Northern Karnataka Travel Guide
Discover the top places to visit, things to do, where to stay, eat, and more in Northern Karnataka, India.
- Introduction to Northern Karnataka
- List of Places to Visit in Northern Karnataka
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Northern Karnataka
- Kodachadri Trek
- Coorg to Kumara Parvata Trek
- Best Things to Do in Northern Karnataka: Activities and Tours
- Explore the Hampi Bazaar
- Enjoy a Coracle Ride on the Tungabhadra River
- Week-Long Itinerary for Northern Karnataka
- Food and Drink Scene of Northern Karnataka
- Where to Stay in Northern Karnataka: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Hampi
- Badami
- What to Buy in Northern Karnataka: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Sandalwood Products
- Metal Crafts
- Local Culture and Customs of Northern Karnataka
- Best Time to Visit Northern Karnataka
- Do’s and Don’ts of Northern Karnataka
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Northern Karnataka: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Northern Karnataka
- Where to Go Next from Northern Karnataka: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Goa
- Kerala
- Conclusion
Introduction to Northern Karnataka
Northern Karnataka is a region in the Indian state of Karnataka, located in Southern India. The region is known for its rich culture, history, and natural beauty. It is home to ancient temples, hill stations, waterfalls, and wildlife sanctuaries. The best time to explore Northern Karnataka is from October to February, as the weather is pleasant and perfect for sightseeing.
List of Places to Visit in Northern Karnataka
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
Hampi
Hampi is an ancient city located in northern Karnataka, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hampi is famous for its magnificent architecture, sculptures, and ancient temples. The most popular places to visit in Hampi include Virupaksha temple, Vithala temple, Elephant stables, Lotus Mahal, and Hampi Bazar.
Badami
Badami is a quiet town located at the foot of a red sandstone hill, famous for its rock-cut cave temples. These temples were built in the 6th century and are dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu. Other popular places to visit in Badami include Agastya Lake, Bhutanatha temple, and Archaeological Museum.
Pattadakal
Pattadakal is another popular UNESCO Heritage site in Northern Karnataka, located on the banks of the Malaprabha River. It is famous for its Chalukya-style architecture, which is a blend of South and North Indian style. The most popular temples in Pattadakal are Virupaksha temple, Sangameshwara temple, and Mallikarjuna temple.
Natural Attractions of Northern Karnataka: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Jog Falls
Jog Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in India, located in the Shimoga district of Northern Karnataka. The waterfall is formed by the Sharavathi River, dropping from a height of 829 feet in four cascades. The best time to visit Jog Falls is during the monsoon season when the waterfall is at its full flow.
Gokarna
Gokarna is a small town located on the western coast of Northern Karnataka, known for its pristine beaches, temples, and natural beauty. The most popular beaches in Gokarna include Kudle beach, Om beach, Half-moon beach, and Paradise beach. Other popular places to visit in Gokarna are Mahabaleshwara and Maha Ganapati temples.
Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary
Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The sanctuary is located in the Uttara Kannada district and is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Visitors can enjoy adventure activities like river rafting, trekking, camping, and bird watching.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Northern Karnataka
Kodachadri Trek
Kodachadri is a mountain peak located in the Western Ghats range of Northern Karnataka, known for its scenic beauty and dense forests. The Kodachadri trek is a challenging trek that takes you through lush green forests, waterfalls, and streams.
Coorg to Kumara Parvata Trek
The Coorg to Kumara Parvata trek is one of the most popular treks in Northern Karnataka. The trek takes you through the beautiful Western Ghats range, passing through dense forests, waterfalls, and streams.
Best Things to Do in Northern Karnataka: Activities and Tours
Explore the Hampi Bazaar
The Hampi Bazaar is a bustling market located in the heart of Hampi. Visitors can purchase traditional handicrafts, local spices, and souvenirs.
Enjoy a Coracle Ride on the Tungabhadra River
A coracle ride is a unique experience that you can enjoy while exploring the Tungabhadra River. Visitors can watch the sunset over the river while floating on a traditional coracle.
Week-Long Itinerary for Northern Karnataka
| Day | Destination |
|---|---|
| 1 | Hampi |
| 2 | Badami |
| 3 | Pattadakal |
| 4 | Jog Falls |
| 5 | Gokarna |
| 6 | Dandeli |
| 7 | Coorg |
Food and Drink Scene of Northern Karnataka
Must-Try Dishes
Bisi Bele Bath
Bisi Bele Bath is a popular rice dish from Karnataka, made with rice, lentils, and vegetables. It is seasoned with spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves.
Maddur Vada
Maddur vada is a famous snack from Maddur, a small town in Karnataka. It is a deep-fried snack made from a mixture of semolina, rice flour, onion, and spices.
Local Beverages
Filter Coffee
Filter coffee is a popular beverage in Karnataka. It is made by brewing coffee in a special filter, mixed with hot milk and sugar.
Dharwad Peda
Dharwad peda is a famous sweet from Dharwad, a small city in Northern Karnataka. It is made from milk, sugar, and cardamom, shaped into balls and flattened.
Where to Stay in Northern Karnataka: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Hampi
Hampi’s Boulders
Hampi’s Boulders is a resort located in the heart of Hampi, offering comfortable accommodation and stunning views of the boulders and hills.
Mowgli Guest House
Mowgli Guest House is a budget-friendly guest house located in Hampi, offering comfortable rooms and a rooftop restaurant.
Badami
Krishna Heritage
Krishna Heritage is a luxurious hotel located in Badami, offering modern amenities and comfortable rooms.
Badami Court Hotel
Badami Court Hotel is a budget-friendly hotel located in Badami, offering comfortable rooms and a restaurant.
What to Buy in Northern Karnataka: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Sandalwood Products
Sandalwood is a popular product in Karnataka, known for its aromatic fragrance. Visitors can purchase sandalwood products like incense sticks, oils, and perfumes.
Metal Crafts
Northern Karnataka is known for its metal crafts, including brass and copper items like utensils, lamps, and sculptures.
Local Culture and Customs of Northern Karnataka
Northern Karnataka is known for its diverse culture and ancient traditions. The region is home to many festivals like Hampi Utsav, Ganesh Chaturthi, and Diwali.
Best Time to Visit Northern Karnataka
The best time to visit Northern Karnataka is from October to February when the weather is pleasant and perfect for sightseeing.
Do’s and Don’ts of Northern Karnataka
Do:
- Dress modestly while visiting temples and other religious places
- Respect the local culture and traditions
- Try the local cuisine and beverages
Don’t:
- Litter in public places
- Disrespect the local culture and traditions
- Smoke or consume alcohol in public places
Safety and Health
Safety in Northern Karnataka
Northern Karnataka is a safe region for travelers, but it is advisable to take precautions like not traveling alone at night, avoiding isolated areas, and carrying a copy of your ID and passport.
Health in Northern Karnataka
Travelers to Northern Karnataka should take necessary precautions like carrying a first aid kit, drinking only bottled or boiled water, getting vaccinated against common diseases, and avoiding street food.
Getting to Northern Karnataka: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Northern Karnataka
The nearest airport to Northern Karnataka is the Hubli Airport, connecting to major Indian cities like Bangalore and Mumbai.
Bus Stations Near Northern Karnataka
Northern Karnataka is well-connected by bus services, with major cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, and Hyderabad having direct buses to the region.
Other Options
Travelers can also hire private taxis or cars to explore Northern Karnataka.
How to Get Around in Northern Karnataka
The best way to get around Northern Karnataka is by hiring a car or taxi. Public transport is also available, but it is not very reliable.
Where to Go Next from Northern Karnataka: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Goa
Goa is a popular beach destination located on the western coast of India, known for its Portuguese heritage, stunning beaches, and vibrant nightlife. It is located just a few hours from Northern Karnataka and can be easily accessed by bus or car.
Kerala
Kerala is a beautiful state located in Southern India, known for its serene backwaters, lush green forests, and ancient temples. The state is located just a few hours from Northern Karnataka and can be easily accessed by bus or car.
Conclusion
Northern Karnataka is a vibrant region with something to offer for every traveler. Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient temples, trekking through lush forests, or relaxing by the beach, Northern Karnataka has it all. So, come and discover the rich culture and natural beauty of this lovely region.