Amazing Historical Places in Karnataka

Known For : Virupaksha Temple, Hampi Vithala Temple Lotus Palace

Hampi, the city of ruins, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated in the shadowed depth of hills and valleys, Hampi is a very significant historical place in Karnataka and a delight for travellers. Surrounded by 500 ancient monuments, beautiful temples, bustling street markets, bastions, treasury building and captivating remains of Vijayanagar Empire, Hampi is an open museum with 100+ locations to explore and a favourite way to see the city from the perspective of its history.

Best Time: October to March

31 Hampi Attractions

Known For : Gol Gumbaz Ibrahim Rauza Jamia Masjid

Famous for the Gol Gumbaj and other historical places in Karnataka, Bijapur is a tourist destination that takes one back to the days gone by from the royal era. Built around the 10th-11th century by the Kalyani Chalukyas, Bijapur was known as Vijayapura in those times. Evidence suggests that this area has been inhabited since the Stone Age, and many places of this district have a legendary history.

Best Time: October to March

14 Bijapur Attractions

Known For : Kodachadri Jog Falls Agumbe

The history of Karnataka is not complete without Shimoga. With nature in its full bloom, the town of Shimoga has been home to several great dynasties and kingdoms. The history Shimoga dates back to at least 2,000 years to 3rd Century AD. Shimoga has been under the rule of various rulers and dynasties, from the Mauryas, Satavahanas, Kadambas of Banvasi, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, and rulers of the Vijayanagara kingdom. Due to this, Shimoga houses many historical monuments.

Best Time: July to December

37 Shimoga Attractions

Famously known as The City of Palaces, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that Mysore, currently Mysuru, is one of the most important places in the country regarding ancient reigns. It is replete with the history of its dazzling royal heritage, intricate architecture, its famed silk sarees, yoga, and sandalwood, to name just a few. Located in the foothills of the Chamundi Hills, Mysore is the third most populated city in Karnataka, and its rich heritage draws millions of tourists all year round. The highlight is the majestic Mysore Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is a must-visit.

Situated on the outskirts of Badami in the tiny village of Mahakuta, the Mahakuta group of temples are an architectural delight, mirroring the unique rock-cut construction pattern of the Chalukyas seen across Badami. These temples combine the ancient architectural elements of the Dravidian and Nagara styles, as is seen at the various temples of this region. Once the royal capital of the Chalukyas, Badami continues to enjoy a unique place, being the home to a number of examples of Dravidian architecture making it the cornerstone of historical places in Karnataka.

The majestic Bangalore palace, enclosed by beautiful gardens, is a famous tourist attraction in Bangalore. It is now owned by the Mysore Royal family. A visit to the palace gives you a chance to witness the elegant and lavish splendour of one of the most powerful dynasties of South India. Owing to the Wadiyar Royal Family still owning the palace, the Bangalore Palace is a prominent historical place in Karnataka.

Known For : Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple Nimishambha Temple Dariya Daulat Bagh

Srirangapatna is an egg-shaped island town amidst the Cauvery river in Mandya district of Karnataka. Situated at a distance of 18 kms from Mysore, the town is an architectural masterpiece of Hoysala and Vijayanagara kingdom styles. One of the most important Vaishnavite centres of pilgrimage- the Ranganathaswamy temple, is the major attraction of the town which draws thousands of tourists. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the largest of its kind.

Best Time: July to March

16 Srirangapatna Attractions

Known For : Belur Hoysaleswara Temple Yagachi Dam

Formerly known as Dwarasamudra, Halebid (or Halebidu) is located in the Hassan district of Karnataka state.  Halebid is q city with a glorious past adorned with a strikingly beautiful collection of temples, shrines and sculptures. It is also known as the Gem of Indian architecture owing to its sterling Hoysala architecture, its magnificent temple complexes and some stunning Jain sites. Once the regal capital of Hoysala empire, the city is in ruins now. But it still attracts tourists in droves, thanks to its rich heritage, striking art and architecture.

Best Time: October to March

9 Halebidu Attractions

Known For : Durga Temple, Aihole Lad Khan Temple Ravanaphadi Cave Temples

Home to over 125 beautiful Chalukyan temples and monuments, Aihole is a historical site in Bagalkot, Karnataka. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site and is surrounded by marvellous sandstone hills and villages on the banks of the Malaprabha River. It was formerly the capital of the Chalukya Dynasty with over 100 Hindu and Jain temples dating back to around 6th to 12th century. Today, Aihole is a prominent centre for temple architecture and intricate stonework.

Best Time: October to March

23 Aihole Attractions

Nestled amidst lush forests, in the heart of the Dandeli wildlife sanctuary, the Kavala caves have existed since prehistoric times. The cave entrance lies about 375 steps down and has a temple. These limestone caves with their winding tunnels were formed by volcanic activities. There are narrow and dark tunnel ways, with some places having small dimensions for the visitors to crawl through. The devotees can also crawl down about 40ft to see the naturally formed Shivaling and trek back up, enjoying spectacular views of River Kali.

Known For : Ramadevara Betta Ramnagara Hills Ramdevara Temple

Set amidst the challenging rocky hillocks and lush green surroundings, Ramnagaram is a popular weekend getaway for Bengaluru folks. It is also a significant historical place in Karnataka owing to its many ancient temples which are said to be more than 1000 years old.

Best Time: November to February

7 Ramanagaram Attractions

Known For : Bidar Fort Gurudwara Nanak Jhira Sahib Narasimha Jhira Cave Temple

A city rich in culture and heritage, Bidar is a historical city in Karnataka. Once considered to be the most flourishing cities in South India, Bidar is packed with great architectural marvels and ancient structures that add to its charm. Being once the centre of power of many great kingdoms such as Chalukyas, Allauddin Khilji, Muhammad bin Tughluq etc. has enriched the city that showcases the architectural legacy of their rulers.

Apart from its historical significance, Bidar is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna along the rivers Godavari and Krishna which flow through the city. The presence of temples, mosques and tombs also glorifies the spiritual aspect of the city making it popular among pilgrims.

Best Time: October to March

11 Bidar Attractions

Belur and Halibeedu or Halebid are two tiny towns of Karnataka considered as the 'jewels in the Indian cultural heritage'. Known for their ancient temple and exquisite craftsmanship, the place is absolutely worth a visit.

The two temples in Melukote are Tirunarayana temple and Yoga Narasimha, both located at the foothills and top respectively of the Yadavgiri hills. Situated in the Mandya district of Karnataka, the Melukote temples are one of the most sacred and historically significant places in South India. Prominent amongst the Brahmins, this place is home to many culturally rich tourist attractions like Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple perched on top of the Yadugiri hills featuring an exquisite collection of crowns and jewels, Yoga Narasimha Temple and Melkote Temple Wildlife Sanctuary home to leopards, wolves, langur, bonnet macaque and pangolin.

Known For : Chaturmukha Basadi Statue of Bahubali (Gomateshwara) Ramasamudra Lake

Karkala is a quaint small town with great historic significance and is blessed with several ancient temples. In fact, the town of Karkala itself is believed to have its roots going back to 10th century while under the rule of Alupas.

Best Time: September to March

10 Karkala Attractions

Known For : Virupaksha Temple, Pattadakal Kashiviswanatha Temple Jain Temple

Pattadakal is a tiny village, also known as Raktapura or Pattadakallu, houses a series of ten magnificent stone temples which date back to the 7th and 8th century. Out of these ten, nine are Hindu temples and one is a Jain temple. Lying close to the Badami and Aihole centres of Chalukya monuments, it is a protected site, managed by ASI (Archaeological Survey of India).
These grand, imposing structures were inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. All ten temples are majestic in their sheer size and detailed architecture, reflective of a blend of North Indian Nagara and South Indian Dravidian construction styles. Lying alongside the Malaprabha river, they have aptly earned the epithet “cradle of Indian temple architecture”. The friezes on temple walls depict stories from various Hindu scriptures and tales, such as Mahabharata, Ramayana, Bhagavata Purana, Panchatantra, and Kir't'rjun'ya.

Best Time: October to March

8 Pattadakal Attractions

Known For : Hoysala Temples at Mosale Shettihalli Church Bhagwan Bahubali Statue

Hassan is located 187kms from Bangalore lying in the Malnad and Maidan districts of Karnataka. The city derives its name from its presiding deity Goddess Hassanamba which in the Kannada language mean 'Smiling mother'.

Best Time: Throughout the year

22 Hassan Attractions

The village is named after Somnath, the commander of the Hoysala army who founded this place. It has a perfect natural setting for a family picnic. Also, the Somnathpur temple is a classic example of the stone carvings in Hoysala architecture.

Located at the juncture of Albert Victor Road and Krishna Rajendra, is the magnificent accommodation of the valiant ruler of Mysore- Tipu Sultan. The palace is located in the Bangalore Fort which is situated in old Bangalore in the south-west Indian state of Karnataka. An exquisite example of Indo- Islamic architecture, the opulent palace was once used as a summer retreat by the king and was often referred to as the 'Abode of Happiness' and 'Rash e Jannat' meaning 'Envy of Heaven'. Amongst one of the most noteworthy creations of the ancient times, the palace boasts of ornamental frescoes, magnificent arches, protruding balconies and brilliant motifs.

As per one of the inscriptions, which are the oldest inscription on the temple complex, the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple was sanctified in 984 AD by Tirumalaiah, who belonged to the Western Ganga Dynasty. Over a period, the region was ruled by numerous dynasties. Traces of these regimes can be seen in the architecture of the temple complex. The King of Hoysala, Vishnuvardhana allowed a Vaishnava Saint named Ramanujcharya in the 12th Century to use Srirangapatna as a place of learning (Agraharam).

Known For : Shringeri Shree Sharadambe Devi Temple Kigga Annapoorneshwari Temple

Best Time: Throughout the year

10 Sringeri Attractions

Known For : Somanathapura Panchalinga Darshana Mallikarjuna Temple

Talakad is a small mystical town steeped in the glorious past and heritage nestled on the left banks of River Kaveri. The town has been a witness to the rise and falls of several great kingdoms including Cholas, Pallavas, Gangas, Vijayanagar and Hoysalas. Talakad is adorned with five sacred Shivalingas giving this intriguing place a spiritual aura and a rustic charm. After several temples being excavated, Talakad has become a major historical place in Karnataka.

Best Time: November to March

9 Talakadu Attractions

Mirjan Fort is one of the fort that reminds us of the glories of past. The fort has witnessed many battles, tears and joys of kings, gallant violence. The fort is situated 11km away from Kumta and is on NH17 . It is spread on an area of over 10 crore. Altough the fort is now demolished but still attracts visitors.

Built atop a hill at Kurumgad, this temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu's incarnation Narsimha. Trekking is a part of the route to reach here. The annual festival, Yatra is held here and attended by thousands of devotees.

The Madikeri Fort is a famous historical place in Karnataka in the southern town of Coorg. Situated in the centre of the town of Madikeri, the majestic fort continues to stand in all its glory till date. It offers tourists with insights and information about the bygone era and indeed bears testimony to the history of Coorg and all that the town witnessed. The elevated structures of the fort also provide panoramic views of the town, which is undoubtedly breathtaking and beautiful. It cannot be argued that the Madikeri Fort is the most famous and most loved tourist attraction in Coorg, which is precisely why tourists enjoy visiting the attraction time and again.

Known For : Tagore Beach Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Lighthouse, Devbagh

Pristine blue water, picture perfect backdrop of beautiful mountains and lush green belt of casuarinas trees blend together perfectly to give you a destination not to be missed i.e. Devbagh.

Best Time: October to Apr

11 Devbagh Attractions