10 Best Things to Do in India:
Exploring Karnataka's Highlights
- Written by Roi Alfassi
- Updated April 2025
When people talk about a place that truly has it all, they’re probably thinking of Karnataka — a diverse and captivating state in southern India, bordered by the Arabian Sea and the beaches of Goa. Easily reached by direct flights, Karnataka offers a perfect mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.
In Karnataka, you’ll find royal palaces, ancient temples, wildlife sanctuaries, breathtaking mountains, pristine beaches, bustling markets, and vast coffee plantations. Among the state’s top attractions are the magnificent Mysore Palace, tiger safaris in Bandipur National Park, and the legendary ruins of Hampi, once the glorious capital of the Vijayanagara Empire.
Food lovers will also find plenty of things to do in Karnataka, especially when it comes to exploring its culinary delights. Don’t miss local favorites like Bisibele Bath, Mallige Idlis, and Mysore Masala Dosa. On the coast, try the spicy seafood of Mangalore and Uttara Kannada, or savor a soft Neer Dosa, one of the region’s most iconic rice-based dishes.
How to Get to Karnataka?
Getting to Karnataka is convenient thanks to its two international airports — one in Bengaluru (Bangalore), the state capital, and another in Mangaluru (Mangalore). While there are no direct flights from many countries, travelers can easily reach Karnataka via major Indian hubs such as Mumbai, Delhi, or Goa, followed by a short domestic flight or train ride.
You can visit Karnataka year-round, but the most pleasant weather for sightseeing is between September and March, when temperatures are mild and the monsoon rains have not yet begun. To truly experience the diversity and beauty of the state — from its historic palaces and ancient temples to its lush hills and wildlife reserves — plan to spend at least two weeks exploring.
1. Bengaluru (Bangalore)
Bengaluru isn’t just the official capital of Karnataka—it’s also India’s tech capital and one of the country’s most dynamic cities. As the third-largest city in India, it’s home to numerous high-tech companies and factories. Combine that with impressive shopping centers, luxury hotels, great restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife, and you’ve got a modern metropolis that’s more progressive than most Indian cities.
The city offers countless attractions, including the majestic Bangalore Palace, still inhabited by descendants of the royal family; Lalbagh Botanical Garden, known for its abundance of red roses that earned it the nickname “The Red Garden”; and the Bull Temple, dedicated to Nandi, the sacred bull believed to be Shiva’s mount. The massive statue at its center also offers a wonderful panoramic view of the city.
Don’t miss the Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, built in the late 18th century as the summer residence of the ruler of Mysore. The palace showcases stunning Indo-Islamic architecture, vibrant murals, and a museum on the ground floor. Just a five-minute walk away lies the Bangalore Fort (Kempegowda Fort), dating back to 1537 — a must-see for history and architecture lovers.
Bengaluru is served by an international airport, making it one of the main gateways to Karnataka. From other Indian cities, you can easily reach it via domestic flight, train (station code: SBC), or taxi.
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2. Mysore – The City of Palaces
Often called “The City of Palaces,” Mysore once served as the royal residence of the maharajas of Karnataka. It remains one of India’s richest cultural centers, known for its distinctive Mysore-style yoga, elegant sandalwood crafts, and silk production.
The city’s crown jewel is the Mysore Palace, an architectural masterpiece adorned with stained glass, ivory decorations, and intricate wood carvings. Every Sunday at 7:00 PM, thousands of lights illuminate the palace for one dazzling hour — a spectacle you won’t forget.
Each October, Mysore hosts the magnificent Dussehra Festival, a ten-day celebration highlighted by a grand procession featuring decorated elephants and vibrant performances. For a royal experience, stay at the Lalit Mahal Palace, a former royal residence turned luxury hotel.
Other top attractions include the Mysore Zoo, home to elephants adorned with gold ornaments weighing up to 800 kg; the KSR Dam; the scenic Chamundi Hills overlooking the city; the Tibetan Monastery; and local markets where you can shop for silk, sandalwood, and spices.
Mysore is well-connected, with a train station located near the main shopping street in the northwest part of the city and a domestic airport offering flights from Bengaluru, Kochi, and Goa.
And before you leave — don’t miss tasting an authentic Masala Dosa, a Mysore specialty that perfectly captures the city’s flavorful charm.
3. Bandipur & Nagarhole National Parks
Located near Mysore and bordering the state of Kerala, the Bandipur and Nagarhole National Parks are among India’s most remarkable wildlife sanctuaries. Both are part of Project Tiger, a nationwide conservation initiative launched to protect India’s tiger population — a project that recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.
Once royal hunting grounds, these parks are now thriving natural habitats for countless species, including tigers, elephants, leopards, wild boars, jackals, antelopes, deer, and giant squirrels. The area’s lush forests and rolling hills make it a paradise for nature and wildlife lovers.
Visitors can stay at one of the many jungle resorts and eco-lodges surrounding the parks, offering a perfect base for an unforgettable safari experience.
Before visiting, it’s worth watching the Oscar-winning Netflix documentary “The Elephant Whisperers” — filmed in South India — which tells the heartwarming story of a couple who dedicate their lives to caring for orphaned elephants.
The nearest train station to the parks is Nanjangud, and the closest airport is Mysore, making them easily accessible for travelers exploring southern Karnataka.
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4. Coorg Hill Station – The Scotland of India
Nestled in the Western Ghats, Coorg (Kodagu) is a magical hill region known for its vast coffee plantations, misty hills, and lush forests. Often called the “Scotland of India,” it’s the country’s top coffee-producing area and one of the most serene destinations in southern Karnataka — the perfect place to unwind and breathe in the aroma of freshly roasted coffee.
Visitors can enjoy stunning natural beauty — dense forests, rivers, and waterfalls — while staying in a range of accommodations, from luxurious resorts like Taj, Evolve Back (formerly Orange County), The Serai, and Club Mahindra, to cozy boutique homestays within the coffee estates.
Don’t miss a visit to the Dubare Elephant Camp, where you can interact with elephants, or the Bylakuppe Tibetan Settlement, one of the largest Tibetan communities in India and a favorite among Israeli travelers.
The nearest train station is in Mysore, about 114 km away, while the closest airport is Mangalore, roughly 136 km from Coorg. Accommodation options here are plentiful — from simple guesthouses and jungle camps to world-class luxury resorts surrounded by breathtaking nature.
5. The Temples of Belur and Halebidu
While Hampi often steals the spotlight, the ancient temples of Belur and Halebidu are equally breathtaking — and for many, even more impressive. Located just 16 km apart, these two magnificent temples were once part of the powerful Hoysala Empire and are now recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The Belur Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, features more than a thousand intricate carvings on its walls, each depicting scenes from Hindu mythology, while the Halebidu Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, captivates visitors with its extraordinary sculptures and stone detailing. Pilgrims and travelers from all over India come here to marvel at these artistic wonders.
Every carving tells a story — from epic legends to daily life in ancient times — making a visit both spiritual and cultural. Beyond the temples, you can explore the Archaeological Museum in Halebidu, or head to the nearby Chikmagalur Hill Station, known for its scenic coffee plantations and gentle trekking trails.
The temples are easily accessible by train to Hassan Station, located about 40 km from Belur, or by flights to Mangalore or Bengaluru airports, followed by a short drive through the countryside.
6. Hampi – The Lost City of the Vijayanagara Empire
Nestled in northern Karnataka, the small village of Hampi is one of India’s most extraordinary travel destinations. Surrounded by surreal landscapes of massive granite boulders and lush rice fields, Hampi captivates visitors with its otherworldly beauty and rich history.
Once the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th–16th centuries, Hampi is today recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The village is divided by the Tungabhadra River into two parts — the northern side, where most guesthouses, nature trails, and Hampi Lake are located (perfect for swimming or a peaceful boat ride), and the southern side, which forms the historical and spiritual heart of Hampi.
Here, you’ll find the Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple, and Hanuman (Monkey) Temple, along with the ruins of the ancient city of Vijayanagara, once one of the largest and most prosperous in the world.
The dramatic boulder-strewn landscape that surrounds Hampi is a geological wonder — creating a setting so unique that it feels like stepping into another planet.
Getting there: The nearest airport is Hubli, about 150 km away, with domestic connections from Bengaluru. You can also reach Hampi by train from Goa, Hyderabad, or Bengaluru, or by sleeper bus from Goa — a journey of around nine hours.
7. The Temples of Aihole & Pattadakal – The Cradle of Indian Temple Architecture
About a 2.5-hour drive from Hampi, the ancient towns of Aihole and Pattadakal stand as living museums of India’s architectural heritage. Once the first capital of the Chalukya Empire, Aihole is often referred to as “the cradle of Indian temple architecture.”
The site is home to nearly 125 beautifully preserved temples, showcasing remarkable craftsmanship and a variety of early Dravidian and Nagara architectural styles. Among the most significant are the Lad Khan Temple, one of the oldest in the region and dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the stunning Durga Temple, famed for its intricate carvings and unique apsidal (semi-circular) design.
Other notable temples include the Huchimalli Temple, featuring an image of Lord Vishnu seated on a cobra, and the Ravanaphadi Cave Temple, a rock-cut masterpiece with detailed sculptures of Hindu deities.
The nearby Pattadakal complex, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, served as the ceremonial center where Chalukyan kings were crowned. It combines northern and southern Indian architectural elements in an extraordinary display of cultural fusion.
The nearest airport to Aihole is Hubballi (Hubli), about 140 km away, and the closest train stations are Badami and Bagalakote, both roughly 35 km from the site.
8. Dandeli – Karnataka’s Adventure Capital
Located on the banks of the Kali River, Dandeli is a paradise for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. It’s best known for its white-water rafting, offering thrilling 9–12 km routes that take about 3–4 hours to complete, surrounded by dense forests and cascading waterfalls. The rapids vary in intensity, providing both excitement and breathtaking scenery throughout the journey.
Beyond rafting, Dandeli offers a wide range of outdoor activities — including kayaking, boating, jungle treks, birdwatching, and wildlife safaris. The region’s lush wilderness makes it a perfect escape for a few days of adrenaline and tranquility combined.
For accommodation, visitors can stay in one of the many eco-resorts and jungle lodges, offering a unique experience immersed in nature.
The nearest airport is in Hubballi (Hubli), about 65 km away, while the closest train station is Londa, approximately 35 km from Dandeli.
9. Jog Falls – The Majestic Cascades of Karnataka
Ranking as the second-highest waterfall in India, Jog Falls is one of Karnataka’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Towering at 253 meters (830 feet), the falls are formed by the Sharavathi River as it plunges dramatically into a deep gorge surrounded by lush green hills — creating a sight that’s both powerful and mesmerizing.
Visitors can enjoy spectacular views from two main viewpoints, or for the more adventurous, descend the 1,400 steps leading down to the base of the falls — an unforgettable experience that brings you up close to the thundering waters.
The surrounding area offers birdwatching, kayaking, and nature walks, and several guesthouses and homestays provide comfortable lodging for those wishing to spend the night.
The nearest airport is in Mangalore, about 219 km away, while the closest railway station is Talaguppa, located roughly 20 km from the falls.
10. Uttara Kannada & Gokarna Beach – Coastal Bliss on the Arabian Sea
Uttara Kannada is one of Karnataka’s most beautiful coastal districts, offering a perfect mix of nature, adventure, and relaxation. Stretching along 140 km of pristine shoreline, the region is famous for its waterfalls, lush green hills, wildlife sanctuaries, and adventure sports such as rafting, rock climbing, and trekking. It’s also a paradise for seafood lovers, with countless eateries serving fresh local dishes right by the ocean.
At the heart of the region lies Gokarna Beach, one of India’s most serene and picturesque seaside destinations. Known for its laid-back vibe and stunning views of the Arabian Sea, Gokarna is ideal for swimming, relaxing, and watching spectacular sunsets. Visitors can also enjoy night treks, beach camping, and local food tours for a true taste of coastal Karnataka.
Gokarna’s beaches — including Om Beach, Kudle Beach, and Half Moon Beach — also offer jet skiing, banana boat rides, and parasailing, making it a hotspot for water sports enthusiasts.
Accommodation options range from luxury seaside resorts to charming beach huts, ensuring a memorable stay for every traveler.
The nearest airports are Goa and Mangalore, while Konkan Railway trains conveniently connect Uttara Kannada and Gokarna to major cities across India.