Heritage

Karnataka has a history that stretches back to ancient periods, thus unlike anywhere in India, there are profusion of monuments from the past found and carefully preserved here. World heritage sites at Hampi and Pattadakkal, cave temples of Badami and Aihole, magnificent Hoysala Temple Complex of Bellur, Domes and Minarets of Bijapuri Sultans are reminders of a rich heritage.

Beaches

Karnataka has an impressive coastline of 320 km that is dotted with pristine beaches. Often these beaches lie in close proximity to sacred Temples, impressive forts and majestic hills. Bhatkal, Karwar, Malpe, Murudeshwar,  Gokarna, Maravanthe, Kaup are some of the beaches offering exciting holidays.

Hill stations

Karnataka boasts some of the finest hill stations along the expansive Western Ghats. Each has charm and distinct character to boot. Verdant coffee plantations, adventurous trekking trails, dense sandalwood forests, deep valleys are some of the characteristics of these places. Nandi Hills, Madikeri, Chikmagalur, Kudermukh are some of the prominent hill stations.

Pilgrimages

Karnataka has some of the most sacred pilgrimage centers and it would be no exaggeration to term it as a hotbed for the religion of Jainism. Jain pilgrimages like Mudabidri, Melkote and Shravanabelagola are venerated by all. Udupi is associated with Madhavacharya, Kollur is renowned for Mookambika temple, Srirangapatna’s Sri Ranganatha swamy temple, Sringeri the first of the Mathas established by Adi Sankara, Gokarna,  are some of the revered sites attracting a pilgrim`s attention.

Wildlife

Karnataka`s unique forest cover means it is home to a wide variety of wildlife. From the evergreen forests of the Western Ghats, the scrub jungles of the plains- wildlife flourish in Karnataka.  Bandipur National Park, Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary, Bannerghatta National Park, Dubare Elephant Camp, and Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary are some of the prominent wildlife spots in the Karnataka landscape. KSTDC in an effort to promote wildlife destinations in the state has a leading chain of resorts that offers wildlife, eco and adventure tourism. Termed as Jungle Lodges and Resorts Ltd they are spread across 12 resorts.

Historical places

Karnataka has an impressive array of forts, palaces and monuments that corroborates the state’s importance in the unfolding of Indian history through many periods in time. The palaces of Mysore and Bangalore, Srirangapatna the citadel of Tipu, Gulbarga fort, Minarets and mosques in Bijapur all point to a synthesis of various cultures, religions and traditions.