Unseen Wonders to Explore in Karnataka with Road Trips
When you hear the word Karnataka, many images flood our minds, such as the regal temples, coffee plantations, and bustling metropolises. Yet there is another side of Karnataka that has been unexplored and wild, raw and untouched, and perfect for an adventure. These places are not necessarily remote or hidden; however, they have remained relatively unexplored due to the fact that there are very few people who know about their existence.
Some of them are so well hidden that even the people who have resided in this state hardly know about them. If you, too, are looking to tread the road less travelled and want to explore the natural wilderness of the beautiful Karnataka, you have landed at the perfect place. For the inner adventurer in you, we present the hidden tourist places in Karnataka, which will give you the joy of discovering something completely new. All you need is to book a car rental in Bangalore or any other city in Karnataka to explore the unseen wonders of the state.
15 Unexplored Places to Visit in Karnataka
- St Mary’s Island
- Shettihalli Church
- Netrani Island
- Kudurekuha Jamly
- Honnemaradu
- Bandaje Falls
- Maravanthe
- Agumbe
- Chorla Ghat
- Mullyanagiri
- Shivanasamudra
- Banavasi
- Gadag
- Karwar
- Arbi Falls, Manipal
1. St Mary’s Island
St Mary’s Island is not only beautiful but also has historical significance, and is one of the hidden Islands of Karnataka. According to legends, Vasco da Gama first landed on one of these islands and named it O Padrão de Santa Maria. In 2001, the Island was declared a Geological Monument of India.
- Best time to travel: October to January
- What to see: Beaches around, sea views, clear waters, and flora/fauna
- Things to do: Boat rides, relaxing walks, beach picnic, bird watching, and more
2. Shettihalli Church
If Gothic architecture fascinates you, the Shettihalli Church is a place you must visit. It is one of the hidden tourist destinations in Karnataka today, built in the 1800s by French missionaries. Between July and October, the church remains submerged.
- Best time to travel: December to May
- What to see: Gothic-style ruin built in the 1860s by French missionaries, surrounding Hemavati reservoir and dam.
- Things to do: Picnics, nature walks, partially submerged church especially after monsoon
3. Netrani Island
Among various unexplored places near Bangalore, Netrani Island is one. The Island is heart-shaped, and you may even spot wild goats here. You can try Scuba Diving and explore marine life on this island..
- Best time to travel: December to January
- What to see: Coral reefs, marine life, colourful fishes
- Things to do: Scuba diving, Snorkelling around reefs, Boat rides / speed-boat trips around the island, enjoying sea views, and underwater photography.
4. Kudremukh (Kudurekuha Jamly)
Kudremukh or Kudurekuha Jamly is a mountain range and one of the unexplored places in Chikmagalur. It is the second-highest peak in the state. You can visit the Kudremukh Tiger Reserve.This is a small hill station located in the Chikmagalur district surrounded by beautiful greenery and stunning hills. The area is characterized by thick forests, mountains, and waterfalls, and offers 13 distinct trekking routes. The natural surroundings around Kudremukh are pristine due to its low tourist footfall, making the hill station a year-round destination. Some of the other notable places to visit in Kudremukh include – Kudremukh Peak, Kudremukh National Park, Kalasa Temple Town, Hanuman Gundi Falls, Gangamool mountain, etc..
- Best time to travel: October to January
- What to see: Kudremukh Peak, Kudremukh National Park, Kalasa Temple Town, Hanuman Gundi Falls, Gangamool Mountain, Dense evergreen forests, and high altitude vistas
- Things to do: Trek in Kudremukh plateau, Birdwatching, wildlife spotting, Camping, and enjoy nature, river streams, and landscapes.
5. Honnemaradu
Honnemaradu is a small village situated at the backwaters of the Sharavathi River. There is a small reservoir in the village and a small Island amidst it.Honnemaradu is a quaint village by the reservoir, and offers various water activities, such as camping, canoeing, and lakeside relaxation in a serene valley setting. Nearby attractions include Dabbe Falls and the iconic Jog Falls.
- Best time to travel: October to November
- What to see: Calm reservoir lake, forested surroundings, hills, sunset and sunrise over water, plenty of bird life.
- Things to do: Kayaking / boating on the backwaters, camping by lakeside, trekking/hiking in nearby hills, relaxing, nature photography.
6. Bandaje Falls
Bandaje Falls, located in the Western Ghat, is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Karnataka, located in the Belthangady taluk of the Dakshina Kannada district. To reach the fall, you have to trek through the dense forests and grasslands, offering scenic views. It is a majestic 200-foot waterfall that cascades down into a deep valley. However, the waterfall dries up in the summer season. Hence, best visited after monsoon and during winter season.
- Best time to travel: November to March
- What to see: Beautiful waterfall, lush greenery, exploring western ghats
- Things to do: Trek to the falls, nature walk through rainforest, explore flora/fauna, camping.
7. Maravanthe
Maravanthe is one of the unexplored places to visit in Karnataka by road. You can see one of the most beautiful beaches here, which offers splendid views. The national highway that separates the two water bodies here makes the view even more spectacular.
- Best time to travel: September to March
- What to see: Long beach, unique geography, beautiful sunsets over Arabian Sea.
- Things to do: Beach walks, swimming, relaxing, local food and beach shacks.
8. Agumbe
As you visit Agumbe, you will find rain constantly drizzling. The small village is blanketed in verdant greenery, and you will also see some rustic cottages. If you want to experience peace, you should visit Agumbe.Travelers seeking an unforgettable weekend getaway in Karnataka, can consider an excursion to Agumbe. Surrounded by serene waterfalls, lush green surroundings, and rich landscapes, this destination is perfect for relaxing. The beautiful place has also been known as the ‘Cherrapunji of South India’.
- Best time to travel: November to February
- What to see: Rainforest, dense greenery, beautiful western ghats, sunset point, Gopalakrishna Temple, Barkana Falls, Onake Abbi Falls, Jogigundi Falls, Koodlu Theertha Falls in the vicinity, and Agumbe Rainforest Research Station (ARRS).
- Things to do: Trekking to waterfalls, bird watching, sunset watching, and forest walks.
9. Chorla Ghat
The tropical forest of Chorla Ghat is one of the tourist places near the Karnataka-Goa border. This is the perfect place for nature enthusiasts who also appreciate privacy. To enjoy every bit of the trip, tourists are recommended to stay overnight at any of the resorts here.
- Best time to travel: August to November
- What to see: Misty hills, forest cover, rivers, small waterfalls, abundant wildlife
- Things to do: Trekking, hiking through ghats, nature photography, bird watching, exploring waterfalls, and relaxing in the cool climate.
10. Mullyanagiri
The scenic beauty of Mullyanagiri is captivating. If you are fond of trekking, you should plan your road trip to this place soon. You can also visit the temple located at the top of the peak.
- Best time to travel: September to April
- What to see: Panoramic sunrise / sunset views from peak, Chandra Drona Parvatha views, surrounding peaks, Buddhist monuments.
- Things to do: Trek to the summit (moderate-level trek), camping, stargazing, hiking nearby trails. coffee plantations in Chikkamagaluru region around base.
11. Shivanasamudra
Shivanasamudra is an Island town known for its picturesque beauty. The waterfalls you witness here look no less than a dream. The two temples that you can tour here include the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple and the Sri Someshwara Temple. These temples are built in the Dravidian architectural style.
- Best time to travel: June to September
- What to see: The falls, especially after rains when volume is high, Islands between the river, viewpoints.
- Things to do: Boat rides, photography, walks near river banks, exploring nearby temples or local villages.
Banavasi is the oldest town in the state of Karnataka. Villages and forests surround the town, and you can visit the 9th-century Madhukeshwara Temple.
- Best time to travel: December
- What to see: Archaeological remains, temples, old inscriptions, Banavasi Archaeological Museum, and Madhukeshwara Temple.
- Things to do: Walk around the heritage town, visit local temples, experience local culture, stay in a village-homestay to see rural life.
13. Gadag
A road trip to Gadag is one of the best. What is more fascinating in Gadag are the Hindu and Jain temples scattered all through the town. The architectural style of this temple is Western Chalukyan. Other tourist attractions in this town that you can visit include the Dambala temple complex, Veeranarayana temple, Basaveshwara statue, Brahma Jinalaya, and the Dattatreya temple.
- Best time to travel: November to February
- What to see: Temples, Basaveshwara statue, Brahma Jinalaya, and more
- Things to do: Heritage walks, See sculptures, temple carvings, explore local food, and markets.
14. Karwar
Karwar, situated at the northern tip of Karnataka, is an undiscovered beach paradise that offers the most remarkable experiences. The area is blessed with a beautiful climate and is a haven for those who enjoy water sports and beach activities. This wonderful port town offers boat rides and different water sports. Additionally, you can also explore destinations such as Tagore Beach, Anshi National Park, Devbaugh Lighthouse, Venkatrama Temple, Durga temple, Sadashivgad Fort, and others.
- Best time to travel: October to January
- What to see: Karwar Beach, Devbagh Beach & Island, Sadashivgad Fort, Kurumasgad Island, Oyster Rock Lighthouse, Kali River Estuary, and Karwar Aquarium & Warship Museum
- Things to do: water sports, river cruise, trekking, island hopping, beach camping and bonfires, and experiencing seafood.
15. Arbi Falls, Manipal
The stunning white Arbi waterfall is one of those lesser-known places in Karnataka that is genuinely worth visiting when you want a holiday to explore new sights. The area gets torrential rainfall, and the hilly terrain of the area creates an exquisite pathway for the rainwater to flow downhill. The area offers several hiking opportunities.
- Best time to travel: November to February
- What to see: The waterfall, green vistas in the surroundings
- Things to do: Trekking or walking through forest / trail to reach the falls, picnic.
Takeway
The best part about these places in Karnataka is that they are easily accessible. You can drive to most of these places as they have excellent road connectivity. You can book a Revv car rental in Karnataka to reach any of these places. Revv offers the best car rental services across most major cities in the state, allowing you to reach your preferred weekend getaway.
So, if you have found an unseen wonder in Karnataka that you want to explore for a healthy dose of adventure, book a self-drive car rental to enjoy the drive and the location on your way at your own pace. While it may be challenging to find a taxi to take you to these locations since the usual tourists do not frequent them, you can easily take a Revv car rental service and drive there yourself. You get a trusty ride and complete freedom to explore these places or even try some overnight camping if your schedule allows.
