Karnataka has seen various significant events during colonial times. It co-existed with external cultures and mended well with them over time to finally become the state we know today. Moreover, umpteen number of historical monuments in Karnataka make it a paradise for history buffs.
A large number of forts, temples, paintings, monuments, and cultural events showcases the vibrant history that Karnataka has to offer. Visiting this place and knowing its past events is every historian's dream. And to assist you with the same, we bring you the ten most famous historical places and sites to visit in Karnataka in January 2022.
Mysore Palace, Mysore
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Located in the heart of Mysore facing the eastward face of Chamundi Hills rests the royal Mysore Palace. It is Wadiyar dynasty's official residency and one of the most famous historical monuments in Karnataka having being visited by over 8 million travellers annually.Bidar Fort, Bidar
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Bidar Fort is one of the historical landmarks in Karnataka that hold authentic architectural brilliance of the early South Indian dynasty. The fort is now considered one of the formidable ones in India. Bidar Fort's true origin is lost; however, it is said that the massive fortress has had a vibrant history and has observed the ascent and fall of several dynasties including the Kakatiyas, Chalukyas, Satvahanas, and Yadavas followed by the Mughals and Nizams.Badami, Bagalkot
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The cave temples in Badami is intricate, yet it is magnificent for sightseers. It features 4 Hindu cave temples, and it is considered to be an ideal case of Indian rock-cut architecture (Badami Chalukya architecture) that dates back to the 7th century. All the four cave temples feature different themes and Hindu deities sculptures for the vacationists to explore.Hampi, Bellary
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Hampi Archeological Ruins incorporates many sections that require nearly an entire day or more to be completely explored. The number of Hampi Monuments are widely classified into Hindu, Muslim and Jain monuments, containing temples, hill towers, elephant shelters, mosques and mausoleum, memorials, water reservoir, fountains and community kitchens.
Gol Gumbaz, Bijapur
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Gol Gumbaz, one of the most visited historical places in Karnataka, is King Mohammed Adil Shah'sShah's mausoleum. The tomb was started being constructed in 1626 and completed in the year 1656. It showcases the excellent Deccan style of architecture and is named so owing to the Gol Gombadh meaning the circular dome.
Pattadakkal, Bagalkot
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Pattadakal, the ''City of the Crown Rubies'' is not just one of the famous historical places in Karnataka but also a world heritage site for witnessing the renowned Chalukya monuments. It is a village on the banks of river Malaprabha. The venue features ten temples, each one displayingMelukote, Mandya
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Melukote is a sacred place in the Mandya district of Karnataka. Nestled on the rocky Yadugiri Hills, Melukote features the Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple. The town is home to various ponds and shrines. It also flaunts the Academy of Sanskrit Research which features a collection of over thousands of Sanskrit and Vedic manuscripts.Bijapur fort, Bijapur
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Popularly known as the Agra of the South, Bijapur is one of the most famous historical places in Karnataka. The Bijapur Fort majestically stands in the Bijapur city of Karnataka. It was built in 1566 during Yusuf Adil Shah's reign. It is spread in a vast expanse and is enclosed within a 50 feet large moat.Belur, Hassan
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Perched on the banks of river Yagachi, Belur is a temple town and is famous as a jewel in the Indian cultural heritage. Chennakesava temple, a marvellous shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is a prime attraction in Belur. It was built by Shantaladevi, the wife of Hosayala king Vishnudeva and the intricate architecture of the temple has walls carved with green soapstone.Belavadi, Chikmagalur
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A small town with enchanting temples, Belavadi is situated in Chikmagalur in Karnataka. All the temples in the vicinity of Belavadi are constructed in Hoysala architecture and have labyrinthine carvings. The most famous structure is the Veernarayana temple dedicated toLord Vishnu. An interesting fact about the temple is that every year, 23rd March is the date when the rays of the sun directly enter into the sanctum of the temple.