Tourists Places in Karnataka

TOURISTS PLACES IN KARNATAKA

MYSURU

A city of palaces, people and smells, the princely city of Mysore is worth a visit whatever the month or season. Mysore is a dream city that never lets down the visitors with its clean, light and easygoing environment. A Mysuru overview, highlighting it's cultural traditions. Mysore is well connected through road and rail networks with other parts of Karnataka and India. Steeped in tradition, Mysuru is located at the epicenter of Indian history, culture, and timeless elegance. The city of Mysuru, once the capital of the former Mysuru state, is now the cultural and tourist center of the expanded Karnataka State.

Mysuru is a major tourist destination in its own right and serves as a base for other tourist attractions in the vicinity. The city receives many tourists during the ten-day Dasara festival.] One of the most visited monuments in India, the Amba Vilas Palace, or Mysore Palace, is the center of the Dasara festivities. The Jaganmohana Palace, The Sand Sculpture Museum the Jayalakshmi Vilas and the Lalitha Mahal are other palaces in the city. Chamundeshwari Temple, atop the Chamundi Hills, and St. Philomena's Church, Wesley's Cathedral are notable religious places in Mysore.

A short distance from Mysuru city is the neighboring Mandya District's Krishnarajasagar Dam and the adjoining Brindavan Gardens, where a musical fountain show is held every evening. Places of historic importance close to Mysore are Mandya District's Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangapatna. And other historical places are Somanathapura and Talakad.[35] B R Hills, Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta hill and the hill stations of Ooty, Sultan Bathery and Madikeri are close to Mysore. Popular destinations for wildlife enthusiasts near Mysore include the Nagarahole National Park, the wildlife sanctuaries at Melkote, Mandya and B R Hills and the bird sanctuaries at Ranganathittu, Mandya and Kokrebellur, Mandya.[154] Bandipur National Park and Mudumalai National Park, which are sanctuaries for gaur, chital, elephants, tigers, leopards and other threatened species, lie between 60 and 100 kilometres (37 and 62 mi) to the south. Other tourist spots near Mysuru include the religious locations of Nanjanagud and Bylakuppe and the waterfalls at neighbouring districts of Mandya's Shivanasamudra.The Mysore Zoo, established in 1892,[151] the Karanji, Kukkarahalli and the Blue Lagoon Lake are popular recreational destinations. Blue Lagoon is a lake with a mini island located behind the KRS water dam, from which it is mesmerising to watch the sunset and sunrise.[35][152] Mysuru has the Regional Museum of Natural History, the Folk Lore Museum, the Railway Museum and the Oriental Research Institute. The city is a centre for yoga-related health tourism that attracts domestic and foreign visitors, particularly those who, for years, came to study with the late Ashtanga vinyasa yoga guru K. Pattabhi Jois.

GOKARNA

Gokarna is a city located in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, and is etymologically translated to ‘cow’s ear.’ According to popular mythological belief, it is the place where Lord Shiva emerged from the incarnation of Mother Earth in the form of a cow. Interspersed with ancient temples, the town is home to one of the oldest temples since time immemorial known as Mahabaleshwar, enshrined with Lord Shiva. The town is about 59 km from Karwar, 483 km from Bengaluru, and 238 km from Mangalore.

Gokarna – Tranquility at its Best

Gokarna, a small and less populated town is situated in the north Kannada district of Karnataka. This is normally on the “to-go” places list of tourists due to its peaceful ambience. Gokarna lures the tourists with its enthralling beaches and pious temples. Your trip to Gokarna will be incomplete without a visit to the famous Mahabaleshwara temple and study its rich history.

Some of the popular but calm beaches in Gokarna are Kudle beach, Om Beach and Gokarna beach. You can enjoy the serene sands and thrilling water sports in any of these beaches. Gokarna is about 150 km from the Vasco Da Gama airport and about 60 km from the Karwar rail station.

Gokarna Beach

Gokarna beach is several kilometers long and is situated at the edge of the town. It is quite popular with pilgrims and Indian groups but less with foreign tourists. Just the wind and the waves are cleaning this place. When the season is starting, the young workers of the beach-shops are collecting a few plastic bags, but only in front of their business. Nobody's cleaning outside these areas, except sometimes, an heroic foreign tourist (if you do so, be sure, locals will laugh at you... ). After Shivaratri - the biggest festival and picnic in town - it becomes a seven-kilometers-long garbage dump. A local tradition is to use this beach as a public toilet area : so don't take your shoes off.

Swimming may also be a challenge, since the water has an almost permanent dead fish smell. On the top of it all, the brown foamy stagnant liquid of "Gokarna river" is from time to time released into the sea. No wise person would enter the water on that day!

Walk a couple of kilometers north from town along the beach, and things are much nicer and more pristine. The part of the beach closer to the Gangavalli River is actually quite stunning and not crowded at all.

Kudle Beach

South of Gokarna beach, and accessible by a short downhill walk from auto drop off points at the northern and southern ends of this beach. The northern drop off point is closer to Gokarna town, but the southern drop off point is suitable if you are planning to stay at a place in the southern stretch of Kudlee beach. This beach is exactly what should never happen to a beautiful natural site. Have a look from the road down to the beach : the paddies have totally disappeared and some local building ambitions have led to the destruction of both the sides of the beach. Just a few coconut trees have survived and can recall you, this beach was a green gem... By the way, the lack of water during the high season is the same as in the slums in Mumbai : the toilets of some guesthouses are so disgusting, you gonna be prized by Guinness if you decide to stay there.

From December to February cheap accommodation is hard to come by and snapped up quickly. If you are are returning visitor, expect to pay double or triple what you paid in previous visits, both in accommodation and food.

Om Beach

Om Beach is further along the coast from Kudle, and named for its shape as it is split by a rocky island. It can be reached by auto, with a downhill walk from there. Mainly occupied by Indian tourists, and sprinkling of forigners. The second half of the beach is packed with restaurants offering cheap accomodation in the form of bamboo or concrete beach huts. In the rainy season there are very limited options for boarding and lodging. This beach is reasonably clean all year round.

Half Moon Beach

Half Moon beach is smaller and less developed than Om Beach, and is reached by walking over the headland from Om. Facilities are limited, there are a couple of small restaurants and a limited number of huts.

Paradise Beach

Paradise beach is the furthest from Gokarna town, but does not offer any facilities. The lodges and restaurants have been demolished by land owners (actually the forest department) and the police visit this beach at times to evict any residents and extort large bribes from anyone seen smoking charas. There is only one guest house here.

BANGALORE.

Bangalore is a city in the state of Karnataka. It is located at a higher altitude on the Deccan Plateau. It is very popular for a lot of things mainly its parks and gardens spread across the entire city. Through the essay on Bangalore, we will learn more about this beautiful city.

The city of Bangalore is known as the silicon valley of India. It is a no brainer that IT companies play a significant role in Bangalore’s GDP (as well as Karnataka GDP). Nearly two decades of impressive growth in the sector has changed the face of Bangalore quite literally – the landscape and the population have grown manifold. This unabated growth has put tremendous pressure on the limited and precious resources of Bangalore city – like water, forestry, electricity etc.

As natural fallout, the quality of life has been impacted. Whether it’s the congestion on roads, the irregular water supply (leave alone the quality of water), unprecedented shrinkage of water bodies, greater socio economic divide, Bangalore has seen it all!

Parks and Wildlife Areas, Bangalore

Parks and Wildlife Areas | Places to Visit in Bangalore

The Garden City has no shortage of green spaces, and the following are the ones that you shouldn’t miss out on visiting:

1. Cubbon Park

Cubbon Park is like a breath of fresh air in the bustling city of Bangalore. The 300-acre park, brimming with greenery and tranquillity, is a great pick for a fun outing with the family or a leisurely stroll with that special someone. It is also a treasure trove of biodiversity with about 6000 trees and plants, representing almost 100 species.

Entry Fee: N/A
Timings: Morning till evening
Nearest Metro Station/Bus Stand: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Station Vidhana Soudha Metro Station (75 metres)

2. Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Bangalore

Lalbagh Botanical Garden traces its origin to the 1760s, when the then ruler of Mysore, Hyder Ali initiated the development of 40 acres of land as a private garden for the royal family. What you see today is a result of constant expansion and development carried out by Tipu Sultan, the British and other regional rulers over the years. People love it as it offers a respite from the fast-paced life Bangalore is synonymous with.

Entry Fee: ₹10
Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Nearest Metro Station/Bus Stand: Lalbagh (220 metres)

3. Bannerghatta National Park, Bangalore

Bangalore may house many beasts of the IT industry, but the area surrounding it is home to the real creatures of the wild. Situated in the outskirts of the city is Bannerghatta National Park, where you get the chance to capture the fascinating wildlife of the region from up-close. Elephants, leopards, sambars, wild boars and sloth bears are among the animals that you can come across here.

Entry Fee: ₹ 40-80 (Zoo), ₹ 20-30 (Butterfly Park), ₹ 150-280 (Safari)
Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Nearest Metro Station/Bus Stand: Safari Rides Bus Stand (180 metres)

4. Bilikal Rangaswamy Betta, Bangalore

Bilikal Rangaswamy Betta, located 70 km south of Bangalore, is one of the most popular hiking spots in the area. About 3780 ft. high, this hill houses a temple dedicated to Lord Ranganatha Swamy and is covered with dense shrubs. Elephants and other medium-sized wild-life animals can be spotted in these forests. And the view from the top is absolutely delightful!

Entry Fee: N/A
Timings: Sunrise to sunset
Nearest Metro Station/Bus Stand: KSRTC Bus Stand Kanakapura (16.4 km)

5. Freedom Park, Bangalore

London’s Hyde Park equivalent, Freedom Park in Bangalore is spread over an area of 21 acres and occupies the same site where once stood the Central Jail. A glimpse of the past can be seen in the centre of the park, where lies the tower that was used to observe prisoners. Water Fountain, Jail Museum, Sculpture court, Book Museum and People Courtyard are other attractions here.

Entry Fee: N/A
Timings: 5 am to 8:30 am and 4 pm to 8 pm
Nearest Metro Station: Kempegowda Stn., Majestic (2.1 km)

6. Lumbini Gardens, Bangalore

A one-of-its-kind attraction in the city, Lumbini Gardens attracts plenty of visitors every day owing to its serene environment and verdant landscape. The park, situated on the banks of Nagawara Lake, is perfect for a day-out with family as it boasts a kids’ park, amusement rides, wave pool, boating club, beautiful fountains, a 1.5 km-long walking path and a food stall to enjoy delectable fare.

Entry Fee: INR 50 (adults and kids aged 3 years and above); Free (kids below 3 years)
Timings: 11:00 am to 7:00 pm
Nearest Metro Station/Bus Stand: Kanaka Nagar Bus Stand (1.7 km)

7. Bugle Rock Park, Bangalore

The Bugle Rock Park is situated in Basavanagudi in the South of Bangalore. The main attraction of the park is the group of natural rock formations called the Peninsular Gneiss. These formations are assessed to be more than 3,000 million years old. The park attracts both locals and tourists and is complete with a fountain and lush greenery.

Entry Fee: N/A
Timings: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM on all days of the week
Nearest Metro Station/Bus Stand: BMS College Bus Stand (300 metres)

8. Jayaprakash Narayan Biodiversity Park (JP Park), Bangalore

This is the third-largest park in Bangalore and is a beautifully maintained landscape sprawling across 85 acres. The park is filled with four lakes, a couple of refreshing fountains, and a clean jogging path. The musical fountain is an added attraction here. The park is located in Mathikere and has clean toilets, fresh drinking water sources, and food kiosks too.

Entry Fee: N/A. Visiting the Musical Fountain is chargeable at ₹ 10 per head
Timings: 5:00 AM to 9:00 AM, 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Nearest Metro Station/Bus Stand: Chowdeshwari Bus Stand JP Park (300 metres)

Monuments, Bangalore

Monuments | Places to Visit in Bangalore

Bangalore is dotted with impressive monuments that narrate the tale of its rich past. The ones you can explore are:

9. Bangalore Palace

Built in the latter half of the 19th century, Bangalore Palace offers a glimpse into the riches of the past monarchs. The architecture of the building reminds one of the castles built in Northern France and England in medieval times. In addition, the large park in front regularly hosts concerts by international Heavy Metal bands.

Entry Fee: ₹ 230
Timings: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Nearest Metro Station/Bus Stand: Cubbon Park Metro Station (3.2 km), Forum City Apartment Bus Stand (800 meters)

10. Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, Bangalore

Tipu Sultan ruled the Kingdom of Mysore for almost two decades during the late 18th century, and this sprawling palace served as his summer residence. The palace houses several articles belonging to Tipu Sultan as well as paintings of monarchs.

Entry Fee: ₹ 15
Timings: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm
Nearest Metro Station/Bus Stand: Krishna Rajendra Market Metro Station (450 metres)

11. Vidhana Soudha, Bangalore

The seat of the Government of Karnataka, Vidhana Soudha is a granite marvel which leaves observers spellbound by its sheer grandeur. Though there are several impressive buildings and monuments in the city, Vidhana Soudha stands out with its Neo-Dravidian style of architecture, broad staircase in front and the giant pillars these are followed by. You do not want to skip this one out on your Bangalore city tour. Due to it being a government building, entry to its premises is restricted.

Entry Fees: Entry restricted
Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on weekdays; closed on weekends
Nearest Metro Station/Bus Stand: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Metro Station (Vidhana Soudha) (350 metres)

12. ISKCON Temple, Bangalore

Little do people know that Bangalore’s ISKCON Temple holds the honour of being the largest in the world. Its foundation was laid in 1997 in remembrance of the birth anniversary of ISKCON founder, Shri Prabhupada. The shrine stands out for its neo-classical architectural style, the ethereal idols of Radha and Lord Krishna and the ornate arch at the entrance, among other things.

Entry Fee: N/A
Timings: 4:15 am to 5 am, 7:15 am to 1 pm and 4 pm to 8:30 pm
Nearest Metro Station/Bus Stand: Mahalakshmi Metro Station (650 m)

13. Halasuru Someshwara Temple, Bangalore

Located in Ulsoor, this is among the oldest temples in Bangalore and was built during the Chola Dynasty. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit in the middle of the bustling city.

Entry Fee: N/A
Timings: 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM, 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Nearest Metro Station/Bus Stand: Halasuru Metro Station (400 metres)

14. Shivoham Shiva Temple, Bangalore

Built-in the year 1995, this temple in the Old Airport Road, Bangalore is known for its 65-feet Shiva Idol, which is the main attraction here. The artificial cave that leads to the inner sanctum of the temple is another reason for its popularity. The temple attracts worshippers from all over the world every year and is an architectural landmark of the city.

Entry Fee: ₹ 150 per person
Timings: Open 24 hours a day
Nearest Metro Station/Bus Stand: Murugeshpalya Bus Stop (150 metres)

15. Bull Temple (Nandi Temple), Bangalore

The Bull Temple in Basavanagudi is one of the largest temples in the world dedicated to Lord Nandi. It houses a very large and majestic idol of Nandi, measuring 15-feet in height and 20-feet in length. The temple is located inside the famous Bugle Rock Park and is a very popular tourist destination in the city.

Entry Fee: N/A
Timings: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Nearest Metro Station/Bus Stand: BMS College Bus Stand (300 metres)

16. Seshadri Iyer Memorial Hall (State Central Library)

The Seshadri Iyer Memorial Hall is another iconic monument in Bangalore. This is situated in Cubbon Park and is also called the Central Library. It houses over 2.6 lakh books. The building gives you a glimpse of rare literary classics that you cannot find anywhere else in the country.

Entry Fee: N/A
Timings: 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM (all days except Monday), Closed on the 2nd Tuesday of every month
Nearest Metro Station/Bus Stand: Cubbon Park Metro Station (600 metres)

17. Bangalore Fort

This is yet another historical monument in Bangalore. The construction of the fort started in the year 1537 by Kempe Gowda I and Tipu Sultan improved the architecture of the fort in the 18th century. Located in Tharagupet, you can enjoy beautiful paintings and wall murals here.

Entry Fee: Indians – ₹ 5, Non-Indians – ₹ 100
Timings: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Nearest Metro Station/Bus Stand: KR Market Bus Stop (150 metres)

Museums, Bangalore

Museums | Places to Visit in Bangalore

The museums in Bangalore are not just informative and insightful, but engaging as well. Among the most thronged museums in the city are:

18. Government Museum

Operational since 1865, the Government Museum in Bangalore is counted among the oldest museums in the country. However, it’s not just the rich history of this place that draws visitors, but also the impressive collection of archaeological and geological artefacts, such as sculptures, coins, inscriptions and jewellery.

Entry Fee: ₹ 20 (adults), ₹ 10 (children)
Timings: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Nearest Metro Station/Bus Stand: Cubbon Park Metro Station (1 km)

19. HAL Heritage Centre & Aerospace Museum

HAL Heritage Centre & Aerospace Museum chronicles the development of the aviation industry and how the aircraft evolved in the past century. It does so through a comprehensive assortment of photographs as well as genuine and model aircraft and parts thereof. Museums may not be your thing, but this one, with its intriguing collection, could very well change your entire outlook.

Entry Fee: ₹ 30
Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Nearest Metro Station/Bus Stand: HAL Police Station Bus Stand (700 metres)

20. NIMHANS Brain Museum

NIMHANS Brain Museum is not your run-of-the-mill museum. For years, the place has been collecting, preserving and exhibiting brain specimens for educational and research purposes. It may appear or sound eerie to some people; however, the work that it has done regarding spreading awareness and removing stigma related to neuropsychiatric illnesses is really outstanding.

Entry Fee: N/A
Timings: 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Nearest Metro Station/Bus Stand/Bus Stand: South End Circle Metro Station (3.1 km), Nimhans Hospital Bus Stand (150 m)

21. Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium, Bangalore

The Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium is a top attraction in the city, especially for kids and science buffs. The planetarium offers amazing 3D shows, a science park with up to 40 exhibits, and a sky theatre. It also organises a sky-gazing programme on the first Sunday of every month.

Entry Fee: Adults – ₹60, Children – ₹40
Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM, Closed on all Mondays and the second Tuesdays of the month
Nearest Metro Station/Bus Stand: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Metro Station (900 metres)

22. Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum

If you are a tech enthusiast or if you have children who love science and technology, the Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum, located in the Cubbon Park area is a great place to visit. The museum was inaugurated in the year 1962 and has about 10 exhibition halls, a 3D theatre, and a science park.

Entry Fee: ₹75 per person
Timings: 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Nearest Metro Station/Bus Stand: Chinnaswamy Stadium Bus Stop (600 metres), Cubbon Park Metro Station (1 km)

Check more details about Winter trip – Places to Visit in December | Places to Visit in Winter

Markets and Shopping Malls, Bangalore

Shopping | Places to Visit in Bangalore

From palatial shopping malls to bustling markets, the city of Bangalore has loads of retail hubs that are no less than attractions in themselves. The most popular among these include:

23. M.G. Road, Bangalore

M.G. Road is one of the best spots in Bangalore to spend leisurely time. The place is lined with shops that give you a chance to indulge in retail therapy, restaurants where you can relish delectable food and a plethora of entertainment options. If you are looking for a place to pick up local handicrafts as souvenirs of your Bangalore trip, then M.G. is your best option.

Entry Fee: N/A
Timings: Morning to Evening for market; 10:00 am to 10:00 pm for malls
Nearest Metro Station/Bus Stand: M.G. Road Metro Station (500 metres)

24. UB City Mall, Bangalore

Retail therapy in Bangalore doesn’t get more stylish than this. UB City Mall is often touted as the “India’s First Luxury Mall”. It’s not just the many international brands that draw shopaholics to this place, but also the aesthetics of the building on the inside and outside. Apart from shopping and dining, UB City Mall also attracts people with its endless nightlife options.

Entry Fee:N/A
Timings: Stores (11:00 to 8:00 pm); restaurants (11:00 am to 11:30 pm on Sun-Thu and 11:00 am to 1:00 am on Fri-Sat)
Nearest Metro Station/Bus Stand: Cubbon Park Metro Station (1.6 km)

25. Commercial Street, Bangalore

Commercial Street is a dream come true for every budget shopper in Bangalore. The bustling street, which is only a short drive from the famed M.G. Road, is replete with stores where people can buy trendy clothes and accessories at low rates. The place also boasts many restaurants offering regional and international cuisine.

Entry Fee: N/A
Timings: 11:00 am to 8:00 pm
Nearest Metro Station/Bus Stand: M.G. Road Metro Station (1.1 km)

26. Mantri Square Mall, Bangalore

Mantri Square Mall is one of the largest shopping malls in Bangalore with a sprawling area of 1.3 m square feet. More than 10,000 brands are housed in here including some of the best domestic and international names across industries. Besides shopping, this mall is perfect to indulge in a movie-viewing experience at 6-screen INOX multiplex, have some fun time at the bowling alley and gaming corner or enjoy a range of delicacies at the food court.

Entry Fee: N/A
Timings: 11.00 am to 10.00 pm
Nearest Metro Station/Bus Stand: Mantri Square Sampige Road Metro Station (300 m)

27. Phoenix Mall, Bangalore

Located on the Whitefield Main Road, the Phoenix Mall is the best place to shop and hangout. The mall is filled with hundreds of branded stores, kiosks, and restaurants, and a well-maintained food court. The play area for children and the open space around the mall are added attractions.

Entry Fee: N/A
Timings: 10:00 AM to 9:30 PM
Nearest Metro Station/Bus Stand: Singaianapalya Phoenix Bus Stop (200 metres)

28. Garuda Mall, Bangalore

Garuda Mall is yet another popular shopping destination in Bangalore for premium shoppers. Situated on Magrath Road, there are a variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options here. You can spend quality time here shopping from over 300 branded stores. Thousands of locals frequent the mall every day.

Entry Fee: N/A
Timings: 10:00 AM to 10:30 PM
Nearest Metro Station/Bus Stand: MG Road Metro Station – Church Street Exit (700 metres)

29. Chickpet, Bangalore

If you are a shopaholic, do not leave Bangalore without visiting Chickpet. This old neighbourhood consists of narrow lanes filled with hundreds of small and big shops selling all kinds of wares. You can find anything you want from antiques to designer wedding clothes, gold jewellery, footwear, and home accessories here in plenty.

Entry Fee: N/A
Timings: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Nearest Metro Station/Bus Stand: Chickpet Metro Station (Green Line) (500 metres)

30. Brigade Road, Bangalore

Brigade Road is bustling with people all through the year. Walking through this happening lane and enjoying window-shopping is an experience by itself. The road lights up in the evening and is the perfect spot to shop to your heart’s content.

Entry Fee: N/A
Timings: 10:00 AM until midnight
Nearest Metro Station/Bus Stand: MG Road Metro Station – Church Street Exit (500 metres)

Amusement Parks, Bangalore

Amusement Parks | Places to Visit in Bangalore

If you are spending time in the city with your family, there are hordes of amusement parks in Bangalore you can plan a trip to, such as:

31. Wonderla, Bangalore

Wonderla ensures a fun time to visitors with its over five dozen wet and dry rides. It has roller coasters to get the adrenaline levels soaring and calm pools where you can simply relax in refreshing waters. In short, a trip to Wonderla is the recipe for the perfect time with your family.

Entry Fee: ₹ 890 to ₹ 1185
Timings: Weekdays – 11:00 am to 6:00 pm; Weekends, Holidays and Peak Season – 11:00 am to 7:00 pm
Nearest Metro Station/Bus Stand: Wonderla Amusement Park Bus Stand (350 metres)

32. Fun World, Bangalore

Fun World, as the name suggests, is a world of fun. This theme park is complete with thrilling rides that speak to adrenaline junkies and fun rides that one can enjoy with the entire family. The park also houses an indoor snow park, where you can enjoy in temperatures below freezing point and partake in mountain activities such as sledging.

Entry Fee: ₹ 750 to ₹ 1200
Timings: 11:00 am to 7:30 pm
Nearest Metro Station/Bus Stand: TV Tower Bus Stand (250 metres)

33. Innovative Film City, Bangalore

Innovative Film City offers an entertainment extravaganza. The place houses Cartoon City, Aqua Kingdom, Dino Park, Petting Zoo, Haunted Mansion and several other similar themed zones that will keep you hooked for an entire day. It also has numerous museums, production studios and restaurants that are perfect for a relaxed outing.

Entry Fee: ₹ 600
Timings: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
Nearest Metro Station/Bus Stand: Abbanakuppe Bus Stand (900 metres)

Also Check: Café in Bangalore

Natural Attractions, Bangalore

Natural Attraction | Places to Visit in Bangalore

Those looking to get away from the city but not too far can explore the nature’s gifts in the outskirts of Bangalore like:

34. Manchanabele Dam, Bangalore

Located at about an hour’s drive from Bangalore city centre, Manchanabele Dam is built across the Arkavathy River and caters to the water needs of the nearby town of Magadi. A lot of local and even travellers plan a trip to this site owing to the fact that it is away from the hustle-bustle of the city and offers a serene environment for people to unwind. Trekking, picnics, birdwatching, boating, camping, mountain climbing and rappelling are some of the activities to indulge in at this dam.

Entry Fee: N/A
Timings: 24 hours
Nearest Metro Station/Bus Stand: Manchanabele Dam Cross Bus Stand (1.1 km)

35. Thottikallu Falls, Bangalore

It’s quite common for college-going kids and other people in Bangalore to plan a weekend getaway to TK Falls (also known as the Swarna Mukhi Falls). About 35 km from Bangalore, Thottikallu Falls is an excellent place for trekking enthusiasts or just those who want to get away from the clatter of the city. Feel free to take a shower in its cascading waters after the strenuous trek or simply relax here.

Entry Fee: N/A
Timings: Morning till evening
Nearest Metro Station/Bus Stand: Kuppareddy Kere Bus Stand (5.9 km)

While these are the many attractions that you can explore in the city, there are also myriad weekend getaways from Bangalore such as Ramanagara, Nandi Hills, Horsley Hills and more to take the fun quotient a little higher. So, the next time you look out for hotels in Bangalore for your trip, give these amazing attractions a thought as well.

36. Ulsoor Lake, Bangalore

Spread over 50 acres, Ulsoor Lake is a piece of heaven amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. Boating is the main attraction here. You can also spend time sitting and watching sunrise and sunset. A clean walking path surrounds the lake too perfect for early morning or evening walks.

Entry Fee: N/A
Timings: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM (Closed on Wednesdays)
Nearest Metro Station/Bus Stand: MEG Centre Bus Stop (right outside the lake)

37. Dodda Aalada Mara (Big Banyan Tree), Bangalore

Dodda Aalada Mara is translated to the Big Banyan Tree. Located in Kettohalli in Bangalore, this single banyan tree covers 3 acres of land and is considered among the biggest trees in the country. The banyan tree is surrounded by a small park with seating spots and is a good place to visit in the mornings and evenings. Do be aware of a large number of monkeys in the park.

Entry Fee: ₹20
Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Nearest Metro Station/Bus Stand: Dodda Aalada Mara Bus Stop (20 metres)

MYSORE.

May 14, 2021

A city of palaces, people and smells, the princely city of Mysore is worth a visit whatever the month or season. Mysore is a dream city that never lets down the visitors with its clean, light and easygoing environment. A mysore overview, highlighting it's cultural traditions. Mysore is well connected through road and rail networks with other parts of Karnataka and India. Steeped in tradition, mysore is located at the epicenter of Indian history, culture, and timeless elegance. The city of mysore, once the capital of the former mysore state, is now the cultural and tourist center of the expanded Karnataka State.

Mysore is a major tourist destination in its own right and serves as a base for other tourist attractions in the vicinity. The city receives many tourists during the ten-day Dasara festival.] One of the most visited monuments in India, the Amba Vilas Palace, or Mysore Palace, is the centre of the Dasara festivities.The Jaganmohana Palace, The Sand Sculpture Museum the Jayalakshmi Vilas and the Lalitha Mahal are other palaces in the city. Chamundeshwari Temple, atop the Chamundi Hills, and St. Philomena's Church, Wesley's Cathedral are notable religious places in Mysore.

A short distance from Mysuru city is the neighbouring Mandya District's Krishnarajasagar Dam and the adjoining Brindavan Gardens, where a musical fountain show is held every evening. Places of historic importance close to Mysore are Mandya District's Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangapatna. And other historical places are Somanathapura and Talakad.[35] B R Hills, Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta hill and the hill stations of Ooty, Sultan Bathery and Madikeri are close to Mysore. Popular destinations for wildlife enthusiasts near Mysore include the Nagarahole National Park, the wildlife sanctuaries at Melkote, Mandya and B R Hills and the bird sanctuaries at Ranganathittu, Mandya and Kokrebellur, Mandya.[154] Bandipur National Park and Mudumalai National Park, which are sanctuaries for gaur, chital, elephants, tigers, leopards and other threatened species, lie between 60 and 100 kilometres (37 and 62 mi) to the south. Other tourist spots near Mysuru include the religious locations of Nanjanagud and Bylakuppe and the waterfalls at neighbouring districts of Mandya's Shivanasamudra.The Mysore Zoo, established in 1892,[151] the Karanji, Kukkarahalli and the Blue Lagoon Lake are popular recreational destinations. Blue Lagoon is a lake with a mini island located behind the KRS water dam, from which it is mesmerising to watch the sunset and sunrise.[35][152] Mysuru has the Regional Museum of Natural History, the Folk Lore Museum, the Railway Museum and the Oriental Research Institute. The city is a centre for yoga-related health tourism that attracts domestic and foreign visitors, particularly those who, for years, came to study with the late Ashtanga vinyasa yoga guru K. Pattabhi Jois.[153]

HUBLI-DHARWAD.

May 26, 2021

Despite of being physically separate, the cities, Hubli and Dharwad are often referred to as ‘twin cities’ and is a part of a single municipal corporation in Karnataka. The two cities are separated by 20 kilometers and while Dharwad serves as the administrative center, the city of Hubli serves as a commercial hub. Hubli is not just the business hub of the municipal corporation Hubli-Dharwad but also the major trading center and industrial town in Karnataka. The city flourished in trade of cotton and iron during the reign of the Vijaynagar Kings and is still known for its handloom textiles. The city Dharwad has been an important learning center for arts and literature since the 12th Century AD. The region that contains the city of Dharwad has been ruled by the Chalukyas, the Bahmani Sultanate, Vijaynagar Empire, Mughals, Marathas, Mysore kingdom and eventually the British. The city due to this displays a wide plethora of culture.

Tourist places to visit here are:

1. Chandramouleshwara Temple

The prized architectural monument in Hubli-Dharwad, the Chandramouleshwara temple is a 900 year old temple built during the reign of the Chalukyas. The temple is dedicated to Chandramouleshwara, another name for the Hindu deity Shiva. The temple is carved and sculpted straight out of black granite and displays a marvelous architectural prowess of the Chalukya era artisans.

2. Banashankari Temple

The Banashankari Temple was built in the 13th century by the Chalukyas. Once again the temple is a marvelous example of the Chalukya period art and stone sculpting prowess. It is a stone carved masterpiece and is dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva. The temple pillars are marvelously carved out of granite and are currently undergoing restoration.

3. Nrupatunga Hill

Nestled in the Unakal Hill, the Nrupatunga Hill is a small hillock and picnic spot in Hubli. The hillock serves as an excellent view point and a great escape point from the bustle of the city area. The area is best visited between the months of October and January.

4. Navagraha Teertha

Navagraha Teertha is one of the major pilgrim spot for the Jain community in India. The temple features a 61 foot tall idol of the Shri 1008 Bhagavan Parshvanath and the smaller statues of the other 8 Jain teerthankaras. The statue is the tallest statue of the Jain deity in India and weighs 185 tons.

5. Indira Gandhi Glass House Garden

The Indira Gandhi Glass House Garden is a municipality maintained landscaped garden that has a central glass house like building that resembles a similar building in Bangalore. The place is a popular venue for various socio-cultural activities like musical concerts and exhibitions.

6. Unkal Lake

Unkal lake is spread around 200 acres and is a popular picnic spot in Hubli-Dharwad. The lake can be used for boating and is harbored by a lush green garden that serves as a great recreational spot. The lake is around 110 years old and is adorned with the statue of Swami Vivekananda placed in the center of the lake.

7. Siddharoodha Math

Siddhoroodha Math is a monastery that was established by the followers of Sri Siddharoodha Swami who took his ‘Samadhi’ in 1929. The math has seen notable visitors like Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Mahatma Gandhi. The Swami Sri Siddharoodha was a famous teacher of the ‘Advaita’ philosophy and is best visited during the car festival during the Hindu event ‘Mahashivaratri’.

Due to the twin cities close proximity and hilly surroundings, Hubli-Dharwad are a famous tourist spot in Karnataka. The ancient archeological temples and monuments, the deep rooted culture and the scenic surroundings and pleasant climate of the cities will make your remember your visit to Hubli-Dharwad for years to come.

HAMPI.

May 24, 2021

Hampi, a temple town in northern Karnataka, was once the capital of the historical Vijayanagara Dynasty. This quaint place, lying amidst striking ruins of the past, has been receiving tourists from far off for ages. The magnificence of the ruins of temples and other structures of Vijayanagar, dating back to 1500 AD, is the main attraction of this place. According to some accounts, Hampi used to be the second largest city of the world.

There are innumerable boulders around Hampi that are easy to climb. One can get a stunning view of the ruins spread around Hampi by mounting one of the boulders. Located on the bank of the Tungabhadra River, Hampi has quite a number of tourist attractions like Virupaksha Temple, Vithala Temple and Nandi Statue. It is best to visit Hampi during the three day long Hampi festival held around October-November every year.

Paradise for wanderlust folks

Hampi is a house to many temples which makes it an important religious center. This place is worth visiting since it holds great significance archeologically and also architecturally. Moreover, it is wonderfully enclosed with lofty mountains and smoothly flowing River which adds up even more to its already present attractiveness. According to statistics, this is the most searched place on Google in Karnataka.

Tourist attraction in and around Hampi

There are many more sightseeing options in and around Hampi and those who pay a visit here quite surely visit the surrounding places also.

Virupaksha Temple

This temple was built in the 7th century and it was a small shrine back then but was developed later into a beautiful one by the Vijayanagra rulers who dedicated this to their Lord Virupaksha. For people living nearby, it serves as a center for their religious believes.

Hampi used to be an important part of Vijayanagara city (1343 – 1565), which was later ruined but this beautiful place commonly referred as the temple town still exists. It always remained a priority for different rulers because of its geographical location. It is covered by impregnable hills on three sides and Tungabhadra River flows on the fourth side making this place secure and also magnificent from the scenic point of view.

Paradise for wanderlust folks

Tourist attraction in and around Hampi-There are many more sightseeing options in and around Hampi and those who pay a visit here quite surely visit the surrounding places also.Virupaksha TempleThis temple was built in the 7th century and it was a small shrine back then but was developed later into a beautiful one by the Vijayanagra rulers who dedicated this to their Lord Virupaksha. For people living nearby, it serves as a center for their religious believes.Vittala TempleThis temple is a dedication to Lord Vittala who was believed to be the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It came into existence in the 15th century and serves as a major attraction to tourists. There is a large stone chariot that reflects the architectural skills back then.

Archaeological Museum

This Museum was established by the Archaeological Survey of India. When we talk about Hampi being a historical attraction, this Museum plays a vital role as it is a home to antiques and great sculptures. Most of the findings were carried on by British people and later in 1972, the antiques were shifted here.

Underground TempleThis is one of the oldest temples in Hampi dedicated to Lord Shiva. Most of the parts of this temple remain submerged in water because it was built several meters below the ground level.

BellaryThis city is known for the largest single rock mountain in the world. It is 60 km away from Hampi and the second fastest growing city in Karnataka. Bellary fort is also a tourist attraction.

AnegodiBefore Hampi, Anegodi was the capital of the region. It is situated on the opposite bank of the river and is a farming village. The places to visit here are Anegodi fort, Chandramouliswara Temple Pampa Sarovar, and Bukka‘s aqueduct.

Anjaneya HillIt is located 4km away from the heritage site and is considered to be the birthplace of Lord Hanuman. There is a temple dedicated to him commonly called as the Monkey or the Hanuman temple.

KamalpuraIt is situated at the southern part of the ruins. It is also a small village and famous for Ganigitti temple, Bhima’s Gateway and museum. This village also holds importance in history.

COORG.

May 17, 2021
Coorg, a place so beautiful that it seems like a piece of heaven has drifted away from God’s kingdom and has settled on the Earth. It is somewhere between Mysore and Mangalore. It is an area with low hills of unequal height. The men are brave warrior, the women of Coorg are pretty. The place has a variety of wild animals too.
Coorg, or Kodagu, the smallest district of Karnataka, is home to evergreen rainforests, spices and coffee plantations. Evergreen rainforests cover thirty percent of this district. During the monsoons, it pours enough to keep many visitors away. The season of joy commences from September and continues till March. The weather is perfect, with some showers thrown in for good measure. The air breathes of invigorating coffee. Coffee estates and colonial bungalows stand tucked under tree canopies in prime corners.

Kodagu is rated as one of the top hill station destinations in India. Some of the most popular tourist attractions in Kodagu include Talakaveri, Bhagamandala, Nisargadhama, Abbey Falls, Dubare, Nagarahole National Park, Iruppu Falls, and the Tibetan Buddhist Golden Temple.
Talakaveri is the place where the River Kaveri originates. The temple on the riverbanks here is dedicated to Lord Brahma, and is one of only two temples dedicated to Brahma in India and Southeast Asia. Bhagamandala is situated at the Sangama (confluence) of two rivers, the Kaveri and the Kannika. A third river, the Sujyothi, is said to join from underground, and hence this spot is called the Triveni Sangama. Iruppu Falls is a sacred Kodagu Hindu spot in South Kodagu in the Brahmagiri hill range. The Lakshmana Tirtha River, with the waterfalls, flows nearby and has a Rameshwara temple on its banks. It is said that this sacred river was created when Laxmana, prince of Ayodhya and younger brother of Lord Rama, shot an arrow into nearby hill, the Brahmagiri hill. Chelavara falls and Thadiandamol peak are also in South Kodagu. Nagarahole is a national park and wildlife resort.

Talakaveri Temple

Nagarahole National Park.

Madikeri is the capital of the district and Raja's Seat park is popular with tourists. Kootu Poley dam is also popular among tourists. Omkareshwara Temple is a beautiful temple built in the Indo-Sarcenic style in Coorg. A legend is associated with the temple, built by Lingarajendra II in 1820 CE. The king put to death a pious Brahmin who dared to protest against his misdeeds. The spirit of the dead man began to plague the king day and night. On the advice of wise men, the king built this temple and installed a Shivalinga procured from Kashi, North India. St. Mark's Church is located within the Mercara Fort and was raised in 1859, by the officers and men of the East India Company. The building was funded by the Government of Madras, and placed under the Church of England in India, Diocese of Madras. The Church was closed after Indian independence, and taken over by the Government of Karnataka in 1971.The building now houses the Madikeri Fort Museum, managed by the Karnataka State Archaeological Department.

Madikeri

Dubare is mainly an elephant-capturing and training camp of the Forest Department at the edge of Dubare forest; on the bank of the river Kaveri along the Kushalanagara – Siddapura road.] Nisargadhama is a man-made island and picnic spot near Kushalanagara, formed by the river Kaveri. The Tibetan Buddhist Golden Temple is at Bylakuppe near Kushalnagara (Mysore district), in the Tibetan refugee settlement.

Abbey Falls is a scenic waterfall 5 km from Madikeri. Mallalli falls is 25 km from Somawarapet, downhill of the Pushpagiri hills. Mandalapatti is 28 km from Madikeri. On the way to Abbey Falls, before 3 km from Abbey Falls take right, from there 25 km. Kote Betta temple, Kote Abbey falls are also in North Kodagu. Abbi waterfall and other waterfalls are best during monsoon season, typically some days after it starts raining in June up to the end of rainy season, while there is more water gushing in the streams and rivers.

Coorg indeed is a great place to visit...