Karnataka is true to its tagline of, “one state, many worlds,” with a wide range of tourist offerings. But here we look at 5 of the offbeat places in Karnataka that you must visit. These can also be termed the best-kept secrets of Karnataka. If you want your Karnataka experience to go beyond Mysore, Bangalore, Hampi, Udupi and Gokarna, read on to know more about these offbeat places in Karnataka that are sure to appeal to the discerning traveller in you.
Table of Contents
5 Amazing Offbeat Places In Karnataka
The state of Karnataka is amply blessed by nature. It is studded with forests teeming with wildlife, its waterfalls and rivers strike a riveting symphony, while its rich heritage and folk culture evoke the grandeur of a grand era. Karnataka is a book of many wonders, waiting to be read. But hidden in this exciting book are many relatively unknown places that await your footfalls. Here are 5 of these offbeat places in Karnataka, that you must visit.
Mandalpatti In Coorg – Offbeat Places In Karnataka
Coorg District in Karnataka is famous as the “Scotland of India,” for its natural beauty and climate. One of the places to visit when you are in Coorg is Mandalpatti. This is a place that is visited by a relatively lesser number of tourists. It is reached either by means of a thrilling off-roading drive or by trekking. The place is located about 25 kilometres from Madikeri town.
The drive to Mandalpatti is an experience in itself and when you climb to the peak of the hill known as Mandalpatti or Muguli-Peth (Market of clouds), you feel as if you are in paradise. Green hills of the Western Ghats stretch out below you and white clouds rush past as if on a mission. You feel as if you have entered the womb of Mother Nature.
Nearest Airport: Mangalore.
Varanga Near Udupi – Offbeat Places In Karnataka
Udupi District in Karnataka is a veritable treasure trove for travellers with its many attractions. From the famous Udupi Krishna temple to beautiful beaches, Udupi has it all. Varanga, which is a small village in the Hebri Taluka of Udupi District is home to ancient and historic Jain temples. Varanga is surely one of Karnataka’s best-kept secrets. The Jain temples are great places to visit for connoisseurs of art, architecture, history, and nature.
The most beautiful of the Jain temple is of course the Varanga Kere Basadi, also known as Chaturmukha Basadi. It lies in the middle of a picturesque lake and is reached by means of an enchanting boat ride. The temple’s origins are traced to the 12th century, and it has four idols, namely Bhagwan Neminath, Bhagwan Shantinath, Bhagwan Parshvanath, and Bhagwan Ananthnath.
Nearest Airport: Mangalore.
Click here to read more about the Varanga Jain Temple
Click here to check out the 42 places to visit in Udupi District.
Click here to read about the best Beach Resorts in Udupi.
Attur Near Udupi – Offbeat Places In Karnataka
Attur located near Karkala in the Udupi district of Karnataka is home to a divinely beautiful church known as St. Lawrence Church. The church is located about 35 kilometres from the temple town of Udupi. This church is a minor basilica and is dedicated to St. Lawrence. a deacon who was martyred in the 3rd century. The history of St. Lawrence Church in Attur dates back to 1759 AD.
St. Lawrence Church draws huge crowds during the Attur Jathre or fair. The architecture of the Church is visually spell-binding and is a blend of Gothic and Romanesque styles. The church has been associated with miraculous powers, especially the miracle pond located next to the Church.
Nearest Airport: Mangalore.
Click here for a complete guide to visiting St. Lawrence Church in Attur.
Click here for a 9-day Coastal Karnataka itinerary.
Click here to explore the cuisine of Coastal Karnataka.
Anegundi Near Hampi – Offbeat Places In Karnataka
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi features prominently in the tourist map of Karnataka, however the same cannot be said for neighbouring Anegundi, just across the river Tungabhadra. Anegundi was the capital of the glorious Vijayanagara Empire, even before Hampi and is a complete destination in its own right.
Anegundi is a picturesque village surrounded by emerald paddy fields and majestic rocks that add drama to the landscape. The city is believed to be the Kishkinda which is mentioned in the epic Ramayana. There are many places of historic and mythological significance to be visited in Anegundi. When you are visiting Hampi, you should plan for at least a couple of days for Anegundi.
Nearest Airport: Jindal Vijaynagar Airport.
Click here to read all about Anegundi and the places to visit there.
Click here to read about the sustainable and eco-friendly arts and crafts of Anegundi.
Kasarkod Near Honnavar – Offbeat Places In Karnataka
Karnataka has a long coastline and is home to some of the best beaches. The beaches of Gokarna and Karwar are well known. However not many know about the Blue Flag beach of Kasarkod. This beautiful beach which has won the coveted international certification is located near Honnavar and is a beautiful and well-maintained beach that one must visit.
The eco-friendly Kasarkod Beach is a must-visit on your coastal Karnataka itinerary. It sets a high benchmark of safety and cleanliness that meet international standards. Kasarkod Beach is one of the two Blue Flag beaches in Karnataka.
Nearest Airport: Jindal Vijaynagar Airport.
Click here to read more about Kasarkod Blue Flag Beach.
We hope you are as enthralled reading about these offbeat places in Karnataka as we were while visiting them. We are sure you must be already packing your bags to head off to one of these amazing places, if not all. For more such interesting content, do subscribe to our blog and connect with us on our social media platforms.
Flights – Cleartrip or Makemytrip or IndiGo or Cheapair or Priceline
Tours – Click to book top tours around the world. Book tours and activities here.
Experiences – Book your next unforgettable experience here, with flexible bookings and free cancellations. Reserve tours and activities now and pay later.
Hotels – Click to book the best hotels/resorts. Choose the best stay options with TripAdvisor or Cleartrip or makemytrip or goibibo or Booking.com or HotelsCombined or Agoda
Travel Insurance – Click to book Travel Insurance that covers a range of travel insurance and safety services including medical emergencies, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more
Visas and Travel Documents Application – Click here for Online Travel Visa Check
Online Passport Photo – Get Your Passport Photo Online here
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] We’d love it if you’d comment by sharing your thoughts on this post and share this post on social media and with your friends. Follow our journey on our social media channels: Facebook X Instagram Pinterest YouTube
Start dreaming about your next adventure with Tripadvisor. Book your next unforgettable experience here with flexible bookings and free cancellations.
60+ Million Users Trust TripAdvisor With Their Travel Plans. Shouldn't You?
Each looks beautiful to me. Noted for when I finally return to that part of the world. The Scotland of India looks beyond gorgeous. You gotta love that climate too. Win-win scenario. Natural beauty and agreeable weather.