If we make a painting of Karnataka, then the natural wonders, fascinating history, adventure, and religious value would be some prominent colors. Places to visit in Karnataka spell charm and sedation that you can enjoy throughout your holiday.
This state has its vibrant cultural legacy and historical wealth. And attractions are scattered all over its cities. Apart from it, these cities are blessed with beautiful beaches, enthralling architectural marvels, delicious cuisines with unique food items, and natural wonders.
If you want to plan your vacation in Karnataka and you are stuck with a question about the best tourist places in Karnataka, then you will get the answer here!
Make your vacation remarkable by visiting these tourist places in Karnataka and discover the true charm of the state.
Here is the list of top places to visit in Karnataka 2024 (July, August, September)
1. Bengaluru: The City of Diversity
It is a city that is also called the city of the garden and enjoyed rapid growth. Being blessed with delightful weather, fascinating lakes, and stunning parks, Bengaluru is one of the most popular tourist places in Karnataka. This lively city keeps fabulous attractions to keep you entertained on your Bangalore vacation.
Whether you are willing to spend a fun-filled day on a sightseeing tour, indulge in thrilling activities, shopping, or partying after sunset, you will get numerous things to do in Bengaluru. During your visit to this vibrant city, you should enjoy the night trek in Kunti Betta that renders you a unique experience.
You will find places where you can delve into Indian history and learn something about the rich culture. If you are inclined toward the adventures, unleash an adventurer in you by enjoying parasailing, trekking, camping wildlife tours, and watersports.
Tourist attractions of Bengaluru:
- Butterfly Park of Bannerghatta Biological Park
- Lalbagh Glass Place
- Bangalore Palace
- Wonderla
- Cubbon Park
- MG Road
- Innovative Film City
2. Hampi: Enjoy the Ancient Vibes
This ancient village is nestled at the bank of the Tungabhadra River and now well-known as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It has numerous ruined temple complexes from the Vijayanagara Empire, which make it one of the best places to visit in Karnataka. The highlight of Hampi is its stony landscape and barren beauty that attracts tourists from all over the corner. If you are keen to explore history, then this place should be on your bucket list.
Once you step into this fascinating city, you will be amazed by looking at the craftsmanship of the skilled artisans of the era. Hampi ruins showcase around 500 architectural structures which are worth visiting. Apart from it, Hampi offers many dimensions that keep you entertained. You can ride on a bicycle and stroll around the temples.
You can visit Anjaneya Hill to get an aerial view of Hampi ruins, which is one of the best things to do in Hampi. For adventure lovers, rock climbing and cliff jumping are the best thrilling activities to pump an adrenaline rush.
Tourist attraction of Hampi
- Vijaya Vittala Temple
- Monkey Temple
- Queen’s Bath
- Archeological Museum
- Matanga Hill
- Virupaksha Temple
- Hippie Island
3. Bandipur National Park- Lap of Nature
Spending some time in this park is all about feeling the greenery, listening to birds chirping, and a unique charm of nature that will leave you awestruck. A well-known tiger reserve and bird sanctuary is a perfect thing for nature lovers and bird watchers. This park offers an exceptional blend of natural beauty and tranquility, which makes it one of the top tourist destinations to visit in Karnataka.
The famous tiger reserve and bird sanctuary is an idyllic retreat for nature lovers and bird watchers. The number of ardent nature lovers and families flocking to Bandipur National Park has made it the number one tourist place in Karnataka for picnics.
If you are looking for a spot for an enjoyable picnic time, this park has everything that you ever dreamt of for a perfect picnic. You will also find rich varieties of flora and fauna, such as wild elephants, gaurs, antelopes, and spotted deer.
Tourist attractions of Bandipur National Park
- Wildlife Safari
- Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple
- Himavad Gopalaswamy Temple
- Anjaneyar Temple
- Biligirirangan Hills
4. Coorg – The Scotland of India
Pleasant weather throughout the year and undulating green hills make it one of the best places to visit in Karnataka for couples. Apart from its widely famous coffee plantations, this hill station of Karnataka has so many things to offer. It is admirable at whatever it offers to tourists. Whether you will talk about its glorious history, natural beauty, thrill-packed activities, or mouth-watering cuisine, you can enjoy this town in many dimensions on your vacation.
This hill station is widely famous for its breathtaking landscapes that can easily win the heart of anyone. It embraces every kind of traveler and gives you something that suits you. Enjoying the coracle ride on a nearby river is one of the best things to do when you are in Coorg. Brahmagiri Peak is the answer for every nature lover, tranquility-seeker, and adventurous soul.
Tourist attractions of Coorg
- Abbey Falls
- Iruppu Falls
- Dubare Elephant Camp
- Nagarhole National Park
- Brahmagiri Peak
- Chettalli
5. Wayanad – A Hub of Enthralling Natural Beauty
This idyllic destination is settled at an altitude of 2100 m above sea level. No wonder! Wayanad is one of the best hill stations that you can explore on your Karnataka vacation. It offers a tantalizing fragrance of fresh spices, stunning waterfalls, fascinating caves, rich wildlife, and luxurious resorts. This hill station has become a perfect spot for unwinding your mind, body, and soul. It attracts tourists from all over the world as it is filled up with natural beauty that you can feel in the air.
Apart from sightseeing and scenic beauty, this place has many things to offer that make your vacation great. You can indulge in fun-filled activities like trekking, camping, cycling, ziplining, and exploring the mysterious caves. A visit to Wayanad is all about redefining natural beauty and storing pleasant memories and unforgettable experiences in your heart forever.
Tourist attractions of Wayanad
- Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
- Pookode Lake
- Kalladi Forest
- Edakkal Caves
- Neelimala View Point
- Chembra Peak
- Thirunelli Temple
6. Chikmagalur – The Coffee Land of Karnataka
This destination is blessed with a pleasing combination of scenic beauty and the aroma of coffee and is officially known as the coffee land of Karnataka. This hill station is at the foothills of the Mullayanagiri range and well-known for its calm nature, rich green forests, and Yagachi River. Kemmangundi, Kudremukh National Park, Mullayanagiri, Hebbe Falls, Baba Budangiri,are some of the best places to visit in Chikmagalur. Apart from these places , you can encounter many other attractions.
Exploring the serene coffee plantation and going for a nature walk are some of the must-do things here. A tour to collect some cherishable moments for a lifetime and this tour gives you incredible ways to relish the greenery and unwind yourself. It is a perfect destination to feel the natural ambiance. If you are a coffee lover, then it is a paradise for you. A natural walk and trekking trails in the hills is a must-do activity in this hill station.
Tourist attraction of Chikmagalur
- Mahatma Gandhi Park
- Coffee Museum
- Mullayana Giri
- Kudurekha Jamly
- Inam Dattatreya Peetha
Read Also: Places to visit in Chikmagalur
7. Dandeli – The Adventure Hub
It is an incredible destination where adventure meets with nature. Dandeli is one of the top tourist destinations in Karnataka that thrillingly offers the beauty of nature. Rested on the Western Ghats of Uttara Karnataka. It is blessed by the lush green forests and lies on the banks of the Kali River. It is widely known as the hub of adventure that offers many opportunities to indulge in fun and thrill. River rafting is one of the most famous adventure activities here. But, Dandeli has so much to offer for adventure seekers.
You can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, mountain biking, trekking, and cycling. All these activities make it one of the best places to visit in Karnataka during summer. The Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is another thrilling element that will make it a perfect destination for nature lovers. After enjoying the adventure activity, you can enjoy the nature walk and night camps and enhance your traveling experience.
Tourist attractions of Dandeli
- Shiroli Park
- Kavala caves
- Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary
- Ulavi Temple
8. Gokarna- Enjoy Striking Beaches
The mix of pristine beaches and stunning landscapes make Gokarna one of the famous tourist places in Karnataka. If you are a beach lover, this place must be on your list for your Karnataka vacation. It is also a significant pilgrim place as it is the hub of many ancient temples. Whether you want to soothe your soul by visiting temples, enjoy the serene beauty of beaches or want to connect yourself with thrill, Gokarna is a win-win situation for you.
This ideal destination is perfect for sanctity and relaxation and attracts people from all corners of the world. The richness of coconut and palm trees, the ocean, and clean sands make Gokarna one of its kind destinations in Karnataka. You can enjoy exhilarating water sports like banana boat rides, snorkeling, and parasailing to make your vacation delightful.
Tourist attractions of Gokarna
- Om Beach
- Mahabaleshwar Temple
- Maha Ganapati Temple
- Kudle Beach
9. Nandi Hills – Catch the Breathtaking View From Your Eyes
Nestled at a distance of 60km from Bangalore, Nandi hill is one of the perfect places to visit in Karnataka for weekend getaways that offers many attractions and beauty unconventionally. Tranquil lake, magnificent forts, ancient temples, and mesmerizing, make it one of the best tourist spots in Karnataka. Being at a height of 4851 ft above sea level, Nandi hills experience a pleasant climate and are counted as one the perfect places to visit in Karnataka in summer.
You can soothe your soul and give a feast to your eyes by enjoying the sunrise or sunset from a hilltop amidst cloud, fog, and misty weather. Listening to the sound of birds chirping while beholding the view of clouds is a moment that Nandi Hills offers you to cherish for a lifetime.
Tourist attractions of Nandi Hills
- Tipu’s Drop
- Tipu’s Summer Residence
- Nandi Temple
- Yoga Nandeeshwara Temple
- Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple
10. Mysore- Experience the Royal History
It is one of the largest royal states that offers diverse tourist spots. A tour of Mysore will allow you to get in touch with royal history in a magnificent way. If we talk about the ancient reign, then no wonder! Mysore will be one of the most significant places in the country. Attractions of this city reflect the history of its dazzling royal heritage, captivating architecture, and natural beauty. All these attractions make Mysore one of the top historical places to visit in Karnataka.
This city earned fame because of its silk sarees, yoga, and sandalwood. Visiting Mysore Palace is one of the must-visit destinations of Mysore and declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will be stunned by looking at the Indo-Saracenic architecture and intricate details at every inch. You can also practice yoga by visiting the Ashtanga School of Yoga and get a unique experience. It is one of the idyllic destinations to visit in Karnataka that will leave you with wow factors and awe-inspiring feelings.
Tourist attractions of Mysore
- Sri Chamundeshwari temple
- Mysore Palace
- Somanathapura Temple
- Brindavan Gardens
- Mysore Zoo
- Brindavan Gardens
11. Badami: Explore Mesmerising Cave Temple
Badami is nestled in the northern part of Karnataka and is widely known for its history and architecture. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites that offer ancient temples, forts, and historical places. Once you set your feet in Badami, you will find Dravidian buildings, which have instances of both South and North Indian styles of design. Three Hindu Temples and one Jain Temple in Badami Caves are some of the main attractions of Badami.
Tourist attractions of Badami
- Badami Fort
- Durga Temple
- Lad Khan Temple
- Archeological Temple
- Huchimalli Temple
- Virupaksha & Papanatha Temple
- Galaganatha Shrine
- Buddha rock-cut Caves
- Bhootnath Temple
12. Udupi – Enjoy a Sacred Tour
Ethereal, grassy, and delightful are some words that describe Udupi. This city is well known for its Hindu Temple, and the highlight of this city is the 13th century Shri Krishna Temple. Being tucked between the misty Western Ghats and the picturesque Arabian Sea, Udupi is one of the most beautiful places in Karnataka. Even though it is well known for its temples. But apart from it, this city also offers many beautiful elements. Udupi is widely famous for its stunning beaches, architecture, wood, artifacts, stone carving, and Yakshagana, a theatre art genre.
Tourist attractions of Udupi
- Sri Krishna Temple
- Ambalpady
- Malpe Beach
- Shiriyara
- St. Mary’s Islands
These are some best places in Karnataka that offer experiences of glorious past, natural wonders, scenic beauty, thrilling activities, spiritual ambiance, and many more. You can choose from them to make your Karnataka tour remarkable as all are must-visit places.