fixed month for monsoon but it starts by the mid or end of July. It is the off season in Karnataka and one can have a good time by choosing the less rainy parts of the state to visit. What is the best time to visit Karnataka?
From October to April is the best time to visit Karnataka. The climate of Karnataka remains on the warmer side throughout the year. Winters are mild, summers are hot and humid, and monsoon arrives early in Karnataka. What are the best places to visit in Karnataka?
The following are the most popular tourist destinations in Karnataka: 1. Bengaluru 2. Hampi 3. Mysuru 4. Madikeri 5. Nagarahole National Park 6. Bandipur Tiger Reserve 7. Gokarna 8. Mangalore 9. Belur 10. Badami, and more.
Looking To Book A Holiday Package?
People Also Read:
Monsoon In Madhya Pradesh Monsoon In Delhi Monsoon In Tamil Nadu
If some people enjoy window-shopping, Dhaarna takes pleasure in day-dreaming about solo trips when she’s not working. A gypsy at heart, she likes to spend her money on vacations, plants, and all things boho.
