24 Best Best Tourist Places In Karnataka

Karnataka is famous for its heritage sites, amusement parks, and gardens, as well as it's wildlife and national parks. It's also known for its picturesque hill stations, stunning waterfalls, and pilgrimage sites. There are many tourist places in Karnataka. The best places are described below.

1. Lal Bagh

It is an old botanical garden in Bangalore. Lalbagh is a popular tourist destination in Bengaluru. This garden is spread across 240 acres of land. This garden has the largest collection of tropical and sub-tropical plants in India. This garden has 4 gates which are the western gate, eastern gate, southern gate, and northern gate.

Every year on 15 August and 26 January, the flower show is organized in this garden. The glasshouse is the main attraction of this garden. The Department of horticulture manages this garden. This garden entrance fee is 25 rupees. If the visitors want to take the camera inside the garden, the visitors will have to pay Rs.60 as the camera entrance fee. The garden is open for visitors from 9 am to 6 pm. It takes 3 hours to see and walk in the whole garden.

2. Mysore Palace

It is a famous tourist attraction in Mysore. It is a royal mansion and a historical palace. Amba Vilas palace is another name for this palace. Maharani Pramoda Devi Wadiyar was the owner of this palace, and this palace was completed in 1912. Henry Irwin was the architect of this house. Indo-Saracenic is the architectural style of this palace. The cost of building this palace was 41.47 lakhs rupees. The palace is open for visitors from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm.

One of the main attractions at this palace is the night-time light and sound performance. The entire program depicts the Wodeyar Dynasty's 600-year-old traditions and cultural heritage. The entrance fee for adults is 70 rupees, and the entrance fee for the kid is 30 rupees. This program lasts for 45 minutes. On Sundays, on the occasion of Dasara and public holidays, the palace is illuminated in the evening.

The Gombe thotti, Kalyana mantap, ane bagilu, casket room, golden howdah, ambavilasa, and portrait gallery are some sights to view in this palace.

3. Chamundeshwari Temple

It is a Hindu temple. It is situated at the summit of the Chamundi Hills. This is a temple of the Chamundeshwari deity. The important festival of this shrine is Navratri. Pooja and Darshana's timing of this temple is 7.30 am to 2 pm and 3.30 pm to 6 pm. Abhisheka's timing of this temple is 6 am to 7.30 am and 6 pm to 7.30 pm. Facilities provided by the trust to the devotees on Chamundi hill are a primary health care unit, drinking water, and a guest house with 20 rooms.

4. Mysore Zoo

The Mysore Zoo is one of the most popular destinations in the city. This zoo is located in Mysore. The zoo was opened in 1892. This zoo is spread across 157 acres of land. The zoo is closed on Tuesday, and on other days it is open from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm for visitors.

Entry charges:

• The entry charge for the adult is 80 rupees on a weekday and 100 rupees on weekends.
• The entry charge for the kid is 40 rupees on a weekday and 50 rupees on weekends.
• If the visitors want to take the camera inside the zoo, then the visitors will have to pay 200 rupees for the video camera and 100 rupees for the still camera as the camera entrance fee.
• Charges for battery-operated vehicles is 150 rupees for adult and 90 rupees for children and senior citizen.

In the zoo, there are 1413 animals and among them; there are249 male mammals, 226 female mammals, 212 male birds, 251 female birds, 30 male reptiles, and 37 female reptiles.

5. Virupaksha Temple

It is a Hindu temple. It is in Hampi. Lord Virupaksh is the deity of this shrine. The temple opens from 6 am to 1 pm and 5 pm to 9 pm for visitors. There is no entry fee to the temple. Visitors can hire a guide to get complete information about the temple. Lankan Dandesha constructed this temple.

6. Lotus Mahal

In the Hampi, it is a secular structure. Chitrangi Mahal is another name for lotus mahal. Indo-Islamic is the architectural style of this mahal. The temple opens from 8 am to 6 pm for visitors. The entrance fee for Indians is 10 rupees, and entrance fees for a foreigner is 250 rupees.

7. ISKCON Temple

It is one of the world's biggest Krishna temples. It is in Bangalore. This temple was completed in 1997. A gold-plated dhwaja stambha and gold plated Kalash are the special features of this temple. During the Darshana hours, the parsadam is given to all devotees.

Six shrines of ISKCON Bangalore:

• The first shrine is of goddess Radha- god Krishna.
• The second shrine is of the god Krishna and god Balrama.
• The third shrine is of Nityananda and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
• The fourth shrine is of Srinivasa Govinda.
• The fifth shrine is of Prahlada and Narasimha.
• The sixth shrine is of Srila Prabhupada.

The festivals celebrated at the temple are 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, Sri Rama Navami.

8. Cubbon Park

This park is considered to be the green lung of the city. Sri Chamarajendra Park is the official name of this park. This park is in Bengaluru. In 1870 the park was founded by Sir John Meade. There is no entry fee to this park.

Things to view and do in Cubbon Park:

• Seshadri Iyer Memorial Hall: The central library is present in this hall. This library is open every day from 8.30 am to 7.30 pm. This library is closed on the second tuesdays of the month, public holidays and mondays. The garden with colourful flowers is present in front of this hall.
• Toy Train: The toy train is the main attraction for kids in this park.
• Aquarium: In the park, there is an aquarium and it is open from 10 am to 5 pm.

9. Bandipur National Park

It is a popular destination for animal lovers. This park is spread across 868.63 km2 of land. This park was established in 1974. This park is in the Chamarajnagar district. The Bengal tiger, Indian elephant, four-horned antelope, gaur, mugger crocodile, sloth bear, Indian rock python, dhole and golden jackal are found in Bandipur National Park.

10. Brindavan Gardens

This garden is 12 kilometres from Mysore. This garden was completed in 1932. This park is spread across 60 acres of land, and the garden is operated by Cauvery Niravari Nigama. The garden is open for visitors from 6.30 am to 8 pm. The entrance fee for adults is 15 rupees, and entrance fees for the kid are 5 rupees. The musical fountain is one of the most popular attractions of this garden. This show lasts for 60 minutes, from 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm. The 4 important areas of the garden are north Brindavan, the main gate, the children's garden and south Brindavan. This garden is spread across 75 acres of land.

11. Bangalore Palace

It is a famous tourist attraction in Bangalore. HH Pramoda Devi Wadiyar was the owner of this palace. This palace was completed in 1878. Tudor Revival architecture is the architectural style of this palace. The palace has a total of 35 rooms, the majority of which are bedrooms, as well as a swimming pool. There is a park in the palace. The Fun World is the name of that amusement park.

The palace is open for visitors from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm. The entrance fee for Indians is 230 rupees, and entrance fees for foreigners is 460 rupees. It takes 4 hours to see and walk in the whole palace. The palace has 45,000 square feet of floor space and 454 square feet of garden.

12. Abbey Falls

It is a waterfall. Abbi Falls is the alternative name of Abbey falls. The waterfall was previously known as Jessi falls. As Jessi was the name of the British officer's wife, so this waterfall was named after her. It is approximately 10 km from Madikeri. The water spring comes down from a cliff from a height of 70 feet, and this is a very eye-catching scene.

Visitors can visit the waterfall area from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and its entry fee is 15 rupees. The washroom facilities are also available here. To park the vehicles, parking is available here, and visitors have to pay 10 rupees or 15 rupees to park the vehicle. The rainy season is the best time to visit Abbey fall.

13. Iruppu Falls

It is in the Kodagu district. The Lakshmana Tirtha fall is another name for this fall. This fall is a popular tourist destination as well as a sacred site for Hindu pilgrims because, on the banks of the Lakshmana Tirtha River, the Rameshwara temple is located.

14. Coorg

In Karnataka, it is a beautiful hill station. This place has towering hills, waterfalls, huge coffee plantations and a beautiful view. Popular tourist attraction in the Coorg is Abbey falls, Mandalpatti viewpoint, Pushpagiri wildlife sanctuary, Namdroling monastery, Somvarpet, Madikeri, Bhagamandala etc.

15. Nagarhole National Park

It is a popular destination for animal lovers. This park is home to mammals, reptiles, birds, and insects. There are around 270 bird species in the park. There are around 60 species of ants and 96 species of dung beetles. It is the home to approximately 1,000 Asian elephants. Visitors can visit the park from 6 am - 9 am and 4 pm - 6:30 pm. The entrance fee for Indians is 150 rupees, and entrance fees for foreigners are 1500 rupees. If the visitors want to take the camera inside the park, then the visitors will have to pay 200 rupees for the still camera as the camera entrance fee.

The park is divided into 4 parts for the visitor's convenience. Four parts of the park are the north part, south-east part, western region, and central part.

Information about a safari in the park:

A jeep safari is the best option to explore the entire park comfortably. The timing of the jeep safari in the morning is from 6:30 am to 8:30 am and in the evening is from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm. This ride is for one hour. The safari fee for an Indian is 300 rupees, and the safari fee for a foreigner is 1100 rupees.

16. The Raja's Seat

It is a famous tourist spot in Coorg. It is a seasonal garden. There is a toy train, Gandhi mantap, and artificial fountains in this garden. The fee for the toy train is 20 rupees.

Gandhi Mantap is located in the centre of the garden. Sunrise and sunset are the best times to go to Raja's Seat. This garden entrance fee is 5 rupees. It takes 1 to 2 hours to see and walk in the whole garden. The garden is open for visitors from 5:30 am to 7:30 pm.

17. Mahabaleshwar Temple

It is a famous temple in Gokarna. This temple was completed in 345 - 365 CE. Lord Shiva is the main deity of this temple. Dravidian is the architectural style of this temple. Mayuravarma is the creator of this temple. Shivratri Rath Yatra is celebrated here with great enthusiasm. Specific clothes such as jeans, trousers or shorts are prohibited inside the temple. The temple is open from 6:00 am to 12:00 pm and 5 pm to 8 pm for visitors.

18. Pilikula Nisargadhama

It is a famous tourist place in Mangalore. It is an infotainment park. This place has a science centre, a zoo, a botanical garden, a water park and an artisan village. The zoo is spread across 80 hectares of land. The entrance fee for adults is 50 rupees, the entrance fee for the kid is 20 rupees, and the entrance fee for the foreigner is 100 rupees. If the visitors want to take the camera inside the park, then the visitor will have to pay 150 rupees for the video camera and 30 rupees for the still camera as the camera entrance fee.

Attractions of this park are zoo - biological park, science centre, Manasa amusement and water park, botanical museum and heritage village.

(i) Zoo - Biological Park:

This park is spread across 80 hectares of land. The natural habitat of the animals is maintained in this park. The entrance fee for adults is 60 rupees, and the entrance fee for the kid is 20 rupees. Visitors have to pay an extra charge for the camera.

(ii) Science Centre:

The science centre has a 3D theatre and Taramandal. The entrance fee for adults is 20 rupees, and the entrance fee for the kid is 5 rupees. The entrance fees for 3D Theatre is 10 rupees for adult and 5 rupees for the kid. The entrance fee for Taramandal is 5 rupees.

(iii) Manasa Amusement and Water Park:

People like to visit this park more in summer. People enjoy the water slides and other water rides in this park. This park is open for visitors from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm.

(iv) Botanical Museum:

This park was established to protect endangered plant species that only be found in India's Western Ghats. There are almost 235 plant species in this park.

(v) Heritage Village:

The heritage village is spread across 35 acres of land. This village has a Guthu house, coconut gardens, buffalo racetrack, tools, Gabbana, and traditional artefacts. This thing gives information to visitors about Agrarian Community. The entrance fee for adults is 50 rupees, the entrance fee for the kid is 20 rupees, and the entrance fee for the foreigner is 100 rupees.

19. Dubare Elephant Camp

Dubare is famous for its elephant camp. This forest camp is situated on the banks of the Kaveri river in the Kodagu district. Dubare elephant camp offers a variety of activities like elephant riding, elephant feeding and bathing, birdwatching and fishing, and adventure activities. The camp is open from 8:30 am to 11 am and 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm for visitors. It takes 3 to 4 hours to see and do activities in the camp.

Ticket fees:

• Foreigners have to pay 1447 rupees to participate in elephant camp activities.
• Indians have to pay 670 rupees to participate in elephant camp activities.
• For the day visit, foreigners have to pay 2250 rupees.
• For the day visit, Indians have to pay 1310 rupees.
• Indians have to pay 5335 rupees for the river view cottage, while foreigners have to pay 8120 rupees.

20. Innovative Film City

This film city is in Bangalore. It is a movie theme park in India. In Bangalore, this film city is a famous tourist attraction. Cartoon city, mini-golf, aqua kingdom, dino park, adventurous sports, haunted mansion, Bigg boss tour, mirror maze, and museums are the main tourist attraction of this movie theme park. The movie theme park is open from 10 am to 7 pm for visitors. It takes 4 hours to 5 hours to see and walk in the whole park. Its entry fee is 600 rupees before 3:00 pm and 400 rupees after 3:00 pm.

21. Nandi Hills

This hill has beautiful nature views, and it is also a famous trekking spot. This hill is in Chikkaballapur. This hill is a paradise for cyclists. Famous spots on this hill are Tipu's Drop, Bhoga Nandeeshwara temple, and paragliding in Nandi Hills.

(i) Tipu's Drop:

Yoganandeeshwara temple is located on Tipus's drop, and the Chola kings built this temple. The Tipu's Drop is open from 6 am - 6:30 pm for visitors. It takes 1 to 2 hours to see and walk in the whole area. The entrance fee for Indians is 5 rupees, and the entrance fee for foreigners is 100 rupees.

(ii) Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple:

It is the temple of Lord Shiva. Nolamba-Pallava dynasty was the creator of this temple, and this temple was completed in the 9th century. Nandi temple is another name for this temple. This temple is open from 6 am - 7 pm for visitors.

(iii) Paragliding:

This is the famous adventure activity on Nandi hills. The fee for the tandem paragliding is 3000 rupees and 1500 rupees for individual paragliding. Visitors can go paragliding between 8 am to 1 pm.

22. Snow City

It is one type of amusement park in Bangalore. Artificial Snow is used to creating this snow city. The idol of snow animals, toys and igloos is kept on the Snow. Snow dance floor, exclusion, snow mountain climbing, mad labs, snow hiking, 9D cinema, and gaming arcade are the main attractions of Snow City.

Fee details:

• The entrance fee to the snow city starts from 550 rupees.
• Madlab's entrance fee starts from 400 rupees.
• Eyelusion entrance fee starts from 200 rupees.
• Snow city + Madlabs + Eyelusion combo fee is 1000 rupees.
• Madlabs + Snow city combo fee is 700 rupees.
• Snow city + Eyelusion combo fee is 700 rupees.
• AR Zoo entrance fee starts from 100 rupees.
• 9D Cinema entrance fee starts from 120 rupees.

23. Gol Gumbaz

It is a popular tourist place in Bijapur. It is the mausoleum of Mohammed Adil Shah. This mausoleum was completed in 1656, and Yaqut of Dabul was the designer of this mausoleum. Dark grey basalt is used to construct this mausoleum, and the height of this mausoleum is 51 metres. This mausoleum is open from 10 am - 5 pm for visitors. It takes 2 hours to 3 hours to see and walk in the mausoleum. The entrance fee for Indians is 10 rupees, and entrance fees for foreigners are 100 rupees.

24. St. Mary Islands

It is a popular tourist place in Udupi. Its other names are coconut Island, Parashurama deep, and Thonsepar. It is a picturesque island off the shore of Udupi. The time of the ferry from maple is between 9:30 am to 5:30 pm. It takes 3 to 4 hours to see and walk in the Islands. This Island entrance fee is 250 rupees, and for the camera, the visitors will have to pay 200 rupees as the camera entrance fee. The ferry fee is 250 rupees to 300 rupees. Visitors enjoy Udupi cuisine on this island. Other sights around this Island are Vadabhandeshwara temple, Daryabahadurgarh fort, and Malpe beach.