20 Historical Places In Karnataka Every History Buff Must Visit

The state of Karnataka is brimming with unique experiences, ancient monuments, amazing landforms, flora, fauna, and historical legends. Some of the most regal and opulent dynasties have ruled over these lands and left behind numerous historical places in Karnataka and archeological sites for us to explore in the future.

Ruled by Nanda Empire, Cholas, Mauryan Empire, Badami Chalukyas, Satavahanas, Rahstrakuta Empire, Kadambas, Western Gangas, and Western Chalukya Empire, Karnataka offers a fantastic experience to all the tourists and history buffs from India and beyond.

Top 20 Historical Places In Karnataka

Adotrip has created this extensive list of some of the most famous historical places in Karnataka that are still fragrant with the impressions left by the early rulers on every nook and cranny of Karnataka. Have a look at all the famous monuments of Karnatak so that you don’t miss out on any while you are there. 

1. Pattadakal

Pattadakal is a treasure trove to the Hindu and Jain devotees. The small village houses a series of ten majestic temples made from stone which dates back to the 7th and 8th centuries that makes it one of the oldest historical places in Karnataka. Out of ten temples, nine are Hindu and one is a Jain temple. The temple complex was included in the list of Unesco World Heritage sites in 1987. To revive the ages-old culture of Pattadakal, the Government of Karnataka organizes the Pattadakal Dance Festival every year in January.  

2. Sringeri

Located in the Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka, Sringeri is a tinsy hilly town which is also known as Sri Kshetra Sringeri. It is a prominent spiritual center that was built by the Adi Shankaracharya back in the 9th century. It is believed that Adi Shankaracharya stayed here for 12 significant years to teach his disciples. Sringeri is one of the most important historical places in Karnataka for Hindu pilgrims.

3. Mirjan Fort

Located on the banks of the Aghanashani River, the Mirjan fort is the epitome of the regal history of Karnataka. The fort is spread across an area of 4.1 acres which is situated 11 km away from the town of Kumta. This fort deserves to be on the list of famous historical monuments of Karnataka because the fort saw some of the fiercest wars in the past which happened in the 16th and 17th centuries.   

4. Madikeri Fort

Madikeri Fort is amongst the main attractions of Coorg in Karnataka that offers a pleasant escape from monotonous city life. The fort gives a peek inside the glorious history of Karnataka. Built by the Muddu Raja back in the 17th century, the Madikeri fort offers amazing views in the backdrop to admire and is considered one of the best monuments of Karnataka. 

5. Somnathpur

The temple of Somnathpura is prominent for preserving the ancient architecture of the Hoysala which is also known as Prasanna Chennakeseva Temple or Kesava temple. Built during the year 1285, the Somnathapur temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna making it one of the most important spiritual and historical places in Karnataka for Hindus.

6. Melukote

Situated in the Mandya district of Karnataka, Melukote holds significant importance for the Hindus in South India. Melukote boasts many old temples and famous festivals like Vairamudi which hosts devotees from all over India. It is amongst the must-visit historical places in Karnataka. 

7. Talakadu

The small town of Talakadu sits snugly on the banks of the Kaveri River. Talakadu is a mystical town with a rich heritage and history. This town is famous for many ancient temples but the most famous among them is the Vaidyanatheshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Many other temples in this town have been dug out from the land making it a part of the historical places in Karnataka.

8. Bidar

Once the powerhouse for the many ancient kingdoms like Chalukyas, Allauddin Khilji, and Muhammad bin Tughluq, Bidar is a bustling town that now boasts numerous historical monuments of Karnataka that are famous for their spellbinding architecture, interesting history, and magnificent artifacts. 

9. Hassan

Only 187 km away from Bengaluru, situated in the Malnad and Maidan districts, Hassan is deemed as the temple capital of Karnataka. The temple site drew its name from the presiding goddess Hasanamba, which means “Smiling Mother” when translated to English. Hassan is among the most prominent historical places in Karnataka because of its ancient Hoysala architecture.

10. Hampi

Famously deemed as the “City of Ruins”, Hampi is known for the ancient temples and monuments that date back to a thousand years. Hampi houses more than 500 ancient temples, archeological monuments, bastions, and treasury buildings making it one of the most famous historical places in Karnataka. The hippie vibe of this town along with vibrant street markets attracts several backpackers from all over the world. Don’t forget to indulge yourself in the extravagant Hampi Festival while you are there. 

11. Mysore

Ruled by the Wodeyar dynasty for seven centuries, Mysore is one of the most iconic destinations of Karnataka. Brimming with outstanding palaces and monuments of Karnataka like Mysore Palace, Lalitha Mahal, Jagmohan Palace, and Brindavan Gardens, Mysore attracts more than 2.5 million tourists each year. 

12. Bijapur

Home to the mausoleum of Mohammed Adil Shah known as Gol Gumbaz or Gol Gummata, Bijapur is one of the must-visit historical places in Karnataka. The mammoth-like structure, Gol Gumbazz is one of the biggest domes in India. That’s not all, the historical place like Bijapur is dotted with famous monuments like Shivagiri, Jama Masjid, and Bara Kaman.

13. Shimoga

Shimoga was the important seat for many ancient dynasties that ruled over Karnataka. Any list of historical places in Karnataka would be incomplete without Shimoga on it. Tourists can have a sneak peek inside the rich history of Shimoga at Shivappa Nayaka Palace Museum. This historical town is surrounded by diverse flora and fauna to keep nature lovers entertained.

14. Badami

Badami is probably the most offbeat location on this list of historical places in Karnataka that boasts a unique rock-cut temple of Mahakuta. The gigantic dolmen is the evidence that Badami was settled in prehistoric times. Other major attractions of Badami include red sandstone cliffs, Badami Fort, and Agastya Lake. If you like to show off your spunky side then you can try your hands in rock climbing in Badami. 

15. Halebidu

Once the capital of the Hoysala Empire in the 12th century, Halebidu now attracts history buffs and archeological junkies from all over the world as it is also famous for being one of the most important historical places in Karnataka. The shrines and the temple complexes will never seize a chance to amaze you. Hoysaleshwara and Kedareshwara temples are the must-visit attractions in Halebidu.

16. Aihole

The temple complex of Aihole is among the most famous monuments of Karnataka that should be on your list to explore. Aihole houses more than 100 carved temples built during the reign of the Chalukya Empire. This temple complex is being considered to be included in the Unesco World Heritage Sites.

17. Dandeli

Dandeli is a place that you should surely visit if you like history and old architecture. This ancient place is blessed with verdant foliage, dense forests, and smashing views. Situated at the banks of the Kali River, Dandeli stands out from other historical places in Karnataka because of its world-famous limestone caves. The Kavala caves of Dandeli were formed due to the volcanic activities in the region that attracts a huge influx of tourists every year. 

18. Ramanagaram

The most popular weekend getaway location for the people of Bangaluru, Ramanagaram is amongst the most celebrated historical places in Karnataka. Surrounded by lush greenery and tucked amongst the tough rocky hillocks, Ramanagrama was once a busy silk route of Karnataka.

19. Karkala

Another offbeat place on the list of historical places in Karnataka. Karkala is essential in this list because of the ancient temples and Jain Basadis. The place derived its name from the word Karikal which means “Black Stone'' when translated to English. This has been nominated as a Unesco World Heritage Site and is an essential religious place for Hindus and Jains. 

20. Bengaluru

Last but not least, Bengaluru is the capital city of Karnataka which is also known as the “Silicon Valley”. Other than being the IT capital of India, Bengaluru is yet another mention on the list of historical places in Karnataka that you should visit. The city is sprinkled with enchanting palaces, glorious forts, and lots of other places to visit. 

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