"One state- Many World"- The tagline of Karnataka Tourism is indeed true! Divided into North, South and Coastal Karnataka- it is a dream come true for every type of tourist, especially if you are on a road trip!
Blessed with an exceptional geographical diversity- from the pristine beaches of Gokarna to the historical wonder Hampi, embracing royalty in Mysore or enjoying the coffee estates of Coorg and Chikmagalur, or visiting the dense forest of Agumbe- Karnataka is a destination waiting to be explored.
While we all know the famous and popular destinations in Karnataka- let me take you through 10 hidden gems which must be on every traveller's bucket list!
1. Sirsi
Sirsi, a little scenic beauty was previously known as "Kalayanapattanam" in the Sonda Dynasty. The town in Uttara Kannada is famous for its number of beautiful temples and waterfalls. Located in the heart of Western Ghats, the city is surrounded by lush green forests, magnificent waterfalls and quaint old temples.
The town is also blessed with heavy monsoon rains and has rich tropical forests teeming with wildlife.
Top Attractions: Shri Marikamba Temple, Banavasi, Sahasralinga, Kailasa-gudda, Muregar Falls, Gudavi Bird Sanctuary, Sivaganga Falls
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Places to explore nearby: Burude Waterfall, Mattighatta Falls, Jenukallu Gudda, Jog Falls.
Things to do: Enjoy some of the best waterfalls in the state along with a picnic or go visit the heritage temple for some blessings.
Places to stay: You have multiple homestay and hotel options available in the city.
Few options are: Akshay Garden, Hotel Madhuvana, Ibbani Jungle Resort, Hotel Panchavati.
How to Reach:
Nearest Railway Station: Kumta (61 Kms)
Nearest Airport: Hubli Airport (106 Kms)
By Road: Sirsi is well connected to major cities by means of KSRTC and private buses.
2. Maravanthe
Maravanthe is a uniquely positioned city, with the picturesque Kodachadri Hills forming a backdrop to the Sauparnika River on one side and miles of unspoilt white sand on the other. This unique combination of sea and river on each side of a highway is hard to find elsewhere.
The golden sand, clear blue sky, swaying palm trees, and the endless shore make this place a must-visit.
Top Attractions: Padukone village, Kodachadri Hills, Bijadi, Kodi Beach, Maravanthe Beach.
Best Time to Visit: September to March
Places to explore nearby: Kundapura, Udupi, Ottinane.
Things to do: Scuba diving and snorkeling at Maravanthe beach is a must while you laze around in the gorgeous place.
Places to stay: Beautiful ocean view resorts, homestay and guest houses are available within 30 kms.
Few options are: Saikushi Beach Resort, UVA Meridian Bay Resort, Hotel Jewel Park.
How to Reach:
Nearest Railway Station: Kundapura (20 Kms)
Nearest Airport: Mangalore Airport (110 Kms)
By Road: Taxi can be availed at Kundapura Bus Station (23 Kms)
3. Jogimatti Forest
Spread across 10,048.97 hectares of land, Jogimatti is a forest reserve in Chitradurga, which was a tiger habitat until the 1950s. With breathtaking views, rich wildlife, and waterfalls, it is a paradise waiting to be explored.
Named after a local saint whose temple with a total of 155 steps can be found in the area. It also has a century-old bungalow made by the British to house travellers. You can also find a shiva lingam and idols of Veerabhadra and Basavanna inside the cave located here.
Top Attractions: Adumalleshwar( Local Zoo), Himavatkedara(Waterfall), Chandravalli Lake, Chandravalli Caves, Obavvana Kindi.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Places to explore nearby: Chitradurga, Vani Vilasa Sagara, Shanthi Sagara, Channagiri Fort, Kaggaladu Bird Sanctuary, Ranebennur Blackbuck Deer Sanctuary.
Things to do: Jogimatti is a trekkers paradise.
Places to stay: Forest department guest houses and local camps are available. Chitradurga has lot of stay options available 9 kms away.
Few options are: Jogimatti Trekkers Camp, Jogimatti Guest House, Hotel Ravi Mayur International.
How to Reach:
Nearest Railway Station: Chitradurga (9 Kms)
Nearest Airport: Bangalore Airport (207 Kms)
By Road: Chitradurga and Davangere are the nearby by towns having road connectivity via Jogi Matti Road
4. Netrani Island
Located off the coast of Karnataka, this heart-shaped island is also known as "Pigeon Island". Rising above the tranquil and azure waters of the Arabian Sea, it is a famous tourist spot and a popular pilgrimage town with silvery sand and the Western Ghats as a backdrop. The island's rich and vivid marine life, crystal clear waters and favourable depths make it a stunning diving experience!
Top Attractions: Netrani Island cave, Netrani Beach, Boating from Bhatkal and Honnavar.
Best Time to Visit: October- May
Places to explore nearby: Honnavar, Murudeshwar, Bhatkal, Apsarakonda Waterfall
Things to do: Scuba Diving and boating. You will find an amazing collection of Butterfly fish, trigger fish, parrot fish, shrimps, eels, and varieties of corals.
Places to stay: You will spoilt for option near Netrani with Homestay, Resorts and Hostels.
Few options are: Mavalli Beach Heritage Home, Murudeshwara Ocean Edge Beach Resort, Namaste Nirvana Beach Retreat
How to Reach:
You can take a lovely boat ride from Bhatkal or Honnavar.
Nearest Railway Station: Murudeshwar Railway station (2 Km)
Nearest Airport: Mangalore (153 Km)
By Road: Located on NH 17, buses ply regularly.
5. Mulki
Mulki is a tiny picturesque town in Coastal Karnataka, lying on the banks of the Arabian sea and river Shambhavi. With mangrove forests around, coconut tree plantations and bioluminescence at night, the quaint town is the best-hidden gem of Karnataka.
This town is a haven for surfers, kayakers and wakeboarders. It is the best surfing beach in India, with soft sand, beautiful corals and unmatchable views.
Top Attractions: Kapu Beach and LightHouse, Sasihithlu Beach, Bappanadu Temple.
Best Time to Visit: October- May
Places to explore nearby: Mangalore, Malpe, Kapu, Padubidri beach, Hejamadi Delta, Udupi, Manipal.
Things to do: Kayaking, Surfing and Wakeboarding.
Places to stay: You will find hostels, resorts, hotels and homestay in Mulki.
Few options are: Aventura Indica, Caribean Mulki, Mulki staycation Homestay
How to Reach:
Nearest Railway Station: Mulki railway station.
Nearest Airport: Mangalore (29 Km)
By Road: Mulki is well-connected via roads from all major cities.
6. Honnemaradu
Honnemaradu, a unique village overlooking the Linganamakki Dam is a perfect weekend getaway. Located amidst lush greenery, gorgeous backwaters of River Sharavathi, and a hill this place is a bird watchers heaven. The name Honnemaradu is derived from a local tree called Honne which means a Golden Lake. The beautiful islands in the form of small hills and hillocks which were submerged years ago welcome you for a small hike where in can witness spectacular sunrises and sunsets.
Top Attractions: Honnemaradu Reservoir, Dabbe Falls, Gademane, Sagara, Singadooru Chamundeshwari Temple.
Best Time to Visit: August- January
Places to explore nearby: Sri Chowdeshwari temple, Shimoga, Jog Falls, Sharavati Valley Wildlife Sanctuary.
Things to do: Windsurfing, coracling, canoeing, kayaking , hiking, swimming in backwaters, camping, and bonfire.
Places to stay: The Adventurers in Honnemaradu are a Tamil Nadu government-run camp organisers. They charge about ₹3,000 per person for a two-day programme which includes all meals, one night of camping in the middle of Honnemaradu Reservoir, and some activities.
You can also find good hotels in Sagara 17 kms away.
Few options are: GundiMane, AjjanaMane, Matthuga.
How to Reach:
Nearest Railway Station: Shimoga( 80km). Make sure to take a to and fro taxi or a bus to Sagara.
Nearest Airport: Mangalore (29 Km)
By Road: Taxis are mainly arranged for at the Adventure Camp or by one of the few guest houses in the place. Regular buses, however, are available, to and from the city- to the nearby town, Sagara.
7. Kumta
Kumta is famous for its ancient temples and beaches. It is an abode to serene nature, forests, birds and heavenly greenery all around. The sublime natural habitat, in and around Kumuta would drive any nature lover crazy.
Top Attractions: Yana Caves, Mirjan Fort, Kumta beach, Venkatraman Temple, Uppin Ganapati, Baada beach, Dhareshwar Beach.
Best Time to Visit: November- February
Places to explore nearby: Udupi, Karkala, Gokarna, South Goa, Honnavar, Murudeshwar, Gokarna
Things to do: Visit Yana Caves, Chill in the secluded beaches and live like a locale.
Places to stay: Kumta has some beautiful resorts, home stays and few hotels to stay.
Few options are: Silver Sand Beach Resort, Blue Marine Resort, The Naavika Beach Stay.
How to Reach:
Nearest Railway Station: Kumta Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Dabolim Airport (123 Km)
By Road: Kumta is well connected with road with all major cities via National Highway 66.
8. Honnavar
A Monsoon Haven, Honnavar is an untouched paradise in coastal Karnataka. The little town will surprise you with dense Mangrove forest, lush greenery and one of the longest railway bridges in India. The port town has been an important port since 14th Century and welcomes visitors with unmatchable food and hospitality.
Top Attractions: Hanging Bridge, Apsarkonda Waterfall, Eco Beach and Park, Kandla Pool, Sharavati Railway Bridge, Hadinbal village, Molkod village, Honnavar Port.
Best Time to Visit: September and March
Places to explore nearby: Gerusoppa, Idagunji, Bhatkal, Hubli
Things to do: Boating inside the Mangrove Forest is a must while you are here. Also watch dance form Yakshagana.
Places to stay: Honnavar has few homestay for a decent stay.
Few options are: Areca County, Panchavajra Homestay, Honnavar Nature Camp.
How to Reach:
Nearest Railway Station: Kumta Railway Station (13 Km)
Nearest Airport: Hubli Airport (86 Km) and Goa Airport (87 Km)
By Road: Honnavar is connected by NH 69 to all parts of Karnataka.
9. Agumbe
Known as the "Cherrapunji of South India", Agumbe is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its sparkling streams, rich biodiversity, waterfalls, mountain range, verdant forest, valley and red-hazy sun-set over the Arabian Sea. The village is also known as the 'Cobra Capital' of India.
Top Attractions: Onake Abbi, Bakarna, Jogi Gundi falls, Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary, Sri Venugopala Krishna Swamy Temple, Sunset View Point.
Best Time to Visit: October to February
Places to explore nearby: Kundadri Hills, Sringeri, Kuppalli.
Things to do: Best Sunset View Point in the state, 14 Hairpin bends which is an adventure in itself. Relive your Malgudi Days here.
Places to stay: Agumbe has a limited number of hotels and home stays.
Few options are: Seethanadi Nature Camp, Mithila Nature Stay, Ammadi Home Stay.
How to Reach:
Nearest Railway Station: Mangalore and Shivamogga (100 Km)
Nearest Airport: Mangalore International Airport (100 Km)
By Road: Direct KSRTC bus is available from most cities via NH169A.
Apsarakonda
If you love Bali, this town possesses enthralling beauty and will be the perfect spot for your vacation. With a hidden sparkling waterfall, pristine beach and a sunset view from the top of the hills, Apsarakonda is a must visit for every traveller.
Top Attractions: Apsarakonda Waterfall, Apsarakonda Beach.
Best Time to Visit: June to October.
Places to explore nearby: Colonel Hill, Higund, Rama Tirtha, Kasarkod Beach, Basavaraja Durga.
Things to do: Trek through the waterfall, Enjoy the pristine beach.
Places to stay: There is no hotels available in Apsarakonda. Nearest town is Honnavar 8 kms away.
How to Reach:
Nearest Railway Station: Mangalore and Shivamogga (108 Km)
Nearest Airport: Mangalore International Airport (108 Km)
By Road: From Honnavar there are buses that carry passengers to the Apsarakonda Falls. You can also hire private taxi.
Did we miss any other hidden gems of Karnataka? Let us know in the comments below!
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