Karnataka is the hub of culture and heritage as the state offers hundreds of tourists many windows into the past. The historical places in Karnataka are architectural marvels and picturesque too. The rock-cut temples made with the utmost precision offer the tourist a sight to behold. The state is flocked by tourists and pilgrims alike as the latter visit the state to give offerings to their lord almighty. Karnataka is bound to blow your mind with the amazing places to visit its harbours. This state should be on everyone’s travel wishlist.
Here’s how you can reach the state:
By road: The state is well within reach by road through the neighbouring states. You can also use the public transport services offered by the Karnataka government to reach the state.
By air: Seven cities in Karnataka have well-built airports. The airports are well connected and have flights coming in and going out at almost all times of the day.
By train: The state is well connected via a railway network to the rest of the country. So, you can reach Karnataka from all major states very easily through the railway services.
We bring you a list of some very amazing and mind-blowing historical spots the state has. All these places must be on your itinerary.
15 best Karnataka historical places
A trip to Karnataka can be serene yet adventurous, making it a one-of-a-kind journey. You can plan a trip here with friends or family; this place has enough to offer for everyone! So, get ready to visit Karnataka historical places.
Hampi
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This place is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city has around 500 temples, monuments, and city markets, making it a traveller’s delight. The place is certainly a window into the cultural richness of the kingdoms in the state. The city has a lot of museums that one can visit and was the capital of the Vijaynagar empire. This city is bound to leave a mark on every traveller’s mind. The location is almost 100 km from Karnataka and is well accessible via road.
Bijapur
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Home to Gol Gumbaz, this city will offer you immensely fun experiences. The Gumbad was built around the 10th or 11th century by the Kalyani Chalukyas. It is also known as the Taj Mahal of Deccan. This city also has many other monuments that are proof of the glorious days of the past. It was a major city for south Indian kingdoms and is a must-visit on your trip to Karnataka. The city is a four-hour drive from Karnataka and is well connected via roads and trains. The city is about 214 km away.
Shimoga
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This town with nature’s bounty has been a major city for many kingdoms in the past. Due to the great number of paddy fields, it is also known as the breadbasket or the rice basket of Karnataka. The city is traversed by four rivers adding to its serenity. This place has a lot to offer in terms of the pleasant weather, beautiful hills and more. This hill station is about 280 km from Bengaluru and is a perfect holiday destination.
Mysore
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Mysore has been the home to many kings and queens in the past. The city overflows with cultural richness and architectural marvels. It is also known as the city of palaces and is one of the most culturally important cities in India. The Mysore palace is one of the most spectacular places in India and is a sight to behold when it is lit in the evenings on Sundays. Hundreds of tourists flock to the place to see the marvel every day. It is best to travel to this destination via road as it is about 140 km from Bengaluru.
Mahakuta temples
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The rock-cut temples of Badami are a sight to behold. The temples were built in the Dravidian and Nagara style by the Chalukyas across the city. Within the temple compound, there is a water tank that is fed by a natural water source. It is believed that a dip in these waters can wash away every sin that one has committed and give a chance for a new life. These temples offer a serene and peaceful vibe that will calm your mind. The temples are just 80 km away and can be visited via car or public transport.
Bangalore Palace
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Surrounded by lush green gardens, this palace is a very picturesque location. This palace spread across thousands of acres, was built in 1848, making it a heritage site. The palace is a perfect blend of British and Indian architecture. It is bound to bring forth to your eyes the splendour of the kings in the past and the valour with which they lived and fought. The palace is just 4 km from the heart of Karnataka and takes about 17 mins to reach.
Srirangapatna temples
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Srirangapatna is a small island town on the river Kaveri. The major temple located in the city is the Rangnathaswamy temple, one of the most important sites of pilgrimage for Hindu devotees. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is visited by hundreds of pilgrims each day. The city also has a huge number of UNESCO World Heritage sites offering every traveller amazing memories. The island town is 150 km away from Bengaluru and can be reached via car or bus.
Halebid
This city was the capital of the Hoysalas and is known as the Gem of Indian Architecture owing to the thousands of temples in the city. The city also has major Hindu temples with a huge footfall and was built in the 12th or the 13th century. The city is a marvel and a must-visit if you plan a trip to Karnataka.
Halebid is well accessible by road and public transport. The city, 214 km from Karnataka, has a great road transport system.
Aihole
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This city is rich in architecture, culture as well as heritage. The city is home to almost 125 monuments that adorn the place with beautiful sculptures and temples. It was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO and is home to hundreds of architecturally and culturally important monuments. The city has a significant role in Hindu mythology and also has a Buddhist monastery and sculpture.
Since this city is far from Bengaluru, you can reach here by air, train or road. The city has a well-built airport, railway station and bus stations. It is about 95 km away from the heart of Karnataka.
Kavala Caves
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These limestone caves, formed as a result of volcanic activities, are visited by hundreds daily. The caves have many paintings offering everyone a window into the past. They also have 375 steps within and outside, making navigation within the caves pretty easy. The place is well connected by railway and road. It is about 600 km from Bengaluru. The travel time to reach here may be long, but it surely will be worth it.
Temples of Ramanagram
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This place is a popular weekend getaway for the people of Bangalore. The site has lush green and serene surroundings, making it a traveller’s delight. It is also known as the silk town or the silk city. The town is very famous amongst the pilgrims due to its religious richness and serene environment. The temples are just an hour’s drive from Bengaluru, making it very accessible and easy to reach. The temple is about 82 km away.
Bidar
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This city is rich in nature’s bounty and is home to many flora and fauna. It is considered one of the most flourishing cities in south India and is bound to leave a mark on every tourist’s mind. It has many temples and sculptures that have been the city’s charm for ages. This city will definitely blow your mind with its marvellous heritage.
Since the city is far from Bengaluru, it is best if you travel by train or bus here using public transport. The distance between the city and Bengaluru is about 480 km.
Belur
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This town was the capital of the mighty and courageous Hoysalas, with many heritage sites. It is one of the Jewels of Indian culture and heritage as it harbours many culturally rich tourist spots. The valour of the city will leave you speechless as you admire the architecture and engineering of the past. Belur is just a 3-and-a-half-hour drive from Bengaluru and can be reached via car or bus.
Melkote Temples
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Located in the Yadvgiri hills, the drive to these temples will give you much-needed peace in life. The temples, Thirunarayana temple and Yoga Narsimha temple, are located on the top and at the foothills of the Yadavagiri range, respectively. These temples are serene, and pilgrims from all over the country visit here to make the most of their visit to Karnataka.
The location can be reached via car or bus within a four-hour drive. The road trip is also very picturesque and exciting.
Karkala
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This town harbours many ancient temples and Jain Basadis. The town is located in the Udupi district of the state and has been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO. The town holds religious importance for Jains and Hindus. It serves as a place to worship their respective gods. The place has been named so owing to the abundance of Black Granite in the region. This place will definitely offer you an unforgettable experience.
The location is a significant distance away from Bengaluru; it is best to reach the location via train. It is about 361 km away from Bengaluru.
FAQs
What are the best months to visit Karnataka?
The best time to pay Karnataka a visit is during the winter months. It is then that most travellers can enjoy nature’s bounty without worrying about the humidity.
Is Karnataka great for a trip with friends?
Yes, Karnataka offers some very amazing experiences and great places to visit. You can surely enjoy it if you visit the state with your friends.
What is the weather in Karnataka like?
The weather is usually hot and humid. However, if you visit during the winter months, the humidity is considerably less.
