Top 10 Heritage Sites in Karnataka

(1 out of 10 places to visit in Bagalakote)

Aihole a capital city of early Chalukyan dynasty is one of the most popular tourist destination in north Karnataka, located on the banks of Malaprabha River in Bagalakote district of Karnataka, India. City is know for it's magnificent rock architecture, there are more than 125 temples in various styles. Most of these temples are from 6th & 8th centuries and some even earlier. Many temples and caves of historical importance can be found at Aihole. The temples carry rich architectural sculpture on pillars and ceilings, especially depictions of such major gods as Vishnu, Shiva, and Brahma. Some of the famous temples include the Gowda Temple, Suryanarayana Temple and the Durga Temple. The Ravana Phadi Cave is one of the oldest rock-cut cave temples. Aihole is located at approx 140km from Hubli, 139km from World Heritage Site Hampi, 446km from capital city Bengaluru, 271km from Goa, 425km from Pune, 384km from Hyderabad.

(2 out of 10 places to visit in Bagalkot )

Badami is historic town know for cave temples, located in Bagalkot district of Karnataka, India. Badami was the capital of the early Chalukya dynasty. the Rock Cut Cave Temples are the main tourist attraction in Badami. Carved out of massive stone cliff, the cave temples are the best example of Chalukya architecture style.. Three among the four cave temples are dedicated to deities of Hinduism and one temple is dedicated to Jainism. Important feature of Badami Caves and their surroundings is ancient inscriptions in Kannada writing and in Kannada and Sanskrit languages. Agastya Theertha, a serene lake is a must-see spot in Badami. The Government of India has declared Badami as one of the heritage cities in India. Badami is located at approx 105km from Hubli Airport, 141km from world heritage site Hampi, 449km from Bengaluru, 241km from Goa, 425km from Hyderabad, 449km from Pune.

(3 out of 10 places to visit in Bengaluru)

Dodda Alada Mara also called as "Big Banyan Tree", is a giant approximately 400-year-old banyan tree, located in the village of Kethohalli in the Bangalore Urban district of Karnataka, India. Branches of a Banyan tree has captured a land of over 3 acres in Kethohalli village, making it one of the unique and must visit sightseeing places in Bangalore. This heritage site is a wonderful destination for nature lovers. Dodda Alada Mara is located at approx 30km from Bengaluru, 16km from Bidadi, 12km from Wonderla Bangalore, 124km from Mysore. Bengaluru is located at approx 349km from Chennai, 572km from Hyderabad, 532km from Kochi, 837km from Pune.

(4 out of 10 places to visit in Bijapur)

Gol Gumbaz is an imposing structure located in Bijapur city of Karnataka, India. It is the second largest dome in the world after St Peter's Basilica in Rome. This massive dome measures 124 feet in diameter. It stands independent of any support or columns. It is the resting place of Mohammed Adil Shah and his wives, mistress, daughter and grandson. Bijapur was the past capital of the Adil Shahi rulers. The acoustics of 'Whispering Gallery' is just amazing, even a small sound can be heard on the other side of the mausoleum. The four corners of the building have 7 floored towers, with staircases inside. One gets to see a beautiful view from these minars. Gol Gumbaz is located at approx 2km from the city Bijapur and Bijapur is located at approx 198km from Hubli, 523km from Bengaluru, 389km from Hyderabad, 219km from Pune, 97km from Solapur, 326km from Goa.

(5 out of 10 places to visit in Bellary)

Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located near Hosapete in Bellary district of Karnataka, India. It was the Capital city of Hindu Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th century which was the last great Hindu kingdom in South India. It includes "forts, riverside features, royal and sacred complexes, temples, shrines, pillared halls, mandapas, memorial structures, water structures and others". The City was built on the bank of river Tungabhadra. The Vijayanagara Empire was defeated by a coalition of Muslim sultanates; its capital was conquered and destroyed by sultanate armies in 1565, after which Hampi remained in ruins. But the ruins are yet still stand tall, looks stunning and gives the glimpse of the richness and culture of the great Hindu Empire. Hampi is charismatic even in its ruined state. Hampi, also known as Pampa-kshetra, Kishkindha-kshetra or Bhaskara-kshetra, is derived from Pampa, which is the old name of the Tungabhadra River. Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple, Hampi Bazaar, Queen’s Bath, Stone chariot at Vitthala temple, Elephant stable, Lotus Mahal are some of the must visit attractions in hampi. One can enjoy the specacular views of the ruins of Hampi from top the of Hemakuta and Matanga hills near by along with sunset and sunrise. Hampi is located at approx 12km from Hosapete, 61km from Bellary, 164km from Hubli, 342km from Bengaluru, 327km from Goa, 371km from Hyderabad, 534km from Pune, 563km from Chennai.

(6 out of 10 places to visit in Bagalkot)

Pattadakal group of monuments is a UNESCO world heritage site situated on the banks of the Malaprabha River in Bagalkot district of Karnataka, India. Pattadakal showcases the architectural prowess of the Chalukya dynasty. Malaprabha River is located to the north of this complex, whereas a small village is situated to the south what transform Pattadakal to a sort of holy city. There are 10 major temples in Pattadakal, all dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temples contain elements of bothDravidian and Nagara styles of architecture. Virupaksha Temple, Jain Temple, Kashiviswanatha Temple, Galaganath Temple, Sangameshwara Temple, Mallikarjuna Temple, Papanatha Temple are few of the must visit attractions in Pattadakal. The Sangamesvara temple is known to be the oldest temple in Pattadakal. Pattadakal is located at approx 127km from Hubli Airport, 135km from one more World heritage site Hampi, 443km from state capital Bengaluru, 263km from Goa, 461km from Pune, 404km from Hyderabad.

(7 out of 10 places to visit in Bellary)

Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located near Hosapete in Bellary district of Karnataka, India. It was the Capital city of Hindu Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th century which was the last great Hindu kingdom in South India. It includes "forts, riverside features, royal and sacred complexes, temples, shrines, pillared halls, mandapas, memorial structures, water structures and others". The City was built on the bank of river Tungabhadra. The Vijayanagara Empire was defeated by a coalition of Muslim sultanates; its capital was conquered and destroyed by sultanate armies in 1565, after which Hampi remained in ruins. But the ruins are yet still stand tall, looks stunning and gives the glimpse of the richness and culture of the great Hindu Empire. Hampi is charismatic even in its ruined state. Hampi, also known as Pampa-kshetra, Kishkindha-kshetra or Bhaskara-kshetra, is derived from Pampa, which is the old name of the Tungabhadra River. Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple, Hampi Bazaar, Queen’s Bath, Stone chariot at Vitthala temple, Elephant stable, Lotus Mahal are some of the must visit attractions in hampi. One can enjoy the specacular views of the ruins of Hampi from top the of Hemakuta and Matanga hills near by along with sunset and sunrise. Hampi is located at approx 12km from Hosapete, 61km from Bellary, 164km from Hubli, 342km from Bengaluru, 327km from Goa, 371km from Hyderabad, 534km from Pune, 563km from Chennai.

(8 out of 10 places to visit in Mandya)

Srirangapatna is an island town on the banks of Kaveri river near Mysore in Mandya district of Karnataka. Srirangapatna is an architectural masterpiece of Hoysala and Vijayanagar styles. City is know for it’s magnificent temples and monumental forts. Ranganathaswamy temple, a temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu is the major attraction of the town. It was once the capital of Mysore under Tipu Sultan. Monuments on the island town have been nominated as a UNESCO world heritage site. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple , Dariya Daulat Palace:, Balmuri Falls, Nimishamba Temple, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary are few of the attractions near the town. Srirangapatna is located at approx 15km from Mysore, 127km from Bengaluru, 123km from Coorg. 414km from Kochi, 260km from Mangalore.

(9 out of 10 places to visit in Mysore)

Talakadu also Known as 'Talakad' is on the banks of the river Kaveri near mysore in mysore district of Karnataka, India. It is a historically important place, as it was the capital of the Gangas for a long time. Talakadu used to be an impressive town with more than 30 temples, in ancient times. A Queen's curse buried the temple town in sand. The most imposing temples here are Viadyeshvara, Pataleshvara, Maruleshvara, Kritinarayana, Gourishankara and the Anandeshvara. Visiting Talakad, you realize the rich heritage and millennia of history we have. Temples from 6th century, dug-up by Archeological Survey of India since 1970-80s, should be a national pride and craze amongst the history-tourists. Talakadu Cauvery Basin Picnic Spot is also one of the places to visit nearby. Talakadu is located at approx 45km from Mysore, 85km from Mandya, 134km from Bengaluru, 31km from Shivanasamudra Falls, 26km from Somanathapura Temple.

(10 out of 10 places to visit in Udupi)

Varanga Lake Basidi also known as Kere Basadi is a historical Lake Temple located at Varanga village in Karkala taluk of Udupi district, Karnataka. With backdrop of mighty western ghats, with temple at the centre of the lake and a ride on a tiny wooden boat makes this place undoubtedly one of the places to visit in Karnataka.

Kere Basadi is four-faced(Chaturmukha) jain temple, which has four entrances in four directions, is very similar to another Chaturmukh jain temple Ane Kere Basadi ( Elephant Lake Temple) and one of the 3 basadis in Varanga. One has to take boat to visit this temple, thrilling experience of raiding on small wooden boat makes it one of the best places to visit in Udupi. Golden star Ganesha's movie MuguluNage was shot at this place.

Varanga is located at approximately 24km from Karkal, 40km from Udupi, 79km from Mangalore, 372km from Bengaluru.