Top Places near Rivers & Lakes in Karnataka

The second-highest plunge waterfall in India, Jog Falls is a major tourist attraction in Karnataka and is the highest waterfall in the state. Second, to the Nohkalikai Falls of Meghalaya, Jog falls drops about a huge 253 m (850 ft. ) in a single fall. However, due to the construction of Linganamakki Dam which is a hydroelectricity plant closeby, the flow in the falls is hugely restricted before monsoons. So, it is best to go during the Monsoon season to see the falls in its full form.

Best Time: July to December

9 Jog Falls Attractions

Known For : Cauvery Fishing Camp Doddamakali Nature Camp Boat Rides in Bheemeshwari

Bheemeshwari is a small town in Karnataka's Mandya district, with a soft background of the unembellished and true to life rural India, with bullock carts in place of noisy vehicles, mighty rivers instead of swimming pools and tall green trees in place of skyscrapers. Away from the cruel concrete circus of the city, Bheemeshwari is the perfect getaway for a short trip from Bangalore, one that is close to nature and adventurous, in the most real sense of the word. It has long been known as a paradise for fishing enthusiasts, with some fishing camps set amidst the area. Due to its proximity with the Cauvery River and its extensive forest cover with a variety of flora and fauna, tourists can go on boating rides, attend adventure camps, trek up the hills, visit handicraft markets and go bird watching. It is the natural habitat of the toughest freshwater sports fish called the Mahseer (roughly translated to Mahi - fish and sher - tiger) and attracts many visitors for this reason.

Best Time: Throughout the year

8 Bheemeshwari Attractions

Known For : Kodachadri Jog Falls Agumbe

With nature in its full bloom, the town of Shimoga has been a home to several great dynasties and kingdoms. Steeped in rich heritage and culture, this main city of Shimoga District derives its name from the words 'Shiv-Mukha' implying 'Face of Lord Shiva'.

Best Time: July to December

37 Shimoga Attractions

Known For : Kunduvada Kere Bagali Sri Anjaneya Swamy Temple

Steeped in rich past, culture and heritage, Davanagere is a place to witness the beautiful architectural marvels. Linked to many Chalukya Dynasty and Tipu Sultan, this place today is best known for its cotton mills and thus often referred to as the 'Manchester of East'.

Best Time: October to March

11 Davanagere Attractions

Known For : Abbey Falls Talacauvery Namdroling Monastery

Generally covered as a part of trips to Coorg, Madikeri is a quaint hill town in Karnataka with vast coffee plantations, lush forests and misty hills, all culminating into a breathtaking view.

Best Time: February to September

18 Madikeri Attractions

Known For : Gopalaswamy Hills Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve

Situated in the state of Karnataka, Bandipur National Park was once the hunting grounds of the Maharaja of Mysore. It was later established as a reserve in 1974, and these deciduous forests rich in wildlife and flora have become a popular tourist attraction since then. Due to a lot of wildlife casualties due to tourist traffic, a ban on traffic between 9 PM to 6 AM has been established to ensure the safety of the animal population.

Best Time: October to May

2 Bandipur Attractions

Known For : Abbey Falls Mandalpatti Raja's Seat

Located amidst imposing mountains in Karnataka with a perpetually misty landscape, Coorg is the place to be for all nature lovers.  This popular coffee producing hill station is not only popular for its beautiful green hills and the streams cutting right through them. It also stands as a popular destination because of its culture and people. The Kodavas, a local clan specialising in martial arts, are especially notable for their keen hospitality.

Best Time: October to March

37 Coorg Attractions

Situated on the banks of river Kaveri, Shivanasamudra is essentially a hydropower project location but is more commonly known for its waterfalls.

Best Time: August to February

3 Shivanasamudra Attractions

Known For : Lalbagh Cubbon Park Bangalore Palace

Having evolved gradually from being the Garden City to the Silicon Valley of India, Bengaluru is the third largest and one of the most livable cities in India.

Best Time: Throughout the year

107 Bangalore Attractions

Known For : Dubare Elephant Camp Nisargadhama Adventure Activities

A sparkling past nestled in its forests and wildlife and an equally vibrant present interacting with the elephants and a number of adventure activities, Dubare is an experience you don't get to witness everyday.

Best Time: September to May

6 Dubare Attractions

Known For : River Rafting in Dandeli Kali Tiger Reserve Magod Falls

Bestowed with the lush green forests and laying on the banks of the Kali river, Dandeli is truly a fascinating mix of wildlife, scenic beauty and adventure sports.

Best Time: October to May

25 Dandeli Attractions

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 Vijayanagar 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 : 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 diety Goddess Hassanamba which in kanana language mean 'Smiling mother'.

Best Time: Throughout the year

22 Hassan Attractions

Known For : Padukone Trasi Shankaranarayana

Culturally rich, a treasure trove of mesmerizing nature and environ of spirituality define this temple town best. Lying on the western coast, the town is flanked by water bodies on three sides i.e. Panchgangavalli River in north, Kalaghar River in east and Arabian sea and picturesque Kodi back waters in west.

Best Time: October to Apr

12 Kundapura Attractions

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