Sringeri Sharada Peetham

It is a prominent center of Hindu philosophy, learning, and spirituality. It is located in Sringeri and one of the four main Advaita Vedanta monasteries established by Adi Shankaracharya in 8th century. Prominent features of this temple are Sharadamba Temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, Vidyashankara Temple, Adi Shankara's shrine, and the beautiful Tunga River nearby.

Udupi Sri Krishna Temple

This temple was established by Madhvacharya in 13th century. As name suggests it is situated in Udupi and dedicated to Lord Krishna and is one of the most famous pilgrimage centers in Karnataka. This temple is associated with the Dvaita Vedanta philosopher Madhvacharya and the Krishna Matha tradition. Watching daily unique worship rituals in itself is memorable spiritual experience for devotees.

Bandipur National Park

Located in the Chamarajanagar district, Bandipur is one of the most famous wildlife sanctuaries in Karnataka.

Highlights: Rich variety of flora and fauna, including elephants, tigers, leopards, deer, gaurs, and numerous bird species.

Activities: Safari tours, bird watching, wildlife photography, and nature walks.

Nagarhole National Park

Also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, it is located in the Kodagu and Mysore districts.

Highlights: Dense forests, Kabini River, diverse wildlife such as elephants, tigers, leopards, wild boars, and over 270 bird species.

Activities: Jeep safaris, boat safaris on the Kabini River, bird watching, and nature trails.

Bannerghatta National Park

Located near Bangalore, Bannerghatta is a popular wildlife destination.

Highlights: Safari options including lion safari, tiger safari, and herbivore safari, butterfly park, zoo, and rescue center.

Activities: Wildlife safaris, nature walks, bird watching, butterfly park visit, and eco-tourism activities.

Kudremukh National Park

Situated in the Chikkamagaluru district, Kudremukh is known for its scenic beauty and biodiversity.

Highlights: Rolling hills, lush forests, waterfalls, wildlife like leopards, deer, langurs, and diverse bird species.

Activities: Trekking, nature walks, bird watching, and exploring the beautiful landscape.

Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary

Located in the Uttara Kannada district, Dandeli is known for its rich flora and fauna.

Highlights: Dense forests, Kali River, wildlife such as black panthers, elephants, bison, hornbills, and various reptiles.

Activities: Jungle safaris, bird watching, river rafting, kayaking, trekking, and camping.

Sharavathi Wildlife Sanctuary

Situated in the Shimoga district, it is known for its scenic beauty and biodiversity.

Highlights: Sharavathi River, diverse flora including evergreen forests and grasslands, wildlife like tigers, leopards, deer, and various bird species.

Activities: Wildlife safaris, nature walks, bird watching, and exploring the natural surroundings.

Hampi

Hampi, once capital of Vijaynagar empire, holds lots of monuments which vouch for the grandeur of that era. Vijaynagar empire was flourishing dynasty from 14th to 16th centuries during which these monuments came to existence. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and few of the many attractions of Hampi are Virupaksha Temple, Hampi Bazaar, Vijaya Vittala Temple (known for its stone chariot), Lotus Mahal, and Elephant Stables.

Mysore Palace (Amba Vilas Palace)

For any tourist visit of Karnataka can not be completed without visiting The Mysore Palace. Not only Karnatakat, the palace is one of the most beautiful palaces of India.
This palace was originally built in the 14th century and later reconstructed in the Indo-Saracenic style in the late 19th century. It reflects the opulence and cultural heritage of the Wadiyar dynasty, who once up on a time ruled the Kingdom of Mysore. The Mysore Palace is a magnificent royal residence in Mysuru and one of the most visited historical landmarks in Karnataka. The main attractions of the palace are Intricate architecture, Indo-Saracenic style, Durbar Hall, Kalyana Mantapa, Golden Throne, and beautiful paintings and artifacts.

Badami Caves

As name suggests this caves are located in the town of Badami. This was constructed between the 6th and 8th centuries during the Chalukya dynasty's rule. These rock-cut caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and shocase ancient Indian architecture and art.
In Badami caves we can observe the influence of South Indian and North Indian architectural styles. There are four main caves with intricate carvings and sculptures depicting Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist themes, which includes various deities and mythological scenes.

Belur and Halebidu Temples

If one wants to understand what human hands can achieve with chisel and hammer (or they had some advance technology) in the field of carvings, he MUST visit this place.
Belur and Halebidu are famous for their Hoysala architecture, known for its intricate sculptures, detailed carvings, and temple craftsmanship. Chennakesava Temple in Belur was built between the 10th and 12th centuries and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Whereas, Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebidu was constructed in the 12th century and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
These temples are still testifying the proficiency of craftmenship which created these masterpieces that too during medieval era when rest of the world was still struggling to arrange daily needs. They also indicate the Hoysala Empire's cultural and religious patronage.

Aihole and Pattadakal Temples

Temples in Aihole and Pattadakal were constructed between the 5th and 8th centuries, showcasing early Chalukyan and Dravidian architectural styles. These temples represent the evolution of temple architecture in Karnataka, with influences from Dravidian, Nagara, and Vesara styles.
Main attractions of this site are Durga Temple, Lad Khan Temple, Papanatha Temple in Aihole, and Virupaksha Temple, Sangameshwara Temple, Mallikarjuna Temple in Pattadakal.

Bijapur (Vijayapura)

Bijapur was a prominent center of art and architecture during the Deccan Sultanate period, showcasing Indo-Islamic influences.
The monuments in Bijapur, including Gol Gumbaz and Ibrahim Rauza, were built during the Adil Shahi dynasty in the 16th and 17th centuries. Some of the attractions of these monuments are Gol Gumbaz with its massive dome and whispering gallery, Ibrahim Rauza, Jama Masjid, and Malik-e-Maidan (monolithic cannon).

Gokarna Beach

Gokarna Beach is located in the town of Gokarna, Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka. Gokarna is known for its serene and less crowded beaches compared to other popular beach destinations. It is also a significant pilgrimage site with several temples, including the Mahabaleshwar Temple.

Things to Do: Enjoy beach activities like swimming, sunbathing, and beach walks. Explore nearby attractions such as Om Beach, Kudle Beach, Half Moon Beach, and Paradise Beach. Participate in water sports like snorkeling and banana boat rides.

Murudeshwar Beach

Murudeshwar Beach is located in the town of Murudeshwar, Bhatkal taluk, Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka. The beach is famous for its stunning views of the Murudeshwar Temple and the giant statue of Lord Shiva, which is one of the tallest statues in India. The temple complex and the statue add to the unique ambiance of the beach.

Things to Do: Visit the Murudeshwar Temple and the towering statue of Lord Shiva. Enjoy beach activities like swimming, beach volleyball, and sunbathing. Take a boat ride to Netrani Island for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Malpe Beach

Malpe Beach is located near Udupi town, Udupi district, Karnataka. Malpe Beach is known for its picturesque setting with golden sands, palm trees, and clear blue waters. It is also a major fishing harbor.

Things to Do: Relax on the beach and enjoy stunning sunsets. Take a boat ride to St. Mary's Island, known for its unique hexagonal basalt rock formations.