Nagarhole National Park is a famous wildlife sanctuary located in the districts of Kodagu and Mysuru in the state of Karnataka. It forms part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and is known for its rich forests, rivers, and diverse wildlife.
Hogenakkal Falls is a famous waterfall located on the Cauvery River in the Dharmapuri District. Often called the “Niagara of India,” it is known for its spectacular cascades, rocky cliffs, and misty atmosphere. The name Hogenakkal means “smoking rocks” in Kannada, referring to the water splashing over the rocks like smoke.
Male Mahadeshwara Hills (MM Hills) is a sacred hill range located in the Chamarajanagar District near the border of Tamil Nadu. The hills are famous for the Sri Male Mahadeshwara Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and attract thousands of devotees throughout the year.
Bandipur National Park is a famous wildlife sanctuary in Karnataka and part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Known for its rich biodiversity, it shelters tigers, elephants, leopards, deer, and many bird species. The park features dense forests, open grasslands, and scenic landscapes, making it one of South India’s most important wildlife conservation areas.
Mysore, often called the “City of Palaces”, is one of Karnataka’s most popular tourist destinations, known for its royal heritage, majestic palaces, lush gardens, and vibrant cultural festivals. Mysore is also famous for its Dasara festival, silk, and traditional cuisine.
Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hill and Chamundeshwari Temple, Brindavan Gardens, St. Philomena’s Church, Jaganmohan Palace and Art Gallery, Karanji Lake and Nature Park, Rail Museum Mysore, Mysore Zoo (Sri Chamarajendra Park), Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Lalitha Mahal Palace, Kukkarahalli Lake, Sand Sculpture Museum, Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion, Regional Museum of Natural History, Melukote (Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple).Etc...
Mysore Palace, officially called Amba Vilas Palace, located in Mysuru, Karnataka, is the royal residence of the Wadiyar dynasty. Built in 1912 and designed by British architect Henry Irwin in Indo-Saracenic style, the three-storey granite palace features domes, arches, Durbar Hall, and Kalyana Mantapa. It becomes spectacular during the Mysuru Dasara when illuminated with thousands of lights, attracting visitors.
Chamundi Hills rises about 1,000 meters above sea level near Mysuru. It is famous for the sacred Chamundeshwari Temple, dedicated to Goddess Chamundi. The hill also features a giant Chamundi Hills Nandi Statue, panoramic viewpoints, and a long flight of steps. It is a major pilgrimage and tourist destination offering scenic views of the city.
Brindavan Gardens is a famous terraced garden built below the Krishna Raja Sagar Dam across the Kaveri River, about 20 km from Mysuru. Developed in 1932 by Sir Mirza Ismail, the gardens feature lawns, colorful flower beds, fountains, boating facilities, and a popular musical fountain show in the evening, attracting large numbers of tourists.
Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is Karnataka’s largest bird sanctuary located on the Kaveri River near Srirangapatna. Established in 1940 by ornithologist Salim Ali, it consists of small river islands that host migratory birds like painted storks, pelicans, herons, and spoonbills. Boat safaris allow visitors to closely observe birds and marsh crocodiles.
Shuka Vana is a unique bird rehabilitation and conservation center located at Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Ashram in Mysuru. It shelters hundreds of birds, especially parrots, macaws, cockatoos, and exotic species rescued from captivity. The sanctuary focuses on bird care, breeding, and conservation while allowing visitors to observe colorful birds in spacious aviaries.
Mandya district, known as the “Sugar City of Karnataka”, is famous for its fertile agricultural lands, scenic riverbanks, and historical sites. Located between Mysore and Bangalore, Mandya offers a mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and religious attractions, making it a peaceful destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and exploration.
Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) Dam and Brindavan Gardens, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Shivanasamudra Falls, Gopalakrishna Temple, Panchalingeshwara Temple, Melukote (Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple), Srirangapatna (Ranganathaswamy Temple, Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, Daria Daulat Bagh, Srirangapatna Fort, Gumbaz).
Shivanasamudra Falls is a magnificent waterfall formed by the Kaveri River. Located near Malavalli, it splits into two cascades—Gaganachukki Falls and Bharachukki Falls. The scenic island town of Shivanasamudra is surrounded by lush forests and rocky gorges, attracting tourists for its spectacular views, hydroelectric power station, and beautiful natural surroundings.
Melukote is a historic temple town located in Mandya district of Karnataka. It is famous for the Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple and the hilltop Yoga Narasimha Temple. The town is an important center of Sri Vaishnavism and is associated with the philosopher Ramanujacharya. Its sacred tanks, hills, and temples attract pilgrims and tourists.