Karnataka has many beautiful and unique places that do not find a name in the list of most-explored tourist destinations in the region. Here are such hidden gems and lesser known places in Karnataka.
Apsarakonda, Honnavara
One of the lesser known places in Karnataka is an emerging tourist village, Apsarakonda near Hoonavarai. The name of the village means Ponds of angels. This particular pond is known like that because it faces the beach. According to a legend, it is the chosen place of the angels for taking bath and relaxing.
Sahasra Linga, Sirsi
This pilgrimage place located 14 km from the Sirsi Taluk in Karnataka is in the river Shalmala. Famous for thousand carved lingas on the rocks on the banks of rivers and in the river, it lies in the Uttara Kannada district.
Anegundi, Hampi
Previously called Kishkindha, Anegundi is a village in Koppal district and older than the Hampi city on the Tungabhadra river. Major attractions of the place include Huchappayana matha temple, Pampa Sarovar, a ruined palace called Aramane, Kamal Mahal, Ranganatha temple, and Nava Brindavana.
Sashihitlu Beach, Mangalore
The beautiful beach is 22 km from Mangalore located in Sasihithlu village. Tourists come to this place to enjoy the picturesque blue sea and the white sand combination of the beach. The place is just 6 km from the NH 66. Surrounded by Nandini and Shambavi rivers the place is a lovely tourist spot.
Marikamba Temple, Sirsi
It is a Hindu temple built in 1688 dedicated to the eight-armed image of Goddess Durga in Sirsi, Karnataka also called the Doddamma Temple. Dodddamma denotes “elder sister” of all Mariammas in the state.
Khwaja Banda Nawaz Darga, Gulbarga
Hazrat Khwaja Banda Nawaz Gaisu Daraz or Syed walShareef Kamaluddin bin Muhammad bin Yousuf AlHussaini in Gulbarga is the famous dargah of the famous Sufi saint from the Chishti Order, Gaisu Daraz. He was the disciple of Hazrat Nasiruddin Chiragh Dehlavi, a noted Sufi saint of Delhi. This is one of the most popular places to visit in Gulbarga which on a usual note goes unexplored.
Badami
Formerly known as Vatapi, Badami is in Bagalkot district and was the regal capital of the Badami Chalukyas from AD 540 to 757. The place is renowned for rock-cut structural temples. Without a second thought, it is one of the must-visit places in Karnataka.
Maravanthe Beach
At a distance of 48 Kms from Murudeshwar, Maravanthe is the place separated by the Arabian Sea on one side and Souparnika River on the other. The Maravanthe Beach is a beautiful sight on the NH17 towards Udupi. This is a picturesque beach because of a magnificent backdrop of the Kodachadri Hills. The beach is also well lit at night and the street lights reflect in the waters, making an attractive display for travelers and passers-by.
Also, Read: 15 Beautiful Beaches in Karnataka You Should Definitely Visit
Kopatti near Madikeri
Kopatti near Madikeri is well known for Kopatti hills for trekking. Its rainforest is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna attracting nature lovers across the world.
Mastikatte
Located in Shimoga’s district’s Hosanagara Taluk in Karnataka, Mastikatte is a place receiving heaviest rainfall in the state. The village is a home to dense forest covering the majority of Western Ghats. Its variety of fauna and flora have made the place a World Heritage site.
Guru Nanak Jhira Sahib, Bidar
The Guru Nanak Jhira Sahib in Bidar is a Sikh historical shrine built in 1948. Dedicated to the first Sikh guru, the place represents the long association of Sikhism with Bhai Sahib Singh or the five beloved ones (Panj Pyare). Bidar was the hometown of Sahib Singh who offered his head as a sacrifice and was also one of the first to become a member of Khalsa.
Sandur
Sandur is a town in the Bellary District and has deposits of hematite/ iron ore and manganese ore. It is also home to several steel plants and mines. The Narihalla Reservoir located in the vicinity came into limelight after a dam was constructed near Taranagara. Make time for Sandur because it is one of the beautiful and hidden places in Karnataka.
Galibore
The scenic and calm place situated on the Kaveri river bank is located at a distance of only 95 km from Bangalore. Fishing is a popular activity because they are found in large quantity in this area. One of the special highlights of Galibore is the presence of gigantic Terminalia arjuna trees and rivers flowing on either side of the hills.
Honnemaradu
A synonym for beauty in silence, a leer that never goes faded, a chase that can only lead to peace and tranquility- Honnemaradu is such a creation of nature where nature itself is in love with it. The very essence of this place spread as a bed of water and the vibe it carries all through is going to stay with you, for the rest of your life. It is said that ‘Go where you feel most alive’ and with Honnemaradu, the feeling is as lively as the blossoming of a flower and the reflex is as positive as the first ray of Sun.
Southadka
The pilgrimage center of Southadka is 3 km away from Kokkada in Dakshina Kannada district. The place is famous because of Lord Maha Ganapathi which is in an open field without any “Garbha Gudi” or temple structure. The entire place is surrounded by greenery and is open for offering prayers round the clock.
Kalasa
A holy temple town in the Chikkamagaluru district, Kalasa is a perfect getaway for almost every part of the year. It contains the perfect balance of spirituality, serenity and nature’s beauty.
Also, Read: Here’s Why You Should Plan For This Beautiful City Called Kalasa in Chikmagalur
Mysuru Unexplored
Mysuru or Mysore, known as the city of Palaces because of an exceptional cultural ballpark of the state and a momentous tourist attraction we have in the country. The very essence of this city is so endeared and prized that you can’t help yourself to fall in love with it. The list of things to do in Mysore has no edge and if you wish, you can just go on and on exploring the beauty of this amazing city.
Continue Reading: 14 Off-Beat Things to do in Mysore with options beyond Palace and Temples
Banavasi
In the history of Karnataka, Banavasi holds a special place for so many reasons; right from the mention of Adikavi Pampa to the rule of Kadambas. Banavasi is the oldest town in Karnataka and is said to be the ancient capital of Kadambas, the first native empire of Kannada speaking lineage.
Koppa
This is a village located in Chikmagalur district, in close proximity to Sringeri. Being a less-crowded and a typical Malnad area, Koppa has a lot of things to do. When you are here, surely plan for Kamandala Ganapathi, Hariharapura Hanging Bridge, Abbigundi Falls, Sringeri, and Kavishaila.
Channapatna – The City Of Toys
Channapatna, a city located in the district of Ramanagara, in Karnataka is famous because of its toys. Located between the cities of Bengaluru and Mysuru, the city offers more than just respite for travelers.
Continue reading: 10 Amazing Things To Know About Channapatna
Kyatanamakki Hill Station
You might have been to Kuduremukha but have you explored Kyatanamakki hill station nearby? It is near Hornadu district of Karnataka offering an amazing view of nature. An experience at hill-top is simply beyond words because of magnificent landscapes.
So, this was our list of lesser-known places in Karnataka and it goes on and on. If you have any places to add to the list then let do let us know in the comments below.
Sponsored: [For high-quality home services ranging from plumbing to photographer, home cleaning to bike services, laundry to pest control. Book 100+ home services from Bro4u.
India’s most trusted home service app. Download Bro4u app now.]
If You don’t want to miss our next Post then Like and Follow MetroSaga on Facebook and Instagram or simply download our Android App
You can also Subscribe to MetroSaga for newsletters.
