Karnataka Tourism

Karnataka Tourism is characterized by ancient sculpted temples, cosmopolitan cities, evergreen forests, and scenic beaches. Karnataka is a culturally prosperous and naturally compelling state with an exciting blend of urban jungles, glittering palaces, wildlife sanctuaries, ancient ruins, and yoga centers. All points of interest in Karnataka spell allure. Some of these tourist destinations in Karnataka are well-renowned, while many more lie off the beaten path. So, follow our Karnataka travel guide with places to visit, weather information, and a map of Karnataka.

Known as the City of Gardens, Bangalore or Bengaluru is the largest city in Karnataka. In the IT hub of India, Victorian-era bungalows and ancient cave temples shine in the shadows of skyscrapers. Places to visit in Bangalore include Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens, Tipu Sultan's Fort, Dravidian-styled Bull Temple, and HAL Museum. Enjoying the nightlife of Bangalore and exploring Nandi Hills are some of the best things to do in Karnataka.

The regal splendor of Mysore or Mysuru attracts thousands of travelers during the Dussehra celebrations. One of the major tourist attractions in Karnataka, Mysore is rich in tradition with an atmospheric bazaar district lined with spice stores and incense shops. Nestled amid emerald landscapes and expansive plantations, Coorg or Kodagu region extends along the southernmost edge of Karnataka. A major hub for coffee and spice production, Coorg district in Karnataka is home to the Kodava people. Its carpeted hills and not-so-often-taken trails are ideal to enjoy bird watching and trekking in Karnataka.

Tourist places in North Karnataka offer a change of scenery and pace. The ancient city of Hampi, famous for the 14th-century ruins, is like an open-air museum of sacred complexes, shrines, and royal structures. Located in the coastal Konkan region in Karnataka, Gokarna is blessed with a beautiful string of beaches that can rival the beaches of Goa. Islamic ruins of Bijapur along with Buddhist cave temples and Jain structures in Aihole are also worth visiting. Pattadakal, Badami, Mangalore, Jog Falls, Belur, and Bidar are also major tourist destinations in Karnataka.

National parks in Karnataka are home to a great variety of flora and fauna. Bandipur National Park and Nagarhole National Park are two of the most famous wilderness areas in South India. Comprising 880 square kilometers, Bandipur is home to 100 species of mammals and 350 species of birds. Prowling with tigers, sloth, and elephants, Nagarhole National Park flanks the Kabini River in Mysore and Kodagu districts in Karnataka.

The best time to visit Karnataka is from October through March. During this time of the year, post-monsoon greenery brings life to hill stations and national parks, and also the weather is ideal for sightseeing in Karnataka. The airports in Bangalore and Mangalore are major points of entry for travelers visiting Karnataka. The state has decent train connectivity with major railway junctions in Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Hubballi, and Arsikere.