The landscapes, flora, fauna, and historical legacy of Karnataka are some of the best in the country. Some of Karnataka’s wealthiest rulers have left behind many historical locations in Karnataka & archaeological riches. Those interested in archaeology and history and other tourists from around the world will love seeing this ancient site, which has been inhabited since Paleolithic times.
Over time, many empires have held power in this region: Nandas; Mauryans, Satavahana; Kadamba; Western Gangas; Badami Chalukya; Rashtrakutas; and Cholas. As a result, Karnataka is brimming with historical landmarks that remain alive with stories and traditions of the royals and remain fragrant with the imprints they left behind.
See 10 Best Historical Monuments of Karnataka:
1. Gol Gumbaz
Gol Gumbaz, often called Gol Gumbad, is the Sultan of the Bijapur Muhammad Adil Shah’s mausoleum. The second-largest dome ever constructed, this tomb is one of Karnataka’s most popular tourist attractions.
The center chamber, where every noise is echoed seven times, has an Indo-Islamic feel and is one of the monument’s most appealing features. Because of the monument’s dark stone and structural resemblance to Agra’s Taj Mahal has been dubbed “the Black Taj Mahal”. The mausoleum’s 1700-square-meter room is the largest in the building. Its magnificent architectural design is a significant historical landmark in Karnataka.
Best Time to Visit: November to February, when the weather is cooler.
Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Entry Fee: ₹20 for Indians, ₹200 for foreign tourists.
How to Reach: Located in Bijapur (Vijayapura), accessible by road or rail. The nearest airport is Hubli (200 km away).
Why Visit: Gol Gumbaz is the mausoleum of Mohammed Adil Shah and is famous for its massive dome, one of the largest in the world. The Whispering Gallery inside the dome is an acoustic marvel.
Things to Do: Explore the monument, experience the acoustics in the Whispering Gallery, and visit the nearby Ibrahim Rauza.
Tips:
- Explore the Whispering Gallery, where even the faintest sound echoes.
- A guide can enhance your experience with interesting historical details.
2. Badami Caves, Bagalkot
The Badami Caves are a collection of four temple caves in Karnataka’s northern region. For centuries, they were known as the Vatapi caverns, erected by Chalukya monarchs in the 6th century. The name ‘Badami’ comes from the Hindi word ‘badam,’ which means almond in English. Pilgrims must ascend 2000 stairs to reach the temples built into a hillside.
The Hindu gods Lord Shiva & Lord Vishnu have cave temples dedicated to them in the first three, while the Jain leader Mahavir has a cave shrine in the fourth. One hundred years after completing the first three, work began on the fourth temple. Another UNESCO world heritage site, the Badami Caves complex, is a popular tourist destination in Karnataka.
To get to the Badami Caves in Bagalkot, you can fly into Belgaum or Hubli, take a train from Hubli or Bangalore, or drive from one of those cities or the other ones listed above.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Entry Fee: ₹25 for Indians, ₹300 for foreign tourists.
How to Reach: Badami is well-connected by road and rail. Hubli Airport is the nearest airport (100 km away).
Why Visit: The Badami Caves are a series of rock-cut temples dating back to the 6th century, showcasing stunning sculptures and carvings related to Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism.
Things to Do: Explore the rock-cut caves, hike to the nearby Badami Fort, and visit the Agastya Lake for scenic views.
Tips:
- Wear comfortable shoes as there is a bit of climbing.
- Carry water and a hat, as the sun can be intense during the day.
3. Bijapur
Bijapur is a must-see historical site in North Karnataka because of the world-famous Gol Gumbaz and Gol Gummata. The city’s name comes from the large circular dome of Mohammed Adil Shah’s mausoleum. One of India’s most giant domes, Gol Gumbaz, is a massive monolithic monolith that stands alone.
The city is home to a slew of important Karnataka historical landmarks. Bijapur’s most notable attractions include Shivagiri, Jama Masjid, and Bara Kaman. Bijapur is an excellent starting point for day trips to other obscure historical sites in Karnataka.
Best Time to Visit: November to February.
Attractions: Jumma Masjid, Ibrahim Rauza, Malik-e-Maidan.
How to Reach: Bijapur is accessible by road and rail. Hubli is the nearest airport.
Why Visit: Bijapur is a treasure trove of Islamic architecture, with historical monuments like Gol Gumbaz, Ibrahim Rauza, and the Malik-e-Maidan cannon.
Things to Do: Explore the historical monuments, visit the Bijapur Fort, and enjoy the local cuisine.
Tips:
- Plan a full day to explore the city’s key monuments.
- Avoid visiting during summer due to the heat.
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4. Srirangapatna
Located on the island of Srirangapatna, the Ranganathaswamy Temple is one of India’s most renowned temples. It honors Lord Vishnu’s avatar Ranganatha, who is the inspiration for the project. It is regarded as part of the Pancharanga Kshetram (five most significant temples consecrated to Lord Vishnu) in the South Indian region. Adi Ranga is the name given to the Temple’s presiding god since it is the earliest Temple upstream.
Lord Vishnu’s reclining statue is the centerpiece of the main Temple. As the serpent Adishesha Naag coils around its seven-headed idol, so do the idols. At the base is a golden Lakshmi idol. Smaller temples to Narasimha, Garuda, Gopalkrishna, and Hanuman may also be found inside the complex’s walls.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Entry Fee: Free for the temple; ₹5 for Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace.
How to Reach: Srirangapatna is located near Mysore, just 16 km away, and is easily accessible by road and rail.
Why Visit: Known for its association with Tipu Sultan, Srirangapatna is a historical town with attractions like the Ranganathaswamy Temple, Daria Daulat Bagh, and Tipu’s Summer Palace.
Things to Do: Visit the temple, explore Tipu Sultan’s palace and fort, and enjoy the scenic beauty of the nearby Kaveri River.
Tips:
- Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Mysore.
- Take a boat ride to Sangam, where the rivers converge.
5. Mysore
Mysore, today known as Mysuru, was formerly known as the “City of Palaces”, and it’s fair to say that it holds a unique position in the history of India’s kings. Intricate architecture, the world-famous silk sarees, yoga, and sandalwood are just a few of the many cultural treasures to be found here. Mysore Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-see on any visit to the city.
The palace drips with wealth and splendor, and each room you visit features ornate architecture and paintings in various rich hues and stained-glass windows that stand out. During Dussehra and every Sunday, the palace is illuminated stunningly. Read More: Top 10 Destinations to Visit in Mysore
Best Time to Visit: October during the Dussehra festival, or November to March.
Timings: Mysore Palace – 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
Entry Fee: ₹70 for Indians, ₹200 for foreign tourists.
How to Reach: Mysore is well-connected by road, rail, and air (Mysore Airport or Bangalore Airport).
Why Visit: Mysore is famous for its royal heritage, with the magnificent Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hill, and other historical landmarks. The city is also known for its Dussehra celebrations.
Things to Do: Visit Mysore Palace, explore the city’s museums, and visit the nearby Chamundi Hill and Srirangapatna.
Tips:
- Visit the palace during the evening to see it illuminated with 100,000 light bulbs.
- Don’t miss visiting Chamundi Hills and Brindavan Gardens nearby.
6. Gomateshwara, Shravanabelagola
This state has a rich history, which has resulted in a slew of well-known tourist sites such as monuments. Here is one more breathtaking landmark: a magnificent 57-foot-tall statue of Gomateshwar. Known as Bahubali, it is one of Karnataka’s most impressive and must-see landmarks.
While it is a stunning piece of art, the ritual with this enormous statue makes it much more appealing. Observing the 12-year practice of bathing the lord in milk, saffron, turmeric, or other sacred ingredients is awe-inspiring. Karnataka heritage tours must include a stop here as one of their most memorable highlights. Read More: Shravanabelagola Temple, Karnataka: Travel Guide
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Timings: 6:30 AM to 11:30 AM, and 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM.
Entry Fee: Free.
How to Reach: Located 150 km from Bangalore, Shravanabelagola is accessible by road.
Why Visit: The 57-feet-tall monolithic statue of Gomateshwara (Bahubali) is a major Jain pilgrimage site and one of the largest freestanding statues in the world.
Things to Do: Climb the steps to see the Gomateshwara statue, explore the nearby Chandragiri and Vindhyagiri hills, and attend the Mahamastakabhisheka festival (held every 12 years).
Tips:
- Be prepared for a 600-step climb to reach the statue.
- Visit during the Mahamastakabhisheka festival, which happens every 12 years.
7. Pattadakal Monuments
Pattadakal’s monuments are an essential draw for heritage tourism in the state of Karnataka, which has a rich cultural history. Pattadakal’s temples are known for their blend of electric stone art and architecture. These structures, built in the 7th and 8th centuries, have hosted several historical events, including the “Pattadakisuvolal” crowning of the Chalukya dynasty monarchs.
The Mallikarjuna and Virupaksha temples in Pattadakal, built by Vikramaditya II’s wives to commemorate their husband’s victory over the South Indian monarchs, are included in the temple’s collection. Virupaksha temple, one of Karnataka’s most popular tourist destinations, was previously known as Lokeshwara.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Entry Fee: ₹40 for Indians, ₹600 for foreign tourists.
How to Reach: Located in Bagalkot district, about 20 km from Badami, Pattadakal is accessible by road.
Why Visit: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pattadakal is known for its 8th-century Hindu and Jain temples, which showcase a blend of northern and southern Indian architectural styles.
Things to Do: Explore the temples, admire the intricate carvings, and visit the nearby Aihole and Badami caves.
Tips:
- Visit along with nearby Aihole and Badami.
- Take a guided tour to understand the intricate temple architecture and history.
8. Halebidu
As one of Karnataka’s most well-known historical sites, Halebidu can be found in the Hassan district. During the 12th century, the city served as the capital of the Hoysala Empire. It is no surprise that Halebidu’s temples and monuments show traces of Hoysala architecture.
Its temples and shrines are awe-inspiring and breathtaking. Halebidu’s must-see historical landmarks are the temples dedicated to Hoysaleshwara and Kedareshwara.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Entry Fee: Free.
How to Reach: Located 150 km from Mysore, Halebidu is accessible by road and is close to Hassan.
Why Visit: Halebidu was the capital of the Hoysala Empire and is known for the Hoysaleswara Temple, which is famous for its detailed stone carvings.
Things to Do: Visit the Hoysaleswara Temple, explore the nearby Belur temple complex, and enjoy the historical ambiance.
Tips:
- Pair your visit with Belur, another Hoysala architectural marvel.
- Ideal for photography enthusiasts due to its detailed carvings.
9. Hassan
There are numerous Hoysala temples in the city of Hassan in the state of Karnataka. This ancient site’s name comes from the Hindu deity Hasanamba. Several Jain temples and a few churches are open to the public in Hassan, and the Temple of the Goddess is a major draw. In Hassan, there is no shortage of things to see and do.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Attractions: Shettihalli Church, Hoysala temples, Gorur Dam.
How to Reach: Hassan is well-connected by road and rail. The nearest airport is Bangalore (185 km away).
Why Visit: Hassan serves as a base to visit the nearby Hoysala temples in Belur and Halebidu, offering a rich history and stunning architecture.
Things to Do: Explore the ancient temples of Belur and Halebidu, visit the Shettihalli Church, and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Western Ghats.
Tips:
- Stay in Hassan for easy access to Halebidu and Belur.
- Enjoy a peaceful evening at Shettihalli Church, especially during monsoons.
10. Somnathpur
The temple of Somnathpura, also known as the Prasanna Chennakeseva Temple or the Kesava temple, is renowned for preserving the Hoysala architectural style. The Somnathapur temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna and built-in 1285, is one of Karnataka’s most revered Hindu pilgrimage sites.
Best Time to Visit: November to February.
Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
Entry Fee: ₹25 for Indians, ₹300 for foreign tourists.
How to Reach: Located about 35 km from Mysore, Somnathpur is easily accessible by road.
Why Visit: Somnathpur is home to the beautifully carved Chennakesava Temple, a fine example of Hoysala architecture with intricate sculptures and carvings.
Things to Do: Explore the temple, marvel at the detailed carvings, and take a guided tour to learn about Hoysala history.
Tips:
- A guide is recommended to explain the detailed carvings and architecture.
- Visit early in the day to avoid crowds.
Conclusion
There are numerous historical sites in Karnataka that you can visit. Start your South India Tour with the Historical Karnataka Tour with customized tour packages.
More Information on Karnataka:
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- List of Hoysala Temples in Karnataka
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- Murudeshwara Temple, Karnataka: Timings, How to Reach
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What are some famous historical places in Karnataka?
Some famous historical places in Karnataka include Hampi, Badami, Pattadakal, Belur, and Mysore Palace.
2. What is the most famous monument in Karnataka?
The most famous monument in Karnataka is the Vittala Temple in Hampi, known for its iconic stone chariot and musical pillars.
3. How many UNESCO World Heritage Sites are there in Karnataka?
Karnataka has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Hampi and the Group of Monuments at Pattadakal.
4. Which historical places in Karnataka are known for their architecture?
Belur, Halebidu, and the Gol Gumbaz in Bijapur are famous for their intricate architectural designs.
5. What are some ancient monuments in Karnataka?
Ancient monuments include the Badami Caves, Aihole Temples, and the Chennakeshava Temple at Belur.
6. What are the top 5 heritage sites in Karnataka?
The top 5 heritage sites are Hampi, Mysore Palace, Pattadakal, Srirangapatna, and Belur.
7. Which historical site is related to the Vijayanagara Empire?
Hampi is the most significant site related to the Vijayanagara Empire and is filled with ruins of palaces, temples, and marketplaces.
8. Where can I see rock-cut architecture in Karnataka?
The Badami Caves are well-known for their rock-cut architecture, with temples carved directly into the cliffs.
9. What is the historical importance of Mysore Palace?
The Mysore Palace is the royal residence of the Wodeyar dynasty and is a symbol of Karnataka’s rich cultural heritage.
10. Are there any historical places in Karnataka with religious significance?
Yes, places like the Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangapatna and the Virupaksha Temple in Hampi hold great religious importance.
11. Which monuments in Karnataka are famous for their inscriptions?
The Aihole Temples and the Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebidu are known for their inscriptions, documenting ancient history.
12. What are the best historical sites to visit near Bangalore?
Historical sites near Bangalore include Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace in Srirangapatna, the Bangalore Fort, and Lepakshi.
13. Which monument in Karnataka has the largest dome in India?
The Gol Gumbaz in Bijapur has the largest dome in India and is known for its incredible acoustic system.
14. How many historical monuments are there in Karnataka?
Karnataka is home to hundreds of historical monuments, with over 25 prominent ones, such as Mysore Palace, Hampi, and Badami.
15. Why is Belur and Halebidu significant in Karnataka’s history?
Belur and Halebidu are significant for their stunning Hoysala architecture, with intricate carvings depicting stories from Hindu mythology.
