Activities to do in Karnataka
The majestic coastlines of the Arabian Sea serve Karnataka, situated in southwest India, coming up with numerous tourist destinations. With Bangalore as its capital known for its shopping and nightlife, Karnataka is recognised as a versatile state catering to the travelling needs of people globally. Not only this, the infamous tourist destinations such as those of Gokarna, Mysore, Hampi, and Chikmagalur to name a few, nestle themselves here. The best things to do in Karnataka are flexible enough to include activities like whitewater rafting and becoming a party animal under the category of tourist attraction.
Karnataka has something as modish and lively as Bangalore brimming with its pub, malls, IT companies and cafes alike, and something as serene as the contrasting tranquillity offered by the Coorg hills. The state has received the prestige of being recognised having the maximum number of tourist destinations where people from worldwide flock to experience the versatile ethnicity the place has given birth to. Karnataka has many places to visit which will leave awestruck like Lal bhag garden, Kudremukh National Park, Iruppu Falls, Mullayanagiri, Mudabidiri etc.
The state has maintained a consistent ratio of natural destinations and manmade wonders, which gives it a unique stand among the Indian touring places. Karnataka could equally charm you with its palaces and forts and with its waterfalls and national parks. For adventure lovers, this place might come in the shape of a paradise as activities like rock climbing, white water rafting, cycling, parasailing and much more dominate the natural destinations here.
With hills, national parks and beaches to fill your travelling quota, there is little that Karnataka has managed to miss. Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) being the busiest airport in India in Bengaluru ensures its ease of international accessibility whereas the Konkan railway takes care of its intra-transport facilities. The best things to do in Karnataka could not be missed in a lifetime, as the state offers some of the unique activities and cultural experiences that go unrivalled all over the country.
More Karnataka Activities
Mekedatu One Day Trip From Bangalore With Water Activities
Poolside Candle Light Dinner in Electronic City, Bangalore
Our Partners
Karnataka Things To Do FAQs
What are the best things to do in Karnataka?
Karnataka creates a magnificent land of wonders as the Eastern and the Western Ghats bordering the state have given rise to several rivers making popular tourist destinations on the way. The place is also famous for its rich archaeological and historical significance backed by temples and forts. Check out the best things to do here in Karnataka:
- Experience the Vairamudi Festival
- Experience Laksha Deepotsavam
- Visit the Gol Gumbaz
- Tour Pattadakal
- Visit the Brindavan Gardens
- Visit the Mysore Zoo
- Skydive in Mysore
- White water raft at Bheemeshwari and Kodagu
What are the best adventure activities to do in Karnataka?
Karnataka has shaped itself to suit the adventurous people with every kind of adrenaline-inducing needs. For the overtly courageous ones, there is the activity as daring as skydiving, whereas for the not-so-daring ones, you could find cycling and hiking tours. Nonetheless, the diverse landscape and the endless greenish lush of the flora around calls for a breathtaking view with each of these activities.
- Static skydiving in Mysore
- Microlight Flying in Bengaluru (Jakkur airfield), Coorg and Mysore
- White Water Rafting in Bheemeshwari, Madikeri, Kali River and much more
- Scuba Diving in Murdeshwar
- Rock Climbing in Ramanagara, Savanaduga, Turahalli and Madhugiri
- Trekking in Coorg, Kodachadri
- Aquatic parasailing in Malpe beach, Gokarna Beach
- Jetski Ride in Gokarna Beach, Varuana Lake (Mysore), Netravathi (Mangalore)
- Motorbiking
- Cycling
Which are the most adventurous places for trekking in Karnataka?
The most appealing aspect of trekking in Karnataka is reflected by the pleasant weather and the abundance of forests all around, which create an overall fantastic ambience for any trekker. Also, the trekking routes here are safe enough to allow you to trek even during the night time. You could choose any trekking expedition as per your wish, be it a weeklong hiking venture or a few long hours of trekking up the hills.
- Mullayanagiri (Near Chikmagalur)
- Z Point (Near Kemmanagundi)
- Skandagiri / KalavaraDurga (Near Bangalore)
- Kumara Parvatha(Near Mangalore)
- Nandi Hills (Near Bangalore)
- Yana (Near Jog Falls)
- Madhugiri (Near Bangalore)
- Kunti Betta (Near Srirangapatna)
- Yedakumeri / Green Route Trek (Near Mangalore)
Also Checkout: Kudremukh Peak Trek
Which are the best campsites in Karnataka?
Campsites in Karnataka come with the heavenly backdrops of coffee plantations or waterfalls. There is no way anything else could possibly beat a camping experience in any part of Karnataka, especially of those listed below:
- Kalhatty, Ooty
- Coorg –Votecad
- Foothills of Jenukallu mountain, Sakleshpur
- Seagot, Wayanad
- Dabbaguli
- Kodamballi, Channapatna
Which are some famous waterfalls to visit in Karnataka?
The rush of rapid thick silver streams rushing down from great heights has given rise to numerous cascades all across the state. Each of them is a sight worth drooling over and most maintain their charm consistently through every season. Karnataka’s waterfalls come in different types, be it in block, cascade, segmented, or plunge. Check out the list of the country’s most wondrous waterfalls:
- Arasinagundi Falls, Kollur
- Gokak Falls, Belgaum
- Kadambi Falls, Kudremukh
- Benne Hole Falls, Karwar
- Jog Falls, Shimoga
- Sural Falls, Belgaum
- Abbey Falls, Coorg
- Lalguli Falls, Karwar
Where can I do river rafting in Karnataka? How much will it cost me?
White water rafting in Karnataka is one of the top activities here with spots like SitaNadi and Bheemeshwari promising you an experience of a lifetime. It is generally done in a flowing water or with the one with a turbulent stream, and for that, these are the best spots you could try your mind and body at:
- Kabini River
- Kondaji
- Barapole River
- Sita River
- Sowparnika River
These experiences in Karnataka generally priced around INR 1000, but they are likely to change depending on the season and the destination you pick.
Which are some destinations to visit for wildlife safari experience in Karnataka?
Out of 34 biodiversity hotspots all over the world, four of them rest in the Indian subcontinent. One of them is the Western Ghats, and you could obviously guess now how rich this spot is with its diversification of flora and fauna. The conservative centres especially the ones of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve are equally thrilling and fun to explore:
- Nagarahole National Park
- Mudumalai National Park
- Bandipur National Park
- Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
- Bannerghatta National Park
Which are the best places to visit for a spiritual experience in Karnataka?
Do not fool yourself into getting overwhelmed by the bustling crowds and streets of the IT hub of Bangalore, as the place is equally capable of producing some of the finest spiritual experiences of the country. The ashrams, forts, temples, and festivals of Karnataka are typical of the state with unique practices and beliefs that India is so revered for. Check out the top spiritual destinations in Karnataka:
- Ramakrishna Math, Bangalore
- Shri Sridhara Swami Ashram, Shimoga
- Fireflies Ashram, Kaggalipura
- Vishwa Shanti Ashram, Arishinakunte
- Chamundi Temple
- Holy Trinity Church
- Iskcon Temple
- Shree GaviGangadeshwara Temple
Which are the best locations for rock climbing in Karnataka?
Karnataka’s exquisite make of the terrains and the obvious pleasant weather make the overall rock and wall climbing experiences quite sublime. Commune with nature as you engage yourself with these formidable ventures worth cherishing for a lifetime.
- Savandurga
- Hampi and Badami
- Yana
- Skandagiri
- Madhugiri
Where can I do scuba diving in Karnataka? How much will it cost me?
Karnataka serves one of the best dive sites of India found just off Murdeshwar. Netrani is a small-uninhabited island entertaining the adventurous yearning of the travellers. With water depth ranging between 6 and 40 meters and visibility from 15 and 30 meters, the destination is perfect for divers of all levels of experience.
The service is offered here at the cost of INR 5000 attracting a horde of interested tourists all year round.
Which are some famous routes for biking in Karnataka?
The curvature and the straightness of the biking trails are versatile enough to give you the experience you want in Karnataka’s biking routes. Bangalore is especially popular for its biking trails hardly failing to impress bikers who come to seek solace here. Check out the most eminent biking trails of Karnataka:
- Bheemeshwari, 105 km from Bangalore
- Savandurga, Karnataka, 50 Km from Bangalore
- Wayanad, 265 km from Bangalore
- Ooty, 266 km from Bangalore
- Shivanasamudram Falls, 135 km from Bangalore on road
- Hampi, 350 km from Bangalore
- Biligiriranga Hills, 200 km from Bangalore
- Bangalore to Sakleshpur
- Yercaud, 213 km from Bangalore
- Kabini River, 209 km from Bangalore
Where can I enjoy skydiving in Karnataka? Is it safe to do it? What are its charges?
Diving from a height of 10,000 feet with only the safety of a parachute attached to you is daunting enough to make you question if the experience is safe at all. Although there are not many records of death associated with these practices in Karnataka, nonetheless, it is foolish to try it without any fitness or activity experience at all.
Mysore nestles a few prominent skydiving sites with the Chamundi Hills being the most famed of them all. The cost of skydiving here during the weekend is INR 42,000 whereas it INR 35,000 in the weekdays.
Which are some famous beaches to visit in Karnataka? What are the activities to do there?
Being one of the most celebrated coastal destinations of India, it is impossible for Karnataka to not leave its visitors in awe of its calendar-worthy beaches. The beach destinations here are thoughtful enough to include other sightseeing tours so that you are not too bored gazing at the breathtaking horizon of the sea (which is doubtful). Check out the favourite beaches of the state:
- Kaup Beach
- Karwar Beach
- Gokarna’s Beach town
- Netrani Beach
- St. Mary Island
- Ullal Beach
- Malpe Beach
Newly Added Karnataka Experiences
Karnataka Things To Do Reviews
