Discover Karnataka's hidden gems: 8 must-visit places from Hampi to Badami

Hampi, once the capital of the powerful Vijayanagara empire, is located on the southern bank of the Tungabhadra River, some 340km from Bengaluru. The city's temples are renowned for their grand scale, intricate ornamentation, exquisite carvings, impressive pillars, and stunning pavilions. These temples showcase a rich array of iconographic and traditional depictions, including scenes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

Badami, a town immersed in history, is renowned for its architectural wonders, caves, natural beauty, and rock-cut temples. The Badami Caves complex, a potential UNESCO World Heritage Site, is considered one of the finest examples of rock-cut monuments in India. Badami offers visitors a glimpse into Karnataka's rich cultural heritage, making it an ideal destination for art and nature enthusiasts.

Jog Falls, nestled within the lush forests of Sagara, Karnataka, is formed by the Sharavathi River cascading over four stunning waterfalls: Raja, Rani, Rover, and Rocket. As the second-highest plunge waterfall in India, Jog Falls is a spectacular sight, with an enormous volume of water plummeting from a height of 829 feet every second.

Kabini, a protected forest area named after the Kabini River, connects Nagarhole, Bandipur, and Mudumalai. It is one of the largest and most vibrant forest areas in India and a beloved destination for wildlife enthusiasts. The best time to visit Kabini is during the dry season, from October to June.

Nandi Hills, situated approximately 60 kilometers from Bengaluru, is a picturesque destination that offers a peaceful retreat from the city's chaos. Known for its breathtaking sunrises, lush greenery, and historical significance, Nandi Hills is an ideal getaway for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and history buffs. The best time to visit is between September and February when the weather is pleasant and cool.

Coorg, also known as Kodagu, is an administrative district in Karnataka renowned for its natural beauty. Situated on the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats, Coorg is the perfect place for hiking, bird-watching, or simply immersing oneself in nature. The region boasts rivers, waterfalls, a national park, a wildlife resort, Buddhist monasteries, and more, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a serene location.

The Mysore Palace, also known as Amba Vilas Palace, is a stunning architectural marvel designed by British architect Henry Irwin. The three-storied stone edifice, built of fine gray granite, features deep pink marble domes dominated by a five-storied 145-foot tower with a gilded dome topped by a single golden flag. The palace showcases the classic Indo-Saracenic style, with its façade adorned with onion domes, turrets, minarets, cupolas, canopies with arches, intricate balconies, porches, and colonnades.

Ramanagara, located about 100 km northeast of Mysore on the Bangalore-Mysore road, is distinguished by its dramatic rocky formations, outcrops, and stark hills. This beautiful place gained popularity after the filming of the movie Sholay and has become a favorite among adventure sports enthusiasts. Ramanagara offers numerous opportunities for rock climbing, rappelling, and bouldering, as well as a temple dedicated to Rama, which can be reached by climbing about 350 steps.