Karnataka is a vibrant state known for its rich heritage, stunning hill stations, and breathtaking waterfalls. From the historic Hampi ruins and Badami temples to the serene landscapes of Coorg and Chikmagalur, Karnataka tourism offers diverse attractions for every traveler. The state is also home to lush gardens, vibrant amusement parks, and abundant wildlife in places like Kabini and Bandipur National Park.
Whether you’re exploring top destinations in Karnataka like Mysore Palace or relaxing by the beaches of Gokarna, there’s something for everyone. Discover the best Tourist Places In Karnataka, from cultural landmarks to scenic viewpoints, with our Karnataka travel guide. Plan your next adventure to this beautiful state with unforgettable Karnataka sightseeing experiences.
1. Lal Bagh
Lalbagh is an historic botanical garden located in Bangalore and is one of the city’s most popular tourist destinations. Spanning 240 acres, it boasts the largest collection of tropical and sub-tropical plants in India. The garden is accessible through four gates: western, eastern, southern, and northern.
Each year, Lalbagh hosts a spectacular flower show on August 15th and January 26th. The garden’s main attraction is its iconic glasshouse. Managed by the Department of Horticulture, Lalbagh charges an entrance fee of ₹25. Visitors wishing to bring a camera will need to pay an additional ₹60 for camera access. The garden is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm, and exploring the entire area typically takes around three hours.
2. Mysore Palace
The Amba Vilas Palace, also known as the Mysore Palace, is a renowned tourist attraction in Mysore. This historic royal mansion was completed in 1912 under the ownership of Maharani Pramoda Devi Wadiyar. Designed by architect Henry Irwin, the palace showcases Indo-Saracenic architectural style and was built at a cost of ₹41.47 lakhs. The palace is open to visitors from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm.
A major highlight of the Mysore Palace is the captivating light and sound show held in the evenings. This performance brings to life the 600-year-old traditions and cultural heritage of the Wodeyar Dynasty. The entrance fee for adults is ₹70, while for children it is ₹30. The show lasts for 45 minutes and takes place on Sundays, during Dasara, and on public holidays, when the palace is beautifully illuminated.
Notable attractions within the palace include the Gombe Thotti (Doll’s Pavilion), Kalyana Mantap, Ane Bagilu (Elephant Gate), Casket Room, Golden Howdah, Amba Vilasa, and the Portrait Gallery.
3. Chamundeshwari Temple
The Chamundeshwari Temple is a prominent Hindu shrine located at the summit of Chamundi Hills. Dedicated to the deity Chamundeshwari, this temple is a significant religious site, especially during the Navratri festival. The temple’s Pooja and Darshana timings are from 7:30 am to 2:00 pm and 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm. Abhisheka rituals are performed from 6:00 am to 7:30 am and 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm.
The temple trust offers several facilities to devotees visiting Chamundi Hill, including a primary health care unit, drinking water, and a guest house with 20 rooms for accommodation.
4. Mysore Zoo
The Mysore Zoo, one of the city’s most popular attractions, is located in Mysore and was established in 1892. Covering an area of 157 acres, the zoo is home to a wide variety of animals. It is closed on Tuesdays, but on all other days, it welcomes visitors from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm.
Entry Charges:
- For adults, the entry fee is ₹80 on weekdays and ₹100 on weekends.
- For children, the entry fee is ₹40 on weekdays and ₹50 on weekends.
- Visitors wishing to bring a camera inside the zoo must pay a camera fee: ₹200 for a video camera and ₹100 for a still camera.
- Charges for battery-operated vehicles are ₹150 for adults and ₹90 for children and senior citizens.
The zoo is home to 1,413 animals, including 249 male mammals, 226 female mammals, 212 male birds, 251 female birds, 30 male reptiles, and 37 female reptiles.
5. Virupaksha Temple
The Virupaksha Temple is a Hindu shrine located in Hampi, dedicated to Lord Virupaksha. The temple is open for visitors from 6:00 am to 1:00 pm and from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. There is no entry fee to visit the temple. Visitors can hire a guide for detailed information about the temple’s history and significance. The temple was built by Lankan Dandesha.
6. Lotus Mahal
Located in Hampi, the Lotus Mahal, also known as Chitrangi Mahal, is a secular structure. It showcases Indo-Islamic architectural style. The Mahal is open to visitors from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. The entry fee is ₹10 for Indian visitors and ₹250 for foreign visitors.
7. ISKCON Temple
The ISKCON Temple in Bangalore is one of the largest Krishna temples in the world. Completed in 1997, it is renowned for its gold-plated Dhwaja Stambha and Kalash. During Darshana hours, prasadam is distributed to all devotees.
The temple houses six shrines:
- The shrine of Goddess Radha and Lord Krishna.
- The shrine of Lord Krishna and Lord Balrama.
- The shrine of Nityananda and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
- The shrine of Srinivasa Govinda.
- The shrine of Prahlada and Narasimha.
- The shrine of Srila Prabhupada.
The temple celebrates a variety of festivals, including Akshaya Tritiya, Vyasa Puja, Sri Narasimha Jayanti, Govardhana Puja, Panihati Chida-dahi Utsava, Sri Radhashtami, Garuda Panchami, Jhulan Utsava, Balarama Purnima, Sri Krishna Janmashtami, Vamana Jayanthi, Deepotsava, Sri Hanuman Jayanti, and Sri Rama Navami.
8. Cubbon Park
Sri Chamarajendra Park, commonly known as Cubbon Park, is considered the green lung of Bengaluru. Established in 1870 by Sir John Meade, this park offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city. There is no entry fee to visit the park.
Things to see and do in Cubbon Park:
- Seshadri Iyer Memorial Hall: This hall houses the central library, which is open daily from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm, except on the second Tuesday of the month, public holidays, and Mondays. In front of the hall, there is a beautiful garden filled with colorful flowers.
- Toy Train: A favorite attraction for children, the toy train provides a fun ride around the park.
- Aquarium: Located within the park, the aquarium is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, offering a chance to explore a variety of aquatic life.
9. Bandipur National Park
Bandipur National Park, located in the Chamarajnagar district, is a popular destination for animal lovers. Spanning 868.63 square kilometers, the park was established in 1974. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including the Bengal tiger, Indian elephant, four-horned antelope, gaur, mugger crocodile, sloth bear, Indian rock python, dhole, and golden jackal.
10. Brindavan Gardens
Located 12 kilometers from Mysore, this garden was completed in 1932 and spans 60 acres of land. It is managed by Cauvery Niravari Nigama and is open to visitors from 6:30 am to 8:00 pm. The entry fee is ₹15 for adults and ₹5 for children.
One of the garden’s most popular attractions is the musical fountain, which runs daily from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm, offering a 60-minute show. The garden is divided into four key areas: North Brindavan, the main gate, the children’s garden, and South Brindavan. The total area of the garden extends across 75 acres of land.
11. Bangalore Palace
Located in Bangalore, this renowned palace was owned by HH Pramoda Devi Wadiyar and was completed in 1878. The palace showcases Tudor Revival architecture and features a total of 35 rooms, primarily bedrooms, along with a swimming pool. It is also home to a park, which houses an amusement park called Fun World.
The palace is open to visitors from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm. The entry fee is ₹230 for Indian visitors and ₹460 for foreign visitors. Exploring the entire palace takes around 4 hours. The palace spans 45,000 square feet of floor space and is surrounded by a 454-square-foot garden.
12. Abbey Falls
Abbey Falls, also known as Abbi Falls, is a stunning waterfall located approximately 10 km from Madikeri. The waterfall was originally called Jessi Falls, named after the wife of a British officer. The water cascades from a height of 70 feet, creating a breathtaking sight.
The waterfall is open to visitors from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, with an entry fee of ₹15. Facilities such as washrooms are available on-site. Parking is also provided for vehicles, with a fee of ₹10 or ₹15 for parking. The best time to visit Abbey Falls is during the rainy season, when the waterfall is at its most impressive.
13. Iruppu Falls
Located in the Kodagu district, Lakshmana Tirtha Falls, also known as Lakshmana Tirtha Fall, is a popular tourist destination and a sacred site for Hindu pilgrims. The falls are situated near the Rameshwara Temple, which stands on the banks of the Lakshmana Tirtha River, making it a significant religious spot.
14. Coorg
Coorg, a beautiful hill station in Karnataka, is known for its towering hills, stunning waterfalls, vast coffee plantations, and breathtaking views. Popular tourist attractions in Coorg include Abbey Falls, Mandalpatti Viewpoint, Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Namdroling Monastery, Somvarpet, Madikeri, and Bhagamandala, among others.
15. Nagarhole National Park
This park is a popular destination for animal lovers, home to a diverse range of mammals, reptiles, birds, and insects. The park is home to approximately 270 bird species, 60 species of ants, and 96 species of dung beetles. It also shelters around 1,000 Asian elephants. Visitors can explore the park between 6:00 am and 9:00 am, and again from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm. The entry fee is ₹150 for Indian visitors and ₹1,500 for foreign visitors. If visitors wish to bring a camera, there is an additional fee of ₹200 for a still camera.
For the convenience of visitors, the park is divided into four sections: the North Part, South-East Part, Western Region, and Central Part.
Safari Information:
A jeep safari is the most comfortable way to explore the entire park. The safari operates in the morning from 6:30 am to 8:30 am and in the evening from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm, with each ride lasting one hour. The safari fee is ₹300 for Indian visitors and ₹1,100 for foreign visitors.
16. The Raja’s Seat
Raja’s Seat is a popular tourist spot in Coorg, known for its seasonal garden. The garden features a toy train, Gandhi Mantap, and artificial fountains. The toy train ride costs ₹20.
Gandhi Mantap is located at the center of the garden, and the best times to visit are during sunrise and sunset. The entry fee for the garden is ₹5, and it takes about 1 to 2 hours to explore the entire area. The garden is open for visitors from 5:30 am to 7:30 pm.
17. Mahabaleshwar Temple
The Gokarna Temple, a renowned temple in Gokarna, was built between 345 and 365 CE. Lord Shiva is the main deity of this temple, which follows the Dravidian architectural style. The temple was created by Mayuravarma. The Shivratri Rath Yatra is celebrated here with great enthusiasm. Visitors are required to wear appropriate attire, as jeans, trousers, and shorts are prohibited inside the temple. The temple is open for visitors from 6:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
18. Pilikula Nisargadhama
Located in Mangalore, this popular tourist destination is an infotainment park offering a variety of attractions. It features a science center, a zoo, a botanical garden, a water park, and an artisan village. The zoo spans 80 hectares, and visitors can explore its diverse offerings. The entrance fees are ₹50 for adults, ₹20 for children, and ₹100 for foreign visitors. There is an additional camera fee of ₹150 for video cameras and ₹30 for still cameras.
Attractions of the Park:
1. Zoo – Biological Park:
Spanning 80 hectares, the zoo maintains natural habitats for the animals. The entrance fee is ₹60 for adults and ₹20 for children, with an additional charge for camera use.
2. Science Centre:
The science center features a 3D theatre and Taramandal. The entrance fee is ₹20 for adults and ₹5 for children. The 3D Theatre costs ₹10 for adults and ₹5 for children, while entry to Taramandal is ₹5.
3. Manasa Amusement and Water Park:
A popular spot, especially in summer, visitors can enjoy water slides and other rides. The park is open from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm.
4. Botanical Museum:
This museum is dedicated to conserving endangered plant species from India’s Western Ghats, housing nearly 235 plant species.
5. Heritage Village:
Spanning 35 acres, the heritage village showcases a Guthu house, coconut gardens, a buffalo racetrack, traditional tools, Gabbana, and artifacts, offering insights into the agrarian community. The entrance fee is ₹50 for adults, ₹20 for children, and ₹100 for foreign visitors.
19. Dubare Elephant Camp
Dubare is renowned for its elephant camp, located on the banks of the Kaveri River in the Kodagu district. The camp offers a range of activities, including elephant riding, feeding and bathing elephants, birdwatching, fishing, and adventure activities. The camp is open to visitors from 8:30 am to 11:00 am and from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm. It typically takes 3 to 4 hours to explore the camp and enjoy its activities.
Ticket Fees:
- Foreigners: ₹1,447 for participation in elephant camp activities.
- Indians: ₹670 for participation in elephant camp activities.
- Day visit for foreigners: ₹2,250.
- Day visit for Indians: ₹1,310.
- River view cottage for Indians: ₹5,335.
- River view cottage for foreigners: ₹8,120.
20. Innovative Film City
Located in Bangalore, this film city is a popular movie-themed park and a major tourist attraction in the city. Key highlights of the park include Cartoon City, Mini-Golf, Aqua Kingdom, Dino Park, Adventure Sports, Haunted Mansion, Bigg Boss Tour, Mirror Maze, and various museums. The park is open for visitors from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, and it typically takes 4 to 5 hours to explore the entire park.
Entry Fees:
- ₹600 before 3:00 pm
- ₹400 after 3:00 pm.
21. Nandi Hills
Nandi Hills, located in Chikkaballapur, offers stunning natural views and is a popular destination for trekking and cycling enthusiasts. The hill features several famous spots, including Tipu’s Drop, Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple, and opportunities for paragliding.
(i) Tipu’s Drop:
Tipu’s Drop is home to the Yoganandeeshwara Temple, built by the Chola kings. The area is open to visitors from 6:00 am to 6:30 pm, and it takes around 1 to 2 hours to explore. The entrance fee is ₹5 for Indians and ₹100 for foreign visitors.
(ii) Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple:
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple was constructed by the Nolamba-Pallava dynasty in the 9th century. Also known as Nandi Temple, it is open from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm.
(iii) Paragliding:
A thrilling adventure activity, paragliding at Nandi Hills is a must-do. The cost for tandem paragliding is ₹3,000, while individual paragliding is ₹1,500. Visitors can enjoy paragliding from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm.
22. Snow City
Snow City in Bangalore is a unique amusement park that uses artificial snow to create a winter wonderland. Visitors can enjoy attractions such as snow sculptures of animals and toys, igloos, a snow dance floor, snow mountain climbing, snow hiking, mad labs, 9D cinema, and a gaming arcade.
Fee Details:
- Entrance to Snow City starts at ₹550.
- Madlabs entry starts at ₹400.
- Eyelusion entry starts at ₹200.
- Combo for Snow City + Madlabs + Eyelusion: ₹1,000.
- Combo for Madlabs + Snow City: ₹700.
- Combo for Snow City + Eyelusion: ₹700.
- AR Zoo entry starts at ₹100.
- 9D Cinema entry starts at ₹120
23. Gol Gumbaz
The Gol Gumbaz in Bijapur is a popular tourist attraction and the mausoleum of Mohammed Adil Shah. Completed in 1656, it was designed by Yaqut of Dabul. Constructed from dark grey basalt, the mausoleum stands at an impressive height of 51 meters. It is open to visitors from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and exploring the site takes about 2 to 3 hours. The entrance fee is ₹10 for Indians and ₹100 for foreign visitors.
24. St. Mary Islands
This picturesque island, located off the shore of Udupi, is known by several names, including Coconut Island, Parashurama Deep, and Thonsepar. The island is a popular tourist destination where visitors can enjoy scenic views and local cuisine. Ferries operate between 9:30 am and 5:30 pm from Malpe, and it takes about 3 to 4 hours to explore the island.
The entrance fee for the island is ₹250, with an additional ₹200 fee for camera usage. The ferry fee ranges from ₹250 to ₹300. Notable attractions around the island include the Vadabhandeshwara Temple, Daryabahadurgarh Fort, and Malpe Beach.
