Top 7 Must Explore Places In Karnataka

It is the capital of the state and amongst the most sought-after cities of the country. It has a very pleasant weather all through the year and is nicknamed as 'the Silicon Valley of India' due to many renowned IT firms being present there. Bangalore literally means 'The City of Guards' and has many modern and historical attractions that include palaces, forts, lakes, temples, etc. 'Lalbagh', the botanical gardens of Bangalore, is highly alluring. One can also visit the Nandi Hills for getting a birds-eye view of the city. 

Mysore is known as the cultural capital of Karnataka because it is the birthplace of many styles of Indian arts and crafts. It was also the capital and seat of power for many dynasties including Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. It has many distinguished palaces including the famous Mysore Palace, the decoration of which during Dasara is quite popular. It also has many forts, churches, and temples that can offer tremendous viewing for any traveler.  

Due to its historical importance, Hampi has been accorded as one of the world heritage sites. It is located in the ruins of Vijayanagar which was the seat of power of the mighty Vijaynagar Empire and is situated on the banks of the Tungabhadra river. It is a precursor of the architectural brilliance of the period and has many types of magnificent buildings that speak a ton about the empire. The temples at the ruins are worth a visit.

Bijapur has many historical monuments and forts and was formed by the Chalukyas between the 10th and 11th century AD. Finally, it was annexed by the Delhi Sultanate and the Nizam of Hyderabad and therefore, a tourist can witness many types of architectural forms in the city. Awesome temples built during the periods of Deccan kingdoms as well as stunning Muslim architecture during the Adilshahi Dynasty is on display in the city. 

Coorg is also known as 'Kodagu' and has many Buddhist monasteries apart from temples and festivals that occur throughout the year. It is famous for its coffee plantations and paddy fields and has a breathtaking beauty as it is situated on the slopes of the Western Ghats. It offers a pleasant climate all through the year and there is also a lot of flora and fauna around it. 

Badami is very uniquely located as it is situated in a ravine across the shores of the Agastya Lake and is an astonishing place to visit. It was established by the Badami Chalukya dynasty and has many magnificent rock-cut monuments and stone temples. It is a historically important place as it finds its mention in many Hindu mythological texts apart from being the seat of power. The Agastya Teertha and the cave temples are highly frequented by many pilgrims throughout the year. 

Gokarna is situated in the northern part of the state and offers some well-known temples and clean, pristine beaches. The Shiva Temple of Mahabaleshwara is often believed to have the original image of Lord Shiva's lingam and so pilgrims highly frequent this temple. The small temple town is a popular holiday destination for tourists as it also offers unpopulated and clean beaches on its shores. 

There are many more places in Karnataka like Hubli-Dharwad, Gulbarga, etc. that offer superb getaway options. Depending on a choice and suitability, any of the above locations can be chosen for unwinding yourself along with your family that can re-energize and invigorate you.