It's a striking part of India... From the majestic temples of Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to the sumptuous palaces of Mysore, Karnataka is a veritable jewel, captivating travelers with its diverse landscapes and rich traditions. Karnataka is also renowned for its cuisine, blending subtle and authentic flavours with Bisi bele bath and Dosa Masala, for example. Nature lovers will be delighted by the Western Ghats mountain range, with its magnificent hiking trails. So, what's there to do and see in Karnakata? In this article, we take a look at 13 must-sees to help you plan a memorable trip.
1. Bangalore, India's Silicon Valley
It's one of the must-visit places in southern India: welcome to Bangalore, capital of Karnataka. Known as India's Silicon Valley, Bangalore is a veritable center of technological innovation. While becoming the country's high-tech center, Bangalore has nonetheless retained a typically Indian charm. It is also rich in historical treasures and green spaces, such as the famous Lalbagh Park. During your stay you'll see that the city is always on the move, with a multitude of cultural events such as concerts, dance performances (Western and Indian), theater, exhibitions and carnivals.
2. The village of Hampi and its ancient ruins
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hampi is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to visit in India. This remarkable site is home to almost 4,000 ruins dating back to the medieval Hindu kingdom of Vijayanâgar. These remains bear witness to the exceptional mastery of the builders of the time, and Hampi's Hindu architecture reflects the splendor of the Vijayanâgar Empire. You can visit the site by bicycle to take in the beautiful landscape of pink sandstone, sugar cane fields and rice paddies crossed by the Tungabhadra River, which adds a magical atmosphere to the whole site.
3. What to do in Karnakata? Visit Mysore and its palace
What to do in the Karnakata? Located 159 km southwest of Bangalore at an altitude of 770 meters, Mysore, nicknamed the "City of Palaces", is an ancient imperial city that was the capital of the Woodeyars from the 15th century until Independence in 1947. It's a pleasant city to walk around, and one of the few in India with walkable sidewalks. Whether it's for its thousand-scented market or its sumptuous maharajah'spalace with its great hall, doll pavilion and wedding hall, Mysore is definitely one of the must-sees in the Karnakata region.
4. Mumbai, vibrant with life, color and sound
Vibrant with life, color and sound, Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, is India's economic capital. Despite its frenetic pace, the city retains a remarkable heritage. Don't miss a visit to mumbai railway station, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-see. Each district of the city has its own unique identity and atmosphere, from the extravagant opulence of the wealthy in the suburbs of Juhu or along Marine Drive, to the slums of Dharavi, Asia's largest with millions of inhabitants. Mumbai is also famous for being home to Bollywood, the center of the Indian film industry. And don't miss the Gateway of India, a monumental arch and Gandhi's home.
Read more: What to do and see in Mumbai The 14 must-sees
Worth knowing: Near the capital, you can discover other gems such as the rock caves of Ellora and Ajanta, the remains of Aurangabad, or the holy city of Nashik. And just an hour away by plane, you can also enjoy the gentle pace of life in Goa.
5. Badami and its rock-cut cave temples
Former capital of the first Chalukya kingdom, Badami is renowned for its rich history and prestigious monuments, some dating back to the 6th and 7th centuries. The town is home to rock-cut temples, portals, forts, inscriptions and sculptures that seem to come to life before your eyes. A few steps lead up tocave temples carved into the red sandstone rock on the cliffside. Nearby is the 5th-century Agastyatirtha reservoir, dotted with Bhutanatha temples dedicated to Shiva. A path from the archaeological museum leads to a temple at the top of the hill, offering a breathtaking view from the remains of the fort. The charming little village at the foot of the monument is also well worth a visit.
Did you know? South India is one of Petit Futé's 15 destinations to visit in 2025!
6. Nagarhole National Park
The magnificent Rajiv Gandhi National Park, more commonly known as Nagarhole, covers 397 km² and is located 89 kilometers south of Mysore. Buses run to this destination twice a day from Mysore. The park is home to a rich biodiversity, including black panthers, tigers, leopards and elephants. The main attraction of this park is the Kabini River, which flows through it, offering sumptuous scenery, particularly beautiful at dawn. The reservoir formed by the dam on the river attracts many migratory birds in winter, making Nagarhole a popular spot for birdwatchers.
7. What to do in Karnakata? See Vijayapura and its Islamic architecture
Bijapur, now officially known as Vijayapura, is nicknamed the Agra of southern India for its Islamic architecture dating back to the Adil Shahi dynasty . The city is dotted with mosques, mausoleums, palaces and fortifications that bear witness to this era. The austere elegance of these monuments contrasts with the exuberance of the Chalukya and Hoysala temples further south. In its heyday, Bijapur was one of the five satellite states to emerge from the collapse of the Muslim Bahmani kingdom in 1482. Even today, the city retains a strong Muslim identity. Unfairly overlooked by tourist circuits, the city contains treasures that are well worth discovering.
8. Bandipur Tiger Reserve
Bandipur is considered one of the most interesting nature reserves in southern India, home to leopards, tigers, elephants, wild bison, deer and various species of monkey. In fact, it has the second-highest concentration of tigers of any Indian sanctuary. The best time to visit Bandipur is from late February to late May. The dry season encourages the animals to move around more. However, from October to February there are also good opportunities for animal sightings, although the large carnivores are sometimes less visible.
Good to know: This 874 km² national park is part of a larger protected area, which also includes the nearby wildlife sanctuaries of Nagarhole, Mudumalai (Tamil Nadu) and Wayanad (Kerala): the Unesco-listed Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve, the country's largest protected area.
9. Srirangapatna, an island fortress in Karnakata
Srirangapatna is an island fortress on the Cauvery River, with magnificent monuments testifying to its rich past. Although the British finally defeated Tipu Sultan in 1799 and razed much of his fort and palace to the ground, several remarkable sites remain. These include the fort's three successive gates, the Jama Masjid mosque dating from 1787, which fuses Hindu and Muslim styles, the remains of the palace's foundations, the site where Tipu Sultan was killed by a British cannonball, and the prison where he held enemy officers.
Also nearby is the Ranganathaswamy temple, home to Karnataka's largest Vishnu statue. Two kilometers away, Tipu Sultan's summer palace is also a must-see, with its fully painted ceilings and walls.
10. What to do in Karnakata? Gokarna's pristine beaches
Gokarna is famous for its Mahabaleshwar temple, which attracts many Hindu pilgrims. However, travelers visit the town for an entirely different reason: its pristine, almost deserted beaches, just a few kilometers away. Less crowded than Goa and its neighboring beaches, Gokarna has developed over time, welcoming hippies in search of tranquility. From a few bamboo beach huts at the outset, the resort has started to grow, so now is the ideal time to visit Gokarna and enjoy a natural environment that is still almost untouched.
11. Udupi, with its famous Krishna temple
What to do in the Karnakata? Udupi is definitely worth a visit, if only for its famous Krishna Temple. This large complex includes the main Krishna shrine, pilgrims' lodgings, monasteries, refectories, a pond, a stable, a festival hall and several smaller temples. It is surrounded by a circular street featuring processional chariots, temples and shops. The main façade of the temple has no entrance door, but a small window gives a glimpse of the idol from the outside, which, according to legend, was sculpted by Viswakarma on the orders of Sri Krishna himself.
12. Pattadakal temples
This fascinating complex of temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built under the Chalukya dynasty between the 7th and 8th centuries. Also known as Raktapura or Pattadakallu, the complex comprises nine Hindu temples, including the famous Virupaksha temple, as well as a Jain sanctuary. Located on the west bank of the Mallaprabha River, these temples represent a perfect synthesis of the different architectural styles of the period, reflecting the society, culture and various religious currents that coexisted in the Deccan region.
13. What to do in Karnakata Taste typical culinary specialties
Karnataka is a region rich in flavors and culinary traditions that will delight the taste buds of gourmets. Among the must-try specialties, Bisi Bele Bath, a dish of spiced rice mixed with lentils and vegetables, is a true delight. Dosa Masala, a rice pancake filled with a spicy potato mixture, is also very popular. Those with a sweet tooth won't want to miss Mysore Pak, a sweet made from chickpea flour, sugar and ghee. For an authentic experience, be sure to sample these dishes in local restaurants or street markets, where you can savor the true essence of Karnataka cuisine.
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