Things To Do In Karnataka: Top 7 Must Visit Tourist Destinations To Explore

When discussing exploring or visiting South India, Karnataka should be at the top of your list due to its vast array of tourist attractions. This state offers a wealth of experiences, from hill stations and beaches to pilgrimage sites and thrilling adventures. Karnataka's rich history and culture are showcased through its numerous historical landmarks. Here are some must-visit places in Karnataka.

Things To Do In Karnataka

Savandurga

Located just a half-hour drive from Bangalore, (coffee cafes in Bangalore) Savandurga is the largest monolith in Asia. The gradient of the monolith varies, making some parts of the trek quite steep. It's advisable to be cautious and avoid bringing children along. Trekking here is considered one of the most thrilling activities in Bangalore.

The trek offers a mix of moderate and difficult sections, with a breathtaking view from the top, especially of the Manchinbele Dam and the surrounding valley. Savandurga features two main hills: Billigudda, the white hill, and Karigudda, the black hill.

• Location: 60 km west of Bangalore, off Magadi Road, Dabguli, India
• Best Time to Visit: November to May
• Price: According to Tripadvisor, night trekking starts at INR 1050
• Timings: Trekking is available from 6 AM to 6 PM
• Average Time Required: 1 day

Male Mahadeshwara Hills

This pilgrim town is located on the southern edge of Bangalore, in the Hanur Taluk of the Chamarajanagara district. The Shiva Temple here not only attracts thousands of pilgrims from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu each year but also draws nature enthusiasts due to its stunning location amidst a lush green forest. Dedicated to Saint Mahadeshwara, believed to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva, the temple has historical significance. It gained notoriety due to Veerappan, as families of his hostages would often visit the shrine to pray for their release.

• Location: Hanur Taluk, Chamarajanagar district, Southern Karnataka. About 150 km from Mysuru and 210 km from Bengaluru
• Best Time to Visit: During Mahashivaratri, when you can witness the 'Kamsale Nritya' dance with cymbals by devotees
• Timings: 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM, 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM, and 6:45 PM to 8:30 PM on regular days; timings may vary on special days or festivals
• Average Time Required: 1 to 2 hours

Halebid

Halebid, also known as Halebidu and Dwarasamudra, is a charming town in the Hassan District, renowned for its stunning temples, shrines, and impressive sculptures, earning it the title "Gem of Indian Architecture." Once the capital of the Hoysala Empire, the town's architectural heritage is evident in its various temples and monuments. Key attractions include the Hoysaleswara Temple, Basadi Halli, Yagachi Dam, Kedareswara Temple, and the Archaeological Museum. While visiting Halebid, don't miss the Hoysala Mahotsava, a festival showcasing cultural performances, programmes, and diverse art forms.

Best Time to Visit: October to February, when temperatures range from 10 to 25 degrees Celsius, providing ideal conditions for exploring, as suggested by Tripadvisor. However, if you want to experience the Hoysala Mahotsava, plan your visit for March.

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Manchanabele Dam

Manchanabele is a quaint village situated on the outskirts of Bangalore, renowned for its picturesque dam and adjoining reservoir. Located just 40 km from Bangalore, it has become a popular weekend retreat for Bangalore residents, offering peace, natural beauty, and serenity. The substantial reservoir supports farming and irrigation in the surrounding areas, and its presence has created a beautiful lake where visitors can enjoy boating and kayaking. Tourists are particularly drawn to the area for the stunning natural scenery around the Manchanabele Dam.

• You can reach Manchanabele Dam via Dabbaguli village or Magadi Road, where most accommodations in the area are found.
• It's an ideal destination for a day trip or a relaxing weekend getaway with friends and family.

Tadiandamol Trek

Embark on the Tadiandamol trek and take on a 15 km journey to the summit of Tadiandamol Peak, the highest point in Coorg at an altitude of 1,748 metres. Traverse the scenic trails through Shola forests, grasslands, and waterfalls for an adventurous ascent. Don't miss visiting the Bailakuppe Golden Temple to marvel at the 40-foot tall golden Buddha statue and the vibrant paintings depicting demons and gods from Tibetan Buddhist mythology. Enjoy the convenience of comfortable pick-up from selected points, making your journey to the trekking point in Coorg hassle-free.

According to Thrillophilia:

• Activity Location: Tadiandamol, Coorg
• Starting Point: Bangalore
• Tadiandamol Trek Distance: 15 km (round trip)
• Trek Difficulty: Moderate
• Summit Height: 1,748 metres

Tadiandamol Trek Schedule:

• Friday: With Transportation
• Saturday: Without Transportation

Pick-Up Points:

• Indiranagar: KFC Road
• Domlur: Union Bank of India
• Yeshwantpur: Metro Station
• Gorguntepalya: People Tree Hospitals

Coorg Coffee Plantation Tour

Nestled in the Western Ghats, Madikeri is a charming hill town in southern India, renowned for its lush green landscapes and tranquil views. Embark on a Coorg coffee plantation tour to spend a day amid the verdant fields. Learn about the science behind India’s aromatic coffee as a professional guide takes you through the extensive plantations, providing insights into the coffee production process from sowing the seeds to the final harvest. Book the Coorg coffee plantation tour to discover the secrets of crafting the perfect cup of coffee.

• Pick-up & Drop Location: Any centrally located hotel/residence in Madikeri
• Activity Timings: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
• Activity Duration: Approximately 2 hours
• Cost: According to Thrillophilia, the tour costs INR 1600.

Madhugiri

Madhugiri is a small town in Tumkur district of Karnataka that is home to one of Asia’s largest monoliths and the second largest in the world. It is located 100km from Bangalore, most of the tourists visit this place to see the famous Madhugiri Fort.

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The place is also very famous for manufacturing handloom clothes and blankets. You can visit the market places and explore the variety of these locally manufactured clothes and other products. Madhugiri located at a height of 3930 feet also offers some of the best trekking and hiking trails.

Plan a trip to Madhugiri between the months of October to March. This is the best time as the weather is pleasant and perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Trekking is also not advisable during this time as the trails get muddy and quite slippery as well.

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