Karnataka is a large state in southwest India, stretching from the Arabian Sea coast across the forested Western Ghats to the Deccan plateau. It combines the UNESCO-listed ruins of Hampi, the Hoysala temples of Belur and Halebidu, the royal city of Mysuru, coffee-covered Coorg hills, and the beaches of Gokarna and Udupi, with Bengaluru as India's technology capital.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Karnataka.
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1
Mysore Palace (Amba Vilas Palace)
Seat of the Wodeyar rulers, rebuilt in Indo-Saracenic style by architect Henry Irwin and completed in 1912. The Durbar Hall, stained-glass Kalyana Mantapa and gilded Ambari throne make it one of India's most visited monuments.
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2
Virupaksha Temple and Hampi Bazaar
A living 7th-century Shiva temple still in daily worship at the west end of the ruined Vijayanagara capital, with a 50 m gopura and an inverted pinhole image of the tower inside a pillared hall. The wide Hampi Bazaar street runs east from its gate toward the Tungabhadra river.
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3
Vittala Temple and Stone Chariot
The 16th-century Vittala Temple houses the iconic stone chariot and the famed musical pillars of the Ranga Mantapa. It is the signature monument of the Hampi UNESCO site.
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4
Lotus Mahal and Zenana Enclosure
An Indo-Islamic two-storey pavilion with lotus-bud arches in the royal Zenana Enclosure, beside the long domed Elephant Stables and the Queen's Bath. The compound also holds watchtowers and guard buildings of the Vijayanagara court.
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5
Jog Falls
One of India's tallest plunge waterfalls, where the Sharavathi river drops about 253 m in four streams. Steps lead down to the base of the falls, while a viewing gallery overlooks the gorge.
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6
Namdroling Golden Temple
The largest Tibetan Buddhist teaching centre in South India, with the Padmasambhava Buddhist Vihara and its 40 ft gilded statues of Buddha, Padmasambhava and Amitayus. Bylakuppe is the second-largest Tibetan settlement in India.
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7
Abbey Falls
A cascade dropping about 21 m through coffee and spice plantations near Madikeri, approached by a short path and a footbridge viewpoint.
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8
Om Beach, Gokarna
Two connected crescent bays shaped like the Om symbol, with water-sports operators and beach shacks. The quieter Kudle, Half Moon and Paradise beaches are reached by a clifftop trek southward.
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9
Gol Gumbaz
Mausoleum of Sultan Muhammad Adil Shah (built 1626-1656) topped by one of the largest unsupported domes in the world, about 44 m across. A whispering gallery around the dome carries whispers across its interior; small museum in the gatehouse.
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10
Badami Cave Temples
Four rock-cut cave temples of the 6th-7th century Badami Chalukyas, carved into a red sandstone cliff above Agastya Lake, holding Hindu, Jain and Buddhist carvings including Vishnu's Trivikrama form.
Attractions by category
Explore by your interests.
Landmarks
Mysore Palace (Amba Vilas Palace)
Seat of the Wodeyar rulers, rebuilt in Indo-Saracenic style by architect Henry Irwin and completed in 1912
Virupaksha Temple and Hampi Bazaar
A living 7th-century Shiva temple still in daily worship at the west end of the ruined Vijayanagara capital, with a 50 m gopura and an inverted pinhole image of the tower inside a pillared hall
Vittala Temple and Stone Chariot
The 16th-century Vittala Temple houses the iconic stone chariot and the famed musical pillars of the Ranga Mantapa
Lotus Mahal and Zenana Enclosure
An Indo-Islamic two-storey pavilion with lotus-bud arches in the royal Zenana Enclosure, beside the long domed Elephant Stables and the Queen's Bath
Gol Gumbaz
Mausoleum of Sultan Muhammad Adil Shah (built 1626-1656) topped by one of the largest unsupported domes in the world, about 44 m across
Badami Cave Temples
Four rock-cut cave temples of the 6th-7th century Badami Chalukyas, carved into a red sandstone cliff above Agastya Lake, holding Hindu, Jain and Buddhist carvings including Vishnu's Trivikrama form
Bangalore Palace
A Tudor-style palace built 1873-1887 modelled on Windsor Castle, with carved wooden interiors and large palace grounds
Vidhana Soudha and Cubbon Park
Neo-Dravidian legislature building completed in 1956, one of India's largest legislative complexes, set beside the 300-acre Cubbon Park
Museums
Government Museum and Venkatappa Art Gallery, Bengaluru
State museum founded 1865 with Hoysala sculptures and Indian paintings
Jaganmohan Palace Art Gallery, Mysuru
Ravi Varma paintings and royal heirlooms in the 1861 palace
Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum, Bengaluru
Science museum with hands-on galleries
Archaeological Museum, Kamalapura (Hampi)
Vijayanagara sculptures and a model of Hampi's ruins
Nature
Jog Falls
One of India's tallest plunge waterfalls, where the Sharavathi river drops about 253 m in four streams
Abbey Falls
A cascade dropping about 21 m through coffee and spice plantations near Madikeri, approached by a short path and a footbridge viewpoint
Om Beach, Gokarna
Two connected crescent bays shaped like the Om symbol, with water-sports operators and beach shacks
Bandipur Tiger Reserve
Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and Project Tiger area with tigers, Asian elephants, gaur, leopards and dhole in dry deciduous forest
Kabini Backwaters and Nagarhole Safari
Reservoir backwaters at Kabini are among India's most reliable places to see wild elephants and the black leopard (panther) on boat and jeep safaris
Lalbagh Botanical Garden
A 240-acre botanical garden begun by Hyder Ali in 1760, with a glasshouse modelled on London's Crystal Palace, an ancient granite outcrop and a lake
Brindavan Gardens, Krishnaraja Sagara
Terraced garden below the Krishnaraja Sagara dam on the Kaveri, famous for its evening musical fountain show
St. Mary's Island, Malpe
Small island of columnar basalt formed by ancient volcanic activity, a geological monument of India, reached by a 30-minute ferry
Mullayanagiri and Chikmagalur Coffee Trails
At 1,930 m the highest peak in Karnataka, reached by a 500-step climb with panoramas over the Baba Budan Giri range
Kali River Rafting, Dandeli
White-water rafting on the Kali with grade 2-3 rapids and forest camps in the Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve region
Shivanasamudra Falls
The Kaveri splits into the Gaganachukki and Barachukki cascades falling about 90 m; site of Asia's first hydroelectric plant (1902)
Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, Mysuru
One of India's oldest zoos, founded in 1892, with 160+ species on 80 acres, including Asian elephants and Bengal tigers
Cultural
Namdroling Golden Temple
The largest Tibetan Buddhist teaching centre in South India, with the Padmasambhava Buddhist Vihara and its 40 ft gilded statues of Buddha, Padmasambhava and Amitayus
Chamundi Hill and Nandi Bull
A 1,000 m-high hill crowned by the Chamundeshwari Temple to the tutelary goddess of the Wodeyars, with a monolithic Nandi (about 5 m high) carved in 1659 halfway down the steps and a panorama of Mysuru
Murudeshwar Temple and Shiva Statue
The 20-storey Raja Gopura (about 76 m) and a 123 ft Shiva statue on a rocky peninsula washed on three sides by the Arabian Sea
Shri Krishna Matha, Udupi
13th-century temple founded by Madhvacharya where Lord Krishna is viewed through a silver-plated window, the Navagraha Kindi
Practical information
What you need to know before you go.
- Hours
- Most ASI monuments open sunrise to sunset (typically 6AM-6PM or 8:30AM-5:30PM); temples close for a midday break of about 1-3PM; many museums close Monday or Tuesday
- Fees
- ASI sites INR 40 (~$0.4) for Indian visitors and INR 600 (~$6) for foreign visitors at Hampi, Badami, Pattadakal and Aihole; Mysore Palace INR 100 (~$1); wildlife safaris INR 350-3,500 (~$4-36); most temples and beaches free
- Best Times
- October to February for cool dry weather across the state; the Malnad and Coorg waterfalls peak July to October; Kabini and Bandipur safaris are best March to May
- Booking
- Buy ASI tickets online at asi.payumoney.com to skip queues; book Bandipur and Nagarhole safaris through the Karnataka Forest Department (aranyavihaara.karnataka.gov.in) or Jungle Lodges & Resorts (junglelodges.com); Mysore Dasara (September-October) hotels fill months ahead; the national tourist helpline is 1363 and emergency is 112
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Hampi is best done over two days; rent a bicycle or scooter (approx INR 200-500 / $2-5 per day) and start at sunrise
Keep the ASI ticket with you: it is valid for the day and checked at each monument
Dress modestly for temples and remove shoes at the entrance; shoes are left at counters at Mysore Palace
Book Kabini and Bandipur safari slots several weeks ahead for weekends
In Kodagu and Malnad, monsoon leeches and road landslides are common; check road status before driving
Carry INR cash and small notes; some ticket counters and coracle operators accept cash only
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Karnataka's attractions?
October to February is cool and dry across most of the state, while July to October suits the Western Ghats waterfalls such as Jog Falls; March to May is best for wildlife safaris.
How many days are needed for Hampi?
Two full days cover Hampi Bazaar, the Vittala complex, the Royal Enclosure and Hemakuta Hill; add a third day for Anegundi.
How much do ASI monuments cost?
Typically INR 40 (~$0.4) for Indian nationals and INR 600 (~$6) for foreign visitors at major sites such as Hampi, Badami and Pattadakal; buy online at asi.payumoney.com.
Is Mysore Palace open every day?
Yes, daily 10:00AM-5:30PM, and it is lit on Sundays and public holidays in the evening.
How do I book a Kabini safari?
Book through Jungle Lodges & Resorts (junglelodges.com), a lodge, or the Karnataka Forest Department online; slots fill up for weekends.