Top 10 Places To Visit In Karnataka

Originally known as the princely State of Mysore, Karnataka was formed on 1st
November 1956 and is located in the South-Western region of India. Close to the
Arabian Sea and the Laccadive Sea, Karnataka is known for its beautiful yet
unpopulated beaches and rich culture. The land has also seen the reign of the
ancient kingdoms of the south such as the Chola, Chera, Vijaynagar, Sathavahanas,
Maurya, Hoysala and many more right upto the Mighty Tipu Sultan and subsequently
the British. Kannada is the main language spoken here and picking up a few local
words can often be very helpful while travelling. The state is famous for its natural,
cultural and architectural heritage and there are plenty of places one can visit on
his/her trip to Karnataka.

1. Bangalore

The capital of Karnataka and the 3rd most populated city in India, Bangalore is
often known by its nickname the silicon valley of India due to it being a major IT
exporter in India. The city is now known by the Kannada name Bengaluru which

literally means The City of Guards. There are however, various different translations
of this word. The town is famous for its various attractions which include both
modern and historical place to visit. The various temples, palaces, lakes and forts etc.
are definitive places to visit. Image Credits Chethan Photography

2. Mysore

The down served as the capital of the princely State of Mysore for nearly six
centuries with distinguished rulers like Tipu Sultan and Hyder Ali. The city is also
known as the cultural capital of Karnataka and is famous for its various temples,
palaces, forts and old churches. The town is known for being the birth place for
various styles of Indian arts and crafts. Mysore is a major tourist destination in India
and should be visited by all who want to experience the rich culture of this historical
city. Image Credits ramnath bhat

3. Mangalore

Mangalore is located between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats and is
considered to be the 8th most clean city in India. The city has been an important one
since the rule of the ancient kingdoms like the Mauryas, Chalukyas and the Hoysalas
etc. however the city saw its golden days of prominence during the reign of Tipu
Sultan and Hyder Ali. Mangalore was a primary source of tension between Tipu
Sultan and the British. The city is famous for its amazing beaches and hills and the
rich culture imbibed within various temples and monuments of the old days. Image
Credits wbayer.com

4. Hampi

Located within the ruins of Vijaynagar, Hampi is a world heritage site and one of the
most important historical sites across the world. Vijaynagar was the capital of the
erstwhile Vijaynagar Kingdom and the ruins are built near the banks of the
Tungabhadra River. The city has some of the most magnificent buildings and sites
that display the architectural brilliance of the Vijaynagar rulers. Its various temples
are heavily frequented by pilgrims and tourists and is a great place to visit. Image
Credits Nagarjun

5. Coorg

Coorg is also known by its native name Kodagu and is located on the slopes of the
Western Ghats. It is a hilly location and is famous for its lush green surroundings and
pleasant climate. It is also an important agricultural town in Karnataka and is famous
for its coffee and paddy fields. The town of coorg is also famous for its natural wealth
and a number of various species of flora and fauna. Coorg has various Buddhist
monasteries that are a must visit. The various festivals and temples attract a huge
number of tourists to this city. Image Credits Aiel

6. Bijapur

Esablished between the 10th 11th century AD by the Chalukyas and eventually
came under the reign of the Delhi Sultanate and the Nizam of Hyderabad. Bijapur is
known for its various historical monuments and forts. There are various temples in
the town that were established in the ancient era of the Deccan kingdoms, however
the city saw its best days under the Adilshahi Dynasty and has an evident
Mohamedian influence in its culture. The various monuments in the city display a
brilliant Muslim architecture and are some of the best sites to visit. Image Credits
BinishJohn

7. Hubli-Dharwad

These are the twin cities and are also the commercial and business hub of Northern
Karnataka. The town Hubli is the fastest growing city after the capital Bangalore and
is also known as Chota or small Mumbai. The various temples, lakes and gardens in
this city are a must visit. The city Dharwad is again another important city of
Karnataka and is famous for its temples, monuments and is a home to a rich cultural
and traditional heritage. The various arts, crafts and festivals in these cities will
ensure you spend a decent amount of time here. Image Credits Ameyavikram

8. Badami

Badami got its name from the erstwhile reigning dynasty of the Badami Chalukyas
and is famous for its stone temples and rock cut monuments. The city is historically
significant as it has been mentioned in the Hindu mythological texts as well. The
cave temples and the Agastya Teerth are few of the most important pilgrimage spots
here. What makes the place unique is its peculiar location. It is located in a ravine
across the shores of the Agastya Lake and is a marvelous place to visit. Image
Credits Mukul Banerjee

9. Gulbarga

The city was founded by the sultans as their capital in the 14th century. Gulbarga is
known for its various temples and Muslim monuments and memorials. The place is
also been a home to the ancient kingdoms of the South with monuments and
buildings dating back to the reign of the Maurya, Chalukya, Hoysala etc. The local
cuisine is amazing and the place should be visited specially to try all of them out.
Image Credits iamrawat

10. Gokarna

A small temple town located at the northern part of Karnataka, Gokarna is known
for its temples and some of the most beautiful beaches in India. The Shiva temple of
Mahabaleshwara is prime pilgrim spot in this town and houses what is believed to be
the original image of lord Shivas lingam. It is one of the most favored holiday
destinations in the state as its clean and unpopulated beaches are amazing. Image
Credits solitary_harvester
The State of Karnataka has always been an important region since the reign of the
ancient southern kingdoms and has played an important part in shaping up the
history of our country. The pristine locations and the moniker of being one of
cleanest states in India, Karnataka is an experience everyone must get indulged with.