16 Must Visit Historical Places In Karnataka In 2023

Karnataka can be well-defined best as one state with different worlds. It is ingrained in the basin of the Laccadive Sea, faces the Arabian Sea to its west, and shares its borders with Goa, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala on the other side.

Positioned as the 4th most prevalent tourist destination in south India, Karnataka has a bouquet of lures that it proposes to all visitors. Having different choices for travelers to discover the cultural heritage, Karnataka is a well-linked city that can be accessed by roads, airways, and railways. And it might spoil the enthusiasm, so take a look at historical places in Karnataka by reading below.

Bangalore Palace

Apart from being a perfect tourist destination, the palace is a host of dissimilar cultural events, rock shows, and marriages. As per beliefs, King Chamarajendra Wadiyar drew his motivation for building the palace from the Windsor Castle of London.

The granite seats adorned with fluorescent blue ceramic tiles on the ground floor, a fairy tale Ballroom, the popular painter Raja Ravi Varma’s paintings, vine-covered walls, and the Durbar Hall on the first floor come together to form the attractive Bangalore Palace. 

A visit to the palace carries you a chance to observe the elegant and extravagant splendor of one of the most commanding dynasties of South India. An audio tape is accessible inside the Palace, both in Hindi and English, to assist individuals having language issues, understand its history better.

Best Time: You can visit the palace anytime between 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM.

How to Reach: Bangalore Palace location is the central one around the city. It lies in the Vasanth Nagar area nearby Mount Carmel Institute of Management. The city of Bangalore can be advanced from any of the metro cities by road, rail, or air.

Different international flights also link directly to Bangalore city. After arriving in Bangalore, one can take the metro, bus, or rented car to arrive at the Bangalore Palace. Bangalore Palace location is the central one around the city. It lies in the Vasanth Nagar area nearby Mount Carmel Institute of Management.

The city of Bangalore can loom from any of the metro cities by road, rail, or air. Different international flights also link directly to Bangalore city. After arriving in Bangalore, one can take the metro, bus, or rented car to arrive at the Bangalore Palace.

Hampi Archeological Ruins

Also named the ‘City of Ruins’, Hampi is one of the most popular historical places in Karnataka under UNESCO. The city is better known for its ancient temples and monuments that date back a thousand years. It has been an imperative seat in the history of Karnataka and has nearly 500 ancient temples; archaeological buildings; treasury buildings; bastions.

What makes this place a popular backpacker’s delight is its hippie vibe along with vivacious street markets abound with handcrafts and souvenirs. Virupaksha Temple and Vithala Temple are the most popular historical destinations in Hampi. To discover the foremost historical monuments of Karnataka, make sure to visit this captivating city.

Best Time: November to February

How to Reach: The closest railhead from Hampi is Hospet which is at a distance of 13 km. Tourists can rent a taxi, or cab to arrive at the place comfortably. Hospet is well linked to foremost cities and towns and some of them are Bangalore, Hyderabad, Goa, and many more.

Mysore Palace

Mysore has been the home to numerous kings and queens in the past. The city overflows with cultural prosperity and architectural marvels. It is also better known as the city of palaces and is one of the most culturally imperative cities in India.

The Mysore palace is one of the most remarkable places in India and is a spot to behold when it is lit during the evenings on Sundays. Hundreds of explorers flock to the place to witness the marvel every day. 

Best Time: The best time to visit the palace is during the time of Dussehra when the entire compound is attractively decorated and lit, illumined in a golden hue.

How to Reach: Mysore Palace is situated right in the heart of Mysore city. The Mufesal Bus stand is situated just a couple of kilometers away from the palace. The KSRTC buses function from this bus stand at short intervals. You can then walk from the bus stand. 

Gol Gumbaz, Bijapur

Gol Gumbaz, one of the most visited historical locations in Karnataka is King Mohammed Adil Shah’s mausoleum. It presents the excellent Deccan style of architecture and is called so due to the Gol Gombadh meaning the circular dome.

Enlarging in an expansive area of 18,000 sq. ft. Gol Gumbaz features one of the world’s chief single chamber areas. Due to the acoustics of the space even the slenderest whisper can be clearly heard on the mausoleum’s other side. This is better known as the whispering gallery.

Best Time: November – Early March is the best time to visit.

How to Reach: Bijapur is well-linked to different cities, particularly in the south and west India. Bijapur is well-linked by road to Aihole, Badami, Pattadakal, and Hampi.

Bidar Fort

Bidar Fort is one of the historical places in Karnataka that hold the architectural brilliance of the ancient South Indian dynasty. The fort is now measured as one of the most formidable ones in India.

Bidar Fort’s actual origin has been lost in time but it is said that the enormous fort has had a vivacious past and has observed the rise and fall of a number of dynasties involving the Chalukyas, Kakatiyas, Satvahanas, and Yadavas followed by the Nizams and Mughals. Over the years, it has observed development, renovation, and constructional enrichment. Photography is allowed in the fort making it a perfect place for photography enthusiasts as well.

Best Time: October to March

How to Reach: The closest airport is in Hyderabad.

Bangalore Fort

Enclosed by lush green gardens, this fort is in a very attractive location. This fort spread around thousands of acres and was built in 1848, making it a legacy site.

The palace is a great blend of British and Indian architecture. It is destined to bring forth to your eyes the splendor of the kings during the past and the valor with which they lived and fought. 

Best Time: September and December

How to Reach: The commute from Bangalore Airport to Bangalore Palace is somewhat lengthy but agreeable. There are different vehicle options one can take to arrive at the Palace. Some of them are cab services, BMTC buses, and auto rickshaws. 

Royal Enclosure

The Royal Enclosure was the seat of power of the celebrated Vijayanagar Kingdom. The bright architecture is of the symbolic Vijayanagar style with a tinge of Mughal influence. Featuring 3 entrances, the Royal Enclosure marks ample usage of soapstone and granite.

The watchtowers, Lotus Mahal, and elephant stables are outstanding examples of the influence of the Islamic style of architecture across the Royal Enclosure. It is one of the most unexplored and interesting historical places in Karnataka for you to discover.

Best Time: Winters are the perfect time to visit. 

How to Reach: The nearest railway station to the Royal Enclosure is located at Hosapete. This is 10 km for Hampi and can be arrived by bus or car.

Raja’s Tomb, Coorg

Settled amid one of the most attractive hill stations in Karnataka- Madikeri, Coorg, there lies a historical lure, Raja’s tomb also better known as Gaddige. The good-looking Indo-Saracenic monument comprises the mortal remains of the royal Kodavas.

Constructed in 1820, the three structures in the complex hint at the style of Muslim architecture, with domes and turrets. But it is also exclusive as the beautiful temple of Lord Shiva with a lingam and Nandi. The major tombs are, King Veera Rajendra and his beautiful wife and his brother Linga Rajendra. 

Best Time: November to February

How to Reach: The best way to arrive at Gaddige is to rent a private cab from top car rental companies in Coorg and visit all the prevalent places to visit in Coorg throughout your holiday.

Badami Cave Temple

The Badami cave temple is a composite featuring 4 Hindu cave temples. This historical lure is considered a perfect example of Indian rock-cut architecture (Badami Chalukya architecture) that dates back to the 6th century.

All 4 cave temples feature dissimilar themes and Hindu divinities sculptures for the visitors to discover.

Best Time: July to March

How to Reach: Closest railway station to Badami is in Hubli which is located 100 km away from this city. Hubli runs a state bus to Badami right and you can also rent a prepaid taxi to arrive in this city from Hubli directly.

Bahubali, Shravanabelagola

Bahubali, the son of Rishabhanatha is a much much-admired figure among the Jains. It is said that for a year he insensibly meditated in a standing stance. Throughout this period a number of climbing plants grew across his legs. After the completion of his meditation, it is said that Bahubali had achieved omniscience.

Another name for Bahubali is Kammateswara Gommateshwara due to the enormous Gommateshwara statue enthusiastic to him. This 57-foot enormous statue was advanced by the Ganga Dynasty commander and a minister called Chavundaraya. This statue is one of the biggest free-standing statues in the completely wide world.

Best Time: October to March

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How to Reach: Shravanabelagola has its own Railway Station called Shravanabelagola Railway Station. 

Belgaum Fort

Belgaum Fort started developing during the year 1204 AD by Jaya Raya, a Rattan Dynasty’s ally. Since then, it has experienced a number of renovations under dynastic sovereigns over centuries. Dating back to the Adil Shahi family the fort has a history and religious importance.

The fort has observed various battles and has been apprehended by a number of rules over the years until it was finally steadied by the British. It also holds importance in India’s freedom struggle as the British captive Mahatma Gandhi in this fort.

Best Time: November to February

How to Reach:  Belgaum is well linked to other foremost cities of the country via consistent flights.

You can easily get consistent trains to Belgaum from other foremost cities of the country. 

Group of Monuments at Pattadakkal

Pattadakal, the ‘City of the Crown Rubies’ is not just one of the prevalent historical places in Karnataka but also a global heritage site for observing the renowned Chalukya monuments.

It is a beautiful village on the banks of river Malaprabha. The place features 10 astonishing temples, each one displaying outstanding architectural features which are a great blend of southern and northern architectural forms. 

Best Time: October to February

How to Reach:  The closest domestic airport is Belgaum while the nearest international airport to Pattadakal Group of Monuments is Bengaluru situated at a distance of close 449 km.

The closest railway station for Pattadakal is Badami located at a distance of closely 20 km.

Government bus service is willingly accessible from Bengaluru to Pattadakal.

Old Palace, Hampi

The Old Palace, also better known as Gagan Palace, is enclosed by a fort and is in ruins today. It used to be the residence of the sovereigns of the Vijayanagara Empire and it is situated in Anegondi.

The building now attends to be the local administration’s building in Hampi. 

Best Time: October-March

How to Reach: The nearest station to Hampi is Hospet, which is located at a distance of 13 kilometers away. You can take instantaneous trains from Hyderabad or Bangalore. One of the best choices is to take the Hampi express which is an overnight train and can be departed from Mysore.

Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, Bangalore

Situated at the juncture of Albert Victor Road and Krishna Rajendra, this is the wonderful accommodation of the valiant sovereign of Mysore- Tipu Sultan. The palace is situated in the Bangalore Fort which is located in old Bangalore around the southwest Indian state of Karnataka. 

One can take a good unhurried stroll around the balconies before inflowing the palace. One is bound to get a sight into the royal lifestyle of Tipu Sultan as they discover the palace.

Best Time: July to November 

How to Reach: Bangalore is well-associated by metro lines. The closest metro station to Tipu Sultan palace is Royal, falling on both purple and green lines. After leaving the metro station, you can take a local rickshaw.

The palace is barely 3 km away from the station. Alternatively, renting a private taxi cab is the easiest choice but is somewhat expensive. You can also select to travel in the state-run city buses which cover all of the city.

Mirjan Fort, Kumta

Situated on the banks of River Aghanashini, Mirjan Fort is a grand reminder of our magnificent history. It is located nearly 11 km from the town of Kumta in Karnataka and is scattered over an area of 4.1 hectares.

Legend says that this was one of the most imperative places for Foreign trade in Spices with the Dutch, Portuguese, and British. It has been professed as an endangered monument by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and has gone through some present renovations to improve its superiority.

Best Time: You can visit this destination all year round. However, if you want to observe the majestic fort enveloped in greenery, it’s best to visit throughout or right after the monsoon.

How to Reach: Mirjan Fort is situated at a distance of 11 km from Kumta, 22 km from Gokarna, 59 km from Karwar, and 56 km from Murudeshwar. You can take a bus or rent a private car from any of these locations.

Tippu’s Death Place

Visiting Tipu Sultan’s death place is the place where the dead Tipu Sultan was recovered. Colonel Wellesley had fitted a stone tablet at the place where Tipu Sultan’s body was found to delineate the area.

Water Gate, the site where the body was marked inside the fort, still stands in great condition. This is one of the most amazing historical places in Karnataka.

Best Time: Winter Season

How to Reach: You can take a cab to conveniently arrive at this place. 

Conclusion 

As cited on the peak one state-many world, Karnataka truly justifies this sobriquet for boasting dissimilar places that tell a dissimilar story of their own. Karnataka has different monuments that hold their importance owing to their heritage and distinctiveness. 

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