Whenever tourism is talked about, the South Indian state of Karnataka is very much liked. Karnataka is the fifth most popular state in India in terms of tourism. Karnataka is a bouquet of attractions in India. This state is full of rich cultural heritage. Of India's 3,600 centrally protected historical monuments, 507 are located in Karnataka. Karnataka is full of natural attractions. There are 5 national parks and more than 25 wildlife sanctuaries here. From mesmerizing views, cultural heritage, and serene beaches to sumptuous food, you will find everything in this beautiful state. If you are also planning to visit Karnataka, then let us tell you about some of the major places to visit here, where you must visit.
Bangalore
Bangalore, a colorful city of culture and people, is counted among the popular tourist places in Karnataka. Bangalore is also known for its pleasant weather, attractive parks, and beautiful lakes located here. The lush green area around Bangalore is dotted with waterfalls, wildlife sanctuaries, and rivers. Due to the presence of lush green gardens, it has earned the reputation of being the 'Garden City of India'. Cubbon Park, Ulsoor Lake, Indira Gandhi Musical Fountain Park, Bagley Rock Park, and Lumbini Garden are the major attractions here.
Coorg
It is one of the popular tourist places in Karnataka. This place is like heaven for nature lovers. The heart is relieved to see the beautiful green hills here and along with it, the rivers flowing here. Coorg, famous for its coffee, is also known as the 'Scotland of India'. Abbey Falls, Iruppu Falls, and Honnamana Ker Lake are some of the places to visit in Coorg.
Gokarna
Gokarna is a city located in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. In this city surrounded by ancient temples, you can see many thousands of years old temples. The city is about 59 km from Karwar, 483 km from Bangalore, and 238 km from Mangalore. Furthermore, the rustic outlook of the city has attracted the attention of a lot of travelers and foreigners. There are many beaches, pilgrimage centers, and waterfalls which are the center of tourist attraction. The town is situated around the Aghanashini River, which is considered a holy place for devotees. Apart from the beaches, there is the Mahabaleshwar temple which attracts many devotees and saints.
Nandi Hills
Nandi Hills, located in the Chikkaballapur district of Karnataka, is counted among the most beautiful places in India. The greenery and beautiful views here fascinate the mind. There are many ancient and attractive temples located here. Apart from this, the Nandi Fort situated on the mountains is also a place worth seeing here. This is an ancient fort, which was built by Tipu Sultan.
Udupi
Udupi is a wonderful vacation spot in Karnataka, located about 60 km from Mangalore. One unique thing about this city is that it is surrounded by the Western Ghats on one side and the Arabian Sea on the other. After Bangalore and Mangalore, Udupi is the most important city in Karnataka. Udupi is famous for its natural beauty, tasty food, pristine beaches, and dense forests. The intricately carved temples are thronged by devotees and history buffs throughout the year. Udupi has a rich cultural heritage whose history is more than 700 years old. Other popular places to visit here are St. Mary's Island, Brahmavar, Barkur, Malpe Beach, Kudlu Falls, and Ananteshwar Temple.
Mysore
Mysore is a beautiful city. Here you can enjoy seeing the royal heritage. Mysore is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the country. This place is famous for its magnificent architecture and history. After the Taj Mahal in Agra, the Mysore Palace in Mysore is considered to be the most architecturally beautiful. If you are fond of knowing history, then you should plan to visit here.
Mangaluru
Located 250 km west of Bengaluru, the capital of the state of Karnataka, the coastal city of Mangaluru is one of the major tourist attractions in South India throughout the year. Though Mangaluru is known for beaches, islands, temples, and sunrise and sunset points, if you are looking for a coastal city in Karnataka, then Mangaluru is the best option for you. When you come to visit Mangaluru, you must also try the delicious seafood here. Anirabhavi Beach, Panambur Beach, Someshwar Temple, St. Aloysius Chapel, Mangaladevi Temple, and Kadri Manjunath Temple are the major attractions here.
Hampi
The city of Hampi has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site because of the ruins of the medieval Hindu kingdom of Vijayanagara. Another great reason to visit Hampi is that the peace you will find here will take you to another world. It calms and relaxes you, providing a break from the stresses of everyday life.
Murudeshwar
Murudeshwar is a holy city dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated on the shores of the Arabian Sea in the southern state of Karnataka. The world's second-tallest statue of Lord Shiva sits in this city. Murudeshwar is easily accessible by bus, train, and air. The nearest airport is Mangalore Airport, which is 133 km from the city. You can enjoy the sunset on the beach of Murudeshwar. Arabian sea beaches like Aligadda Beach and Murudeshwar Beach attract a lot of tourists. Also, visit the majestic statue of Lord Shiva which stands at a height of 123 feet.
Bandipur
Bandipur is a national reserve in Karnataka. Wild animals and birds are protected in this reserve. A few kilometers away from the capital Bangalore, this reserve is one of the popular tourist destinations where you can go for a weekend getaway. The place is surrounded by a serene environment and is eco-friendly. Here you can see lush greenery, elephants, and other birds and animals. The reserve also has an animal care center that looks after their health and reproductive problems. Injured animals are treated in this center. You can go on bird-watching tours and take wildlife safaris in this reserve.
