Karnataka Tourism

Karnataka, the sixth largest state in India, has been ranked as the third most popular state in the country for tourism. It is home to 507 of the 3600 centrally protected monuments in India, the largest number after Uttar Pradesh. The State Directorate of Archaeology and Museums protects an additional 752 monuments and another 25,000 monuments are yet to receive protection. Tourism centres on the ancient sculptured temples, modern cities, the hill ranges, forests and beaches. Broadly, tourism in Karnataka can be divided into four geographical regions: North Karnataka, the Hill Stations, Coastal Karnataka and South Karnataka. The Karnataka government has recently introduced The Golden Chariot – a train which connects popular tourist destinations in the state and Goa. Karnataka received a total of 214.3 million domestic tourists in 2019, which is the third highest in terms of domestic visitors after Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.

Bangalore
Bangalore, a colorful city of culture and people, is one of the popular tourist destinations to visit in Karnataka. The IT hub of the country offers a cosmopolitan ambience and people from different parts come and settle here for work. Bangalore has pleasant and comfortable weather round the year and so it is one of the best places to visit in Karnataka in summer. Full of wildlife, nature, ruins, museums, architectural wonders, and gardens, Bangalore is a treat for tourists and travelers.

Coorg
A quaint and not so popular hill station, Coorg is aptly called ‘Scotland of India’. Its surreal beauty makes it one of the most fascinating tourist places in Karnataka. Endowed with coffee estates full of aroma, luxuriant greenery dotting the mountains, and stunning waterfalls plunging down the misty mountains, Coorg charms each and every one of its visitors. Thrilling treks along the winding trails of the coffee & spice plantations, visit elephant camp, coracle rides in the river, wildlife sanctuaries, monasteries, and local Madikeri market – all together contribute to make the holiday fascinating and exhilarating.

Kabini
Kabini is one of the most picturesque and the best tourist places in Karnataka, located along the bank of a river with the same name. River Kabini is a tributary of Cauvery. The place is located on the periphery of Rajiv Gandhi National Park, Bandipur Forest, and Nagarhole National Park; hence, offers ample scope of wildlife experience, amongst the best places in Karnataka to explore the wilderness.

Jog Falls
Amongst the most famous places in Karnataka, Jog Falls locally known as Gerusoppa falls, Gersoppa Falls, and Jogada Gundi are the second highest waterfalls in the country. Formed by Sharavathi River cascading from an altitude of 253 m (830 ft), the waterfalls are divided into four segments namely Raja, Rocket, Rani, and Roarer. They offer one of the most charming and breathtakingly beautiful places to see in Karnataka.

Shimoga
Shimoga, the cultural capital of Karnataka, is a colourful place enriched with fertile land, beautiful waterfalls, and lush green forests making it one of the best tourist places in karnataka. Its verdant greenery and tranquil ambience make it one of the best places to visit in Karnataka. River Tungabhadra, River Sharavathi, River Varada, and River Kumadvathi have carved out picturesque river valleys here. The place is historically famous as Kadambas, Gangas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, and Vijayanagar Kings reigned this region.