road trip places in karnataka

Select city

Other Cities

11 Most Beautiful Mosques in India that You Must Visit 🕌
8 Temples Praised for their Unique Architecture in India 🛕
10 Places to Visit in India for The History Aficionados
Why is Choosing a Car Rental Service from Revv a Prudent Idea?
Unexplored Places in Uttarakhand that You must Plan a Road Trip to

Official Blog of Revv Self Drive Cars

Wonderful Road Trips to Take in Karnataka

One of the most beautiful states in the south of India, Karnataka is blessed with numerous tourist spots both natural and manmade. One needs a lot of time to cover all of them but taking a road trip in Karnataka is an excellent way to explore them in a short span. Here we have tried to come up with a comprehensive list of selected tourist attractions in Karnataka which are perfect for short trips:

15 Best Places to Visit in And Around Karnataka

1. lepakshi.

Lepakshi is famous for the temple that is dedicated to Papanasheshvara. The architecture of the temple is unique. The temples in Lepakshi have historical importance. It is one of the best Karnataka weekend getaways by car .

2. Skandagiri

If you are all set for a road trip from Bangalore , you can add Skandagiri to your list. It is basically a hill where you can feel as if you are touching the clouds. The place is famous for trekking, especially in the night hours. Most of the trekkers start their trekking at 2 am and make it to the peak before the sunrise.

Sangam is the point where River Arkavathi and River Kaveri meet. Tourists mostly enjoy Coracle boat ride here.

4. Avalabetta

If you love exploring hills, Avalabetta will give you enough reasons to be happy. Nestled in greenery, Avalabetta is one of the best road trips that you can take in the state, especially if you are starting from Bangalore. The place is serene and the roads are smooth, which make it a much sought after destination for a long drive from the city.

5. Sakleshpur

While you are taking a road trip from Mangalore , you can count in Sakleshpur. It is a hill station which has many scenic views to offer. The verdant coffee plantations, beautiful mountains, splendid streams and pleasant weather, make Sakleshpur a favourite destination of many tourists.

While you drive all the way to Wayanad, you may spot animals. The other things that you will definitely come across include the pristine waterfalls and forests. The roads look no less than a dream and the condition is also good. However, if you are driving at night, you might need to be a little careful.

7. Kudremukh

The grassy hill station of Kudremukh is known for the scenic beauty. The mountains are grassy here and you can find various flora and fauna in the region. There is an eponymous peak, which resembles the face of a horse.

For your north Karnataka road trip , what can be a better place than Hampi. It is a famous destination among the history buffs because of the ruined temples from the Vijayanagara Empire. If you go to Vittala Temple here, you will find a stone-carved chariot standing in front. You can also visit Hampi Daroji Bear Sanctuary to spot Indian sloth bear.

One of the best places to visit in Karnataka is Agumbe. If you have a thing for sunrise, you will certainly fall for Agumbe. The tranquil place is apt for trekkers as there are several trails that they can opt for. The place is wrapped with natural beauty.

10. Kodaikanal

Your Western Ghats road trip from Bangalore cannot be completed sans visiting Kodaikanal. From the green hills to dense forests, from the waterfalls cascading from the splashing waterfalls to riding on horses, you can see and do so many things in this beautiful place. Though the place is located in Tamil Nadu, you can certainly take a road trip from Karnataka to Kodaikanal.

Badami has deep links with the history of the country. You can still find Chalukyan ruins here. The old houses and carved wooden doorways will take you to the ancient period. The major tourist attractions here are the rock-cut caves temples as well as the red sandstone cliffs.

There is no specific best time to travel in Karnataka ; however, if you are heading to Karwar, you can just skip the rainy months. The seaside town looks absolutely beautiful with sea on its one side and the Western Ghats on the other side.

While you enter Coorg, you will see vast areas covered with coffee plantations. Coorg is also a producer of cardamom. Apart from the scenic beauty of Coorg, the weather plays an important role to attract so many tourists all through the year. Whether you want to take a break from the city life or seeking some mental peace, Coorg is the best place to be at. Also, the road to Coorg is smooth and you will surely have a great time driving all the way to this destination.

14. Bylakuppe

Bylakuppe Golden Temple to close for renovation till Aug 31 ...

Visit Bylakuppe to witness the golden temple of the Tibetan Buddhists. This is a learning a preaching centre of Tibetan Buddhism in the South Indian state.

While you are on your South India road trip from Karnataka , don’t forget adding Munnar to your bucket-list. You will be able to see tea plantations here covering a huge part of the hill station. The other attractions include Muniyara Dolmens, Atukkad Waterfalls, Echo Point, etc.

The road trips in Karnataka are the best way for us to capture the essence of the state and also visit some fabulous places. Along the way you can enjoy sumptuous delicacies and amazing weather that can be enjoyed all year around. For most of these destinations, you can rent a car for road trips from Bangalore by Revv and enjoy the freedom to explore the places at your own pace and comfort.

← Adventurous Road Trips to Take in Maharashtra
Beautiful Hilly Road Trips to Take in Uttarakhand →

11 Top Places to Visit from Bangalore to Pondicherry Road Trips that You Must Take

Choicest Locations for Some Fantastic Road Trips from Coimbatore

11 Best Road Trips to Buddhist Holy Places in India

35 Best Tourist Places to Visit in Karnataka

within 5 km
within 10 km
within 20 km
within 30 km
within 40 km
within 50 km

Fondly called the Scotland of India, Coorg is one of the top hill stations in South India and among the most popular attraction not to miss in your Karnataka holiday packages . Coorg (or Kodagu) is about 265 km from Bangalore city and takes about 6 hrs drive. Coorg is the largest producer of Coffee in India. Also, it is one of the places with the highest rainfall in India. Places like Raja's Seat, Abbey Falls, Iruppu Falls, Omkareshwara Temple, Bylakuppe, Talacauvery and Dubare are the major attractions to be included in Coorg Holiday Packages . The famous Cauvery River is originated in the hills of Coorg at Talacauvery. Explore our Coorg Travel Guide for complete details on the hill station of Coorg. Being a part of the Western Ghats, Coorg is home to three wildlife sanctuaries - the Talacauvery, Pushpagiri, and Brahmagiri Sanctuaries, and one national park, the Nagarhole National Park. Coorg is also famous for trekking activities with peaks like Thandiyandamole, Brahmagiri, and Pushpagiri. Besides, Coorg can also be visited along with Ooty tour packages . If you are planning to visit Bandipur or Nagarhole along with Mysore, staying at Jungle Lodges & Resorts (JLR) properties is the best way to explore.

Mysore, the erstwhile capital of the Mysore Maharajas, is one of the popular destinations in Karnataka and among the must-visit places as part of 2 day trip near Bangalore . It is about 139 km from Bangalore. With its dazzling royal heritage, intricate architecture, its famed silk sarees, yoga, and sandalwood, Mysore is one of the top heritage sites in India . Often called the City of Palaces, Mysore still retains its old-world charm with its palaces, heritage buildings, traditions, and temples. Mysore Palace is among the must include places in your Mysore tour packages . Apart from the Mysore Palace , Chamundi Hill Temple, Mysore Zoo, Srirangapatna, and Brindavan Gardens are the most famous places to visit in Mysore. The royal city of Mysore Dussehra is known for its grand Dussehra celebrations. The month-long Dussehra celebrations, with its colorful processions, fireworks, and the beautifully lighted palace, give an enchanting look to the city. Mysore can also be visited as part of Coorg tour packages . If you are planning to visit Bandipur or Nagarhole along with Mysore, staying at Jungle Lodges & Resorts (JLR) properties is best way to explore ...

3. Chikmagalur

Chikmagalur or Chikkamagaluru is a scenic hill town situated at the foothills of Mulliyangiri range with an altitude of 3,400 feet. It is one of the best hill stations in Karnataka and among the most famous tourist places near Bangalore . Chikmagalur is famous for its serene environment, lush green forests and tall mountains. Baba Budangiri, Hirekolale Lake, Mulliyangiri, Ayyanakere Lake, Manikyadhara Falls, Horanadu and Kemmanagundi are among the must include places in Chikmagalur Holiday Packages . Chikkamagaluru is also famous for coffee and is known as the Coffee Land of Karnataka. It is the place where coffee was cultivated for the first time in India. The climate of Chikmagalur is pleasant all year round but the best time to visit the place is from the months of September till March. Explore our Chikmagalur Travel Guide for complete details on the mighty hill station. Chikmagalur can also be visited along with Coorg packages .

Hampi is a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site situated on the banks of Tungabhadra River in northern Karnataka. Situated about 340 km from Bangalore & 377 km from Hyderabad, Hampi is one of the best heritage sites in India and among the must include places in your Karnataka tour packages . Hampi is an extremely significant place in terms of history and architecture as it stands within the ruins of the city of Vijayanagara, the former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. It is an open-museum of architecture, religion, and history dotted with innumerable gems that were hewed from stones. Virupaksha Temple , Vittala Temple, and Hampi Bazaar are among the must include places in your Hampi tour packages . The ruins of Vijayanagara Empire in and around the village of Hampi are spread over an area of more than 26 Sq.km. The famous Vittala Temple is located 2 km east of the Hampi Bazaar. Explore our Hampi Travel Guide for complete details on the stunning heritage city. Hampi can also be visited along with Badami tour packages .

Udupi is one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in Karnataka, and among the top places to visit near Mangalore . Located between the verdant mountains of the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, Udupi is the land of breathtaking beauty. It is about 59 km from Mangalore, and 403 km from the city of Bangalore. Udupi is famous for Sri Krishna Temple which attracts pilgrims from all over India. This temple has a fascinating idol of Lord Krishna that is richly adorned with jewels. Apart from the temple, Malpe Beach, Kaup Beach & St Mary's Island are the top places to visit as part of Udupi holiday packages . Udupi can also be visited along with Murudeshwar packages . It is also the source of renowned Udupi cuisine, which is served all over India in the efficiently-run Udupi restaurants, famous for dosas, idlis and other snacks. The tradition of this cuisine started in the great kitchens of the Krishna Temple which serve meals in the form of prasad to the thousands of devotees who come to pray at the holy shrine. Explore our Udupi Travel Guide for complete details on the holy shrine.

6. Murudeshwar

Murudeshwar is one of the most famous places to visit in Karnataka and among the popular places of pilgrimage in Karnataka . It is about 162 km from Mangalore & 497 km from Bangalore. Murudeshwar is the abode of Lord Shiva. The temple town is famous for the world's second tallest Shiva statue (123 ft) & tallest temple tower (249 feet). The sea on three sides surrounds the Murudeshwar Temple towering on the small hill called Kanduka Giri. This is a great place to watch the sunset. Murdeshwar Beach, Kollur Temple are popular sites to visit as part of Murudeshwar holiday packages . Gokarna, Karwar, Kollur, Udupi, Jog Falls, Sirsi & Sringeri are the nearby attractions. Maha Shivaratri during February is the important festival celebrated here with much devotion and religious rituals. The best time to visit Murudeshwar is from November to February. Murudeshwar can also be visited along with Gokarna packages . Explore our Murudeshwar Travel Guide for complete details on the beautiful and sacred placce.

Gokarna is one of the famous places of pilgrimage in Karnataka , and among the top places to visit as part of Karnataka tour packages . It is about 514 km from Bangalore. Sri Mahabaleshwar Temple which houses the Atmalinga is one of the must-visit places as part of Gokarna holiday packages . Gokarna is considered to be the Mukti Stala, where Hindus perform funeral rites. Gokarna is also home to some of the best beaches in Karnataka including Om Beach, Kudle Beach, Gokarna Beach. Among the beaches in Gokarna, the Om Beach is extremely popular among surfers. The beach gets its name due to the natural formation of the holy Om symbol. Explore our Gokarna Travel Guide for complete details on Gokarna. Gokarna can also be visited along with Dandeli tour packages .

8. Bandipur National Park

Bandipur National Park is one of the well preserved wildlife parks in Karnataka , and among the top places for a wildlife tour in India. Located between Mysore & Ooty, it is about 80 km from Mysore and 215 km from Bangalore. Spread across 874 sq.km, Bandipur is a part of the famous Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve along with Nagarhole National Park, Mudumalai National Park and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. It is home to around 70 tigers and over 3000 Asian elephants, as well as other animals like leopards, dhole, gaur, sloth bears, and a variety of birdlife. Jeep Safaris and Mini Bus Safaris are arranged by the forest department. The entry point & interpretation center of the park is located in Bandipur village on Gundlupet - Ooty Road. The best time to visit Bandipur is from June to October. Staying at Bandipur Safari Lodge is the best way to explore the park as their package includes Jeep Safari into the park with experienced guides. Bandipur can also be visited along with Ooty tour packages as it lies on Bangalore - Ooty road.

9. Mangalore

Located at the confluence of Nethravathi and Gurupura Rivers, the port city of Mangalore is one of the popular tourist places in Karnataka . It is about 251 km from Mysore, and 345 km from Bangalore. It is one of the stunning places to visit near Bangalore . Lying between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, Mangalore is a scenic place dotted with coconut palms, hills, and streams, and is known for its temples and beaches. The Mangaladevi temple, Kadri Manjunatha temple, St Aloysius Chapel, the Rosario Cathedral, the Jama Masjid, Mukka Beach, Someshwara Beach, Tannirbavi Beach, and Panambur beach are the must include places in Mangalore tour packages . Mangalore is the starting point of many Udupi tour packages ., Dharmasthala, and Gokarna Tour Packages.

10. Nagarhole National Park

Nagarhole National Park is one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in India . Also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park, the park is situated about 218 km from Bangalore, and is among the must include places in Karnataka Tour Packages . Spread across Mysore and Kodagu districts of Karnataka, Nagarhole got National Park status in 1988 and declared as 37th Project Tiger Reserve in 1999. The Western Ghats Nilgiri sub-cluster of 6,000 Sq. km, including all of Nagarhole National Park, is under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Site status. It is one of the top attractions you must include in Coorg tour packages . It is situated to the north-west of Bandipur National Park . The important animals in Nagarhole are tiger, leopard, wild dog, sloth bear, the hyena, spotted deer, sambar, barking deer, wild boar and elephant. Bus & Jeep Safari available in the park run by forest dept from Kutta & Dhammanakatte (kabini side). Staying at Kabini River Lodge is the best way to explore the park as their package includes Jeep Safari with experienced guides.

11. Dandeli

Situated on the banks of the River Kali, the picturesque town of Dandeli is one of the top Karnataka tourist places . It is located about 130 km from Goa, and 462 km from Bangalore. Dandeli is quite famous for its gorgeous natural backdrop, wildlife, and adventure activities, that can be experienced as part of Dandeli tour packages . Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka . Dandeli is one of the top white Water Rafting destinations in India. Kayaking, water rafting, and canoeing trips on the Kali River are some of the things one can indulge in Dandeli. Sathodi Falls, Syntheri Rocks, and Kavala Caves are the other important places to visit in Dandeli . Explore our Dandeli Travel Guide for complete details on the stunning scenic place. Dandeli can also be visited along with Goa tour packages and Gokarna Packages.

Badami, also called Vatapi, is one of the must include places in Karnataka Tour Packages . It is located at a distance of 36 km from Bagalkot, 104 km from Hubli & 457 km from Bangalore. It is one of the popular places of heritage in Karnataka . Cave temples, fortresses, fine carvings, wonderful architecture, and breathtaking views are the must include places in Badami Tour Packages . Badami is located in a valley at the foot of a red sandstone rock formation that surrounds Agastya Lake. Boothnath Temple, Banashankari Temple, Badami Fort, Cave Temple 1-3, Mallikarjuna Temples, and Mahakuta Temples are the prominent places to visit in Badami . Badami is famous for several early inscriptions dating back to the 6th century. Badami can also be visited along with Aihole & Pattadakal Tour Packages .

13. Srirangapatna

Srirangapatna or Srirangapattana is a historical town in the Mandya district of Karnataka. About 18 km from Mysore, and 124 km from Bangalore, it is among the popular tourist places in Karnataka owing to its cultural, religious, and historic importance. Srirangapatna is one of the top places to visit near Bangalore . The entire town is surrounded by the river Kaveri to form a river island. Srirangapatna is among the must include place in your Mysore tour packages . Ranganathaswamy Temple, Daria Daulat (Palace of Tipu Sultan) and Gumbaz (Mausoleum of Tipu Sultan) & Sangama are the must include places in Srirangapatna Tour Packages . Laksha Deepotsava, Ratha Sapthami, and Brahmotsavam are the famous festivals celebrated with much fanfare at Srirangapatna.

14. Sringeri

Sringeri is a renowned pilgrimage center located in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka. About 88 km from Chikmagalur, and 318 km from Bangalore, it is one of the important places of pilgrimage in South India , and among the must include places in Karnataka tour packages . Sringeri is well known for Sharada Peetham, among the must-visit places as part of the Sringeri holiday packages . Sringeri Sharada Peetham is the first and foremost of the 4 Peethams established by the renowned 8th-century saint Sri Adi Shankaracharya.Vidyashankara Temple, Chennakeshava Temple, Sharadamba Temple, and Sri Parswanath Jain Tirthankara Temple are the other prominent Sringeri places to visit . Adi Shankara Temple, Kere Anjaneya temple, Malayala Brahma Temple, Mallikarjuna Temple, Torana Ganapati Temple, Kigga, Sirimane Falls, Agumbe, Kudremukh are other attractions here. Sringeri can be visited along with Udupi Tour Packages .

15. Pattadakal

Situated on the banks of Malaprabha River, Pattadakal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with Badami & Aihole known as Chalukyan Group of Monuments. Pattadakal is among the popular Tourist places in Karnataka . It is about 439 km from the city of Bangalore. Pattadakal is the place where the coronation of Chalukyan kings took place. Along with Aihole, Pattadakal is considered the cradle for South Indian Temple architecture. The main complex has about 10 temples date back to 6th - 9th centuries, that are the must-visit places as part of Pattadakal tour packages . The temples are built in different architectural styles representing Dravidian, Nagara, Phamsana, and Gajaprastha models. Virupaksha Temple, Sangameshwara Temple, Mallikarjuna Temple , Kashivisvanatha Temple & Galganatha Temple are the most prominent places to visit in Pattadakal . Pattadakal can also be visited along with Aihole & Badami Tour Packages .

Belur is one of the best heritage sites in Karnataka . It was the early capital of the powerful Hoysala Empire on the banks of River Yagachi. About 25 km from Chikmagalur, and 217 km from Bangalore, it is among the most visited places as part of Chikmagalur tour packages . Belur is renowned for the grand Hoysala Temple built by king Vishnuvardhana in 1117 CE. Dedicated to Lord Chennakesava, it is the best of three Hoysala temples nominated for UNESCO World Heritage Sites (other two being the temples at Halebid & Somnathpur). The Hoysala temples are known for minute & intricate carvings and sculptures with metal-like polishing. Sri Chennakesava Temple is one of the must-visit places as part of Belur holiday packages . Standing on a star-shaped platform, Sri Chennakesava Temple is known for its intricate sculptures and friezes. There are about 48 pillars of various sizes, shapes, and designs, bearing testimony to remarkable artistry. The main highlight of the temple is Darpana Sundari or The lady with the mirror. Yagachi Dam, Halebidu, and Narasimha Pillar are the other tourist places in Belur .

17. Somnathpur

At a distance of 137 km from Bangalore, 35 km from Mysore & 50 km from Shivanasamudra Falls , Somnathpur is well known for the breathtaking Prasanna Chennakesava Temple, one of the three famous & finest representations of Hoysala architecture (other two being temples at Belur & Halebid). This is one of the three Hoysala temples nominated for UNESCO World Heritage Site status. This is one of the popular tourist places to visit near Bangalore & Mysore and one of the wonderful weekend getaways from both the cities. The Hoysala temples are known for minute & intricate carvings and sculptures with metal like polishing. It is one of the well known Karnataka tourist places and also one of the best places to experince Mysore Tourism . Located on the banks of Cauvery River, Chennakesava Temple was built in 1268 by Somnatha, a general of King Narasimha III. The temple stands on a raised platform like other Hoysala temples. The temple comprises three shrines and three wonderfully carved peaks with a common Mandapa. The three sanctums once housed beautifully carved idols of Keshava, Janardhana and Venugopala. Today, the idol of Lord Kesava is missing but the other two are still worshipped by the visitors. The Somnathpur temple is famous for its elaborate and ...

18. Jog Falls

Formed over Sharavathi River, Jog falls is the one of the highest plunge waterfalls in Karnataka and among the top places to visit near Hubli . It is situated about 152 km from Hubli, and 400 km from Bangalore. Locally known as Gerusoppe Falls, Jog Falls is one of the best waterfalls near Bangalore to visit as part of Karnataka tour packages . The Sharavathi River flowing over a very rocky bed about 250 yards wide, 253 m deep and the water comes down in four distinct falls known as Raja, Rani, Rover, and Rocket. The four cascades merge to form the huge waterfall. The Raja Fall pours in one unbroken column sheer to the depth of 830 ft. Halfway down it is encountered by the Rover, another fall, which rushes violently downwards to meet the Raja. A third falls, the Rocket, shoots downwards in a series of jets; while the fourth, the Rani, is a quiet fall over the mountainside. A narrow path from viewpoint leads to the bottom of the falls. The view is amazing from the bottom and the showering sizzles of the falls at the bottom are really worth the effort. Unchalli Falls, Bennehole Falls, Yana and Banavasi are among the must include places in Jog Falls tour packages .

19. Halebidu

Halebidu is one of the best heritage sites in Karnataka . About 34 km from Chikmagalur, and 211 km from Bangalore, it is among the most visited places as part of Chikmagalur tour packages . Halebidu is famous for the beautiful Hoysala Temples of Hoysaleswara and Kedareswara built in 1121 AD. These are the most important places to visit as part of Halebidu tour packages . Hoysaleswara Temple is one of the three Hoysala temples nominated for UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the other two being the Belur temple & Somnathpur temple. The Hoysala temples are known for minute & intricate carvings and sculptures with metal-like polishing. Halebidu is one of best places to visit near Bangalore . Another popular place to visit in Halebidu is the Kedareswara temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built by King Ballala II, it was decorated with sculptures and panels in typical Hoysala style.

20. Kemmanagundi

Kemmanagundi is one of the popular hill stations in Karnataka . About 62 km from Chikmagalur, and 246 km from Bangalore, it is among the best places to visit near Bangalore . Breathtaking views of the valleys amidst mountain streams and lush vegetation are the main attractions of Kemmanagundi tour packages . Situated at an altitude of 1434 m on the Baba Budan range, the region is covered with plantations of coffee and tea along with thick bamboo groves forming a dense forest cover. Raj Bhavan, Z point, Rock garden, Hebbe Falls, Kalhattagiri Falls, Baba Budan Hill, Bhadra Tiger Reserve, Shanti Falls, and Hebbe Falls are the most poular place to visit in Kemmanagundi . Kemmanagundi is also popularly known by the name of KR Hills, named after the Mysore King Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV. Kemmanagundi is one of the top attractions you must include in Chikmagalur packages .

Situated on the banks of the Malaprabha River, Aihole is one of the popular places to visit in Karnataka for history buffs, & architecture enthusiasts. It is situated at a distance of 13 km from Pattadakal, 34 km from Badami, and 443 km from Bangalore. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Aihole, along with Pattadakal, is considered as the cradle for South Indian Temple architecture. It is one of the popular places of heritage in Karnataka . There are more than 125 temples in Aihole constructed between the 5th and 8th centuries during Badami Chalukya's rule, which are the must include places in Aihole Tour Packages . Durga Temple, Ladkhan Temple, Ravana Pahadi, and Archeology Museum are the top places to visit in Aihole . Aihole can also be visited along with Pattadakal & Badami Tour Packages .

22. Bangalore

Nicknamed as the Garden City of India, Bangalore, the capital city of Karnataka, is the 5th largest city in India, and among the top places to visit in Karnataka . It is one of the fastest growing industrial and commercial centers in India. It is often referred as Silicon Valley of India due to large number of software companies established in the city. Bangalore is one of the ideal places for those planning to visit south India with many attractions in the form of heritage palaces, gardens, museums, temples, etc. Lalbagh Garden, Cubbon Park, Tipu Sultan's Palace, Bangalore Palace , Bannerghatta National Park, and Vishveswaraiah Museum, are the some of the must include places in Bangalore tour packages . Explore our Bangalore Travel Guide for complete details on the capital city of Karnataka. Bangalore is the perfect stopover point, because this city is the gateway to a plethora of South Indian tourist destinations - you can choose from ancient temples, jungles, historic sites to even scenic countrysides for a quick weekend getaways. Coorg, Mysore , Chikmagalur, Wayanad and Ooty are the top weekend getaways from Bangalore .

23. Sakleshpur

Sakleshpur is a quaint hill station in the Hassan district of Karnataka. Situated at an altitude of 3061 feet, Sakleshpur is one of the least explored hill stations in Karnataka and among the must include tourist attractions in Karnataka tour packages . It is about 151 km from Mangalore and 220 km from Bangalore. Lies in the Malnad region, this beautiful hill station is very popular for its fascinating mountains, scenic beauty, and pleasant weather as well, which are the must-experience things to do as part of Sakleshpur holiday packages . Manjarabad Fort, Sakleshwara Temple, Agni Gudda Hill, Magajahalli Waterfalls, Betta Byraveshwara Temple, Hemavathi Dam, and Pandavar Gudda are some of the popular places to visit in tourist places in Sakleshpur . Besides, this lesser-known hill station is famous for trekking activities in Bisle Reserve Forest Trail and Kumara Parvatha trail, in which one can explore the rich biodiversity of the place. Sakleshpura is the gateway to the Western Ghats from Bengaluru & Hassan side. Sakleshpur is among the major producers of coffee and cardamom output in India.

24. Shravanabelagola

Shravanabelagola is one of the most popular Jain places of pilgrimage in Karnataka . About 83 km from Mysore, and 140 km from Bangalore, it is one of the popular places to visit near Bangalore . Shravanabelagola is famous for the Bahubali Statue, among the must include places in Shravanabelagola tour packages . With a height of 58 feet carved out of a single block of granite, the statue is supposed to be the tallest monolithic stone statue in the world. Gomateswara temple, Odegal Basadi, Tyagada Kamba, Siddhara Basadi, Chennanna Basadi, Akhanda Bagilu, Chamundaraya Basadi, Chandragupta Basadi, Chandraprabha Basadi, Kattale Basadi, and Parshwanatha Basadi are important places to visit in Shravanabelagola . Once in 12 years, Shravanabelagola celebrates the Mahamastakabhisheka festival which attracts thousands of devotees and tourists from all over India. Shravanabelagola can also be visited along with Mysore tour packages .

25. Shivanasamudra Falls

Shivanasamudra is one of the best waterfalls near Bangalore and also among popular one day trip from Bangalore . It is about 130 km from Bangalore. Shivanasamudra is a segmented waterfall with several parallel stream formed adjacent to each other. Situated on River Kaveri, Shivanasamudra is among the popular Tourist places in Karnataka . The island of Shivanasamudra divides Kaveri River into two parts that form two waterfalls, one is Gaganachukki and the other is Bharachukki. Gaganachukki includes a huge horsetail shaped waterfall dropping from a height of 90 m and two large parallel streams that cascade down through a rocky bed from a height of over 320 feet. Asia's first hydroelectric power station was set up in the downstream of the falls in the year 1905. Barachukki is a cascading fall with a height of 70 m forming several streams through the wide rocky formations establishing superb natural beauty. This place offers breathtaking sight in the peak monsoons. Shivanasamudra is among the must include place in your Mysore tour packages . An interesting way to watch the beauty of the waterfall is to take a coracle ride to the mouth of the magnificent waterfall.

26. Irupu Falls

Iruppu Falls is one of the best Karnataka waterfalls , and among the must include places in Coorg tour packages . It is about 75 km from Madikeri,110 km from Mysore, and 248 km from Bangalore. Also known as Lakshmana Tirtha Falls locally, Irupu Falls or Iruppu Falls is one of the popular 2 day trip from Bangalore . It is formed by Lakshmana Tirtha, a stream that originated in Brahmagiri Peaks and joins the Kaveri River. Dropping from a height of 170 feet through several stages, the falls are situated amidst the thick forest of Western Ghats. The roaring waters of Irupu Falls and the picturesque surroundings make it a favorite picnic spot. It is an unforgettable experience to stand at bottom of the cascades and play in the sizzling waters of the falls. There is a temple called Rameshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is located on the banks of the Lakshmana Tirtha River, en route to the falls. It can also be visited along with Wayanad tour packages .

Sirsi is a small hill station located in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. About 99 km from Shimoga, 102 km from Hubli, 395 km from Bangalore, it is the main commercial center and a business hub in the Malnadu region, and among the top tourist places in Karnataka . Situated at an altitude of 2000 feet, Sirsi is surrounded by thick forests and towering hills, among the must-experience things to do as part of Sirsi tour packages . This pristine hill station is also known as 'Gateway of Malenadu' or 'Gateway of Western Ghats'. Unchalli Falls, Vibhuthi Falls, Marikamba Temple, Magod Falls, Benne Hole Falls, Shivaganga Falls, Muregar Falls, Burude Falls, Mattighatta Falls, Manjuguni, Sahashralinga, Sodhe / Sonda, Devimane Ghat, Banavasi, and Gudavi Bird Sanctuary are some of the top place to visit in Sirsi/a>. Sri Marikamba Jatra is the main festival held every alternate year in March at Sirsi. The fair attracts nearly 5 lakh devotees, tourists, and pilgrims from throughout Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Goa, and Maharashtra. It is said to be the most famous and biggest fair in the state of Karnataka.

Lies at the mouth of the Kali River near Goa - Karnataka Border, Karwar is one of the top beach destinations in Karnataka, and among the must-visit places as part of Karnataka tour packages . It is about108 km from Panjim, and 517 km from Bangalore. Karwar's tranquil ambiance had inspired the famous poet Rabindranath Tagore and he has dedicated a chapter of his biography to this town. The town has lovely beaches, beautiful temples and Forts attracting a large number of tourists. Karwar Beach, Devbagh Beach, Sadashivgad, Dargah of Peer Shan Shamsuddin Kharobat, Durga Temple, Kaju Bagh Beach, Kurumgad Island, Naganatha Temple, Narasimha Temple, Koodi Bagh Beach, and Venkataramana Temple are the popular places to visit in Karwar . Karwar can be visited along with Goa tour packages . The Karavali Utsav is the biggest cultural event held at the Rabindranath Tagore beach in Karwar for four days.

Nestled in the thickly forested Malnadu region of the Western Ghats, Agumbe is one of the most mesmerizing offbeat tourist places in Karnataka , and among the must-visit places as part of Karnataka tour packages . It is located about 112 km from Mangalore and 342 km from Bangalore. Situated at an altitude of over 2100 feet, the scenic village of Agumbe lies in the Western Ghats belt with some of the last remaining lowland rainforests. The place is nicknamed 'The Cherrapunji of the South' as it receives the heaviest rainfall in the southern part which makes it a perfect home to some of the scenic waterfalls, dense forests, and rivers. Prominent Agumbe tourist places are Sri Gopala Krishna temple, Kunchikal Falls, Barkana Falls, Onake Abbi Falls, Jogi Gundi Falls, Koodlu Theertha Falls, Agumbe Rainforest Research Station, Narsimha Parvatha trek, Kudremukh National Park, Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary, etc. It can be visited as part of Mangalore holiday packages . Agumbe is home to the Agumbe Rainforest Research Station, the only rainforest research station in India, and was established as a sanctuary for the King Cobra. It is also the place where RK Narayan has filmed his novel Malgudi Days.

At a distance of 116 km from Gulbarga, 639 km Bangalore and 140 km from Hyderabad, Bidar is a town and district headquarters located in the north-eastern part of Karnataka. Bidar is one of the most popular tourist places to visit near Hyderabad and one of the famous Hyderabad weekend getaways from a two day trip. It is lies at an altitude of 2,200 feet on Deccan plateau overlooking the Manjira river valley. Bidar is among the well known Karnataka tourist places . It is bounded by Nizamabad and Medak districts of Telangana on the eastern side, Latur and Osmanabad districts of Maharashtra on the western side, Nanded district of Maharashtra on the northern side and Gulbarga district on southern side. Bidar has great historical importance and it is one of the important heritage sites in Karnataka. The history of Bidar goes back to 3rd century BC, and it was ruled by Mauryas, Satavahanas, Kadambas and Chalukyas of Badami, Rashtrakutas and later Kalyani Chalukyas. For a short period after Kalyani Chalukyas Bidar was under the Yadavas of Devgiri and Kakatiyas of Warangal . Delhi rulers first headed by Allauddin Khilji and later ...

31. Kollur Mookambika Temple

At a distance of 60 km from Murudeshwar, 73 km from Udupi, 90 km from Jog Falls and 133 km from Mangalore, Sri Mookambika Devi Temple is a Hindu temple situated at Kollur in Udupi district of Karnataka. The temple is located in the valley of Kodachadri Mountain Peak on the banks of Souparnika River. Kollur is regarded as one of the Seven Mukti Stalas created by Parashurama and the other places are Udupi, Subrahmanya, Kumbasi, Kodeshwara, Sankaranarayana and Gokarna . It is a famous site of pilgrimage in Karnataka and one of the top places to visit near Murudeshwar . This temple is dedicated to Goddess Parvathi. According to Legend, Goddess Parvathi killed a demon called Kamsasuran who lived here and attempted to become powerful through his penance. Devi along with the help of Veerabadra, Ganesha and Shiva initially made him dumb and he came to be called Mookasuran (Mooka means dumb). Later the goddess killed him with her Chakra and called as Mookambika thereafter. The place where Devi killed Mookasura is known as Marana Katte. The Panchaloha (five metals) image of the Goddess Mookambika is stated to have been consecrated by Adi Shankaracharya during his visit to this place. Devi Mookambika has three eyes and four arms, with chakra and conch in her hands sitting in the padmahasana ...

32. Kukke Subrahmanya Temple

At a distance of 100 km from Mangalore, Kukke Subrahmanya Temple is a sacred Hindu temple located at Kukke near Mangalore. It is one of the most famous temples in Karnataka and among the must-visit places as part of Mangalore holiday packages . Dedicated to Lord Murugan, Kukke Subrahmanya Temple is one of the important temples of Lord Subrahmanya (Lord Murugan), and among the famous pilgrimage places to visit near Mangalore . This temple is famous for Sarpa Dosha. Lord Subrahmanya is worshipped as the protector of all serpents. The epics mention that the divine serpent Vasuki and other serpents found refugee under Lord Subrahmanya when attacked by Garuda. Pilgrims visiting the temple have to cross the Kumaradhara River and take a holy dip in it before entering the temple. According to Mythology, Lord Kumaraswamy killed the demon rulers Taraka, Shoorapadmasura in a war; and washed his Shakti Ayudha in this river (hence the river is named Kumaradhara). This is also one of the famous places of trekking in Karnataka . Sarpa Samskara/Sarpa Dosha is one of the poojas performed at this temple by devotees to get rid of the sarpa dosha. Kukke Subramanya can be reached by road from Mangalore and Bangalore. Timings: 6:30 AM - 1:30 PM & 3:30 PM - 8 PM

33. Manjunatha Temple - Dharmasthala

At a distance of 70 km from Mangalore, Dharmasthala is a sacred town in Karnataka. Situated on the banks of the Nethravathi River, it is one of the famous places of pilgrimage in Karnataka , and among the popular places to visit as part of Mangalore Packages . The main attraction of Dharmasthala is the famous Manjunatha Temple. This place is also known as Sri Kshetra, and is one of the top places to visit near Mangalore . Dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Manjunatha or Lokeshwara, this temple dates back to 16th Century. It is said that the Shiva Linga worshipped at this temple was procured from Kadri Temple in Mangalore. This place was known as Kuduma and was later renamed Dharmasthala in the 16th century by Vadiraja Swami of Udupi . The shrines of four Dharma Daivas (Kalarahu, Kalarkaayi, Kanyakumari, and Kumaraswamy) are built well before Manjunatha Temple in Dharmasthala. Lakshadeepotsava celebrated in Kartheekamasa (Nov/Dec) is the main attraction of the temple. This temple is involved in several social activities, especially, educational institutes for the poor. Timings: 6:30 AM - 2:30 PM & 5 PM - 8:30 PM

34. Melukote / Melkote

At a distance of 50 km from Mysore and 133 km from Bangalore, Melkote / Melukote is a historical town located in Pandavapura taluk of Mandya district, Karnataka. Also known as Thirunarayanapuram, it is one of the popular pilgrimage places in Karnataka and also one of the best places to visit as part of Mysore Tour. Melkote can also be included in your Mysore holiday packages . The town is built on rocky hills known as Yadavagiri or Yadugiri overlooking the Cauvery valley. The town derives its name from two words, Melu means top and Kote means fort. According to the history, the great Vaishnava saint Sri Ramanujacharya lived here for about 14 years in 12th century AD and thus it became a prominent center of the Srivaishnava sect of Brahmins. There are two popular temples reside in this town, one is Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple and the other one is Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple. These temples existed even before Sri Ramanujacharya came to this place. The main temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu known as Thirunarayana or Cheluvaraya installed by Lord Krishna. The utsavamurthy or procession idol of the deity is referred as Cheluvapille Raya whose original name appears to have been Ramapriya. This utsavamurthy was lost when the Moghuls invaded the place and it was recovered by Ramanujacharya from Bibi Nachiyaar the daughter of Mohammed Shah. The temple has been under the patronage of the Mysore royal family and is ...

35. Horanadu Annapoorneswari Temple

At a distance of 29 km from Kudremukh, 42 km from Sringeri, and 70 km from Chikmagalur, Horanadu Annapoorneswari Temple is a famous temple situated in the thick forests of the Western Ghats in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka. It is one of the popular temples in Karnataka , and among the must include places in Sringeri tour packages . Sri Annapoorneswari Temple is situated on the banks of River Bhadra and is also known as Sri Kshethra Horanadu. It is believed that this temple was established by Agasthya Maharishi. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Annapoorneswari, one of the incarnations of Goddess Durga. A new idol of the main deity was installed at the temple in 1973. It can also be visited along with Chikmagalur Tour Packages . The temple is now known as Adi Shaktyatmaka Sri Annapoorneswari Temple. The recently renovated sanctum of the temple is surrounded by Adi Sesha while the Padma Peetha is formed by Ashtagaja, Koorma, and others. The main idol of the goddess is made of gold. The Goddess Annapoorneswari is seen standing on a peetha with four hands, each holding a Shanka, Chakra, Sri Chakra, and Gayathri Mantra. The name Annapoorneswari means feeding one and all. It is believed that a person who seeks Annapoorneswari's blessing will never face a shortage of food in life. It is believed that Lord ...

Please wait... the destinations are being loaded

Most Asked Questions on Karnataka

It usually takes minimum 5 days to visit top destinations in different circuits of Karnataka. It is difficult to cover all top places in Karnataka in a single trip, as the state is quote big. One can start from Bangalore and visit Mysore, Coorg & Chikmagalur. Starting from Mangalore, Udupi, Murudeshwar & Gokarna can be visited. Another popular circuit includes Hampi, Badami, Pattadakal and near by places.

Karnataka can be vistited through the year, however, winter from September to February is the best season to visit Karnataka. It is also the busiest season and hotels are usually very expensive in this season. Hill stations like Coorg & Chikmagalur attract large crowds in summer season.

Budget of Karnataka trip depends on the trip duration and category of hotel you choose for your stay along with the kind of vehicle you prefer. Karnataka tour packages offered by Trawell.in start from as low as INR 15000 per person for a 5D/4N trip and from INR 21500 per person for 8D/7N vacation.

Ensure to cover most important places to visit in Karnataka like Mysore, Coorg, Chikmagalur, Hampi, Murudeshwar, Udupi, Gokarna, Badami, Bidar, etc. Mysore, Coorg & Hampi are most visited destinations in Karnataka.

Karnataka is one of the safest states in India and people are very liberal in nature. It is very safe for domestic & foreign tourists as well as single women to visit the state.

Top 6 Karnataka Packages

Most popular tours, most popular tourist places in karnataka.

Similar Getaways

Popular Bangalore Getaways

Top Places to Visit near Bangalore
Best Hill Stations around Bangalore
Best Waterfalls near Bangalore
Adventure / Trekking near Bangalore
Popular Beaches around Bangalore
Top Heritage Sites near Bangalore
Wildlife Sanctuaries near Bangalore
Pilgrimage Sites around Bangalore

Popular Karnataka Getaways

Best Places to Visit in Karnataka
Top Hill Stations in Karnataka
Best Waterfalls in Karnataka
Best Beaches in Karnataka
Advanture / Trekking Sites in Karnataka
Best Pilgrimage Sites in Karnataka
Historical / Heritage Sites in Karnataka
Wildlife Parks in Karnataka

100% SECURE PAYMENTS

Domestic & international cards accepted.

Our WhatsApp Numbers

International tours, +91-8217845740, south india tours, +91-7995649483, goa, maharashtra, gujarat tours, +91-7032828835, north india tours, +91-9535139583, rest of india, +91-7799591230, request quote, travellers #.

Explore Tour Packages

Planning a Trip?

Discover affordable tour packages, need customized tour request quote, login / sign-up, your sign in was successful itinerary will be downloaded shortly., sign up with trawell.in.

Already Created Account? Login Here

Sign in with Trawell.in Account

Forgot Password?

New User? Sign Up Here

Activate Your Trawell.in Account

Your account is activated successfully. Login Here

Reset Your Trawell.in Password

Your password has been reset successfully. Login Here

Booking Policy

Travel - Experience - Share

Philippines
Netherlands
Switzerland
United Kingdom
South America
New Zealand
Adventure Travel
Culture & Heritage
Sustainable & Responsible Travel
Travel Products & Services
Travel Tips
Food & Restaurants
Hotel & Resorts
Travel Resources
Published Work And Features
Work with Us / Contact Us
Search for: Search

9-Day Coastal Karnataka Itinerary – Best Coastal Karnataka Places

Here is a coastal Karnataka itinerary that covers places along the coast from Mangalore to Karwar covering about 320 kilometres.

Coastal Karnataka Itinerary - Best Coastal Karnataka Places

Karnataka’s coastline that hugs the Arabian Sea for a little more than 300 kilometres, has many amazing places. We present here a coastal Karnataka itinerary that extends from Mangalore to Karwar and includes some of the important beaches and places near the coast. So if you are planning for a coastal Karnataka road trip , then these coastal Karnataka places that we have covered should be useful.

Table of Contents

Coastal Karnataka Itinerary – Coastal Karnataka Trip Plan

This coastal Karnataka trip plan covers some of the best places to visit in coastal Karnataka. It will help you discover some of the best beach places in Karnataka. It will also provide you with an immersive experience of the culture and cuisine of the coast of Karnataka, which is also known as Karavalli. The coastal Karnataka tour starts from Mangalore and culminates in Karwar, located near the Karnataka- Goa state border. The itinerary that we present is a 9-day itinerary of Coastal Karnataka , however, you can customize it to your requirements based on our recommendations of places you may want to add to the itinerary.

Coastal Karnataka Tourist Places Map

Coastal Karnataka Itinerary – Day 1

The trip along the coast of Karnataka will start from the port city of Mangalore or Mangaluru. Mangalore can be easily reached by air, road, or train. The trip would ideally start from the morning of Day 1 in Mangalore. The places and experiences recommended in Mangalore are detailed below.

Mangalore – Coastal Karnataka Itinerary

Proceed for local sightseeing after breakfast
Start the day by visiting the famous Kadri Manjunath temple which is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and has a history dating back to the 10th and 11th centuries
Next, visit another famous temple of Mangalore, the Kudroli Gokarnatheswara temple, known for its famous Dussehra celebrations
Proceed for lunch at one of the restaurants in Mangalore, if you like seafood, you can experience the flavours and aromas of Shetty Lunch Home, or if you are vegetarian, you can have lunch at any of the many vegetarian restaurants that serve authentic local food
Late afternoon proceed towards Udupi
On the way to Udupi spend some time at the Padubidri Beach, one of the Blue Flag certified beaches of Karnataka

After this visit Kaup Beach and Kaup Lighthouse which is about 14 kilometres from Padubidri
Night halt at Udupi

Other Places In Mangalore That You Can Add To Your Itinerary

Panambur Beach
Aloysius Chapel
Sultan Battery
Tannirbhavi Beach
Milagres Church
Rosario Cathedral

For your stay in Udupi, you can check out some of the Udupi Resorts here

Tip For The Day: When in Mangalore do taste its famous Ideal ice cream.

Udupi – Coastal Karnataka Tour – Day 2

On Day 2 of your coastal Karnataka trip, you will explore the temple city of Udupi and its vicinity. Udupi figures prominently in the coastal Karnataka tourist places map.

Early morning proceed to the famous Udupi Sri Krishna Matha for darshan along with other two main temples, Shree Ananteshwara Temple, and Shri Chandramouleeshwara Temple
After the temple visit, have breakfast and proceed to St Lawrence Church in Attur , which is about 50 kilometres from Udupi

After spending about 1 hour at the beautiful Attur Church it is time to head to the next destination ( 25 kilometres away ) which is the Varanga Jain temple

After spending about 1 hour at the Varanga Jain Temple, you head back to Udupi for lunch

After lunch visit the Hastashilpa Heritage Village Museum where you can spend a couple of hours

In the evening head towards Malpe Beach for water sports including parasailing, banana boat, Jet Skiing etc., and have a nice view of the sunset on the Arabian Sea

Have a nice dinner either at Malpe Beach at the Fisherman’s Cove or at any other restaurant based on your preferences
Night halt in Udupi

Other Places In Udupi That You Can Add To Your Itinerary

Delta Beach

Tip For The Day: Shop for the famous Udupi condiments

Do you want to add more places to visit in Udupi to your itinerary, then check out these places here .

Udupi and Baindur/ Byndoor – Coastal Karnataka Places To Visit – Day 3

Coastal Karnataka Places-St Mary's Island

Today you will explore some of the beautiful beach places in Karnataka including the exotic St. Mary’s Island. The island is a picturesque island known for its columnar basalt rocks.

In the morning you head back to Malpe Beach to take the ferry to the beautiful St. Mary’s Island
Breakfast is at St. Mary’s Island, and you can spend about an hour on the island
Head back to your hotel and after lunch check out and leave for Baindur which is about 70 kilometres from Udupi

In Baindur check in to your hotel, we recommend Sai Vishram Resort which is right near the beach
Spend the evening on the beach enjoying a sunset and water sports or just walking on the sands
Night halt at Baindur

Tip For The Day: Do watch a Yakshagana performance in Udupi if possible.

Baindur and Kasarkod – Coastal Karnataka Road Trip – Day 4

Early morning you can take a walk to view a spectacular sunrise from the top of a hillock in Baindur followed by watching the early morning activity on the Baindur beach, also known as Ottinene Beach or Byndoor beach
You can opt for an exciting ride on an airboat in the backwaters

After lunch checkout and leave for the next destination which is Murdeshwar at a distance of about 32 kilometres
Visit the famous Murudeshwar temple and spend time on the beach, indulge in water sports
Night halt at Murdeshwar

Kasarkod Blue Flag Beach – Day 5

After breakfast checkout and leave for the next destination which is the Kasarkod Blue Flag Beach at a distance of about 24 kilometres
Spend a couple of hours at the Kasarkod beach and leave for Gokarna which is about 55 kilometres away
Check in to the hotel in Gokarna and proceed for lunch, relax in the hotel

In the evening proceed for an evening dinner cruise aboard the White Pearl
Night halt in Gokarna, the Om Beach Resort is a good place to stay in Gokarna. you can stay here or any other hotel or resort of your choice

Gokarna – Karnataka Coastal Tourism – Day 6

In the morning visit the famous Shre Mahabaleshwara Temple of Shiva and the Ganesha Temple
After breakfast proceed to the Mirjan Fort which is about 22 kilometres from Gokarna and is a historic 16th-century fort
After lunch visit Om Beach/Gokarna Beach/Kudle Beach and return to the hotel after sunset
Overnight stay in Gokarna

Other Places In Gokarna That You Can Add To Your Itinerary

Paradise Beach
Half-Moon Beach

Gokarna – Karwar – Day 7 – Coastal Karnataka Itinerary

If you like trekking, you can do a beach trek starting early in the morning and return to the hotel
Checkout after breakfast and proceed to Karwar which is about 61 kilometres away

Check in to the hotel in Karwar and proceed for lunch, we recommend the Devbagh Beach Resort
After lunch proceed by boat to visit Kali Island and mangroves
Relax at the beach and watch the sunset in the evening at the beach resort
Night Halt in Karwar

Other Places In Karwar That You Can Add To Your Itinerary

Sadashivgadh Fort
Kurumgad Island
Oyster Rock Lighthouse
Durga Temple
Venkatramana Temple
Nagnath Temple

Karwar – Day 8 – Coastal Karnataka Itinerary

Go for an early morning nature walk and watch the sunrise over the river Kali
Spend the day in the midst of nature and indulge in water sports or go dolphin spotting
Lunch and dinner at the resort
Night halt at Karwar

Karwar – Day 9 – Coastal Karnataka Itinerary

Checkout from the resort after breakfast and proceed to your onward destination
The nearest airport to Karwar is Dabolim Airport of Goa at a distance of about 90 kilometres
The Coastal Karnataka Itinerary culminates at Karwar

Best Time To Visit Coastal Karnataka | Beach Places In Karnataka

The best time to visit coastal Karnataka is during winter. The ideal time would be between the months of October to February. The weather in coastal Karnataka is pleasant during this time and the humidity is also less.

Our List of Recommended Hotels for Coastal Karnataka Itinerary | Karnataka Beach Tourism

There are plenty of options to suit every budget and preference for your stay on your coastal Karnataka itinerary. These include some of the best coastal Karnataka resorts, hotels, and homestays. You can book your stay right here!

Booking Your Hotels For Your Coastal Karnataka Itinerary | Coastal Karnataka Road Trip

Here are the recommended restaurants and hotels at the places along the coast of Karnataka. Please click on the links to book the hotels right here.

Click here to choose and book the best hotels/resorts in Mangalore .

Click here to choose and book the best hotels/resorts in Udupi .

Baindur / Byndoor

Click here to choose and book the best hotels/resorts in Byndoor .

Click here to choose and book the best hotels/resorts in Murdeshwar .

Click here to choose and book the best hotels/resorts in Gokarna .

Click here to choose and book the best hotels/resorts in Karwar .

You can book hotels for any destination right here through any of the below options: TripAdvisor or Cleartrip or Makemytrip or Priceline and save a lot by getting the best deals on booking your stay.

Flights| Self-Drive Car Bookings For Your Coastal Karnataka Road Trip

If you are planning a trip to coastal Karnataka places to visit you can book a cheap flight right here through TripAdvisor or CheapAir or Cleartrip or Makemytrip or Priceline and come to Mangalore. If you are thinking of a complete road trip across the coast of Karnataka, or anywhere in India check out the rental car and bus options.

Useful Travel Tips | What to Pack and Carry

Carry sunscreen, beachwear, refillable water bottles, hat/cap, flip flops
It is better to wear comfortable clothes – preferable cotton clothes
Carry your sunglasses
Carry your Smartphones and DSLRs to click images of Coastal Karnataka
Carry an umbrella/raincoat during monsoon
Dress modestly while visiting places of worship like temples/churches etc.
Try out local food
Buy souvenirs from locals to promote sustainable tourism
Keep the environment clean. Avoid usage of plastic and be a responsible traveller by not littering

Coastal Karnataka Road Trip – FAQ

Which are the coastal areas in Karnataka? The coastal Karnataka districts are Dakshina Kannada, Uttara Kannada, and Udupi. During a coastal Karnataka road trip, you can cover the best places to visit in Mangalore and Udupi. You can also cover the major Dakshina Kannada tourist Places and Uttara Kannada tourist places.

How long is Karnataka’s coastline? Karnataka’s coastline is about 300 kilometres long.

How is the weather in coastal Karnataka?

The weather is generally humid. It tends to be quite hot during summer and pleasant during winters. The coastal Karnataka region receives fairly heavy rainfall during the monsoon season.

What is the common food of coastal Karnataka? Rice and fish form the staple of coastal Karnataka food, there are differences based on the region. For example, Udupi is known for its vegetarian temple cuisine and also seafood. Check out our post about Coastal Karnataka cuisine for details .

What is the best time to visit coastal Karnataka? The best time to visit coastal Karnataka is during the winter season. The best months to plan a coastal Karnataka road trip is between the months of November to February. During this time the weather is pleasant and the skies are clear.

Which are the main languages spoken in Coastal Karnataka? Kannada and its different dialects and Tulu are the main languages that are spoken in coastal Karnataka.

Which are the best road trips from Bangalore to coastal Karnataka? Here are some of the best road trips to coastal Karnataka from Bangalore. Coastal Karnataka Tour From Bangalore. Bangalore To Mangalore Road Trip By Car Bangalore To Udupi Road Trip By Car Bangalore To Murudeshwar Road Trip By Car Bangalore To Gokarna Road Trip By Car Bangalore To Karwar Road Trip By Car

How many beaches are there in Karnataka? There are about 30 beaches in Karnataka.

Which coastal Karnataka beaches can be covered in the coastal Karnataka itinerary? The list of beaches in Karnataka includes many famous beaches In Karnataka. As the coastal Karnataka itinerary covers all the beaches places of Karnataka, you can visit the famous beaches like the Blue flag beaches of Padubidri and Kasarkod, beaches of Gokarna, Malpe Beach, beaches of Karwar, etc.

What to wear while visiting places in Coastal Karnataka? It is recommended that you dress lightly as you shall be visiting many beaches. Wear appropriate footwear and be ready with your beachwear too. Even if you are travelling in winter, it can get hot and humid in the afternoons. So do not forget to take your shades and caps as well as sunscreen.

What to wear while visiting temples/churches/mosques in Coastal Karnataka?

Coastal Karnataka places list, includes many temples, churches, and other places of worship. When visiting these places make sure that you are dressed modestly and avoid revealing dresses like shorts, mini-skirts, etc. In short, dress as befits a place of worship.

We hope you find our coastal Karnataka road trip itinerary useful and informative. The itinerary covers many of the Karnataka beach places and other Coastal Places In Karnataka. It is in many ways also an unexplored coastal Karnataka itinerary. If you have any queries, do connect with us.

Subscribe to our blog for more interesting and informative content. Also, connect with us on our social media channels.

Below are some useful resources to help you book flights, hotels, and tours! And also clothes, luggage and accessories for your trip!

Flights – TripAdvisor or CheapAir or Cleartrip or Makemytrip or Priceline

Tours – Click here to book top tours around the world

Hotels – Click to book the best hotels/resorts Choose best stay options with TripAdvisor or Cleartrip or ixigo or Makemytrip or goibibo or Hotelscombined or Priceline

Apparels – Click to buy Menswear or Womenswear or Kidswear

Accessories/Luggage – Click to buy Accessories and Luggage items

Do You Love Traveling?

Do you want to know how to travel the world? We have put together a very useful travel resources page with the best travel tips. Go check it out now.

Thanks for visiting our site Voyager – imvoyager.com and taking the time to read this post!

If you wish to collaborate/work with us then reach us at [email protected]

60+ Million Users Trust TripAdvisor With Their Travel Plans. Shouldn’t You?

Explore these posts:

19 thoughts on “9-day coastal karnataka itinerary – best coastal karnataka places”.

I am saving your post. Visiting the southern part of Indian has been in my bucket list for a very long time. It is full of natural beauty, heritage and spectacular places.

I had never been to south India and did not get a chance to explore this beautiful state. the places you have mentioned in the post are looking so amazing. would love to visit them someday with family in future. thanks a lot for sharing all details.

Karnataka is a really beautiful state and I am still not visited these places. Every picture looks so beautiful, will surely visit soon!!

Quite a detailed post on Karnataka. I am a beach person and whenever I get a chance I don’t miss it. Karnataka beaches are mesmerizing and besides the detailed post is going to help me a lot.

Loved the photography. The beaches & the church look so serene & tranquil. Would love to visit coastal Karnataka. So much to see & cherish.

I have visited few coastal places in Karnataka, but mostly not. I would definitely love to visit these places that you have listed here.

I have been meaning to travel post pandemic and your coastal Karnataka itinerary is just perfect for me. I love your detailed insights into places of interest in Karnataka. I would start from the beaches I think.

My family is so found of beaches that We have visited most of the places except Karwan. Thanks for sharing such an detailed post.

My family is so found of beaches that We have visited most of the places except Karwan. These places are worth a visit. Thanks for sharing such a detailed post.

The Souther part of India is full of natural beauty. I’ve been to a few coastal places in Karnataka, but not all you’ve listed here. I’d like to visit them with my family someday in the future.

Wow! This is like a Bible for coastal cities of Karnataka. I am drooling at the photos as well as the information. You have got me all excited!

Wow lovely 9 days itinerary. I have done something similar many years ago with my two girl friends. I also added Surathkal to this list. Also, I don’t mind visiting these places over and over again. They are so pretty.

Temples, beaches, churches and islands, your itinerary has just about everything I look for while planning a trip. Hope that I can visit these beautiful places soon!

Coastal Karnataka is a beautiful place, my roommate in Bangalore belonged to Mangalore, and with her I have visited Udupi, Mangalore. From train journey to visiting beaches, food and scenic beauty everything is spectacular.

I am going to save this post as I have never been to Karnataka. But after reading your post I would surely plan to visit. And you have shared all the details very nicely. Thanks dear

You have charted out such a wonderful 9 days coastal visit near Karnataka. Since I am in Bangalore and now that most places are open for travel post covid I would love to explore these places in 9 days using the iternary you have shared here. Like always this is a well thought and well-written post by you guys.

Exploring the beaches of coastal Karnataka has been on my bucket list for quite some time. Your post definitely took me there virtually. I’m saving your post that’s definitely gonna help me when I plan a trip

Yeeyee, right post at the right time . We are going to explore Karnataka in January. Now I am gonna save this Post for my reference.

A picturesque treat for the eyes, your article is tempting me to plan a visit to coastal Karnataka. The minute details that you’ve shared are going to be helpful to the travellers:)

Privacy Overview

The Revolving Compass

To share our love for travel….countless soul enriching experiences

Our Coastal Karnataka Road Trip

Since time immemorable we wanted to do a coastal Karnataka road trip. Driving through the beautiful, pristine, unexplored and lesser known beaches of Coastal Karnataka. Since the beginning of this year, we planned twice for this trip. And both the times we had to cancel. The first time was in January when we rather ended up in Goa once again, exploring Arambol beach Goa , experiencing the Artjuna Cafe at the Anjuna Beach Goa and our first time stay in an airbnb in India . Later, in June end, we again planned to do a coastal Karnataka road trip. We even booked our hotels. But then, due to heavy downpours, we had to cancel the plan last moment and instead had a trip to Badami, Pattadakal and Aihole .

Finally, in the middle of August, during the independence day weekend, we made a vert impromptu plan to take up the coastal Karnataka road trip. As the weather conditions were showing good for the next four to five days. So, in this article, I am going to provide all the details of the coastal Karnataka road trip and how to plan it. When is the best time to visit the places on the Karnataka coast. What to pack, what to do and what to see on a trip to Coastal Karnataka. Without delay, lets get started.

Table of Contents

Places to visit on the coast of Karnataka

Karnataka has one of the longest coastlines among the states of India. It is full of hidden unexplored beaches and beautiful islands. Here are some of the prime places to explore on a coastal Karnataka road trip at a glance. I will further elaborate about some of these in my future posts.

Mangalore – the buzzing industrial hub & prime port town of Karnataka
Udupi – Best known for it’s Sri Krishna Math & several other temples, along with some of the best beaches
St. Mary’s Islands – A set of 4 islands off the coast of Udupi that are best known for their basaltic rock formation
Murudeshwara – Known for the third largest statue of Shiva in the world, and a beautiful temple besides it, surrounded by sea on all 3 sides along with a beautiful turquoise blue water beach
Netrani Island – A beautiful island near Murudeshwara, better known across India for scuba diving courses and certifications offered here.
Marvante – One of the most senere beach drives in India, with the sea on one side and a river on the other.
Gokarna – A quaint historical town famous for it’s Mahabaleshwar Temple (Dakshin Kashi) and several other temples , along with some of the most pristine beaches including the Om Beach and Paradise Beach.
Karwar – Yet another port town at the north coast of Karnataka, with some beautiful islands nearby and.

A perfect coastal Karnataka Trip Itinerary

Also, during our coastal Karnataka road trip, we extended our trip a little bit into Kerala and covered Bekal as well. Bekal is a small town on the north coast of Kerala with some very clean beaches, beautiful backwaters, a couple of historical forts including the majestic Bekal Fort and some beautiful temples. We had a one night staycation in Bekal at the Lalit Bekal Resort and Spa before starting off on our coastal Karnataka road trip. Here’s our complete guide to explore Bekal . You can combine a visit to Bekal along with coastal Karnataka road trip like we did. Or you can just plan a weekend getaway from Bangalore to Bekal as well.

Day 1 & 2 : A Bangalore to Mangalore road trip & Exploring Mangalore

The first day of coastal Karnataka road trip starts with a Bangalore to Mangalore road trip. Although , you can do this whole trip in the reverse order as well. There are several routes to take from Bangalore to Mangalore and back. All of the routes from Bangalore to Mangalore require you to go through a section of ghat road on the western ghats. Some of these include –

Bangalore -> Hassan -> Sakleshpur -> Shiradi Ghat -> Mangalore

We took this route on our way back from Mangalore to Bangalore but were not impressed. Since there is a major highway widening work going on a major stretch from Mangalore to Sakleshpur. And the diversions were bone breaking 🙂 . There is a longer route from Bangalore to Mangalore. Till the expressway work continues it is better to take this route –

Bangalore -> Mysore -> Madikeri -> Mangalore

The above route on Bangalore to Mangalore road trip takes nearly an hour longer. But the road condition is excellent on this route.

There is one more road trip to take from Bangalore to Mangalore via Charmadi Ghat. This is also a very scenic route. But, is very twisty and gets dangerous during heavy rains.

Bangalore -> Belur -> Charmadi Ghat -> Mangalore

Where to stay in Mangalore

We stayed at Hotel Ocean Pearl in the center of Mangalore city. The location was excellent. With all the basic needs nearby. And the highway just 5 minutes drive from the hotel.

There are a lot of comfortable hotels with good reviews in Mangalore. You can browse the complete list of hotels in Mangalore here .

However, there are not many known beach resorts in Mangalore itself. As it is a bigger city, a port and a big industrial hub of Karnataka as well.

Things to do in Mangalore

Explore the beautiful beaches of Mangalore, spend evening time here
Capture beautiful pictures of the sunset over the sea
Offer your prayers in one of the many old temples of Mangalore
Visit some of the beautiful churches of Mangalore
Try some local cuisines of Mangalore like the Mangalore Bun, the Goli Bajji, Mandaki, Fish and sea food specialities like fish masala fry and some special chicken preparations like Gassi
Visit one of the ports of Mangalore to see the buzz in action
Take an evening sea cruise
Do day trips to nearby places like Bekal and Kannur, Suratkal.

Top places to see in Mangalore

Some of the most pristine beaches of Mangalore – Panambur Beach, Tannirbhavi Beach, Ullal Beach, Someshwara Beach
Ancient temples and religious places – Kudroli Temple, Kadri Manjunath Temple
Churches of Mangalore – St Aloysius Chapel, Roserio Cathedral, Milagres Church
Sultan Bathery – A watch tower constructed by Tipu Sultan from where you can get excellent views of the city
New Mangalore Port

Day 3 & 4: Mangalore to Udupi & Exploring Udupi

Udupi is one of the most revered religious places in South India. It is most famous for it’s Sri Krishna Math & temple. There are so many fascinating stories and tales associated with this Math & Temple. That I will dedicate a separate post to it altogether. Apart from this temple, there are several other temples to visit in Udupi, many pristine beaches to cover buzzing with activities and beautiful modern town of Manipal to explore. That a visit to Udupi requires a minimum of 2-3 days.

A road trip from Mangalore to Udupi takes around 1-1.5 hours depending on the traffic. Since the towns of Mangalore and Udupi are located less than 60km apart. On the way from Mangalore to Udupi on NH 66, one can also visit the Surathkal Beach – one of the most beautiful beaches with blue waters on the coast of Karnataka. The road trip from Mangalore to Udupi is very scenic. On the way you will pass over several bridges over the backwaters. And see several places where rivers meet the sea. Not every place is a designated view point or has a dedicated name. Keep your eyes for the beautiful scenes on the way and take pit stops as you go.

Upon arriving in Udupi, better to check-in into your hotel. And then explore some of the beaches in the evening. Reserve the next morning to visit the Sri Krishna Math and Temple. Visit as early in the morning as possible to avoid crowd here. Then spend more time through the day exploring some of the other places in and around Udupi. Refer to the list of places to see in Udupi and things to do in Udupi below to include in your list.

Things to do in Udupi

Udupi is synonym to the best of dosas and idlis that you will find in Karnataka. Try the local rasam, dosa, Bisi belle bath, paysam, murukku, rava dosa and rava upma while here.
Some of the best traditional restaurants to try in Udupi include the woodlands , Mitra Samaj , MTR and Gokula Krishna Veg .
Try the food at the langar organised in the Sri Krishna Math & Visit the Sri Krishna Temple and Math – the most revered religious place and a must visit in Udupi
Indulge in some water sports like zorbing, surfing, boat ride, scuba diving etc. on the beaches of Udupi
Enjoy the sea walk and park and explore lot more to do at Malpe Beach
Visit one of the ports of Udupi
Take a kayaking ride on the Sita River in Udupi
Try a boat ride on one of the backwaters of Udupi
Visit the historical temples
Try climbing up a lighthouse on one of the beaches of Udupi
Take a sea cruise or boat ride to St. Mary’s Island
Enjoy cycling on the beaches
Visit the offbeat Kapu beach in Udupi

Top Places to see in Udupi

Beaches – Malpe beach, Kaup Beach, Delta Beach & Delta point, Padukere Beach
St. Mary’s Island to see the Basalmic Rock Structures and Enjoy a peaceful day out
Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary & Jomlu Teertha Waterfall
The modern town of Manipal that also offers excellent views of the western ghats from it’s view points
Kudlu Falls – one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the region
Sri Krishna Temple & Math
Other temples – Chandramauleshwara Temple, Anantheshwara Temple, Mookambika Temple
Kemmannu Hanging Bridge over backwaters
St. Lawrence church

Where to stay in Udupi

Udupi has a lot of options to stay. Amongst all the places on this coastal Karnataka road trip, Udupi is one of the most popular. It has some beachside resorts and humble homestays, some properties along the backwaters and river banks and even some top end hotels in Manipal region. Some of these that we personally explored and shortlisted were –

Paradise Isle Beach Resort

Bluebay Luxury Cottage Malpe

Reunion Ocean Elite

Fortune Manipal

Tents in between ocean and river

Click here to browse through the complete list of places to stay in Udupi.

Day 5: Udupi to Gokarna via Murudeshwar

After exploring Udupi, head to Gokarna via Murudeshwar. Start as early as possible as it is going to be an action packed day. From Udupi to Murudeshwara is a beautiful drive of a little over 2 hours. That will take you through some winding hills and some beautiful beaches. The views of Western Ghats on this stretch of road trip from Udupi to Murudeshwara is breathtaking.

On the way, stop at the famous Marvante beach with the beach on one side and a river on the other side. One of the most perfect places for a drone shot.

Murudeshwar Temple & Murudeshwara Beach

Once you arrive in Murudeshwara, visit the Murudeshwara Temple. It is a temple particularly famous for it’s Shiva statue on the bank of the sea, which is the third largest Shiva statue in the world. Also, the temple itself is vast and beautiful, constructed on the slope of a hill. The temple is located besides beautiful Murudeshwara beach. So, you can visit the beach as well after visiting the temple. The water color of this part of the sea appeared most beautiful to me among all the beaches that I visited on my coastal Karnataka road trip. It was a beautiful shade of turquoise blue, indigo blue and aqua – something I have only seen in Dhanushkodi or during my trip to the Andaman Islands, particularly at Vijayanagara Beach and in Port Blair.

Near Murudeshwar lies Netrani Island where you can do a course on scuba diving. If you intend for the same, then you should add a day to this trip. And take an overnight halt in Murudeshwar. However, if you don’t then drive further to Gokarna. The drive from Murudeshwara to Gokarna is also very beautiful. Continuing uphill and downhill, with pit stops from where you can get excellent views of the sea from the hill top.

Places to stay in Murudeshwara

RNS Residency – A sea facing hotel near Murudeshwar beach

Day 6 & 7 : Gokarna

There’s a plethora of things to do in Gokarna. Since, Gokarna has something for everyone. Religious places, pristine beaches, hills that you can trek to, camping on the beach & water sports! So, 2 days are actually very short to explore Gokarna. Include few more days in your itinerary for Gokarna if you can. Here’s a list of places to see in Gokarna & things to do in Gokarna.

Things to do in Gokarna

Camp overnight at the beach
Enjoy hearty meals at the Om Cafe with pristine views of the Om Beach
Shop for beachwear and souvenirs from the beach shacks as well as the streets of Gokarna
Trek through one of the many trekking trails to get awesome views of the Arabian sea from the hill tops. And also explore some of the unreachable patches of pristine beaches that can be reached only via hiking.
Visit some of the ancient temples.
Enjoy a staycation in Gokarna in one of the many luxury resorts that this small town hosts.
Try some water sports in Gokarna

Places to see in Gokarna

Om Beach – for it’s perfect shape in the form of an “om”
Half moon beach and Paradise beach – crowd devoid beaches that can be reached only via a boat ride or via a trekking and hiking through the hills
Kudle beach – another beautiful beach which has some beautiful beach side resorts
Mahabaleshwar Temple also known as Dakshin Kashi as it is deemed as important as the Kashi Temple in Varanasi
Maha Ganpati Temple – another beautiful ancient temple to visit in Gokarna
Bhadrakali Temple dedicated to Goddess Uma
Koti Teertha – a sacred manmade water tank

Check out : Our one day exploring Gokarna

Where to stay in Gokarna

Gokarna has several options to stay, I feel the most amongst all the tourist places along the coast of Karnataka.

We had stayed at Stonewood Nature Resort in Gokara and it was very beautiful

Swa Swara By CGH Earth is a luxury stay option in Gokarna

Some others with great reviews are :

The Om Beach Resort

Pineapple Hostels (economical)

Here’s the complete list of accommodations to stay in Gokarn a.

Day 8: Gokarna to Karwar

On your final day in Gokarna you drive from Gokarna to Karwar. The drive from Gokarna to Karwar is very beautiful and scenic. You will drive close to the sea at several places and get glimpses of the sea from across the hilly western ghat terrains. A drive from Gokarna to Karwar takes only a little over 2 hours. Karwar is a perfect combination of historical places, beaches and Islands. Once you reach Karwar, some of the best things to do and places to see in Karwar would be :

Things to do in Karwar

Shop for muslin cloths, sarees and dress materials which are a speciality of Karwar
Hop through many of the beautiful beaches of Karwar
Sail to one of the nearby Islands
Capture beautiful sunset views
Checkout the lighthouse on Oyster rock

Places to see in Karwar

Kurumgad Island : Visit during sunset. It is a beautiful tortoise shaped Island that also has the famous Narasmiha temple. And sunset views that you get from here are mesmerising.
Sadashivgadh Fort : Amongst the many forts on the west coast of India, this is the one you can visit in Karwar. It is located near the Kali River and is built on a hill top.
Devbagh Beach : one of the cleanest fine sand beaches in Karwar
Nagnath Temple and Narashimha Temple : for religious and tranquil experience
Beautiful Binaga Beach and Our Lady of St. Anne’s Church located on the beach

If you want to do all of the above, then it will make sense to stay for one more night at Karwar.

Where to stay in Karwar

Sterling Karwar
Cintacor Island Resort

Here’s the complete list of hotels in Karwar to browse for you.

Day 9: Karwar to Bangalore road trip

Finally we arrive at the end of our trip. Today, post breakfast, you can proceed from Karwar back to Bangalore. It will be good to start early today as the distance from Karwar to Goa will take around 10 hours to complete.

Bonus Places to add to your coastal Karnataka Road Trip

There are a few other places to add to your coastal Karnataka Road Trip if you have more time at hand. Some of these include –

Bekal and Kannur

Two sleepy coastal towns of Kerala – Bekal and Kannur are very near to Mangalore. Bekal is located just ~60km south of Mangalore. And Kannur is further ~50km south of Bekal. Both of these places have old churches, forts, beautiful sea beaches and some wonderful resorts for a perfect staycation away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Kannur even has India’s one and only drive in beach. Where you can actually drive your vehicle on the beach, through the waves.

On our own trip to Coastal Karnataka, we included Bekal in the plan. Here are our resources from our trip to Bekal that can help you plan your trip –

Our Bangalore to Bekal Road Trip

Bekal – things to do and places to see

A virtual tour of the Bekal Fort

Shimoga and Jog Falls

Jog Falls are one of most majestic waterfalls of India. They are located just 2 hrs drive from Udupi and hardly 1 hour drive from Murudeshwara. You can include them in your road trip to Coastal Karnataka.

Shimoga is one of the most green and beautiful fairy tale towns in Karnataka. It has a lot to offer to it’s visitors in terms of unexplored trekking routes, wildlife safari, Jog falls, beautiful green meadows and mystic weather almost all through the year. If you can, I will highly recommend adding Shimoga to your coastal Karnataka road trip.

What is the best time to do a coastal Karnataka road trip

Winter season from November to February is considered the peak season to visit coastal Karnataka. Although the temperature here is warm and humidity is high all through the year. It is more bearable and pleasant in the winter months. However, the winter months also see a lot of crowd. We visited coastal Karnataka during the monsoon season. As a result, we encountered much less crowd. And got our accommodation at much lower rates. Having said that, you must keep a tab on the weather if you also want to visit off-season during the monsoons. Since, sometimes it rains heavily in this region. And the downpours make it almost impossible to visit places. Also, places like St. Mary’s Island are off limit until september due to the rains.

So, I will say, winter season is the best to do a coastal Karnataka road trip. And the dry spells during the monsoons are the second best. Temperature usually hovers around 30-32 degrees for the most part. Only in peak summer season of April and May it goes beyond 35 degrees and this time is really very uncomfortable to visit here.

What to pack for a coastal Karnataka road trip

Generally, anything that you would pack for a coastal trip to a tropical place. But, since the coastal Karnataka road trip also involves visiting a lot of religious places, you should include some traditional wear as well in your list of things to pack. Here’s a crisp list of things I packed for my coastal Karnataka road trip. You can improvise on it. Do check our travel packing tips and tricks to get more insights on packing like a pro for your trips.

Sunscreen lotions
Hats & Umbrellas to protect from both sun and rain
Light cotton cloths, preferably full sleeves otherwise you will get a very dark tanning
Traditional wear – saree or salwar kameez for women for visiting temples, shirt & full pants or dhoti / pyjamas for men
Lots of water to drink and keep you hydrates
Comfortable footwear, including hiking shoes if you will plan to go hiking in Gokarna.

PS: Some of our links are affiliated, this means we will earn a commission when you buy a service or product by clicking those links. However, this will have no extra cost for you.

10 Best Places in Coastal karnataka road trip 2023

by lgstraveller
November 23, 2023 November 23, 2023

A car trip to Coastal Karnataka is a thrilling adventure. A coastal Karnataka road trip from Bangalore takes you to beautiful beaches, rivers, backwaters, temples, and heritage sites. It is less congested with tourists than adjacent Kerala, which is a positive thing, and it is a mesmerizing milieu of culture and pleasure for an itinerant traveler.

We have no idea how many times we have visited these locations, yet each time we return renewed! With this extensive road trip guide by LgsTravellers, you may explore the region on your own.

An amazing road trips of coastal karnataka.

The following is a detailed itinerary for your Coastal Karnataka Road Trip from your destination LgsTravellers makes it simple for you. The destination places which come in the coastal Karnataka road trips are:

1. Manglore (coastal karnataka road trip)

During ancient times, the city grew as a port in the Arabian Sea, and after independence, a new port was built in 1968, and it has since become a significant port of India, handling 75 percent of India’s coffee and cashew exports.

It is also the eighth largest container port in the country. Mangalore , the largest city in Coastal Karnataka, is a bustling port city with a rich history. Make time to see the Mangalore Fort, St. Aloysius Chapel, and Ullal Beach.

2. Kapu beach & Lighthouse

Kapu is a beach village on Karnataka’s coast. The lengthy sandy beaches of Kapu provide a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea. With its tropical environment and a myriad of attractions that draw visitors from all over the country, Kapu is most known for the lush flora that surrounds the beach. The century-old 130-foot lighthouse is one of Kapu Beach’s key attractions.

The two shrine of Goddess Mariamma and the Jain Basadis are other must-sees in Kapu. Lighthouse The Kapu lighthouse was constructed in 1901. The Kapu lighthouse stands 27 meters tall. The lighthouse, built on a rock, has weathered the test of time and has led sailors to safety during a time when ships did not have satellite navigation and relied on lighthouses on the sea.

3. Udupi (coastal karnataka road trip)

Udupi district was established in 1997. It was divided from the district of Dakshina Kannada to form a new district. Udupi district is located in the Western Ghats coastal region, roughly 60 kilometers from Mangalore.Udupi is a major pilgrimage and tourism destination.

Udupi is well-known for the Krishna temple, which is located here. Udupi is also known for its world-class food. The ‘Masala Dosa’ is Udupi’s contribution to the world. Tulu, Konkani, Kannada, and Beary are the languages spoken here. The majority of hotel proprietors in Karnataka are from Udupi.

4. Nisargadhama Lake (coastal karnataka road trip)

A five-person premium cottage on stilts with the Cauvery flowing around it is available. Other activities include elephant rides and boating. The resort has a deer park, a children’s park, and an orchidarium. There are also medicinal herbs growing, which are sold to neighboring countries.

Tourists are permitted to enter the river at a few shallow and safe locations. Winter in the deep woodland is cold from November to February. The temperature drops dramatically, but if you enjoy chilly weather and bonfires, this is the ideal time to visit the Nisargadhama .

5. Gokarna (coastal karnataka road trip)

Gokarna is well-known for its beaches. The major beach in Gokarna and Kudle beach are both west facing. South facing beaches include Om Beach, Half Moon Beach, Paradise Beach (also known as Full Moon Beach), and Belekan Beach.

Tourists flock to Gokarna in October, November, December, January, and February to enjoy the beautiful weather and sunny skies! Even March, April, May, and June are popular months to visit because they are shoulder seasons with exceptionally hot and humid weather. Make time to see Om Beach, Kudle Beach, and Half Moon Beach.

6. Karwar (coastal karnataka road trip)

Karwar is a Karnataka destination known for its gorgeous beaches, proximity to Goa, the Kali bridge, a leisure park, a planetarium, and other attractions. Karwar is a port city on the Arabian Sea famed for its magnificent beaches and lush green hills. Make time to see the Karwar Fort, Rajapur Beach, and Honnavar Beach.

Karwar is also well-known for its exquisitely carved sandalwood and incense sticks. You can also buy silk sarees here and watch the weavers work their magic on the sarees. This destination features a number of handicraft and souvenir shops where you may pick up a gift for a loved one.

7. Bekal Fort (coastal karnataka road trip)

Bekal Fort , located near Kasaragod and erected in the 17th century, is one of Kerala’s largest and finest maintained forts. This historic monument provides a spectacular perspective of the Arabian Sea from its lofty observation towers, which once housed massive guns. The fort, which is built of laterite slabs and has a polygonal shape, stands 130 feet above sea level and is located on a 35-kilometer-long promontory.

The fort’s main features are an observation tower with magnificent peepholes, the Anjenaya with its famed stonework, and two Theyyam sculptures made of laterite. A lot of work has gone into developing a magnificent beach here called Bekal Fort Beach.

8. Maravanthe Beach (coastal karnataka road trip)

Souparnika river in Maravanthe Town 1080x530 1

With the magnificent Kodachadri Hills giving a backdrop to the Sauparnika River on one side and miles of unspoiled white sand on the other, Maravanthe has the appearance of a fairyland. Maravanthe is a beach in Coastal Karnataka with the Arabian Sea on one side and the Souparnika River on the other. This unusual mix of sea and river on opposite sides of a roadway is considered to be the only one in India.

Maravanthe is an unquestionably appealing tourist attraction due to its golden sand, pure blue sky, swaying palm trees, and infinite shore. Baindur, a village 45 kilometers from Maravanthe with a wonderful beach, and Ottinane, with its overhanging cliffs, are two important tourist attractions in and near the beach.

9. Mirjan Fort (coastal karnataka road trip from pune)

Mirjan Fort is one of the top locations to visit in Karnataka because of its triumphant history and architectural grandeur. This 16th-century fort, some 22 kilometers from Gokarna, boasts cultural glory and a remarkable past. However, there are other tales of the fort’s beginnings. According to the most common legend, the fort was built by Chennai Bhairavi Devi, Queen of Geroppa, popularly known as the ‘Queen of Pepper.’.

In natural surroundings, the Agnanishi River borders the Mirjan Fort. With its towering ceilings and bastions, the fort is a well-known architectural marvel. It features four main gates, as well as moats, secret passageways, and canals, and serves as a royal reminder of our rich past. You can approach the fort through wide steps made of laterite stone.

What is the best time to visit Coastal Karnataka?

The winter months of November to January are ideal for visiting coastal Karnataka. However, the vacation can be planned from September after the rains until the end of March. Summer will be hot and humid, with rain falling from June to the end of August.

How was the road at coastal Karnataka?

The roads in Coastal Karnataka are typically good, however there are some difficult patches. Allow for plenty of time for your road trip.

What is Coastal Karnataka famous for?

Coastal Karnataka is well-known for its beautiful beaches at Kapu, Baindur, Kundapur, Kumta, Gokarna, Karwar, and Honnavar, as well as old temples at Udupi, Kollur, and Gokarna, coastal cuisine, backwater tours, and many other attractions.

Where to stay?

You can stay in a variety of venues in Coastal Karnataka, ranging from budget-friendly guesthouses to opulent resorts.

What are the places to eat?

There are also numerous restaurants in Coastal Karnataka that provide everything from native food to international dishes there are many restaurants you can search and visit.

How to plana trip to visit coastal Karnataka?

A private vehicle is ideal for the coastal Karnataka excursion. You can arrive in Mangalore by flight, train, or bus and then organize your vacation according to the full schedule provided by LgsTravellers.

A coastal Karnataka road trip is an excellent opportunity to see the best that this region has to offer. Coastal Karnataka has something for everyone, from its rich history and culture to its breathtaking natural surroundings. Of all, this is only a sample itinerary. It can be tailored to your own interests and tastes. I hope this article has motivated you to arrange a road trip along the coast of Karnataka!

FOR MORE TRAVEL BLOG VISIT @lgstravellers

Which is the best season for coastal Karnataka?

November to April

How can I plan a road trip to Karnataka?

Day 1- Arrival Bangalore Day 2- Drive to Mysore Day 3- Explore Mysore Day 4- Drive to Coorg Day 5- Explore Coorg Day 6- Drive to Mangalore Day 7- Drive along the West Coast, visit Murudeshwar halt at Honnavar Day 8- Honnavar- Jog falls – Yana Caves and halt at Kumta Day 9- Kumta – Drive to Badami Day 10- Explore Badami Day 11- Badami – Patadakkal – Hampi Day 12- Explore Hampi Day 13 – Hampi – Belur (Explore Belur/Halebidu) Day 14 – Belur – Saravanabelagola – Bangalore Day 15 – Bangalore – Late night fly out with sweet memories

What is the main food of coastal Karnataka?

The main dishes that form the coastal cuisine are fish, crabs and prawns .

How many days required for Karnataka trip?

7 to 15 Days

Road Trips From Bangalore To Add To Your Travel List

Top hotel collections.

5 Star Hotels

Nearby Resorts

Best Road Trips From Bangalore

Here is the list of 35 road trips from bangalore to add to your travel list, 1. chikmagalur, karnataka.

Known For : Baba Budangiri Mullayanagiri Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

Chikmagalur, the Coffee Land of Karnataka, is situated in the foothills of the Mullayanagiri range. Other than coffee plantations, Chikmagalur is known for its tall mountains and lush greenery. Chikmagalur is also a great place for adventure seekers as there are some incredible trekking trails like Mullayangiri, Kemmanagundi Baba Budangiri.

Distance from Bangalore: 244 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

22 Chikmagalur Attractions

2. Hogenakkal Falls, Tamil Nadu

Hogenakkal Falls is a scintillating waterfall that is located on river Kaveri in the Dharmapuri district of Tamil Nadu. The place gets its name from Hogenakkal, which means 'smoking rocks', owing to the unique rock arrangement that exists around it. The gushing beauty of this cascade is one of a kind and is often quoted as being the "Niagara Falls of India". Entry Fee: Free. Boating charges: INR 500

Distance from Bangalore: 123 km

3. Coorg, Karnataka

Known For : Abbey Falls Raja's Seat Mandalpatti

Considered by many as the best hill station in South India, Coorg is an ideal place for road trips from Bangalore. Also known by its ancient name Kodagu, it is located in a beautiful hilly setting surrounded by the forest slopes of the Western Ghats. Indulge in adventure sports activities like river rafting and trekking while here. Bangalore to Coorg Road Condition: The roads are very good, much to a driver's delight. To reach there, one can get on the Mysore highway and take a deviation post Srirangapatana, bypassing Mysore city on the way.

Distance from Bangalore: 268 km

Best Time: October to March

37 Coorg Attractions

4. Ooty, Tamil Nadu - Queen of the Nilgiris

Known For : Nilgiri Mountain Railway Ooty Lake Emerald Lake, Ooty

Ooty, also known as Udagamandalam, is a hill station in Tamil Nadu which serves as a top-rated tourist destination and is one of the most popular road trips from Bangalore. Once regarded as the summer headquarters of the East India Company, the Queen of the hills is a picturesque getaway.

Distance from Bangalore: 265 km

43 Ooty Attractions

Bangalore Travel Packages

Compare quotes from upto 3 travel agents for free

Nature Escape from Bangalore to Chikmagalur

Best selling coorg holiday package from bangalore, historical hampi tour from bangalore, unforgettable ooty honeymoon package from bangalore, fun getaway from bangalore to mysore and ooty, essence of karnataka in 5 days, 5. yercaud, tamil nadu - the land of seven forests..

Yercaud, Tamil Nadu - The Land of Seven Forests.

Known For : Emerald Lake, Yercaud Pagoda Point Botanical Garden, Yercaud

Nestled in the Shivaroy Hills of Tamil Nadu, Yercaud is a hill station in the Eastern Ghats steeped in abundant greenery. Commonly called ‘Ooty of the Poor’, this region has a history dating back to the time of the British. Located at an altitude of 4970 feet, Yercaud is known for its vast expanses of coffee plantations and great weather. Yercaud lake is the main point of attraction of the region. One of the many highlights is the summer festival that takes place in May. It is dedicated to Lord Servarayan, the supreme god of the ranges and gives visitors a glimpse into the rich heritage of this region.

Distance from Bangalore: 230 km

Best Time: October to June

20 Yercaud Attractions

6. Nandi Hills, Karnataka

Known For : Tipu's Drop Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple Tipu's Summer Residence

Lying 60 km from Bangalore , lies Nandi Hills , a popular destination among not just car and bike enthusiasts, but also among cyclists. One of the most popular road trips from Bangalore, it is one such tourist spot that has gradually been discovered by visitors over the years and has now become a well-known weekend getaway. Featuring beautifully carved arches and majestic pillars with intricately painted walls and ceilings, Nandi Hills is scattered with shrines and monuments and is surrounded by mesmerizing views. Situated at a height of 4851 feet above sea level, you can see a convoy of weekenders from Bangalore during early hours catching the glimpse of sunrise.

Distance from Bangalore: 57 km

12 Nandi Hills Attractions

7. Bilikal Rangaswamy Betta, Karnataka

Known For : BRT Wildlife Sanctuary Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Adventure Activities

Bilikal Rangaswamy Betta is a great trekking destination. It is one of the highest hills in the neighbouring area with an elevation of 3780 feet and houses a temple devoted to Lord Rangaswamy that is constructed under a large white granite monolith. One of the most striking features of the hill is the drawing of its name Bilikal Rangaswamy Betta on the rock. Popular as a trekking excursion, it is gradually becoming popular among tourists but hasn’t been heavily commercialised yet and is perfect if you are seeking to explore the hills at your own pace and unwind over the weekend away from the crowds. The pinnacle offers the best views of the neighbouring hills.

Distance from Bangalore: 168 km

Best Time: April to October

5 BR Hills Attractions

8. Skandagiri, Karnataka

Also known as the Kalavara Durga, Skandagiri is an ancient hill fortress located about 70 km from Bangalore and is perfect for a one-day road trip. Particularly famous for night trekking it is also known as Kalavara Durga or Kalavara Betta and is at an elevation of 1450 meters surrounded by the Nandi Hills. The hill has a ruined fort on the way which makes the night trek even more interesting by adding the element of horror. And the best part is that you can spend the night at the hilltop under the star. Not to forget the bonfire that is specially requested by the campers and trekkers to sit around and enjoy the warmth at night.

Distance from Bangalore: 59 km

9. Manchanabele Dam, Karnataka

Manchanabele Dam is built on the water of the tranquil Arkavati River. Located in the state of Karnataka, this place is visited by a lot of people because it is ideal to get away from the pell-mell of the city and enjoy some serenity in the lap of nature. The dam is replete with cool and clear water and is also surrounded by lush green trees on small hills. The panoramic views of the landscape can be best observed during sunrise or sunset.

Distance from Bangalore: 36 km

10. Hampi, Karnataka

Known For : Virupaksha Temple, Hampi Vithala Temple Lotus Palace

Called the Forgotten Empire by several historians, Hampi is located in the ruins of the once-magnificent Vijayanagar kingdom. Hampi, the city of ruins, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated in the shadowed depth of hills and valleys in the state of Karnataka, this place is a historical delight for travellers. Surrounded by 500 ancient monuments, beautiful temples, bustling street markets, bastions, treasury building and captivating remains of Vijayanagar Empire, Hampi is a backpacker's delight. Hampi is an open museum with 100+ locations to explore and a favourite way to see the city from the perspective of its history.

Distance from Bangalore: 345 km

31 Hampi Attractions

11. Avalabetta, Karnataka

About 90 kms from Bangalore lies a small hillock called Avalabetta, ideal for road trips from Bangalore. The views from the top are extremely stunning, with rockiness and greenery around. Don't forget to pay a visit to the temples when you're there.

Distance from Bangalore: 92 km

12. Bheemeshwari, Karnataka

Known For : Cauvery Fishing Camp Doddamakali Nature Camp Boat Rides in Bheemeshwari

Bheemeshwari, a small town in Karnataka's Mandya district, is popular as a paradise for fishing enthusiasts as it is home to the Mahseer fishes - one of the finest game fish in the world. This town is tranquil and is the perfect getaway for a short trip from Bangalore. Due to its proximity to the Cauvery River and its extensive forest cover with a variety of flora and fauna, Bheemeshwari is visited by adventure lovers and bird watchers for boating, adventure camps, trekking up the hills and its varied species of birds present here.

Distance from Bangalore: 102 km

8 Bheemeshwari Attractions

13. Savandurga, Karnataka

Situated 60 km to the west of Bangalore, Savandurga is considered the monolithic rock formation in Asia. It comprises two hills, Billigudda (white hill) and Karigudda (black hill), and has a temple situated at the foothill and a pond nearby. Most trekkers choose Billigudda due to its gentler slopes. The weekend travellers from Bangalore frequent it for trekking, camping, and rock climbing. It's one of the top places for slab climbing in the world and a lot of climbers and adventure seekers visit here often. Another popular activity here is bird watching. The avifauna here is magnificent and enthusiasts can spot the endangered yellow-throated bulbuls. Leopards and sloth bears are also spotted here.

Distance from Bangalore: 48 km

Best Time: November to May

3 Savandurga Attractions

14. Kabini, Karnataka

Known For : Jungle Safari, Kabini Boating in Kabini

Located around 245 km from Bangalore, Kabini is primarily known for its handful of luxury resorts around the Kabini River and Nagarhole National Park in the vicinity. Please note that there are not many budget-friendly accommodations near the Kabini River. It is a popular weekend getaway from Bangalore, Mysore and Mangalore. The Kabini Forest Reserve (which comprises the south-eastern part of Nagarhole National Park) is famous for its amazing wildlife and birdlife. Kabini is also home to the world's most famous living black panther - Saya. Boat and Jeep safaris in the Kabini jungle are the ideal way to spot a variety of wildlife including tigers, leopards, guars, elephants and other majestic species.

Distance from Bangalore: 164 km

5 Kabini Attractions

15. Pondicherry

Known For : Paradise Beach, Pondicherry Aurobindo Ashram Auroville

An Ex-French Colony, the culture and ambience at Pondicherry still reflect the remnants of its French Colonial ancestors. The food, the architecture, everything offers you a glimpse into the French Colony it was back in the 17th and 18th centuries. It is a popular tourist destination in South India owing to its colonial-era buildings, churches, and temples. Pondicherry is also well-known for its beaches. All these factors make it one of the best road trips from Bangalore.

Distance from Bangalore: 312 km

49 Pondicherry Attractions

16. Gandikota, Andhra Pradesh

Go on a long drive from Bangalore to see the Grand Canyon of India! This site of natural beauty is a gorge formed by the Penna River and Erammala Hills, making for stunning Instagram worthy pictures. Other than that, don’t miss the equally magnificent Gandikota Fort located at the top of the gorge. The history of the Gandikota fort dates back to the 12th century AD. Add Belum caves to the itinerary. Here you would see spectacular formations made of stalagmite and stalactite. The Belum Caves are also the largest cave system open to the public in the Indian Subcontinent.

Distance from Bangalore: 282 km

Best Time: November to February

17. Mysuru, Karnataka

Known For : Mysore Palace Brindavan Gardens Mysore Zoo

Mysuru (name recently changed from Mysore) is the third-largest city in Karnataka. Because of the magnificent buildings and palaces of historical and cultural significance, Mysuru has been given the tag of the Cultural Capital of South Karnataka. The Mysore Palace, a World Heritage Site, is one of the premier attractions here. It is also a popular spot for a long ride from Bangalore.

Distance from Bangalore: 143 km

36 Mysore Attractions

18. Sakleshpur, Karnataka

Known For : Manjarabad Fort Sakleshwara Temple Bisle Reserve Forest

Sakleshpur is a small hill station located in the Hassan district of Karnataka and is one of the best places to go for weekend road trips form Bangalore. It's a very lush and green place, owing to the fact that it is situated in the Western Ghats. It is famous for its coffee plantations. With plenty of scenic beauty, Sakleshpur is a perfect spot for trekking and adventure activities. Add to it the perfect year-round weather and that makes it an ideal road trip destination from Bangalore.

Distance from Bangalore: 221 km

Best Time: October to March, May-June

14 Sakleshpur Attractions

19. Coonoor, Tamil Nadu

Known For : Sim's Park Dolphin's Nose Ketti Valley

Known for its tea plantations, Coonoor is the 2nd largest hill station in the Nilgiri Hills and is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the South. The weather here remains cool and pleasant throughout the year. Taking a ride on the Toy Train line and birdwatching are some of the main things to do while here. Coonoor is among the most popular destinations for road trips from Bangalore. Distance from Bangalore: 290 km

Distance from Bangalore: 284 km

17 Coonoor Attractions

20. Shivanasamudram Falls, Karnataka

Slightly off the Mysore highway and situated by the River Kaveri, Shivanasamudram Falls is a scenic waterfall around 140 kms from Bangalore making it ideal for a long drive from Bangalore. Situated on the banks of river Kaveri, Shivanasamudra is primarily a hydropower project location but has gotten massive attention for its stunning waterfalls: Gaganachukki and Barachukki. Travellers enjoy the view of waterfalls from the benches, and there are steps that take visitors to many levels of vantage points. The Barachukki Falls cascades down from 250 feet with a U section resembling the Niagara Falls. The Gaganachukki falls is a brilliant sight especially after the rains when the River Kaveri is full.

Distance from Bangalore: 125 km

Best Time: August to February

3 Shivanasamudra Attractions

21. Thottikallu Falls, Karnataka

The fall is more popularly known as TK Falls and locally as the Swarna Mukhi falls. The word Swarna Mukhi translates to ‘Golden Face.’ The area is excellent for trekking or picnics with friends and family. Located only 35 km away from Bangalore, Thottikallu Falls is an ideal picnic spot for a half-day trip. Since this place is relatively close to Bangalore, college students and others often pay a visit to this place on weekends.

Distance from Bangalore: 33 km

22. Belur, Halebid

Known For : Belur Hoysaleswara Temple Yagachi Dam

Nestled on the banks of River Yagachi in Hassan District of Karnataka, the town of Belur along with its twin town of Halebid located 16 km away, houses exquisite temples reflecting the exemplary artistic taste and technique of builders of the yore. This small town was the capital of the mighty Hoysala empire and their engineering genius can still be witnessed in the structures that stand here today. Some of the important shrines that are housed here include Chennakesava Temple and Kappe Chennigaray, both of which are exemplary Dravidian pieces of architecture. Non-Hindus are allowed in the temples of Belur. Timings : Temple timings: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM, Inner sanctum of main deity stay closed between 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM, and 5:00 PM - 5:30 PM Entry Fee : Free entrance, Government approved guides cost between INR 125 - INR 250 Dress Code : No strict dress code as such but modest clothing for both men and women.

Distance from Bangalore: 211 km

9 Halebidu Attractions

23. Srirangapatna, Karnataka - A Historical River Island in Karnataka

Known For : Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple Nimishambha Temple Dariya Daulat Bagh

Srirangapatna is a small island town in the Cauvery river in Karnataka. Located 18 km from Mysore, the town is an architectural masterpiece of Hoysala and Vijayanagar styles evident in its monuments. The Ranganathaswamy temple is the major attraction of the town and it draws thousands of tourists every year. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the largest of its kind

Best Time: July to March

16 Srirangapatna Attractions

24. Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh

Known For : Veerabhadra Temple Lepakshi Temple Nandi Bull and Paintings

An important heritage and archaeological site, Lepakshi is a small village located in the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh. It is famous for its Hanging Pillar, the monolithic statue of Nandi, and its architecture which resembles that of the Vijayanagar State. History buffs and people interested in learning about India's ancient heritage should include this amazing place in their travel list.

Best Time: September to February

4 Lepakshi Attractions

25. Sangam, Karnataka

Located at the confluence of the two rivers Arkavathy and Cauvery, Sangam is one of the ideal road trips from Bangalore. The rivers rushing and gushing through the smooth granite rocks make a very picturesque sight. Arkavathy Dam and other picnic spots are located quite close to this place and are popular among tourists.

Distance from Bangalore: 127 km

26. Wayanad, Kerala

Known For : Banasura Sagar Dam Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary Chembra Peak

Replete with waterfalls, historical caves, comfortable resorts, and homestays, Wayanad in Kerala is famous for its spice plantations and wildlife. Walking through the sprawling spice plantations, trekking to the pre-historic caves, and experiencing a resort holiday is one of the many things you can do to get a taste of Wayanad. Wayanad is best known for the wildlife reserves - Wayanad wildlife reserve which is home to an exquisite variety of flora and fauna. The reserve is an integral part of the Nilgiri biosphere reserve peacefully located amidst the serene hills of Western Ghats. Wayanad homes a wide variety of wildlife like elephants, leopards, and bears.

Distance from Bangalore: 276 km

35 Wayanad Attractions

27. Bandipur, Karnataka

Known For : Gopalaswamy Hills Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve

Considered to be one of the best road trips from Bangalore, Bandipur is a paradise for all nature lovers and adventurers. As you step into the green, untamed wilderness of this place, you'll be enchanted by it. The Bandipur National Park is famous for housing the endangered Royal Bengal Tiger, but you'll also come across plenty of other flora and fauna species, such as elephants, and plenty of rare birds and plants.

Distance from Bangalore: 217 km

Best Time: October to May

2 Bandipur Attractions

28. Ramanagara, Karnataka

Known For : Ramadevara Betta Ramnagara Hills Ramdevara Temple

Set amidst the tall granite hills and lush green surroundings, Ramnagaram is a popular weekend getaway for the people in Bengaluru. The landscape surrounding Ramnagaram will seem familiar to anyone who is into Bollywood movies because it appears so frequently in the iconic movie Sholay. The old granite formation and boulders are where most of this movie was shot thus immortalizing these hills forever.

Distance from Bangalore: 47 km

7 Ramanagaram Attractions

29. Anthargange

Anthargange is situated in the Kolar district of Karnataka in the Shathashrunga range, about 70 km from Bangalore . The mountains at an altitude of 1712 meters from sea level with rocky boulders, small caves, and dense plantations are some of the best getaways for trekking, rock climbing, and cave exploration enthusiasts.

Distance from Bangalore: 67 km

2 Anthargange Attractions

Located in the Shimoga district of Karnataka, Agumbe is a small village often referred to as the "Cherrapunji of South India". This biodiversity-rich region has the highest rainfall in south India and the second-highest annual rainfall in India. Agumbe is an enriching experience as this hill station is blessed with picturesque beauty and trekking trails. It is one of the last surviving lowland rainforests. Agumbe served as the setting for India's very famous fictional town Malgudi in the TV serial Malgudi Days.

Distance from Bangalore: 349 km

31. Shivanasamundra Falls, Karnataka

Situated on the banks of river Kaveri, Shivanasamudra is primarily a hydropower project location but has gotten massive attention for its stunning waterfalls. Literally translating to 'Shiva's Sea', Shuvanasamudra is a picturesque town with rocky terrain and gushing waterfalls and is a popular tourist destination with Gaganachukki and Barachukki waterfalls being the ones you don't want to miss.

Distance from Bangalore: 126 km

32. Kanakapura, Karnataka

In the state of Karnataka, a beautiful city is nestled amongst trees and rivers, which is excellent for a road trip from Bangalore. This place is a hidden gem bountiful in greenery and waterfalls. Kanakapura is home to abundant flora and fauna. Some of the most common animals that can be easily spotted are wild boars, pigs, wild dogs, and spotted deer. A lot of colorful birds can be seen perched on the trees filling the emptiness with their melodious chirpings.

Distance from Bangalore: 62 km

33. Makalidurga Fort, Karnataka

Perched at an elevation of 3664 feet, Makalidurga Fort is situated around 60 km from Bangalore. Nestled between green hills, and graced with picturesque surroundings, the fort can be reached after a small trek. There is also a Lord Shiva temple in the vicinity of the fort that is visited by the local people frequently.

34. Chunchi Falls, Karnataka

Chunchi falls, is an almost 50 feet high cascade of falls, which is fed by the river Arkavati. Located at a distance of 83km from Bangalore, Chunchi Falls lies en route to Mekedatu and Sangama in Karnataka. Mekedatu is a rocky valley, while Sangama is the meeting point of three rivers. This spot is extremely popular as a picnic spot. It derived its name from a tribal couple, Chuncha and Chunchi. These falls are a perfect way to escape the grind, as they are tucked away from the commercialization and are usually deserted.

Distance from Bangalore: 89 km

35. Muthyala Maduvu (Pearl Valley)

Muthyala Maduvu, popularly known as Pearl Valley is located around 40 kilometers away from Bengaluru and around 5 kilometres from Anekal. This beautiful picnic spot is located within a valley that is nestled amidst the hills. Pearl Valley is rich in flora and fauna, and houses many exotic species of birds, owning to the waterfall. The main attraction of Pearl Valley is a mesmerizing waterfall and drops of water falling from the rock surfaces create an illusion of a pearl-like appearance, hence the name ‘pearl valley’. This is a great option for trekkers as the dense forest through the mountains offers a great adrenaline rush. The only thing to beware of is the monkeys in this area.

Distance from Bangalore: 39 km

Which of these destinations for road trips from Bangalore are you most excited about going on? Let us know in the comments below.

This post was published by Pallavi Siddhanta

Share this post on social media Facebook Twitter

Top Hotels In Bangalore

₽ 3,496 onwards

₽ 4,439 onwards

₽ 2,601 onwards

₽ 1,442 onwards

₽ 6,659 onwards

FAQs on Road Trips From Bangalore To Add To Your Travel List

How far is hampi from bangalore, how is the road from bangalore to chikmagalur, which are the best places for a weekend trip from bangalore, which are the best places for bike trips from bangalore, what are the best day-trips from bangalore, related collections.

3-Day Trips From Bangalore: 15 Places For Your Next Long Weekend

One Day Trips from Bangalore

29 Camping Sites Near Bangalore for a Perfect Weekend Getaway!

Places For River Rafting Near Bangalore That Will Awaken The Adventurer Inside You

Hill Stations

Hill Stations Near Bangalore For That Perfect Weekend Escape

Waterfalls Near Bangalore For A Misty Weekend Getaway From The City

Places Near

Best Picnic Spots Near Bangalore for a Day Trip

Beaches & Islands

Beaches Near Bangalore for a Perfect Beach Escape

Sightseeing

Places to Visit Near Bangalore in Monsoon

Adventure Sports In Bangalore To Indulge Yourself

Romantic & Honeymoon

Romantic Getaways From Bangalore For A Perfect Honeymoon

Places to Visit near Bangalore in Summer

Best Places to Visit near Bangalore Within 100 kms

Spectacular Places to Visit near Bangalore Within 200 kms

Places to Visit near Bangalore Within 300 kms

Places to Visit near Bangalore Within 400 kms

Places to Visit near Bangalore Within 500 kms

Experiences

Best Places in Bangalore for Team Outing

Best Places Near Bangalore For Winter

Water Places Near Bangalore for a Refreshing Dip

Best Weekend Getaways from Bangalore

Temples Near Bangalore

Comments on this post

Browse package collections, bangalore package collections.

Bangalore Honeymoon Packages

Nearby Destinations for Packages

Browse hotel collections, by hotel type.

Best Resorts in Bangalore

Best Villas in Bangalore

Airbnbs in Bangalore for a Staycation Getaway

Best Hotels in Bangalore

Best Resorts In Bannerghatta Road

Best Homestays In Bangalore

Resorts In Gandhinagar

Resorts In Electronic City

Resorts Near Electronic City

Best Places To Stay In Bangalore for the Perfect Break

Best Backpacker Hostels In Bangalore

By Budget Category

ITC Hotels In Bangalore

Cheap Hotels In Bangalore

Lodges In Bangalore

Luxury Hotels In Bangalore for an Opulent Stay

Luxury Resorts In Bangalore

Lodges In Majestic

By Star Category

Best 5-Star Hotels in Bangalore For a Luxury Getaway

3 Star Hotels In Bangalore

Hotels in Rajajinagar

5 Star Hotels In Koramangala

5 Star Hotels In Whitefield

3 Star Hotels In Koramangala

5 Star Hotels In Electronic City

Lodges In Yeshwanthpur

Lodges In Whitefield

Lodges In Jayanagar

Lodges In Kengeri

With Specific Facilities

Taj Hotels In Bangalore

Hotels In Indiranagar

Hotels In Koramangala

Hotels In Marathahalli

Hotels In Whitefield

Marriott Hotels In Bangalore

Resorts In Bangalore With Private Pool for a Chill Stay

Hotels In Electronic City

Hotels In HSR Layout

Hotels In Bangalore With Bathtub

Hotels In Bellandur

Near Landmarks

Hotels Near Cubbon Park

Hotels Near Bannerghatta National Park

Hotels Near Mantri Mall

Hotels Near Ulsoor Lake

Hotels In Old Airport Road

Hotels Near Christ University

Hotels Near Garuda Mall

Hotels Near South End Circle

Hotels Near PES University

Hotels Near Gopalan Innovation Mall

Hotels Near Vega City Mall

For Special Purposes

Resorts Near Bangalore for a Perfect Weekend

Resorts in Bangalore for Day Outing

Best Resorts in Bangalore for Couples

Resorts in Bangalore for Family

Best Wedding Resorts In Bangalore for a Lavish Celebration

Pet Friendly Hotels In Bangalore

Honeymoon Resorts In Bangalore for a Romantic Stay

Villas Near Bangalore for a Lavish Stay

Resorts In Bangalore For Family Outing

Best Workations In Bangalore For A Pleasant Change From WFH

Top Places in Bangalore

Get the best offers on Travel Packages

Compare package quotes from top travel agents

Compare upto 3 quotes for free

India (+91)

*Final prices will be shared by our partner agents based on your requirements.

Log in to your account

Welcome to holidify.

Forget Password?

Share this page

Stories by Soumya

The Travel Blog of a Culture Addict

Traveling to Karnataka? Here's an ultimate Coastal Karnataka travel guide with a bucket list of the most beautiful cities and beaches of Karnataka. Enjoy the coast, culture, and cuisine of Karnataka while traveling in this beautiful part of India. #Karnataka #India

13 Best Places To Visit In Coastal Karnataka

Last Updated on January 3, 2024 by Soumya

Are you planning a trip to coastal Karnataka in India and looking for the best places to visit there? You are in luck because that is exactly what I am going to tell you here.

I recently took a road trip through Coastal Karnataka starting from Mangalore and ending in Karwar. I visited some of the best places on Karnataka’s coastline including stunning beaches, beautiful temples, and tempting foodie locales.

So, here’s my guide on the top 13 best places to visit in Coastal Karnataka. Here you will learn.

All about why you should visit these iconic tourist destinations on your Coastal Karnataka trip.
What you should do, see and eat at each of these places? Plus, where to stay.
What is the best time to visit Coastal Karnataka and why?

As you read through this travel guide, you will also be able to curate your own Coastal Karnataka itinerary with some amazing experiences. We also have a sample itinerary for you below if you wish to use it.

So, what are we waiting for? Let’s get started with this exciting Coastal Karnataka tour guide and explore some of the best tourist places here.

Table of Contents

Best places to visit in Coastal Karnataka

Please note: This post may contain affiliate links which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link on this post. This will be at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links help me keep this website up and running. Thanks for your support!

Start your Coastal Karnataka trip in Mangalore because this is where you will probably arrive by flight or train. Trust me, Mangalore is one of the best places to visit in Coastal Karnataka because of its rich history, culture , Mangalorean cuisine and stunning beaches.

There are some unique temples that you can visit in Mangalore. Kudroli Gokarnatha Temple is one of them. Built in 1912, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and hosts the colorful Mangaluru Dasara every year. There are several smaller temples in the complex, all adorned in gold and silver. This makes the temple a wonderful Coastal Karnataka destination.

You can also visit the Mangaladevi Temple, explore Sammilan Shetty’s Butterfly Park, and relive some history at Sultan’s Battery when in Mangalore. And do not forget to try some authentic Chicken Ghee Roast (they also have veg varieties) at its birthplace, the Shetty Lunch Home .

Kaup Beach & Lighthouse

Kaup Beach, or Kapu as the locals call it, is a sleepy little beach town on the Karnataka coast. Located almost midway between Mangalore and Udupi, this place makes for a great pit stop on any Coastal Karnataka road trip itinerary.

The main highlight of Kaup beach is the 120-year-old, black and white lighthouse that stands on top of a small cliff. The lighthouse is open to visitors during the day which means you can climb all the way to get a stunning view of the place. [It was closed for renovation when we went, so we could not go up. But the cliff provides a great view too.]

Once done with the lighthouse, you can spend a good amount of time on the white sand beach of Kapu. If you are feeling adventurous try scuba diving with West Coast Adventures . And if you are looking for spiritual rejuvenation, visit the ruins of Jain Basadis along the coast or the Hindu temples of Goddess Mariamman.

The next stop on our coastal Karnataka adventure trip was the city of Udupi. Home to many iconic South Indian temples, Udupi is sometimes referred to as the temple city. Therefore, you cannot miss visiting one when you are here.

I highly recommend taking a tour of Udupi Sri Krishna Temple which is thronged by thousands of tourists every year for a sneak peek at the baby boy idol of Lord Krishna [Balakrishna]. There are many interesting legends surrounding the temple including one of the Balakrishna statue turning around on its own to be viewed by Krishna’s lesser-privileged devotees.

The city also lends its name to the famous Udupi cuisine which is an integral part of Tulu culture and heritage . You can try authentic Udupi dishes including the delicious Masala Dosa at Mitra Samaj , a restaurant as old as independent India, located right outside the Sri Krishna Temple. Or maybe try an Udupi lunch platter at the very artsy Thamboolam Restaurant .

Malpe Beach

When in Udupi, do not forget to spend some time at one of Udupi’s most gorgeous beaches – the Malpe Beach . Located only about 6kms from Udupi, Malpe beach coupled with St. Mary’s Island makes for an amazing one-day getaway from Udupi or Mangalore.

There are tons of things to do at Malpe beach. If you are feeling adventurous, indulge in parasailing, jet-skiing, and banana boat rides. If not, just lounge in the sun and soak in the colors of the place. Try some tasty sea food at Fisherman’s Bay Beach Cafe right by the sea. And watch a traditional Yakshagana performance in an open-air amphitheater to end your day.

Related: Best things to do at Malpe beach near Udupi.

St. Mary’s Island

Right next to the Malpe beach, only a 15-minute ferry ride away, is the unique St. Mary’s Island. This island is also called the Coconut Island or Thonsepar and makes for an offbeat getaway from the mainland.

What is interesting about St. Mary’s Island is the fact that it was formed when Madagascar rifted away from India more than 88 million years ago. The rift gave rise to columnar basalt rocks that are hexagonal in shape. They give the island a distinctive character today.

You will get some amazing views of the sea from here apart from walking on soft white sand and treading through millions of sea shells. 1-2 hours on the island is sufficient for you to completely explore the place. Plastic bags and bottles are not allowed on the island – so make sure you don’t carry any.

The island is closed between May 15 – Sept 30 every year (monsoons). On other days, you can get a ferry between 9am – 5pm for INR 400 for a return journey.

Plan your trip to St. Mary’s Island with our complete island guide.

Once Manipal was separated from Udupi by a long stretch of forests. Today, it is just an extension featuring some of the most prestigious educational institutions in the country.

You may not think of adding Manipal to your typical Coastal Karnataka itinerary but I highly recommend that you do. Because it is in Manipal that you will find a hidden treasure – The Hasta Shilpa Heritage House .

Hasta Shilpa Heritage House is a collection of many antique houses transplanted from their original locations. All of them depict exquisite art and architecture spanning centuries. A few of my favorite houses are the Kamal Mahal, an architectural extravaganza from the Hampi times, and the Mudhol Palace. Honestly, no words can do justice to this place. You have to visit it in person to believe it.

If you have some time left, take a tour of the Museum of Culinary Arts curated by none other than Michelin-starred chef Vikas Khanna.

As you travel up north from Udupi, you can take a slight detour to get to the sleepy hamlet of Varanga. Here, you can visit one of the most picturesque Jain temples in the world.

Yes, that’s right. The Jain temple, also called Kere Basadi, is located in the middle of a beautiful lake. You can reach the temple only on a small boat that can accommodate around 10 people at a time.

It was a 5 minute boat journey from land to the temple. Yet, this was one of the most beautiful journeys in my entire Coastal Karnataka trip . Beware, there are no life jackets available here. So, if you have a morbid fear of water, I would suggest you stay back.

Baindur (or Byndoor) is yet another idyllic town facing the sea. The white sand beaches, lush green hills, and plethora of water sports make Baindur one of the best places to visit in Coastal Karnataka . Also, one of the most offbeat ones.

I would highly recommend spending a couple of days at Baindur and enjoying the unspoiled beaches in the region. For example, book a stay at the pristine Sai Vishram Beach Resort , indulge in surfing or banana boat rides, ride an airboat through the Maravanthe backwaters, or simply sip a drink under a thatched cabana and watch the world go by!

Eco Beach at Honnavar

One of India’s Blue Flag beaches, Honnavar Beach is an absolute must-visit when traveling in Coastal Karnataka. The beach is sparkly clean and is equipped with neat WCs and changing rooms – all available for free. There are plenty of sea-facing benches available if you just wish to sit back and enjoy.

There is a lush green casuarina garden near the beach that you can use to get some shade and cool air. Bring your own food for a picnic because there aren’t any restaurants nearby. Most importantly, be responsible for your own waste.

Tadadi Port – Kumta

On your way from Honnavar to Gokarna, you will notice large salt pans laid out in amazing symmetry. If you wish to get a totally Gram-worthy picture, then you can get clicked here.

Make a stop at Tadadi port en-route. A spectacularly-situated port at the junction of Arabian Sea and River Aghanasini, the port provides for stunning photo ops. You will find rows of colorful fishing boats and trawlers with sea gulls hovering over them like confetti in the sky.

There’s lots you can do in Tadadi such as visiting the mangroves, taking a tour of the fishing harbor, and meeting up with locals. However, if you are short on time, I recommend taking a ride on White Pearl Cruise , one of its kind in Coastal Karnataka. Pick a sunset cruise. Enjoy the smell of the sea as you watch the sun go down with a drink in your hand.

When you are seeing the best places in Coastal Karnataka, you can’t really miss out on Gokarna, can you?

Honestly, Gokarna is one of the beach towns that I keep hearing about time and again. It has some really stunning beaches where you can engage in water sports or just relax. Kudle Beach and Om Beach are a couple of famous ones.

Palm-fringed landscapes, quaint houses, and a rocky terrain give Gokarna its characteristic appeal. This is where you will also get some amazing sunrise-sunset pictures. Further, Gokarna is also a Hindu pilgrimage site where Lord Shiva is said to have emerged from Mother Earth. You can relive the legend at the Mahabaleshwar Temple which is packed with tourists throughout the year.

After enjoying your stay at Gokarna for a while, head north towards Karwar, a city located almost on Karnataka-Goa border.

It is interesting to note that as you get to Karwar, you will notice an evident shift in the culture. Mangalore-Tulu ways of life gradually merge into the Konkani style. The language, the food, and the people – you can really see the difference.

There are so many interesting things to do in Karwar that you need at least a couple of days here to experience them all. Visit the unique Naganatha Temple, take a boat ride on the Kali River, stroll down Rabindranath Tagore Beach, or make a day trip to Jog Falls.

Try authentic Karwar cuisine which includes Rava fish fry and fish masala. Or spend an evening at Kali River Garden watching a blissful sunset.

Devbagh Beach

The last (but definitely not the least) stop on our Coastal Karnataka itinerary was this stunning island beach of Devbagh. Surrounded by pine forests and mangroves, this place feels like paradise.

I recommend staying at the Jungle Lodges property called Devbagh Beach Resort . Staying here gives you access to a private beach, soft white sand, abundance of sea food, and scores of dolphin-watching opportunities – what more do you need?

Devbagh Beach is just a ferry ride away from the bustling city of Karwar, yet feels miles away from civilization. This is absolutely the perfect place to unwind and relax.

What is the best time to visit Coastal Karnataka?

The best time to visit Coastal Karnataka is in the winters, between the months of November – February, when the temperatures are mild and the humidity is low. The days are just perfect to soak in the sun and spend quality time at the beaches.

Summers are hot in this part of the country and can be physically draining. If you still plan to visit Karnataka’s coast in the summer, plan your activities early in the morning or later in the day.

Do not visit coastal Karnataka during monsoons because water levels are high. You will not enjoy your beach time. Plus, many water activities are closed during this time.

What are the best places to stay in Coastal Karnataka?

In Coastal Karnataka, you will find beach resorts and regular city hotels. I would recommend staying in hotels when you are exploring cities such as Mangalore or Udupi. And choose beach resorts when you wish to spend more time near the sea.

Sunrise at Kudle Beach, Coastal Karnataka

Best beach resorts in Coastal Karnataka

Sai Vishram Beach Resort, Baindur : This is definitely one of the best beach resorts that I have stayed in Karnataka. Tented and brick cottages, huge open bathrooms, and a private beach – Sai Vishram will spoil you for choices. Remember that this is a pure vegetarian resort which means there’s no non-veg food but their veggie food is delectable.
Devbagh Beach Resort : Located in the middle of the sea, on a deserted island, the Devbagh Beach Resort gives you some stunning views and an a beautiful sunset experience. You can literally live within the pine trees, eat under the stars, and soak in the sun on a calm, private stretch of sand.
SwaSwara Gokarna : This is another great property on Om Beach, Gokarna. Equipped with an outdoor pool, on-site restaurants, and stunning views of the garden, it makes for an amazing place to spend a couple of lazy beach days.

Other good hotels in Coastal Karnataka

Hometown Galleria, Manipal : Spacious and clean rooms, cozy beds, and a beautifully-tiled bathroom make your stay at Hometown Galleria extremely comfortable. They also have a private restaurant and fitness center.
Om Beach Resort, Gokarna : The name of this resort is a bit of a misnomer because it really isn’t on the beach but in the middle of thick green forests. Hear the cuckoo calling, try some of their amazing local food, take a hike to Kudle Beach, and get rejuvenated.

How to get around Coastal Karnataka?

The best way to travel between Mangalore to Karwar is by road. Hire a private taxi for the time you are there and enjoy a stress-free journey.

You can also take the train to travel between these places. Click here to check for trains between major cities . And hire a tuk-tuk to explore nearby. Between October – November (early winter), you can take the Konkan railways for a scenic ride through the coast.

The airport that is closest to Karwar is Dabolim Airport in Goa (2-3 hours by road). Mangalore city has its own airport which is a mere 30 minutes away from the city center.

Sample Coastal Karnataka itinerary

This is how we spent 6 days in Coastal Karnataka admiring each and every beach and culture-filled town. You can just use this itinerary or create your own.

Arrive in Mangalore. Explore Kudroli Temple, have lunch at Shetty Lunch Home, and shop at Crafts Boutique at Old Port Road. Watch Yakshagana performance at Malpe beach and have dinner at Fisherman’s Bay right by the sea. Spend the night at Hometown Galleria, Manipal.

Spend the morning at St. Mary’s Island and appreciate the basalt rock formations and unique landscape. Go back to Malpe beach for parasailing and jet-ski.

You can either spend the rest of the day at Malpe or take a small detour and see the beautiful St. Lawrence Church at Attur and head to the cool environs of Kudremukh. Do a sunset safari and experience the stunning beauty of the Shola forests. Stay at Bhagavathi Nature Camp , a Jungle Lodges property.

Drive back to Coastal Karnataka via Varanga where you can see the picturesque Jain Basadi. Arrive in Udupi, visit the Udupi Sri Krishna Temple and learn all about its history. Have a sumptuous coastal lunch at Thamboolam .

Explore the Hastashilpa Heritage Village in Manipal followed by a visit to the Museum of Culinary Arts. Shop for souvenirs at Car Street in Udupi. Have dinner at Bacchus Inn . Spend the night at Sai Vishram Beach Resort, Baindur.

Start the day with a trek up the hills to watch an amazing sunrise. Enjoy an airboat ride on the pristine backwaters. Explore the serene private beach of Sai Vishram.

Head to the Blue Flag beach of Honnavar, one of the cleanest beaches in the world. Ride towards Gokarna and stop to pose in the salt fields. Take a pit stop at Tadadi Port and enjoy a sunset/dinner cruise on the river. Stay at Om Beach Resort, Gokarna.

Go for an early morning walk on Kudle Beach and enjoy some Mangalore buns at a local restaurant. Head to Karwar after breakfast and stop at the beautiful Kali River Garden for a view of the bridge and water sports.

After lunch, take the ferry and head to Devbagh Beach Resort . Explore the mangroves and pay your respects at the Kali Temple. Spend the evening walking down the island beach of Devbagh and spotting a dolphin on your own. Try your hand at cooking a coastal dinner and enjoy a sumptuous meal.

Take an early morning nature walk and identify island birds. Engage in some kayaking and jet-ski. Leave for the Dabolim Airport.

This was how our Coastal Karnataka trip panned out. You can plan something similar or customize it according to your needs like spending more time at some of the places.

If you need any further information, feel free to drop a comment below or write to me here . I will get back to you as soon as possible.

Coastal Karnataka FAQ

What are the coastal areas of karnataka.

The coastal area of Karnataka, also called Karavali, is the stretch of land adjoining the Arabian Sea. It includes 3 different districts of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada and stretches over 320km (200 miles).

Which is the biggest beach in Karnataka?

The beaches of Gokarna including the trio of Om, Kudle, and Paradise beaches along with Half Moon Bay are the biggest in Karnataka.

How many beaches are there in Karwar?

Karwar has many amazing beaches of which 5 are the most popular. They are the Rabindranath Tagore Beach, Devbagh Beach, Majali Beach, Binaga Beach, and Koodi Bagh Beach.

Which place is known as the Kashmir of Karnataka?

Karwar is known as the Kashmir of Karnataka. It was named so by Rabindranath Tagore who came to visit coastal Karnataka in 1882. Karwar was a sleepy little town then, closer to nature. That possibly led Rabindranath Tagore to make the connection.

Coastal Karnataka Travel Essentials

Mangalore, Udupi, Gokarna, and Karwar are the best places to stay when traveling in coastal Karnataka. Find the best hotels in Mangalore , Udupi , Gokarna , and Karwar .
Check out Tripadvisor Reviews here for Udupi , Mangalore , Karwar , and Gokarna .
If you are looking for specially curated tours anywhere in Coastal Karnataka, please feel free to connect with Poonam Shetty from Dream Holidays, Manipal [+91 96865 74959] and/or Roshan Pinto from R.R.Tours & Travels [+91 98453 31926] . I highly recommend both of them for their local insights and ability to provide the best travel experiences.
Before planning your trip, check out what to eat in Coastal Karnataka .
Karnataka’s coast is sunny and hot throughout the year. Do not forget to pack your sunscreen and hat.
Be sure to carry your swimming costumes for some wonderful time at Karnataka’s beaches.

Thanks to India Tourism Bangalore – Ministry of Tourism, Government of India for hosting me on this trip to Coastal Karnataka. However, the views expressed here are completely my own and unbiased.

Loved our guide to coastal Karnataka? Pin it for later!

12 thoughts on “ 13 Best Places To Visit In Coastal Karnataka ”

Gokarna & Coorg both are m favorite destinations. I’ll definitely visit those places one day

My favorite places, too. Hope you have an amazing trip to Coastal Karnataka.

Coastal Karnataka - A 4 day itinerary #TM2021

4 days,2 of us, 1 car.. thus was our exploration of the lesser known beaches and backwaters of coastal karnataka. **the route -** bangalore - karwar - byndoor - bangalore. there aren't many resorts to choose from to stay along the beach (we were particular about a beach resort). we hence chose resorts in karwar and byndoor as our rest spots and it was a great decision. it was also optimally located for day trips alongthe coast touching gokarna and udupi and also for our return trip to bangalore. **day 0 -** bangalore to karwar is a 9 hr drive and we wanted to break that up. unable to take an additional day off work, we decided to work from chitradurga for a day chitradurga is about 3hrs from bangalore and we started early on a friday morning before the workday started kstdc has a very humble, clean and great place to work from (good wifi) and spend the night on a budget, overlooking the fort. **day 1 - karwar and devbagh beach resort** saturday morning began with checking out of chitradurga and hitting the road, bidding farewell to all the windmills along the way. karwar is the last beach on the karnataka coastline and is a very important naval base for india. there is a completely different charm as you step into the uttara kannada district and it amazes me how our country's landscapes, languages and food change every 100kms. located at the mouth of the kali river, karwar used to be a major port during british rule for spice trading. it is this place where rabindranath tagore wrote his masterpiece prakitirir pratishoota, his foray into the literary space. [](https://static2.tripoto.com/media/filter/tst/gen/1799701/tripdocument/1640871010_img_7482.jpg)devbagh beachin karwar we chose to stay on the devbagh beach - run by the jungle lodges and resorts (jlr; govt. run), this beach resort is located at the estuary where kali river meets the arabian sea. the beach resort is a 20mins boat ride from its karwar office on main land, really well maintained and offers you stay with a delicious food package; since there is nothing else around - just like living on a desert island recommend a one night stay here - getting lost in the coniferous jungles, walking endlessly on the beach, spending the evening playing with the water and listening to the waves as they lap up and enjoying dinner on the beach with a bon-fire. the resort does offer a trek, bird watching or a boat ride into the sea to spot dolphins. we chose the boat ride, to go into the sea but unfortunately didn't see any dolphins. seeing how tourism has been hit, post covid, we have been choosing stay options which are govt. run to help support the local community - devbagh is one of them, managed and supporting the fishermen community nearby. [](https://static2.tripoto.com/media/filter/tst/gen/1799701/tripdocument/1640871011_img_9587.jpg)[](https://static2.tripoto.com/media/filter/tst/gen/1799701/tripdocument/1640871012_img_9610.jpg)[](https://static2.tripoto.com/media/filter/tst/gen/1799701/tripdocument/1640871012_dcf44125_b07d_4f33_ab1e_949ba1b20faa.jpg)**day 2 - byndoor** *majali and tilmati beach -* after spending a day chilling, doing absolutely nothing other than appreciating nature, we checked out and headed towards our next stay destination of byndoor, which was about a 4hr drive away. you can do a complete road trip from the north to the south of coastal karnataka and be awed by each and every beach. we chose a few, the ones we haven't visited before. [](https://static2.tripoto.com/media/filter/tst/gen/1799701/tripdocument/1640871012_img_7600.jpg)majali beachgetting off the boat from devbagh at the karwar jetty, we drove towards the goa border to check out majali beach which shares its border with goa. this is a small beach which has a rock formation which you can climb to reach the black sand beach of tilmati. tilmati can alternately be reached from the goa side as well. *mirjan fort -* post this quick pitstop we headed back towards the south of the coastline as we climbed the mountain towards gokarna. if you are visiting here for the first time, would recommend a stop over at the famous beaches of gokarna, kumta, and the rock formations of yana. you can stay at any of the beach resorts at gokarna too. we had visited gokarna many years ago and hence chose to skip it; but decided to visit the mirjan fort which was en-route. the mirjan fort was built by rani chennabhairadevi in the 16th century and was a major hub for spice trade. in fact she was known as the pepper queen. the sprawling fort is beautiful and offers a great view of the entire green forest cover. the view would be much better in monsoons, given the lush greenery which also grows on and around the fort. we spent some time exploring the fort and i went crazy , like a child running around the open spaces. [](https://static2.tripoto.com/media/filter/tst/gen/1799701/tripdocument/1640871013_img_7638.jpg)[](https://static2.tripoto.com/media/filter/tst/gen/1799701/tripdocument/1640871013_img_7650.jpg)[](https://static2.tripoto.com/media/filter/tst/gen/1799701/tripdocument/1640871014_img_7657.jpg)*honnavar & byndoor -* as we drove towards our resort, we started getting hungry and decided to stop near the honnavar backwaters at the green park river view restaurant which was located at a point where the sharavati river flows into the sea. after a quick lunch we continued our drive towards byndoor. enroute, there were a few other places you could cover - apsarakonda waterfalls, shiva statue at murudeshwar, bhatkal beach and lighthouse etc. we reached byndoor around mid-afternoon at our resort sai vishram resort. run by saibaba devotees, this resort offers a multiple options for stay - a luxury tent right at the beach or cottages, a bit higher up. we chose the tent since we wanted to access the beach easily. the stay was amazing - great amenities, delicious and healthy food and staying in a tent where luxury meets rustic.. just felt like camping [](https://static2.tripoto.com/media/filter/tst/gen/1799701/tripdocument/1640871014_img_7663.jpg)[](https://static2.tripoto.com/media/filter/tst/gen/1799701/tripdocument/1640871015_img_9651.jpg)[](https://static2.tripoto.com/media/filter/tst/gen/1799701/tripdocument/1640871015_img_7674.jpg)[](https://static2.tripoto.com/media/filter/tst/gen/1799701/tripdocument/1640871016_img_7659.jpg)honnaver**day 3 - beach hopping** day 3 was dedicated to beach hopping we decided to simply drive down from byndoor to udupi and hit as many beaches as we could post breakfast we started off toward our first beach: *marvante beach* - this is the highlight.. definitely - as you drive towards marvante beach you drive on a highway which has the arabian sea on one side and the backwaters of the sharavati river on the other side awesome so picturesque marvante beach is also starkly different from other beaches with black stones which you can walk across to view the sea. [](https://static2.tripoto.com/media/filter/tst/gen/1799701/tripdocument/1640871016_img_7753.jpg)[](https://static2.tripoto.com/media/filter/tst/gen/1799701/tripdocument/1640871017_img_7605.jpg)*trasi beach -* a beautiful beach near marvante beach, lined with coconut trees and benches, giving you some time to pause and reflect while watching the sea waves crash against the boulders. [](https://static2.tripoto.com/media/filter/tst/gen/1799701/tripdocument/1640871017_img_9703.jpg)kodi beach - by now you would realise most of the beaches have backwaters since multiple rivers run across this region. we spent some time driving though the coconut tree lined roads to kodi beach and walking across the sea-walk unto the sea. you can also check out the tall kodi beach lighthouse towering against the sky. [](https://static2.tripoto.com/media/filter/tst/gen/1799701/tripdocument/1640871018_img_7800.jpg)*kundapur* - we drove a bit inland to see the backwaters at kundapur. we just couldn't get enough of the picturesque views of the tall coconut trees lines up against the river banks. indeed a treat to the eyes we then headed to udupi for lunch. bharath (the husband) loves his fish and his main agenda was to head to *thimmappa* for their fish meals. being the vegetarian, i got some lunch nearby and we then headed out to explore udupi's backwaters. [](https://static2.tripoto.com/media/filter/tst/gen/1799701/tripdocument/1640871018_img_7837.jpg)*udupi backwaters & kemmanu hanging bridge -* udupi, apart from being a temple town, has two other attractions. one of them is the backwaters. the road to the backwaters is quite narrow and completely lined with thick coconut groves and provides an incredible experience just driving through them. you will notice at most of the backwaters the banks on either side are connected by number of hanging bridges. these bridges are the lifeline of this area, providing a mode of transport to goods and people on either side of the river - some of them so strong that they can withstand bike movements too. we decided to visit the main one which is the kemmanu hanging bridge. the river is also a place for kayaking and you will see the horizon dotted with kayaks. if you would like to kayak, there is a adventure sports place right at the base of the bridge. even if you don't kayak, this is a lovely spot to enjoy the stillness and calmness that nature offers and take in its serene beauty. [](https://static2.tripoto.com/media/filter/tst/gen/1799701/tripdocument/1640871018_img_7830.jpg)[](https://static2.tripoto.com/media/filter/tst/gen/1799701/tripdocument/1640871019_img_7821.jpg)[](https://static2.tripoto.com/media/filter/tst/gen/1799701/tripdocument/1640871019_img_7817.jpg)*malpe beach -* the second attraction in udupi is the malpe beach. as you drive towards malpe, stop to catch a glimpse of a huge dockyard and number of fishing boats docked at the bay. malpe is an important port and fishing harbour for karnataka and you will see this at the place. you can park your car and then walk towards the sea on the sea-walk or just sit on one of the benches to enjoy the wind, the view and the sunset. you can also catch a boat from here to st. mary's island. [](https://static2.tripoto.com/media/filter/tst/gen/1799701/tripdocument/1640871020_img_7878.jpg)[](https://static2.tripoto.com/media/filter/tst/gen/1799701/tripdocument/1640871020_img_7920.jpg)**day 4 -** thus commenced our return journey to bangalore. this was a 8-9hr drive and we headed out post breakfast. the thing i love about road trips is that you can plan pitstops and one of them was the drive through agumbe(which luckily falls en-route). agumbe apart from being extremely picturesque and offering some great treks and views, is also the place where the popular '90s show malgudi days was shot. a small town, the entire town was turned into a set for one of the most famous tv series of the 90s. as you drive across, do stop by to admire the dodda mane where a large portion of the show was shot. [](https://static2.tripoto.com/media/filter/tst/gen/1799701/tripdocument/1640871021_img_8110.jpg)[](https://static2.tripoto.com/media/filter/tst/gen/1799701/tripdocument/1640871021_img_8113.jpg)post reliving some memories, we headed back towards bangalore with a quick stop for lunch and tea. covid has somewhere forced us to re-look at many of the places we had visited through our growing up years - but with a new found interest and perspective. with it forcing us to take smaller trips and closer home, here's to re-discovering our india and all that she has to offer travel responsibly & mask up like | follow | share more travel stories on instagram @curiousboho.

4 days,2 of us, 1 car.. thus was our exploration of the lesser known beaches and backwaters of coastal Karnataka.

The Route -

Bangalore - Karwar - Byndoor - Bangalore. There aren't many resorts to choose from to stay along the beach (we were particular about a beach resort). We hence chose resorts in Karwar and Byndoor as our rest spots and it was a great decision. It was also optimally located for day trips alongthe coast touching Gokarna and Udupi and also for our return trip to Bangalore.

Bangalore to Karwar is a 9 hr drive and we wanted to break that up. Unable to take an additional day off work, we decided to work from Chitradurga for a day! Chitradurga is about 3hrs from Bangalore and we started early on a Friday morning before the workday started! KSTDC has a very humble, clean and great place to work from (good wifi) and spend the night on a budget, overlooking the fort.

Day 1 - Karwar and Devbagh Beach Resort

Saturday morning began with checking out of Chitradurga and hitting the road, bidding farewell to all the windmills along the way. Karwar is the last beach on the Karnataka coastline and is a very important Naval base for India. There is a completely different charm as you step into the Uttara Kannada district and it amazes me how our country's landscapes, languages and food change every 100kms. Located at the mouth of the Kali river, Karwar used to be a major port during British rule for spice trading. It is this place where Rabindranath Tagore wrote his masterpiece Prakitirir Pratishoota, his foray into the literary space.

Majali and Tilmati Beach - After spending a day chilling, doing absolutely nothing other than appreciating nature, we checked out and headed towards our next stay destination of Byndoor, which was about a 4hr drive away. You can do a complete road trip from the north to the south of coastal Karnataka and be awed by each and every beach. We chose a few, the ones we haven't visited before.

Mirjan Fort - Post this quick pitstop we headed back towards the south of the coastline as we climbed the mountain towards Gokarna. If you are visiting here for the first time, would recommend a stop over at the famous beaches of Gokarna, Kumta, and the rock formations of Yana. You can stay at any of the beach resorts at Gokarna too. We had visited Gokarna many years ago and hence chose to skip it; but decided to visit the Mirjan Fort which was en-route. The Mirjan Fort was built by Rani Chennabhairadevi in the 16th century and was a major hub for spice trade. In fact she was known as the Pepper Queen. The sprawling fort is beautiful and offers a great view of the entire green forest cover. The view would be much better in monsoons, given the lush greenery which also grows on and around the fort. We spent some time exploring the fort and I went crazy , like a child running around the open spaces.

Day 3 was dedicated to beach hopping! We decided to simply drive down from Byndoor to Udupi and hit as many beaches as we could! Post breakfast we started off toward our first beach:

Marvante Beach - this is the highlight.. Definitely! - as you drive towards Marvante beach you drive on a highway which has the Arabian Sea on one side and the backwaters of the Sharavati River on the other side! Awesome! So picturesque! Marvante beach is also starkly different from other beaches with black stones which you can walk across to view the sea.

We then headed to Udupi for lunch. Bharath (The Husband) loves his fish and his main agenda was to head to Thimmappa for their fish meals. Being the vegetarian, I got some lunch nearby and we then headed out to explore Udupi's backwaters.

Thus commenced our return journey to Bangalore. This was a 8-9hr drive and we headed out post breakfast. The thing I love about road trips is that you can plan pitstops and one of them was the drive through Agumbe(which luckily falls en-route). Agumbe apart from being extremely picturesque and offering some great treks and views, is also the place where the popular '90s show Malgudi Days was shot. A small town, the entire town was turned into a set for one of the most famous TV series of the 90s. As you drive across, do stop by to admire the Dodda Mane where a large portion of the show was shot.

Covid has somewhere forced us to re-look at many of the places we had visited through our growing up years - but with a new found interest and perspective. With it forcing us to take smaller trips and closer home, here's to re-discovering our India and all that she has to offer!

Travel Responsibly & Mask Up!

Like | Follow | Share

More Travel Stories on Instagram @curiousboho

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Karnataka Trip Planner

Top destinations in karnataka.

Top attractions in Karnataka

Other notable attractions

Explore nearby places

Hoovina Hadagalli Taluk
Hubli-Dharwad
Chandragutti
Chitradurga
Mahadevapura

All related maps of Karnataka

Map of Karnataka
Map of Lakkundi
Map of Hoovina Hadagalli Taluk
Map of Gadag
Map of Koppal
Map of Haveri
Map of Shiggaon
Map of Hospet
Map of Bhairapur
Map of Hubli-Dharwad
Map of Harihar
Map of Hampi
Map of Kamalapur
Map of Astakatti
Map of Badami
Map of Davangere
Map of Davanagere
Map of Sandur
Map of Pattadakal
Map of Saundatti
Map of Bagalkot
Map of Banavasi
Map of Soraba
Map of Sonda
Map of Yellapur
Map of Sirsi
Map of Chandragutti
Map of Bellary
Map of Dandeli
Map of Chitradurga
Map of Mahadevapura

Karnataka throughout the year

Karnataka in January
Karnataka in February
Karnataka in March
Karnataka in April
Karnataka in May
Karnataka in June
Karnataka in July
Karnataka in August
Karnataka in September
Karnataka in October
Karnataka in November
Karnataka in December

Q&A about Karnataka

Add places from guides with 1 click, collaborate with friends in real time, import flight and hotel reservations, expense tracking and splitting, checklists for anything, get personalized suggestions.

4.9 on App Store, 4.7 on Google Play

Our travel stories | Your travel clues

Eastern India
Western India
North India
North East India
South India
Central India
Travel Plans
Unique Experiences
Budget Travel
Thinking Aloud
Sustainable Tourism
Privacy Policy

Coastal Karnataka : Saga of an exciting road trip

This story is as much about Coastal Karnataka, as about the exciting road trip that we had this winter. Coastal Karnataka is serene, tranquil and gorgeous, and largely unexplored by travelers outside of Karnataka. We had planned for a road trip by taxi from Goa to Mangalore. But we ended up doing it by local transport- an experiment we wanted to do for a long time. And buoy! Was it exciting!

Coastal Karnataka : Hidden gems along the Arabian sea

Dotted with white sand beaches, lush green forests, and culture-rich small towns and quaint villages, Coastal Karnataka just stretches out of your imagination to the realm of a great travel experience. From Karwar in north to Mangalore in south, it’s a magical stretch of more than 270 kilometers. It runs between the gorgeous blue Arabian sea on one side, and the verdant green Western Ghats on the other.

However, ironically, Coastal Karnataka is much underrated as a travel destination. One might have heard about the individual places like Udupi, Gokarna and Mangalore; but seen as a whole, this region is a treasure trove for travellers. And especially, if you are a lover of off-beat locations, Coastal Karnataka is heaven for you.

Coastal Karnataka : The Plan

Honestly, it was difficult to plan a road-trip about which you have little information. So, we had thought of taking it as it would come, and be flexible. After our Goa sojourn , we had only three days on hand for Coastal Karnataka road trip. This time as an experiment, we decided to explore Coastal Karnataka only by local transport. But the problem was that the buses didn’t run on long routes. So, we had to change buses at more places than planned. It meant that the initial plans went haywire!

Ultimately, the plan vs. actual scenario turned out to be like this:

Actual: Palolem to Karwar (via Canacona and Ankola); spent the night in Karwar
Actual: Karwar to Gokarna | Gokarna to Murudeshwar | Murudeshwar to Udupi (reached very late night)
Actual: Same as planned

So, as you can see, there were quite a few places to cover in Coastal Karnataka in less than 3 days! But the idea was not to explore the places, rather to have a glimpse, and enjoy a road-trip.

For more such road trip plans, please check out: “ Odisha (Golden Triangle) ” | “ Khajuraho- Orchha- Jhansi circuit ” | “South Kerala Road Trip ” |

Day-1 : Palolem to Karwar

After winding up a beautiful day in Palolem, we took an autorickshaw to drop us at Canacona bus stop. Contrary to our expectation, there was no direct bus to Gokarna. So, we decided to take a bus to Karwar (27 kms away from Canacona), and spend a night there. We reached Karwar in the evening, and found a guesthouse for ourselves near the bus station. After checking in, we went for an evening walk around the town.

We were really hungry by then; so, first, we had dinner at a popular eatery. And then, while roaming the streets of Karwar, we came across an old temple where a festival was underway. It was interesting to watch the devotees engage in traditional rituals and bhajans. We tasted some local sweet-snack, and soaked in the general excitement near the temple. Though we still wanted to roam around for longer, we were tired and early next morning we had to leave for Gokarna!

The town is located so close to the Arabian sea that we could hear sound of roaring sea late in the night. Karwar played a very important role in the evolution of Konkani culture and language. Apart from its popular beaches, there are mountains for trekking lovers, islands, a historic fort, ancient temples, and a popular mosque.

Day-2 : Karwar - Gokarna - Udupi

Reaching the bus station next morning, we realized that there was no direct bus to Gokarna from Karwar! So, we took a bus to Ankola (37 kms away), and from there, changed for Gokarna (26 kms). I just loved the bus ride with amazing views of boats and ships floating over the Arabian sea. We reached Gokarna by 11 AM. Quickly, we rented an autorickshaw to visit two beaches- the Om beach, and the Kudle beach.

Gokarna is a small, adorable, but largely unexplored town located by the sea. In recent times, overcrowding of south Goa beaches is pushing a lot of peace-seeking and adventure-seeking tourists to Gokarna. Though tourism is increasing steadily in Gokarna, it still gives the ambience of old days. Earlier it was popular for pilgrimage, but now it is getting popular among backpackers and trekkers. They stay long days, and trek across all the beaches, starting either from Om beach or Kudle beach and covering the Half-moon beach and Paradise beach through the mountain slopes.

I would describe the beach in three words- white-sandy, rocky-terrain and tranquil. Secluded by hills with vegetative cover, the beach augurs serenity that makes one want to spend long hours with oneself doing nothing. A clear sky over the sea and undulating rocky terrain made the beach look serene and attractive. Interestingly, the beach is in the shape of ‘Om’ (Hindu symbol), on which it is named.

I felt like sitting there for long hours reading a book with coffee in hand, and take a stroll on the beach talking to like-minded people! Talking of coffee, the best place on the beach is the “Namaste Cafe”, a very popular cafe for obvious reasons. It gives an amazing panoramic view of the beach, and an ambiance to hang out.

Kudle beach:

From the Om beach, we moved to our next destination- the Kudle beach. It’s again another secluded beach. In fact, all the beaches in Gokarna are secluded with gorgeous green cover. From the last drivable point, it took us a 20 minute trekking to reach the Kudle beach.

The C-shaped beach looked really attractive even from a long distance. During our short stay there, we met three young chaps/adventurers from Hyderabad who had just completed their trekking in the adjacent hills covering all the beaches in Gokarna. I could clearly see the excitement and the happiness writ large on their faces. I instantly felt the urge to come back to Gokarna at the earliest! But then it was time to say good-bye to Kudle beach, and Gokarna.

Moving to Murudeshwar:

The auto-rickshaw driver dropped us at the bus station. As we were preparing to board a bus to Murudeshwar (80 kms), we realized that Suvendu forgot his jacket in the rickshaw! A long time bad habit of his! The rickshaw driver was kind enough to give it back on a phone call. However, we had to wait for the next bus! Lost some more precious day-light there!

Murudeshwar

To our good fortune, the bus dropped us near Murudeshwar just in time for the sunset. The bus dropped off on the highway, some 2 kms away from the Murudeshwar temple. We took an auto-rickshaw to reach the temple by 5.00 PM. As we were super excited about watching the sunset from above the Raja Gopuram (entrance tower) of the temple, Suvendu rushed to get the tickets (for only Rs.10).

Murudeshwar in the mythology:

According to Hindu mythology, Murudeshwar (Mrideshwara in ancient times) is the place where one of the pieces of Atma-Linga (soul) of Shiva (Hindu God) was dropped by Ravana (the demon King). In fact, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Vishnu had tricked him in order to prevent him from becoming immortal. To read the complete story, click here .

Though Murudeshwar has an ancient origin, the main temple was built in the 14th century by the Vijayanagar rulers. The impressive Gopuram and the Shiva statue were built in 2008 only.

Murudeswar temple complex has three main sections- the Raja Gopuram (entrance), the main temple and the huge Shiva statue (popular in Instagram). Standing at 237 feet (=72 mt) high, the Raja Gopuram is the second tallest Gopuram in India. Standing below the Gopuram, I was speechless! The massive tower, designed in south Indian architectural style with intricately carved statues, was so impressive!

Watching sunset from the Raja Gopuram:

When we reached the elevator to go to the 18th floor of the Gopuram (of the 20 floors) , there was a small que. They managed the crowd very well, I must say. We felt so lucky that we reached there at the perfect time, just when the sun was going down the horizon by turning the sky bright orange! The panoramic view of the Shiva statue (123 ft=37 mt) by the sea facing the temple, and the sea beach was absolutely spectacular. The Arabian sea surrounds the temple complex on three sides; so, you can imagine the amazing view from the top, especially of the beach.

Onward to Udupi:

After the sunset, we spent about half an hour at the temple complex, and then came to the highway to take our next bus to Udupi, 103 kms away.

After a long waiting, we got the bus, but there was no seat! You can imagine how difficult it would be to stand in a moving bus after a long day in the sun! But luckily, we got two seats midway.

Besides, we were so hungry that we could eat grass! And as if the driver could sense it, he stopped the bus and Suvendu brought some food from a roadside eatery to much respite from hunger.

We reached Udupi around 11 PM, and didn’t have a hotel to check-in! Actually, we were expecting a number of hotels near the bus station. But there was hardly any! Taking the help of google ratings, and google maps, we identified a hotel nearby, and walked up to the hotel. Fortunately, they had a room for us. We checked-in immediately, and took a good sleep to revitalize our bodies for the next day.

Day-3 : Udupi - Mangalore - Delhi

Udupi has been a center of pilgrimage since ancient times with two very important temples attracting scores of devotees. These temples- Chandramauleshwara temple and Anantheshwara temple are still there; but the town is now famous for another temple- Srikrishna Math. Along with its religious importance, Udupi’s diverse natural beauty attracts thousands of visitors. Lovely beaches, rivers, backwaters, and forests make fore a relaxed few days. The amalgamation of cultural importance and natural beauty makes Udupi such an amazing place to explore!

Udupi has so many amazing places to explore that 1 day would never be enough. However, we had chosen our places of interest by prior research.

Srikrishna Math:

We started our last day around 9.00 AM by visiting Srikrishna Math. The Math was located at a walkable distance from the hotel. Though we couldn’t enter the temple (prayer time was over), the outside environment was quite devotional. People were paying obeisance from outside only. We loved taking pictures of the Gopuram (entrance tower) and the beautifully decorated chariot standing outside the temple.

According to legends, in the 13th century AD, a ship coming from Dwarka carrying the statue of Balakrishna faced a storm at Udupi coast. The saint Madhavacharya helped the ship to safety, and thus, got the statue of Balakrishna as a gift.

$srikrishna-math-udupi$

Madhavacharya established the Srikrishna Math and instituted the statue there. Since then this temple became popular among the devotees. Madhavacharya established 7 more Maths in Karnataka to popularize the Dvaita Vedanta philosophy .

From near the temple, we hired an auto-rickshaw to show us around Udupi. To make things convenient, and to our good fortune, we got an amazing human being as the auto-rickshaw driver- Satish.

Our auto-rickshaw driver friend:

Sometimes, while travelling, you meet absolutely adorable people. This time, it was our autorickshaw driver friend- Satish. A middle-aged man with a warm and golden heart.

Neither he understood much Hindi, nor we understood any Kannada. But luckily, he managed some broken Hindi, and we got some communication going!

While talking to us during the drive, he actually broke down explaining the plight of his sister’s broken marriage! Such an emotional and kind hearted person!

He went out of the way to help us in everything we needed. On the way to the Kemmannu bridge, he actually took us to his home, and introduce to his lovely wife, and loving mother-in-law. They even offered us some food and beverages! Their love and affection filled our heart with joy. This indeed is the essence of travel, and travel indeed is the essence of life !

Malpe beach:

Our first stop was the Malpe beach. This is the most popular beach in Udupi with water sports, food stalls, etc. I especially loved the art work on the coconut trees by the beach. Besides, the fishing boats, fishermen, and visitors engaged in myriad beach activities made the beach vibes come alive.

Malpe Sea-walkway:

About 2 kms away from the Malpe beach is the Malpe sea-walkway (came up recently in 2018). The walkway is situated at the tourist jetty where boats leave for the St. Mary’s island. It goes 450 meters into the sea, and provides for a pleasant stroll with fresh air brushing your hair. As we were there early in the afternoon, it was too hot for a walk. But we did take a few lovely pictures there.

Kemmannu hanging bridge:

It’s a hidden gem nestled in the lap of nature, located in Thonse village towards the Delta point. Kemmannu bridge, a 280 ft long suspension bridge over the Swarna river , gives the most photogenic view of the place. Set in a serene village environment, it has a typical rustic charm. We loved walking over the bridge to the other side and watch the river flow below our feet.

Some visitors were engaged in kayaking in the river. I definitely wanted to do the same, in case I had some more time! Of all the places in Udupi, Kemmannu bridge was the place where I wanted to spend a lot more time.

Hoode beach:

Though this was not in our plan, Satish suggested and took us there on the way to the Delta point. It’s a long narrow strip of beach, very narrow, maybe only 10 feet wide! But lined by coconut trees and big boulders, it looked beautiful.

After having a look around, we moved to our last destination for the day: the Delta point.

Delta point:

The road towards the Delta point was awesomely handsome! It runs between the Sita river on one side, and the Arabian sea on the other! Delta point is the point where the river meets the sea. As we reached the Delta point, I felt as if it was the end of landmass on earth! The view of river meeting the sea was really enchanting.

Further, this meeting point forms a beach too- the Delta beach. Observing the small crabs come out of their holes on the beach was delightful. And watching the fishing boats coming from, and going into the sea was fascinating!

Places we missed out in Udupi:

From the Delta point, Satish took us to the bus station where we got on to a bus to Mangalore. We had been to Mangalore exactly one year before this trip, and had explored a bit then. So, we decided to directly move to the airport.

We had an indirect flight to Delhi via Mumbai; reached home well after midnight. Though we were extremely exhausted by then, the thrill of the exciting trip kept us in good spirits.

Coastal Karnataka : Road trip tips

Start and finish:.

If you are from Karnataka, well, of course, you would start at a point closer to you.
But, if you are from outside, I would suggest starting from north, i.e. Karwar and ending in south, i.e. Mangalore. Because at the end of the road trip, you would be tired, and would like to take a flight rather than a train. And Mangalore has an airport. There is no airport near Karwar; but has a railway station. So, it’s good to reach Karwar by a train, and take flight from Mangalore.

Minimum number of days:

Local buses:

Buses don’t run for long distances on the coastal route. So, you would have to change frequently. If you have time on hand, that’s great. Otherwise, plan your itinerary keeping enough time for transits.

Budget trip tips:

For some great tips on budget trips, please check out our post: “ How to make your budget trip enjoyable “

Things not to miss:

A morning stroll on the Kudle beach in Gokarna
Enjoy the sunset at the Om beach in Gokarna
Watching sunset from the Raja Gopuram at Murudeshwar
Kayaking at the Kemmannu bridge in Udupi
An evening walk at the Malpe Sea-Walkway
Eat a great Dosa in a popular restaurant in Udupi
Visit the Srikrishna Math in Udupi
Spend an evening at the Delta point in Udupi

What a road trip that was!

Long road trips with frequent changes are never easy. And we didn’t have the luxury of time as well. We could have easily taken a cab somewhere to ease things out. But no. We decided to keep it difficult, in order to experience the difficulties associated with budget trips. We stayed in modest accommodations, and ate at small eateries. In spite of all the difficulties, we could make it, and we really enjoyed the trip.

With age catching up, we are not sure if we can do this more often. But one thing is sure that we will keep it simple and cost-effective all the time.

Reflecting on some learning:

Road trips are tiring, but extremely rewarding. You get to see the people of the region up close, and interact with them while travelling in a local bus.
The best beaches in India are not in Goa! Gokarna has some of the most beautiful beaches in India.
Overcoming the fear of the unknown. When we started the road trip, we hardly had any information of the region. But we just kept going!
Language can not be a barrier in establishing relationships. My mother tongue is Gujarati, Suvendu’s is Odiya, and Satish’s language was Kannada. But we did communicate well.

Concluding note

We will come back.

In this trip, we could explore only 3 places to some extent (didn’t quite explore Karwar and Mangalore). However, there are quite a few smaller and even lesser known places, which are worth spending time. Places like Manipal, Varanga, Baindur, Hannovar beach, Jog falls and Kumta are quite lovely places in their own right. Besides, due to paucity of time, we couldn’t even explore the places that we visited, very well. So, we will definitely come back for a slow-travel in this region, especially to explore the myriad flavors of the not-so-touristy places.

Sharing is a great idea, isn’t it?

If you liked our road trip experience in coastal Karnataka, do write a feedback below.
And if you want to share your experience of the region, we would love to hear from you.
What do you love the most about your road trips? Do share with us.

If you would like to read more about Karnataka, here is a read on “ Hampi- a true world heritage “.

16 Responses

Prince Prasannan

Very nice places. Costal Karnataka is my favourite place also. I went to Udupi migambika temple, Karwar, murudeswar etc. Very nice.

stampedmoments

Yes, Udupi and Murudeshwar are quite amazing places! Thanks for sharing your experiences.

Soumen Chatterjee

Just awesome experience while reading it, a three day trip seems to be a great learning and discovery. What you plan and what actually happens has a great learning, so sometimes what we plan actually does not happens all the times. Day 1 started from Palolem to Karwar. What I came to know about Karwar is Karwar played a very important role in the evolution of Konkani culture and language. Apart from its popular beaches, there are mountains for trekking lovers, islands, a historic fort, ancient temples, and a popular mosque. Day 2 is the most interesting and my favourite trip Karwar – Gokarna – Udupi. Coming to Udupi , I have heard lot about Gokarna , Gokarna Gokarna is a small, adorable, but largely unexplored town located by the sea and it has lot of beaches may that be Om beach or Kudle beach and covering the Half-moon beach and Paradise beach through the mountain slopes. Next was Murudeshwar which has lot of history and architectural temples.watching sunset from Raja Gopuram is stunning and not to forget The panoramic view of the Shiva statue (123 ft=37 mt) by the sea facing the temple, and the sea beach was absolutely spectacular. Day 3 Udupi – Mangalore – Delhi. Udupi has always been a center of pilgrimage since ancient times with two very important temples attracting scores of devotees. These temples- Chandramauleshwara temple and Anantheshwara temple are still there; but the town is now famous for another temple- Srikrishna Math. Along with its religious importance, Udupi’s diverse natural beauty attracts thousands of visitors. Lovely beaches, rivers, backwaters, and forests make fore a relaxed few days. The amalgamation of cultural importance and natural beauty makes Udupi such an amazing place to explore!. Visiting the famous beaches like malpa beach, delta point or may that be Malpe Sea-walkway,Kemmannu hanging bridge, Hoode beach, all has its own story. And finally Mangalore though not much explored. Overall a great journey.

Hey Soumen! Thanks a lot for reading it, sharing a feedback as always. Yes, road trips are always difficult. But very rewarding. Keep connected, mate.

Sanjay Deshmukh

Narrated the travel story beautifully. Got totally immersed in it while reading.

Waiting for more.

So glad to hear this! Thanks a lot for reading, and sharing your feedback. Keep connected, please.

Sarita Rout

So many great places in coastal Karnataka! Wow! I’m marking some of these to visit one day.

Absolutely! Coastal Karnataka is really amazing, but underrated. Do visit some of the places.

It was lovely reading the Blog, Very honest and real experience sharing. This gives a real picture of the places and let people choose their comfort places.

Thank you Nisheeth for your warm feedback. We try to be as close to reality as possible. Glad that you found the article/s useful. Keep reading, and keep sharing your thoughts.

KarnatakaHolidayVacation

Create lasting memories with our unforgettable Hampi badami tour package. Experience the magic of these historic sites with KarnatakaHolidayVacation. Book your journey today

Thanks for interacting with us. I hope you have read our articles on other Karnataka destinations. Keep connected. Thanks.

IsaacAnderson1

Nice blog about How to reach karnataka and places to visit and things to do, very useful information.

I’m so happy you liked the article; it’s always our effort to give as much practical information as possible. Thanks a lot. Keep reading us; keep encouraging.

At KarnatakaHolidayVacation, we believe that travel is not just about reaching a destination but about creating lasting memories such as karnataka temples tour packages. Whether you seek serene getaways in the misty hills of Ooty and Coorg, spiritual journeys through Karnataka’s temples, or adventures in historic cities like Mysore, hampi badami tour package, our team is dedicated to making your dream vacation a reality. What sets us apart is our commitment to providing you with well-planned and customized tour packages that suit your preferences and budget. We work with experienced guides and partners to ensure that you have an enriching and seamless travel experience from start to finish. Our mission is to showcase the hidden gems and well-known treasures of Karnataka, offering you a chance to connect with the culture, traditions, and natural beauty that make this state so unique. Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple seeking a romantic escape, or a family in search of an adventure, we have the perfect package for you. Let KarnatakaHolidayVacation be your trusted travel companion, turning your vacation dreams into cherished memories. We look forward to being a part of your unforgettable Karnataka adventure. Discover, Explore, Experience – KarnatakaHolidayVacation

Hi! Good to know about your services. All the best!

See my latest post: Monsoon Road Trip In Malenadau, Karnataka

Karnataka is one of the five South Indian states. Located in the south west, Karnataka has enough and more for every kind of traveler. Nature lovers can explore the hill stations, national parks and nature reserves. History buffs can visit world famous archeological sites, including those that come under the UNESCO World Heritage list. The religious can visit the numerous temples, churches and mosques dedicated to possibly every major religion. The long coastline is open to travelers who just want to relax and do nothing.

The best way to experience Karnataka is by making a road trip. Well developed highways run through the State, covering almost 1,22,489 km of area. Of this, 2357 km is maintained by the National Highways Authority of India and 28,311 km is maintained by the Government of Karnataka.

It is most logical to start your trip from the capital city of Bangalore. The Kempe Gowda International Airport is well connected with the rest of the country, so this is likely to be your port of entry. For a complete list of flights that land in Bangalore, you could look at one of the online air ticket booking websites like Cleartrip. It is easy to hire taxis or rent self-drive vehicles in Bangalore. Pick a car of your choice and prepare to hit the road!

Once you arrive, you probably want to pick a place close to the Central Business District (CBD) to stay. Mahamta Gandhi Road (M.G Road) on CBD also has plenty of good hotels for stay. My pick would be Vivanta By Taj because of its proximity to the best restaurants and pubs located on M.G road, Koramangala and Indiranagar.

Nandi Hills , 60 km from the city , is a great half a day trip towards the north of Bangalore. Popular among youngsters, Nandi hills offers quick relief from the congestion of the city because of its clean air and great views.

Recommendation : You could spend around 3 days exploring Bangalore and one of the other places of interest outside the city.

Mysore , the erstwhile capital of Karnataka, is culturally more interesting than Bangalore and just 120 km away by road. You can easily reach Mysore in about three hours.

The famous Mysore Palace is a must-see because it combines several architectural styles. Take it slow, and spend half a day exploring the grand lifestyle of the Wodeyar dynasty. Close to the Mysore Palace, the Mysore Zoo has an impressive collection of wild animals. Karanji Lake in the heart of the city sees a lot of migratory winged visitors. A short distance away from Mysore is the abode of the fierce form of ‘Shakti’ known as ‘Chamundi’. She resides at a hillock known as Chamundi hills .

You could again make several short one-day trips from Mysore.

If spending time in the wild is on your bucket list, you could visit, Bandipur , Nagarhole or Ranganathitu . The former two destinations have great options for overnight stay and safari. The latter can be seen in a few hours. The bird sanctuary at Ranganathitu is just off the Bangalore-Mysore highway so you could even take a detour on your drive from the city. The best season to see migratory birds is between January and June.

Migratory Painted Stork at Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary

Gopalaswamy Betta , Srirangapatna and Melkote are lesser known temple towns close to Mysore. Visit to experience the cultural side of India.

While Srirangapatna, Melkote and Ranganathitu are nearby, Gopalswamy Betta is in the Chamrajanagar district and closer to Bandipur.

Mangalore – Gokarna

Mangalore is a prominent port city on the western coastline of Karnataka. It makes sense to travel by road from Mangalore to Gokarna to visit popular tourist destinations peppered on the way. While Mangalore is famous for its temples, churches and educational institutions, Gokarna is fast replacing Goa as the party destination of South India.

Mangalore’s best kept secret is its wallet-friendly ice cream parlours. Known to mostly only the locals, the popular joints are Pabbas and Ideal. Be sure to try out the local favourite called Gadbad !

Gokarna comprises of three popular beaches and several other smaller ones. Om beach and Kudle beach are the most happening of the lot. If you are the adventurous kinds, you can trek up a hillock and reach Paradise beach from Om beach . Bumming around on the sand is the best thing to do in these beaches! If you are spiritually inclined, you must visit the Mahaganapathi temple and Mahabaleshwar temple .

Gokarna is 5.5 hours from Mangalore. For a large part of this journey, you will have the Arabian sea to keep you company. You would need around 5 days to cover this circuit of your road trip, including an overnight stay at Coorg.

Hampi – Badami

A visit to Karnataka would be incomplete without seeing the remains of the erstwhile empires of Vijayanagar and Chalukya at Hampi and Badami respectively. Both locations are listed as UNESCO world heritage sites.

View of the Tungabahdra River and Rocky Terrain of Hampi from Ma

You can easily spend 2 days exploring the numerous temples and ruins dotted across the rocky landscape along the Tungabadhra river. Daroji, a village near Hampi, has a vast area which is marked as a bear sanctuary. If you visit the sanctuary after 3 pm, you can be assured of seeing the bears that come out from their dens to feed. This place is not on the tourist map, so it sees very few visitors. For a complete guide on Hampi, read this blog .

About 140km from Hampi, in the village of Badami is where you will find the ruins of the erstwhile Chalukyan empire. Completely different from Hampi, Badami is famous for its rock cut cave temple and fort. Pattadakal is another important tourist centre close to Badami and is located on the left bank of the Malaprabha River in Bagalakote. You would require about 2 days to tour Badami. More information is available in this post .

I hope you found this road trip guide useful. Do let me know your favourite destinations in Karnataka in the comments below!

Lovely post. And for your photographs I have only one word “WOW”.

Beautiful road trip plan there Pratap. Probaby you might want to do one which caters to something like Long weekend ( 3-4 days ) covering some of these places which will be useful for IT folks. And some more for backpakkers who are game for 1-2 week travel. Really nice image to compliment the writeup.

Your Photography work and the details of all the Posts is always truly Amazing. Keep Posting your work .All the Best in Future as well.

Thanks , Abhinav Raina Gurgaon

Nicely written post..

Well Post and described ..

Such a well written, informative and beautiful blog. Super and very helpful to me!

Thanks! This was what I was looking for and amazing photography.

Add a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

The Coastal Karnataka Road Trip – A Journey across beaches, waterfalls and backwaters

My attempts at completing my engineering in Bangalore introduced me to the gorgeous beaches of Karnataka . This state is majestically bestowed with the lush green Western Ghats and the lovely white sandy beaches. At places both wonders meet and present the visitors with gorgeous and serene spots tailor made just for your retreat.

Photo of The Coastal Karnataka Road Trip – A Journey across beaches, waterfalls and backwaters 1/1 by anshul akhoury

Coastal Karnataka comprises of regions like Karavali and Udupi. An ideal road trip starts from Gokarna and takes you through Udupi, Devbagh Island, Murudeshwara, Marvanthe, Surathkal and finally Gokarna (and if you want a grand ending then Goa).

A recommended itinerary for the road trip is to explore Bhadra Wildlife sanctuary in the morning and then stay in Mangalore. Next day explore Udupi and later call off the day in Murudeshwar and finally the last day in Gokarna or Goa however you wish to call your day off. This route is filled with beautiful temples, forts and small shacks serving fresh sea food. A plate of squid chilli with a glass of toddy is an experience out of the world.

Places of interest en route

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

Bhadra wildlife Sanctuary

Technically, Bhadra doesn’t fall on the Coastal Karnataka route. One has to take a detour and visit Bhadra. But the immense amount of greenery, pleasant views and beautiful birds hiding in plain sight makes for a perfect trip experience. The wildlife safari (till my last knowledge) was not conducted under government undertaking. River Tem Lodge used to conduct safari at 6:30 AM and 4:30 PM. The road to the interiors of the park is through a hilly path constructed through The Western Ghats and the park presents you with a nice chance to see birds and spotted deer.

Where to stay – You can either stay in Chikkamaglur for budget options or choose one of the resorts nearby the sanctuary.

Surathkal Beach

Photo of Surathkal, Mangaluru, Karnataka, India by anshul akhoury

Located in the proximity of Mangalore, Surathkal is a favourite getaway for the locals of the town. Beach shacks and sea food make for the perfect holiday experience. The tranquil beach also offers a chance of swimming. If you are on a road trip and have limited number of days then a better idea will be to visit this beach and then drive straight to Malpe.

Where to stay – The perfect stay experience comes from beach shacks which charge nothing more than INR 200 to 300 for a small beach facing room. There are luxury resorts in the area too.

Malpe Beach and Saint Mary’s Island

Photo of Malpe, Karnataka, India by anshul akhoury

The next important stop of the trip is Malpe. This pristine beach filled with budget resorts is also known for a number of water sports (way cheaper than Goa). A small walk will take you to the ferry point from where you can get your ride to Saint Mary’s Island. This island is bestowed with rocklike columns made of basalt lava. These columns are a result of volcanic eruption thousands of years ago when Madagascar was still attached to Indian Subcontinent.

Where to stay – Malpe Beach has multiple resorts that offer budget and luxury stay options.

Marvante beach

Marvanthe Beach

There are not many places where the Sea Shore and Backwaters exist side by side with just a road to divide them. This gorgeous beach is an ideal stop on your way to Gokarna as it presents you with pristine views you won’t find anywhere.

Where to stay – Marvanthe is treated as a stopover for snacks and lunch. If you still want to stay for the night then you will find a few resorts and stay homes in the proximity.

Murudeshwar

The gigantic Shiva Statue overlooking Arabian Sea is something that even a first time visitor would recognize. Murudeshwar has a charm that makes you want to spend a day or two in peace here. Surrounded by the Western Ghats, place seems to have come out of the pages of Malgudi Days. Cheap hotels, sea food at every local stall and tons of adventure sports at the main beach will fulfil all your holiday dreams.

Where to stay – A small budget room in Mudurdeshwar will cost you INR 100 with a shared washroom. The quality of hotels and amenities increase further the way you wish to stay at.

Kudumari Falls

Kudumari Waterfalls

It takes a trek of 3 hours to reach the base of Kudumari Waterfalls. Located at a distance of 40 kms from Murudeshwar, the waterfall is best explored on a day trip and by driving to Chatkal Village from where the trek begins.

If you plan to spend a couple of extra days in Murudeshwar, then you will get time to explore nearby places on day trips. Baindur is a historical town located at a distance of 30 km from here. The beautiful secluded beach of Baindur is perfect for those who want to experience the serenity of Coastal Karnataka. Baindur is famous for many temples. Sri Seneshwara Temple, Sri Mahakali Temple, Sri Sita Ramachandra Temple, and Sri Someshwara Temple are located right at the beach.

Where to stay - There is a beach resort called Sai Vishram Beach Resort which offers a wide range of water sports.

Netrani Island

One of the best places for Snorkelling in Karnataka, Netrani Island is located at a distance of 20 km from Murudeshwar. You’ll enjoy the sights of various colourful corals, butterfly fish, trigger fish, parrot fish, eels and shrimps in the crystal clear waters of this island. Regular boats from Bhatkal and Honnavar ply between this island.

Where to stay – You can either stay in Murudeshwar or at Bhatkal for a direct mode of transport.

Hampi may take the glory of being the peak of Vijayanagara Empire, but Bhatkal too was an important part of this kingdom. This ancient port town is bestowed by several ruins and a number of Jain monuments.

Photo of Gokarna, Karnataka, India by anshul akhoury

Technically, the final stop of this gorgeous road trip has been a favourite of those who wish to escape Goa’s crowd. Gokarna is an ideal spot to experience a holiday enjoying the lush green hills and calm sea shores. You can also trek till Kumta through a well-planned trail that goes between the wildernesses of this region.

Where to stay – Gokarna has plenty of beach shacks, hostels, and stay homes ranging from INR 300 to 2000.

If you wish to continue the trip further, you can always plan your trip till Goa and if you have some extra time then take a detour towards Hubli and then explore Badami, Pattadkal followed by Hampi and Jog Falls. Obviously it will need an elaborate plan and more number of days but the scenic road trip will make you fall in love with Karnataka.

Frequent searches leading to this page:-

coastal karnataka tourist places , coastal karnataka places to visit, coastal karnataka tourist places, coastal karnataka road trip, tourist places in coastal karnataka

Andhra Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh
Maharashtra
Uttar Pradesh
West Bengal
New Zealand
South Africa
Bird Watching
National Parks
Paragliding
River Rafting
Scuba Diving
Jungle Lodges
Luxury Resorts

Karnataka Itinerary – 10 Days in Karnataka Tour Plan

February 29, 2024

One of the most under-rated tourist destinations of India, Karnataka boasts of long, pristine beaches, cloud-enveloped hills, dense and deep forests, breathtaking palaces, history-steeped heritage sites, sacred temples and churches, as well as urban metropolitan humdrum. It is indeed a difficult, almost impossible task, to come up with a Karnataka itinerary to tour the myriad sites of the state in seven days and not go away feeling like you still have so much left to explore.

Each site is remarkably different from the other and at the end of it all, you are left wondering if it was seriously just one single state that you had covered. Such, of course, is the charm and allure of a Karnataka trip!

Keeping in mind the hustle-bustle of our regular routines, we have curated just for you an ideal 7-Day Karnataka tour that will take you to the key sites of the state.

Karnataka Itinerary Snapshot :

Day 0 – Arrival in Bengaluru

Day 1 – Local Sightseeing in Bengaluru

Day 2 – Drive to Coorg via Mysore & Kushalnagar

Day 3 – Relax in Coorg + Local Sightseeing

Day 4 – Local Sightseeing in Coorg

Day 5 – Drive to Udupi via Mangalore

Day 6 – Relax in Udupi + Local Sightseeing

Day 7 – Drive to Gokarna

Day 8 – Relax in Gokarna + Local Sightseeing

Day 9 – Drive back to Bangalore, break journey at Shivamogga

Day 10 – Visit Jog Falls + Reach Bangalore

Planning your Karnataka tour

How to reach bangalore.

Kempegowda International Airport or the city railway station would be your arrival points in the city depending on your mode of travel. If you are travelling from any of the surrounding states, ample number of daily buses are available to reach Bangalore.

What are the most popular tourist destinations in Karnataka?

The geographical diversity of Karnataka is perhaps unparalleled. Some most-visited places are:

Bangalore- Not just the silicon valley of India, it has a rich history to boast of.

Mysuru- One of the cleanest cities in India, Mysore has much more than its famous Palace.

Hampi- The history buff’s paradise, the ruins of Hampi are a marvel to behold. Here, my post on 5-day Hampi itinerary might help you if you can spend 5 days here.

Gokarna- Swimming in the sea, seafood in the shack, strolling on the shores. Need we say more?

Coorg- Kushalnagar- Drench yourself in the heady aroma of the coffee plantations and cascading waterfalls of the Western Ghats.

Chikmagalur- Another hill station to soothe your tired soul.

Mangalore- For pristine beaches and mouth-watering cuisine.

Udupi- Vasco da Gama set his foot here to enter India.

Bandipur and Nagarhole National Park- For the thrill of a jungle safari.

Badami Caves – Fascinating rock-cut cave temples

Hassan and Shravanabelagola – Temples, ruins and a massive monolithic statue of Baahubali.

Is Karnataka safe for solo travelling?

Karnataka is undoubtedly safe for solo travel with all tourist destinations being well-connected by roads and having multiple options of public transport.

What is the best season to go on a Karnataka trip?

Bangalore is blessed with moderate climate throughout the year and the hill stations are definitely a joy in the summer months. The other towns, beaches and forests, however, can get rather hot and humid in summer and hence, October- March would be the ideal time to travel across the state. There are plenty of hotels and homestays available in all the tourist spots and cater to travellers of all budgets.

Is the trip to Karnataka affordable for budget and backpacking travels?

Karnataka offers a wide range of facilities to suit every pocket. From luxury suites to humble homestays, you can opt for what fits your need.

Is Karnataka a suitable choice for young travellers and senior citizens?

Absolutely! You will be travelling to and from sites in cars or buses and you can skip the treks. Carrying enough water on your visits to heritage sites should be enough to comfort your family.

Details of your 10-day Karnataka Itinerary

Day 1 & 2 – arrival and sightseeing in bangalore.

Bangalore is the largest and capital city of Karnataka. Well-connected by flights and trains from most cities of India, Bangalore boasts of an amalgamation of palaces, national parks, museums and pubs to kick start your Karnataka Vacation.

Try reaching Bangalore the night before or early in the morning so that you can make the most of your day. Head straight to the Bangalore Palace and let your eyes soak in the multiple hues of this European-style architecture. With intricate carvings and splendid decor, the palace will give you a glimpse into the past of this busy, urban technological hub.

Visit the Iskcon temple in Rajajinagar next and the Tipu Sultan Summer Palace thereafter. Both of these architectural marvels adorn the skyline of the city and draw many tourists to their doorsteps.

swarajyamag

Your next stop should be Lalbagh Botanical Garden to see its lush and luxurious gardens.

The highlight of your day will be the Banerghatta National Park, but don’t forget to take a small detour to the Bull Temple on your way. The animal safari at Banerghatta will be a memorable experience as you wander in a caged vehicle through the carefully constructed sanctuary and see tiger, lions, elephants, bears and other species in their almost-natural habitat. Take some time to go to the butterfly museum next door.

Drive down from Banerghatta to the Pyramid Valley in Kanakapura on the outskirts of the city. Catch the sunset here- the view is breathtaking! It is a meditation centre built amidst a sprawling landscape and will end your trip to Bangalore on a calming note. The centre closes at 6 p.m., so check if you have enough time on your hand.

Spend the last part of your evening shopping in the M.G. Road- Commercial Street area or chilling in one of the pubs in Koramangala or Indiranagar before resting for the night. Also, try to visit the Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath and the Big Banyan Tree in Uttarahalli, Hobli.

In case you miss out on any of these on Day 1, you could always visit them on the day you depart from Bangalore.

Day 3 ,4 & 5 – Mysore, Kushalnagar, Coorg

Mysuru is a 3-hour drive away from Bangalore. Outstation cabs, buses as well as trains are available. It’s advised to leave early to make the most of your second day of Karnataka tour. Your first stop must be the Mysore Palace, which is the former abode of the Royal family of the Wadiyars and is an exquisite blend of Indian, Islamic and European architectural traditions. The beauty of the palace gardens and the elegance and splendour of the palace itself will leave you quite dumbfounded.

onceinalifetimejourney

The Tipu Sultan fort and Ranganathaswamy Temple in the town of Srirangapatna are outside the city borders but the drive is worth it. The Somanathapura Temple, St. Philomena’s Church, Lalitha Mahal Palace, and Karanji Lake are a few of the suggested spots to visit.

traveltriangle

Also, the Folklore Museum, Railway Museum, Bonsai Garden, and Balmuri Falls are some of the most-visited places in the city of Mysore.

You can also visit the Chamundi Hills for an elevated view of the surroundings. Enter the Vrindavan gardens in the evening and see the light and sound show which happens around 7 p.m. It will be a relaxing end to an otherwise fulfilling day in the marvelous city of Mysore.

My post on 5-day Mysore itinerary might help you.

Day 6,7 – Mangalore – Udupi

From the soaring hills of the Western Ghats, plummet straight down to the Arabian Sea to the port town of Mangalore. The Panambur, Someshwara and Tannirbhavi beaches are the most popular.

newskarnataka

Temples to see: Kudroli Gokarnath temple, Kadri Manjunatha Temple, Kateel Durgaparameshwari Temple, Shri Sharavu Mahaganapathi Temple, Polali Rajarajeshwari Temple, Saavira Kambada Basadi (a Jain Temple). Of course, you can plan to visit as many of them based on your convenience.

Churches to see: St. Aloysius, Rosario Cathedral, Milagres Church.

deccanherald

Udupi is about 1 hour 30 minutes drive away from Mangalore and is the origin of the famed Udupi cuisine. Visit the St. Mary’s island where Vasco Da Gama is believed to have entered India.

Also on your list should be the Kaup Beach, Malpe Beach, Kudlu falls, the Anejhari Butterfly camp and Pajaka Kshetra, the birthplace of Sri Madhavacharya. There are several temples to see in this town as well, specially the Sri Krishna Matha.

While in Mangalore, try the special dishes of Mangalorean cuisine- Neer dosa and ghee roast mutton (or chicken).

Day 8,9 – Gokarna

karnatakatourism

Continuing on the trail of the Arabian Sea, reach the calm and tranquil waters of Gokarna.

travel.siliconindia

The beaches are clean, mostly populated by foreigners and the beachside shacks have some to-die-for seafood. Pomfret Prawn Masala, Kingfish along with some other delicacies are a must-try. Also, read my post on 25 things to do in Gokarna .

getbeyondlimits

Namaste Cafe on Om beach is the most famous one. Trek to Kudle beach from Om beach and enjoy some water sports as well. You could also trek to Yaana, known for its unique rock formations.

Day 10 – Drive to Bangalore, break journey at Shivmogga

If you are driving, you need to head back to Bangalore for sure. But, if you are open to flying back after the trip concludes, you can consider exiting from Dabolim Airport, Goa after Gokarna. It’s just 140 KMs away from Gokarna.

If you are driving, consider taking a break at Shivmogga for night halt. It is exactly in between. You can visit the Jog falls while you are at it.

Now, you know how to spend 10 days in Karnataka. But, for some people 10 days are long. They cannot get off from their work for 10 days. Rather, they can spend 3 days. Are you one such person wondering how to spend 3 days in Karnataka? If so, you should know about tourist places in Karnataka for 3 days.

Tourist Places in Karnataka for 3 days

Day 1: mysore’s regal embrace.

Start your journey in Mysore, the “City of Palaces.” Step into the opulent Amba Vilas Palace, a dazzling blend of Indo-Saracenic architecture, where sunlight dances on stained glass and gold leaf whispers the tales of maharajas. Next, stroll through the fragrant Lalbagh Botanical Garden, a paradise of flowering trees and cascading fountains. As dusk paints the sky, witness the mesmerizing illumination of Mysore Palace, a fairytale come alive in a million twinkling lights.

Not only for spending three days in Karnataka but also if you are looking for one day tourist places in Karnataka, you can choose Mysore. The traditional city has a lot of things to explore. As discussed in this post above, you can explore places like:

Chamundi Hills
Mysore Palace
Balmuri Falls
Railway Museum
Folklore Museum
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary

You can explore whatever possible during your one-day Karnataka trip. Coming back to your interest for tourist places in Karnataka for 3 days, you can head to Coorg. You can reach Coorg from Mysuru within around three hours drive. The distance between Mysuru and Coorg is around 118 km.

Day 2: The Enchanting Western Ghats

Rise to the misty embrace of Coorg, the “Scotland of India.” Breathe in the crisp mountain air as you drive through rolling hills draped in coffee plantations. Hike to Abbey Falls, where cascading water whispers secrets to the ancient ruins, or visit Talakaveri, the birthplace of the mighty Cauvery River. In Madikeri, explore the Raja’s Seat, a scenic viewpoint offering breathtaking panoramas, before savoring Coorgi cuisine, a burst of flavors with a hint of coffee.

After completing your exploration in Coorg on day 2, you can continue your Karnataka tour by driving towards Mangalore. You can reach Mangalore from Coorg within around three-and-half hours:

Day 3: Coastal Karnataka’s Allure

Head to Mangalore, where the Arabian Sea washes away all your worries. Stroll along the golden sands of Panambur Beach, feel the rhythmic thrum of the waves under your feet. Immerse yourself in the rich history of Kadri Mandir, a Hindu temple adorned with intricate carvings. At Kudroli Temple, marvel at the “Jain Disneyland,” a vibrant complex of temples and gardens showcasing architectural finesse. End your trip with a sunset cruise on the Netravathi River, watching the sky dance in hues of orange and gold as you bid farewell to the magic of Karnataka.

Karnataka’s treasures are endless, and even 3 days offer a glimpse of its captivating spirit. So, pack your bags, open your heart, and let Karnataka unfold its magic as you embark on an unforgettable adventure!

When talking about Karnataka Trip, many people wish to explore the capital city of Bangalore. If you can spend a day or two in Bangalore during your Karnataka Trip, you should visit Bangalore. Indeed, Bangalore is part of our 10-day Karnataka itinerary. However, if you would love to learn about one day tourist places in Karnataka, Bangalore is the best city to choose.

Places to Explore in Bangalore in One Day

As you are looking for Bangalore tour itinerary in one day, you can plan your visits to the following places:

Start early in the morning in this Karnataka itinerary and start your exploration at Cubbon Park. After visiting this park, finish your breakfast in one of the nearby restaurants. Thereafter, you can head to Vidhana Soudha. You can complete your morning breakfast at Mavalli Tiffin Room. Here, you can enjoy traditional south Indian breakfast. The idlis, dosas and filter coffee will help you get the best start.

After breakfast, you can head to Lalbagh Botanical Garden. If time permits, you can climb the Lalbagh Rock. Thereafter, you can head to Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace. After exploring these places, you can indulge in local cuisine. You can taste the local flavors at Karavalli or Vidyarthi Bhavan.

After your lunch, you can head to Commercial Street to finish your shopping. You will find a wide range of items to explore in the Commercial Street. Then, with your shopping bags full, head to Bangalore Palace.

In the evening, you can head to MG Road for an exciting stroll. You can find a wide range of entertainment options, cafes and vibrant shops in the popular MG Road.

You can end your day by visiting the UB City Mall. It is an upscale shopping and dining destination. Enjoy a relaxed evening with dinner at one of the many restaurants.

Concluding your Karnataka Trip

A complete understanding of the culture and heritage of the state is perhaps impossible in a week of Karnataka tour, but you will definitely go back a more enlightened person. We want to reiterate that to enjoy the full splendour that the place has to offer, you may have to stay beyond the prescribed time and stretch it to 10 or even a 12-Day Karnataka itinerary.

Discover The Ultimate Guide To Reaching Coorg From Top Indian Cities

How to reach coorg (kodagu) from delhi-mumbai-kolkata-bangalore.

C oorg, or Kodagu, is an enchanting place in the southern state of Karnataka. Surrounded by the Western Ghats hills and with its peaceful atmosphere, Coorg has become a popular destination for travellers from around the world. Misty landscapes, lush coffee plantations and rich cultural heritage are just some of the reasons why Coorg is one of India's most famous hill stations. When you visit this place, it doesn't just make your heart full but also leaves you with a lot of adventures and knowledge about South Indian culture. The only downside? It's not easy to get there! Especially if you're coming from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata or Bangalore. That's why we made this guide to help anyone going on a trip understand all their options.

1.Reaching Coorg from Delhi

Coorg doesn't have an airport so tourists will have to fly into Mangalore International Airport (IXE) instead. This major air hub is roughly 165 km away from Coorg and takes about 3-4 hours by taxi or bus. From Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), several airlines operate direct flights to Mangalore which usually takes around 3-4 hours.

There are no direct trains from Delhi to Coorg unfortunately. Mysore Railway Station is around 120 km away from your destination and offers several trains that makes stops at both these destinations on its way such as Karnataka Express and Swarna Jayanti Rajdhani Express. You can check train schedules on any booking website or app.

Though long, driving down all the way from Delhi to Coorg will be worth it! With so many beautiful sights along the way, time won't even matter! The road distance between these two cities is around 2,500km - 2,800km depending on which route you take; meaning it'll take you around 40-45 hours to cover this trip in one go. If you're not into doing a straight drive, you can also take National Highway 44 (NH44) via Hyderabad or National Highway 48 (NH48) via Nagpur and Hyderabad. Changing scenery and some different food options at pit stops could make all the difference!

2.Reaching Coorg from Mumbai

Mangalore International Airport (IXE) is where your flight search should end. As the closest airport to Coorg that has flights operating there, it will bring you around 3-4 hours away by taxi or bus. There are daily flights available from Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) to Mangalore which usually takes around 1.5-2 hours.

Trains are extensively popular for getting around India! If you're not into flying then maybe trains will tickle your fancy. Delhi to Coorg does not have a direct train, just like Mumbai so you can't avoid having to make an extra stop. Regardless, there are plenty of trains that go to Mysore Railway Station which is located about 120 km away from Coorg. Some include Mumbai CSMT-Mysore Express and Udyan Express so look them up and see if this matches your preferences.

In terms of time and adventure, road trips with stops are the way to go. Based on the route you choose, Mumbai to Coorg is typically 1,000-1,200 km in distance. The two most popular routes are National Highway 48 (NH48) via Pune and National Highway 48 (NH48) via Kolhapur. You can hire private taxis, self-driven cars or take interstate bus services.

3.How To Reach Coorg From Kolkata

There aren't any direct flights between Kolkata and Coorg but don't worry because it's only a quick drive after landing depending on what airport you land at. After taking a flight from Kolkata to Mangalore International Airport (IXE), it'll take approximately 3-4 hours by taxi or bus to get there. Be aware that layovers may differ when taking connecting flights in places such as Bengaluru or Chennai so the total duration including layovers would range from 4-6 hours.

Just like the Mumbai-Delhi route, neither Mumbai nor Delhi offer direct train services for this journey either. First things first though: from Howrah Junction Railway Station in Kolkata to Mysore Railway Station which is around 120 km away from Coorg will already take about day or night depending on the train you decide to hop onto! There are many trains operating on this route such as the Howrah-Mysore Express and Shalimar-Mysuru SF Express but after reaching Mysore station, it'll be another 3-4 hour drive.

A road trip with multiple stopovers wouldn't just be exciting but could also be time-efficient for those who want some scenic beauty along the way.

IMAGES

13 Historical Places to Visit by Road Trips in Karnataka
Wonderful Road Trips to Take in Karnataka
Road Trips to Explore The Forts in Karnataka
50 Tourist Places to Visit in Karnataka: Best Time to Visit
25 Awesome Places To Visit In Summer In Karnataka
13 Historical Places to Visit by Road Trips in Karnataka

VIDEO

ನಮ್ಮ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕದಲ್ಲಿ ನೋಡಲೇಬೇಕಾದ 10 ಪ್ರವಾಸಿ ತಾಣಗಳು !
EP 2
Karnataka Tour Complete Details in Telugu || Important Places to Visit
Beautiful places to visit in karnataka # best place in karnataka # top places in bangalore #
How we planed Karnataka trip || Route map || budget tour 7 days|| travel boast || 100s clip from map
DAVANGERE TO UDIPI || Beautiful roads ever🥰 || Karnataka || Day 2

COMMENTS

Wonderful Road Trips to Take in Karnataka
Wonderful Road Trips to Take in Karnataka - Check out the 15 best places to visit in and around Karnataka including Lepakshi, Munnar, Coorg, Wayanad, etc. based on time, distance, best places to see, and things to do. ... For your north Karnataka road trip, what can be a better place than Hampi. It is a famous destination among the history ...
Coastal Karnataka Tour in 7 Days
A road trip to Coastal Karnataka is an invigorating experience. A Coastal Karnataka tour from Bangalore by road makes you experience gorgeous beaches, rivers, backwaters, temples, and heritage spots. It is not as crowded by tourists as in neighboring Kerala - which is good in a way - and is a captivating milieu of culture and relaxation for ...
A Perfect Road Trip in Karnataka
Day 12- Explore Hampi. Hampi, the city of ruins, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On this road trip in Karnataka, there are a lot of things to see. And, Hampi is a prime place of importance. This place is a historical delight for travellers. Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagar empire around 1500 AD, and by some accounts, the second-largest ...
Entire Karnataka By Road In 10 Days
10 Days. DURATION. ₹ 20k. TRIP COST. So, I woke up to the news that my friend bought a Mercedes Benz. Like always, a gang of friends bank on that one car for all road trips. Unfortunately, it was a sedan and we mocked him for buying a car which can't do road trips on different kinds of terrain.
35 Best Tourist Places to Visit in Karnataka
Discover best tourist places to visit in Karnataka state - travel guide, sightseeing attractions with itineraries, trip duration, weather, season & route map. Karnataka is well known for national parks, waterfalls, beaches, palaces, piligrimage & Heritage sites. At least 6 days required to explore karnataka tourism.
9-Day Coastal Karnataka Itinerary
Karnataka's coastline that hugs the Arabian Sea for a little more than 300 kilometres, has many amazing places. We present here a coastal Karnataka itinerary that extends from Mangalore to Karwar and includes some of the important beaches and places near the coast. So if you are planning for a coastal Karnataka road trip, then these coastal Karnataka places that we have covered should be useful.
Coastal Karnataka Road Trip Itinerary: Route, Distance, Cost
Time on the road: 2 hours 30 minutes. Distance: 107 kilometres via NH75 and NH66. Pit stop: Gorge on the chicken ghee roast at Shetty's Lunch Home in Kundapur. Top experiences: In Dakshin Kannada, trek through the Western Ghats' numerous forest trails that lead up to the hills of Amedikallu, Ettinabhuja, Gadaikallu and Kumara Parvata; go ...
Our Coastal Karnataka Road Trip
Places to visit on the coast of Karnataka. A perfect coastal Karnataka Trip Itinerary. Day 1 & 2 : A Bangalore to Mangalore road trip & Exploring Mangalore. Day 3 & 4: Mangalore to Udupi & Exploring Udupi. Day 5: Udupi to Gokarna via Murudeshwar. Day 6 & 7 : Gokarna. Day 8: Gokarna to Karwar.
10 Best Places in Coastal karnataka road trip 2023
6. Karwar (coastal karnataka road trip) Karwar is a Karnataka destination known for its gorgeous beaches, proximity to Goa, the Kali bridge, a leisure park, a planetarium, and other attractions. Karwar is a port city on the Arabian Sea famed for its magnificent beaches and lush green hills.
35 Best Road Trips From Bangalore in 2024
Here is the list of 35 Road Trips From Bangalore To Add To Your Travel List. 1. Chikmagalur, Karnataka. 4.4 /5 View 15+ photos. Known For : Baba Budangiri Mullayanagiri Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. Chikmagalur, the Coffee Land of Karnataka, is situated in the foothills of the Mullayanagiri range.
13 Best Places To Visit In Coastal Karnataka
Located almost midway between Mangalore and Udupi, this place makes for a great pit stop on any Coastal Karnataka road trip itinerary. The main highlight of Kaup beach is the 120-year-old, black and white lighthouse that stands on top of a small cliff.
Coastal Karnataka
The thing I love about road trips is that you can plan pitstops and one of them was the drive through Agumbe(which luckily falls en-route). ... Of Coastal Karnataka Demystified Southindiaitinerary Roadtrip Day 7 Coastal Karnataka Karwar The Sleepy Beauty Tourist Places In Karnataka That Will Give Every Traveller Major 5 Hampi Land Of ...
The Perfect One Week North Karnataka Itinerary
Having lived in Bangalore, Karnataka, it was quite easy for us to do a road trip to north Karnataka. We spend eight wonderful days in the last week of December, driving north from Bangalore to Chitradurga, Gadag, Badami, Vijayapura, Gulbarga and finally Bidar. ... Considering we did a road trip over eight days, our total expense came out to be ...
Monsoon Road Trip in Karnataka in 12 Days
The Circuit - Bangalore - Sakleshpur - Madikeri - Mangalore - Udupi - Murudeshwar - Gokarna - Sirsi - Tirthahalli - Sringeri - Chikmagalur - Bangalore. Total distance - 1500 KMs. Total number of days - 12. Map - We have split the circuit into two legs as Google allows only 10 places at a time! Check out the ...
Karnataka trip planner: make a Karnataka itinerary & map
With Wanderlog's mobile travel planner on Android and iOS, access and edit your trips wherever you go — even while offline. 4.9 on App Store, 4.7 on Google Play. Keep your places to visit, flight/hotel reservations, and day-by-day itineraries for your trip to Karnataka in our web and mobile app vacation planner.
Coastal Karnataka : Saga of an exciting road trip
This story is as much about Coastal Karnataka, as about the exciting road trip that we had this winter. Coastal Karnataka is serene, tranquil and gorgeous, and largely unexplored by travelers outside of Karnataka. We had planned for a road trip by taxi from Goa to Mangalore. But we ended up doing it by local transport- an experiment we wanted ...
How to Plan a Two Week Road Trip in Karnataka
The best way to experience Karnataka is by making a road trip. Well developed highways run through the State, covering almost 1,22,489 km of area. Of this, 2357 km is maintained by the National Highways Authority of India and 28,311 km is maintained by the Government of Karnataka. Here is a guide on how you can plan a 1400 km road trip in ...
Coastal Karnataka Tourist Places: Read about the Best Beaches in
Netrani Island. One of the best places for Snorkelling in Karnataka, Netrani Island is located at a distance of 20 km from Murudeshwar. You'll enjoy the sights of various colourful corals, butterfly fish, trigger fish, parrot fish, eels and shrimps in the crystal clear waters of this island. Regular boats from Bhatkal and Honnavar ply between ...
Karnataka Itinerary
Karnataka Itinerary Snapshot: Day 0 - Arrival in Bengaluru. Day 1 - Local Sightseeing in Bengaluru. Day 2 - Drive to Coorg via Mysore & Kushalnagar. Day 3 - Relax in Coorg + Local Sightseeing. Day 4 - Local Sightseeing in Coorg. Day 5 - Drive to Udupi via Mangalore. Day 6 - Relax in Udupi + Local Sightseeing. Day 7 - Drive to ...
The Dream Western Ghats Road Trip In 2024 (With Map)
Day 4 - Coorg. Day 5 - Bandipur/ Mudumalai Tiger Safari. Day 6- Kodaikanal. Day 7- Munnar. Though I imagine this as a long drive it could also be a route for the Western Ghats bike trip. Total distance -1295 km. Route. The Western Ghats start from Maharashtra and there are some pretty spectacular spots there.
Discover The Ultimate Guide To Reaching Coorg From Top Indian Cities
The road distance between these two cities is around 2,500km - 2,800km depending on which route you take; meaning it'll take you around 40-45 hours to cover this trip in one go.

Select city

Wonderful Road Trips to Take in Karnataka

15 Best Places to Visit in And Around Karnataka

2. Skandagiri

4. Avalabetta

5. Sakleshpur

7. Kudremukh

10. Kodaikanal

14. Bylakuppe

You May Also Like

11 Top Places to Visit from Bangalore to Pondicherry Road Trips that You Must Take

Choicest Locations for Some Fantastic Road Trips from Coimbatore

11 Best Road Trips to Buddhist Holy Places in India

35 Best Tourist Places to Visit in Karnataka

3. Chikmagalur

6. Murudeshwar

8. Bandipur National Park

9. Mangalore

10. Nagarhole National Park

11. Dandeli

13. Srirangapatna

14. Sringeri

15. Pattadakal

17. Somnathpur

18. Jog Falls

19. Halebidu

20. Kemmanagundi

22. Bangalore

23. Sakleshpur

24. Shravanabelagola

25. Shivanasamudra Falls

26. Irupu Falls

31. Kollur Mookambika Temple

32. Kukke Subrahmanya Temple

33. Manjunatha Temple - Dharmasthala

34. Melukote / Melkote

35. Horanadu Annapoorneswari Temple

Most Asked Questions on Karnataka

Top 6 Karnataka Packages

Similar Getaways

Popular Bangalore Getaways

Popular Karnataka Getaways

100% SECURE PAYMENTS

Our WhatsApp Numbers

Planning a Trip?

Sign in with Trawell.in Account

Activate Your Trawell.in Account

Reset Your Trawell.in Password

Booking Policy

9-Day Coastal Karnataka Itinerary – Best Coastal Karnataka Places

Coastal Karnataka Itinerary – Coastal Karnataka Trip Plan

Coastal Karnataka Tourist Places Map

Coastal Karnataka Itinerary – Day 1

Mangalore – Coastal Karnataka Itinerary

Udupi – Coastal Karnataka Tour – Day 2

Udupi and Baindur/ Byndoor – Coastal Karnataka Places To Visit – Day 3

Baindur and Kasarkod – Coastal Karnataka Road Trip – Day 4

Kasarkod Blue Flag Beach – Day 5

Gokarna – Karnataka Coastal Tourism – Day 6

Gokarna – Karwar – Day 7 – Coastal Karnataka Itinerary

Karwar – Day 8 – Coastal Karnataka Itinerary

Karwar – Day 9 – Coastal Karnataka Itinerary

Best Time To Visit Coastal Karnataka | Beach Places In Karnataka

Our List of Recommended Hotels for Coastal Karnataka Itinerary | Karnataka Beach Tourism

Booking Your Hotels For Your Coastal Karnataka Itinerary | Coastal Karnataka Road Trip

Baindur / Byndoor

Flights| Self-Drive Car Bookings For Your Coastal Karnataka Road Trip

Useful Travel Tips | What to Pack and Carry

Coastal Karnataka Road Trip – FAQ

Do You Love Traveling?

Explore these posts:

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Privacy Overview

Our Coastal Karnataka Road Trip

Places to visit on the coast of Karnataka

A perfect coastal Karnataka Trip Itinerary

Day 1 & 2 : A Bangalore to Mangalore road trip & Exploring Mangalore

Where to stay in Mangalore

Things to do in Mangalore

Top places to see in Mangalore