Top 5 Places to visit in Karnataka

A beautiful place, nestled amidst absolute greenery, Corrg serves as the perfect spot for a weekend destination. Apart from its idyllic setting, the district is well-known for its coffee plantations.

The history of Coorg in Karnataka dates back to the 1st century AD. The region was ruled by the Kadamba dynasty in the 4th century AD. The Hoysalas ruled the region in the 12th century AD. The region came under the rule of the Vijayanagara dynasty in the 15th century AD. The region was ruled by the Mysore kingdom in the 18th century AD. The region became a part of the British Raj in 1881. The region attained statehood in 1956.

One of the fascinating facts about Coorg is its people, known as Kodavas. They are a martial race with a distinct culture that combines Hindu and Islamic traditions. Kodavas are primarily farmers and traders. They live in a tight-knit community with a strong sense of brotherhood.
The place holds beautiful spots which serve as an ideal spot for trekking, camping, or just simply gazing at the beauty of nature. Although there are many places to visit like the Abbey Falls, Iruppu Falls, Nagarhole National Park, Omkareshwar Temple, Tadiyandamol Peak, Dubare Elephant Camp, Bhagamandala Temple, Nisargadhama, Raja's Seat, Mandalpatti, etc, which will help you understand more of Coorg.

Mysore is well-known for its palaces, temples, and gardens, as well as its silk trade. It served as the capital of the Wodeyar dynasty's Mysore Kingdom. Mysore is now Karnataka's second largest city, after Bangalore. Mysore is a popular tourist destination in Karnataka. It has maintained Karnataka's traditional form to this day, making it more appealing to tourists.

Dating back to history, the kingdom was initially a vassal of the Vijayanagara Empire, but attained independence in 1399. The Mysore dynasty was established by Yaduraya in 1399. In 1481, the Vijayanagara Empire went into decline and the kingdom became independent. The Mysore kings were patrons of literature and the arts, and sculptors and goldsmiths thrived in their courts.

The city is also well-known for its sandalwood products and yoga and meditation practises. If you visit Mysore, you should see the magnificent Mysore Palace and the Chamudeshwari Taygi Gudi Temple. People frequently visit Chamundi hill in the evening to admire the panoramic view of Mysore and the beauty of the Mysore palace all lit up with lights. 

If you are travelling to Karnataka, Gokarna should be on the bucket list that will complete your trip! Amidst the urbane lifestyle, Gokarna provides a peaceful ambiance, which provides another reason to visit if you want to spend an absolute holiday.

Gokarna is a small temple town in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. It is known for its ancient temples and beaches. The Mahabaleshwar Temple is a famous temple in Gokarna. The town is also a popular pilgrimage centre for Shaiva and Vaishnava Hindus.
As per the legend, Gokarna is linked with the history of the Kadamba dynasty. The Kadamba dynasty was a royal dynasty of Karnataka that ruled from Banavasi in present-day Uttara Kannada district. They were the first ruling dynasty of the region and ruled for about two centuries, from 345 to 587 CE. The earliest historical records about the Kadamba dynasty are found in the Aihole record inscription of 450 CE. This inscription mentions the dynasty's first king, Mayurasharma, who is said to have founded the city of Banavasi. The Badami record inscription of 578 CE mentions the dynasty's last king, Krishna, who is said to have ruled from Banavasi.

The beaches of Gokarna are considered to be some of the most beautiful in India, and people love to spend their leisure time and feel the luxury of the atmosphere throughout their stay.

Hampi is a village in the southern Indian state of Karnataka that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hampi is known for its architectural brilliance and strong historic foothold, and it is the most exquisite place to visit in Karnataka. It is located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River in the Bellary district.

The village is known for the ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire. The empire was founded in 1336 by Harihara I and his brother, Bukka Raya I. It reached its zenith under the rule of Krishnadevaraya in the 16th century. The city was sacked in 1565 by the Deccan Sultanates. The ruins are spread over an area and are now a popular tourist attraction.

Hampi celebrates different festivals and cultural events, which provides a different sketch altogether. People here take great pride in their traditions and culture. The place also holds a strong taste in art and music, which gives a strong cultural definition. When visiting Hampi, you must see the Virupaksha Temple, Matanga Hill, and the Achyutaraya Temple, among other places.

The "Silicon Valley of India" and the "Garden City of India", Bangalore is amongst the top 5 places to visit in Karnataka. Not only that the place is known for its favourable climate throughout the year and as the IT hub in India.

As per history, Bangalore starts with the pre-historic era. The region around Bangalore was inhabited by hunter-gatherer tribes. The earliest recorded mention of Bangalore is in a 9th-century Kannada text, the "Chandravalli Charithra". According to this text, the Hoysala king Vishnuvardhana built a city called "Bengaluru" on the banks of the Kannada River in the 11th century. Bangalore remained a small town for several centuries, until it was chosen as the capital of the newly formed Mysore State in 1799. The city grew rapidly in the 1800s, thanks to its location at the intersection of two important trade routes.

Bangalore played a key role in India's independence movement and was the site of several important protests and riots. The city was also the home of several important Indian politicians and intellectuals, including Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru.

Apart from being the high-tech hub of India, Bangalore is known for its most relaxing lifestyle, with several dotted eateries on almost every corner. Places like Lal Bagh, Bangalore Palace, and Tipu Sultan's Palace serve as the most contrasting elements to its urbane landscape.