5 Not To Miss Places in Karnataka

Karnataka, located in the southwestern part of India, is a vibrant state known for its rich heritage, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes. From ancient temples and majestic forts to lush green hills and pristine beaches, Karnataka offers a captivating blend of history, spirituality, and natural beauty. Whether you are a history buff, nature lover, adventure seeker, or spiritual traveler, Karnataka has something special for everyone. Famous destinations like Mysore, known for its royal palaces; Coorg, the coffee land with misty hills; Hampi, the UNESCO World Heritage site with ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire; and the bustling tech city of Bengaluru together create an unforgettable travel experience. Exploring Karnataka means diving into a world where tradition meets modernity amid scenic backdrops and warm hospitality.

# Nandi Hills – A Beginner’s Gateway to Karnataka

A chilly breeze brushed my cheeks, my hair went frizzy, and we huddled together in our jackets, sipping hot Maggi while waiting for the sun to rise beyond the horizon. That’s how Nandi Hills felt to me.

As an avid traveler, I expected Nandi Hills to be one of those classic hill stations — a refreshing stopover like many famous hilltops around the world. But as we gazed at clouds beneath our feet and the golden sunrise ahead, I realized I barely knew the history and charm of this place.

Located about 60 km from Bangalore, Nandi Hills is part of a mountain range crowned by the historic Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple at its base. The hill is named after the temple’s sacred Nandi statue. Nandi Hills is also known for being one of Tippu Sultan’s largest fortresses, famously holding off British forces for nearly three weeks in 1791.

For those eager to dive deeper, the Siddhartha Raja podcast’s Bangalore episode on Nandi Valley Walks beautifully covers its geography, history, and significance.

Beyond heritage walks, Nandi Hills offers cycling tours, night treks in neighboring hills, and several ancient temples scattered across the area. The Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple, with its beautiful stepped tank, is also a popular wedding venue—though priests insist on parental presence for certificates (trust me, I know from experience).

# Skandagiri Hill – The Night Trek Adventure

One night, some college friends invited me for a jungle trek up Skandagiri Hill, and I jumped at the chance. We booked a taxi from Bangalore to the hill’s base and soon found ourselves trekking steep, muddy jungle trails under flashlight beams, surrounded by thick Karnataka forest.

“Giri” means mountain in Kannada, and Skandagiri stands tall at 1450 meters, neighboring Nandi Hills. I hadn’t realized how close they were until that night trek during my first year in Karnataka.

After a two-hour hike, we reached the summit around 3 or 4 AM. Since Skandagiri is famous for its night treks, a few food stalls and tea counters stayed open through the night.

The morning brought a fresh dew and perfect photo ops among rocks. This trek is ideal for beginners—just bring friends and maybe a guide if you’re new. The trail is well-marked, and the Siddhartha Raja podcast offers great insights on Skandagiri’s history.

Camping under the stars atop Skandagiri is unforgettable. Don’t miss the ruins of Tippu Sultan’s fort, destroyed by the British, and the two temples at the hill’s base and summit that add spiritual charm to the trek.

Skandagiri and Nandi Hills together make a fantastic two-day getaway from Bangalore. If traveling by public transport, buses run to Nandi Hills easily.

# Dodda Alada Mara – The Giant Banyan Tree

That cheeky monkey stole my pineapple! My legs ached from cycling, and I marveled at how a single tree could grow so huge. This was my first impression when I visited Dodda Alada Mara.

Literally meaning “Big Banyan Tree,” this ancient tree is over 400 years old and located near Kethohalli village, just 28 km from Bangalore. It’s the fourth largest banyan tree in the world.

Years ago, during a cycling trip, my group and I enjoyed an easy but scenic ride with ups and downs before reaching the sprawling banyan tree park. At the tree, I admired its vast network of aerial roots anchoring it to the ground—its main trunk had broken off in 2000.

Spanning about 3 acres, the tree’s massive canopy measures 120 meters in circumference, with its tallest branch soaring 95 feet high. As I savored some cut pineapple with chili, a monkey snatched it right from my hands—a messy but authentic brush with nature.

To get there, take a bus from Bangalore’s Majestic stand to Kengeri, then from Kengeri to Dodda Alada Mara. Alternatively, buses run from K.R. Market to the tree.

For tree lovers and nature enthusiasts, this is a must-visit. And if you’re curious, locals say the spirits of the forest dwell around this majestic tree.

# Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary – A Birdwatcher’s Paradise

Approaching Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, flocks of large birds soared overhead, and the lush greenery made it feel like a forest escape within the city. Soon, we spotted crocodiles basking on rocky islets, and the sounds of chirping chicks filled the air.

Located in Mandya district, just 3 km from the historic town of Srirangapatna and 16 km north of Mysore, Ranganathittu is a four-hour drive from Bangalore.

The sanctuary’s islets were formed in the mid-1600s after the construction of a dam on the Kaveri River by Mysore’s Raja Wodeyar. Once a haven for migratory birds, the King declared it a protected sanctuary in 1940. Today, six of these islets host over 170 bird species.

We enjoyed a memorable 40-minute boat ride around the sanctuary, spotting painted storks, pelicans, herons, kingfishers, and more. Migratory birds come from far-off places like Siberia and the Himalayas, alongside resident wildlife like crocodiles and otters.

Visiting between December and June is ideal—migrants arrive in December and start nesting by January. Be sure to bring binoculars and a camera.

Mysore is well-connected by road, rail, and air, making it easy to include this bird sanctuary in your itinerary.

# Mysore City – The Royal Heritage

The first time I saw Mysore Palace lit up at night, I was mesmerized. Despite my dad’s urging to move on, I insisted the driver turn back so we could soak in the palace’s grandeur a bit longer.

Mysore complements a trip to Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary perfectly. The city, once the seat of the Wadiyar dynasty for nearly six centuries, reflects a blend of royal history and modern life.

Mysore’s crown jewel is the stunning Mysore Palace (Amba Vilas Palace), which dazzles in the evening light. Besides the palace, Philomena’s Church and other historic buildings add to the city’s charm.

One of my favorite pastimes in Mysore is cycling around the city, sipping fresh coconut water, and exploring narrow lanes where local artists create their masterpieces.

I once toured Mysore by taxi with my parents from Bangalore, but spending at least a couple of days there is worth it to soak in its rich culture and peaceful vibe. Mysore is also a renowned yoga center, home to the famous A.G. Mohan Yoga Institute.

# Dandeli National Reserve – Wilderness in the Western Ghats

From the watchtower, we watched the golden sunset dip beyond the dense green forest of Dandeli. Towering trees stretched as far as the eye could see, hiding mountains and valleys beneath their canopy. Suddenly, the haunting calls of peacocks echoed through the jungle — a sound I still remember vividly.

The Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, covering 1200 sq km and including the Kali Tiger Reserve, is part of the Western Ghats’ lush evergreen forests. It shelters around 200 crocodiles, tigers, panthers, leopards, and a wealth of other wildlife.

For a weekend getaway near Chikmagalur, I always recommend Dandeli.

I stayed at Kali Jungle Lodge, managed by the Karnataka Forest Department, nestled right on the riverbank. From my hammock outside the hut, I watched hornbills and crocodiles in their natural habitat.

Other accommodations include the Dandeli Jungle Camp and the Old Magazine House, ideal for birdwatchers. Guided tours explore the forest, river, and backwaters, while cultural visitors can learn about local tribal lifestyles.

Dandeli offers a rare blend of adventure, wildlife, and cultural experiences for nature lovers.