Looking for the best monsoon places in Karnataka? Bordering Maharashtra and Goa, Karnataka is one of the top states in India that offers a diverse landscape and a rich tapestry of history and culture.
It is also one of the states where you can enjoy the serene beauty of the Western Ghats. Hence, there are plenty of places to visit in Karnataka during monsoon. These places provide you with a terrific combination of natural landscapes, pleasant weather and outdoor activities.
Hence, they are ideal for those looking for short weekend holidays and even an extended holiday itinerary.
Apart from the scenic landscapes of the Western Ghats, Karnataka is blessed with historical and architectural marvels, spiritual and pilgrimage sites, serene beaches, cultural richness and modern cities. This allows you to make the most of your trip to various Karnataka monsoon destinations.
Let’s take a quick look at 15 monsoon places in Karnataka that you should not miss.
1. Agumbe
Nestled in the Western Ghats, Agumbe is perfect for those who love to enjoy the monsoon at its best. It receives a lot of rainfall during the monsoon season. Hence, it is often called the Cherrapunji of the South.
Note: Cherrapunji is a town in the state of Meghalaya known for receiving the highest rainfall in India annually.
With its lush verdant landscapes, Agumbe can provide you with amazing holidays, especially during monsoon in Karnataka. This place features dense rainforests and rolling hills that allow you to explore the scenery around.
Adventure seekers can enjoy various trekking trails that lead to stunning waterfalls like Barkana Falls and Onake Abbi. The rainforests of Agumbe Karnataka are also home to the elusive King Cobra.
Agumbe hills are at an elevation of 660 m (2165 feet) which is almost equivalent to that of Lonavala near Mumbai. While there are ample hotels in Agumbe, this place is not as commercialized as Lonavala.
2. Balagar
One of the best monsoon places in Karnataka that you should not miss this year is Balagar. This is a hidden gem in Karnataka where you can enjoy the lush verdant landscapes of the Western Ghats.
While you are exploring Balagar you also get to explore various coffee plantations and spice gardens that come across. With ample scenery and waterfalls around you can have a great time taking some stunning nature photographs.
With its rich biodiversity, Balagar is ideal for those who want to put their feet up and relax. You can enjoy the scenic views of River Kali (Kalinadi) and Sathoddi Falls.
However, with limited accommodation in Balagar, you need to ensure that you book resorts in Balagar in advance.
3. Bandipur
If you love wildlife and verdant landscapes, Bandipur is the right place to visit in Karnataka during monsoon. Known for its wildlife sanctuary and national park (Bandipur National Park) this place is ideal for wildlife photographers.
The town is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and offers you a variety of wildlife to explore. Here you can come across elephants, tigers, leopards and a variety of bird species. So, make sure you bring in your camera gear to capture some stunning wildlife shots.
Apart from capturing stunning pictures of these magnificent creatures you also get to explore some scenic spots like Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta and Moyar River. These places offer you a great holiday escape that you need while enjoying the monsoon in Karnataka.
4. Coorg
Coorg is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in monsoon in India. Often called the Scotland of India, Coorg is renowned for its lush green scenic views, rolling hills, and magnificent coffee plantations. This is also one of the best honeymoon places in India ideal for couples and newlyweds looking for quality time.
Locally known as Kodagu, Coorg offers a pleasant climate and plenty of local attractions that would ensure a good time. You can visit Raja’s Seat Garden, Abbey Waterfall, Iruppu Waterfalls, Mallalli Waterfalls, Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, and Mandalpatti Peak.
While you are here you can enjoy some delicious local cuisine which adds to the overall experience.
If you are getting married you can always plan your honeymoon the right way to Coorg and make the most of your time, effort and budget.
5. Chikamagalur
Nothing beats the combination of a hot cup of coffee during the monsoon in Karnataka. If you are a coffee person, Chikamagalur has to be one of the top monsoon places in Karnataka.
Known as the Coffee Land of Karnataka, Chikamagalur is nestled in the foothills of the Mullayanagiri range, the highest peak in Karnataka.
During the monsoon season, you can enjoy the pristine views of the coffee plantations along with misty pleasant weather. While you are here you can explore other local attractions like the Hebbe Falls and Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary.
Chikmagalur is a perfect destination for those who want to relax in the lap of nature and also for those who prefer some outdoor activities.
6. Dandeli
Nestled along the banks of River Kali (Kalinadi), Dandeli is a charming small town surrounded by dense forest. If you are looking for unique monsoon destinations in Karnataka, Dandeli should be on your list. If you are a nature enthusiast you will enjoy your monsoon holidays in Dandeli.
Apart from being a place where you can unwind in the lap of nature, you can also enjoy ample outdoor activities. Hence, you can look out for options like hiking, trekking, white-water rafting, kayaking and bird-watching activities.
You can also go exploring Kavala Caves and The Syntheri Rocks which are popular local attractions.
Nature lovers can explore the local flora and fauna. You can go walking and explore the region on foot. While you are here don’t miss visiting the Crocodile Park which offers a unique experience.
7. Gokarna
If you are looking for a change from dense forests and rolling hills you can head to the coastal town of Gokarna. Nestled on the west coast of India, Gokarna is one of the underrated places to visit in Karnataka during monsoon.
Gokarna is a great alternative for those who want to skip monsoon places in Goa but still prefer to be around the beach. Gokarna has some of the best beaches in Karnataka including Kudle Beach, Paradise Beach, and Om Beach.
During monsoon in Karnataka, Gokarna transforms into a lush green coastal town with a picturesque coastline and rocky cliffs.
It is also a popular pilgrimage site and you can visit the revered Mahabaleshwar Temple which is a popular tourist attraction.
Just three hours from Gokarna you can also visit Jog Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in India.
Gokarna’s strength lies in its laidback and tranquil atmosphere. This coastal town offers excellent accommodation choices. Hence, you can browse through a list of Gokarna hotels and various resorts in Gokarna.
8. Hampi
Hampi Karnata is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that can offer you a lot more during monsoon in Karnataka. Hence, you should have this on your list of monsoon places in Karnataka. This small town is a treasure trove of culture, history and architecture.
While you are exploring Hampi you can visit various temples like the Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple and the Stone Chariot. These architectural wonders will amaze you when you visit them in person. If you’re into architecture photography, Hampi will not disappoint.
If you are into photography, Hampi can provide you with ample architectural wonders to shoot. Also, you can capture some stunning natural landscapes, sunsets, ancient ruins and vibrant local life. Outdoor enthusiasts can look out for activities like hiking and rock climbing.
9. Kabini
Kabini is one of the places to visit in Karnataka in monsoon especially if you love peaceful retreat amidst nature. This place is ideal for wildlife and nature enthusiasts. During the monsoon season, this place transforms into a tranquil wonderland perfect for peaceful holidays.
Nestled in the Western Ghats, Kabini Forest Karnataka is a part of the Nagarhole National Park. With its rich biodiversity, you can likely find ample wildlife and birdlife here. You can head out for safari trips to spot elephants, tigers, leopards, and resident birds.
The serene backwaters of the Kabini River offer a perfect playground for boat safari adventures. If you are willing to spend money you can book luxurious Kabini safari resorts that offer a perfect spot for you to see tigers in the wild.
Kabini Karnataka is also ideal for those who love to trek the jungles and various guided nature walks which can be fun during the rainy season.
10. Kudremukh
A hidden gem, Kudremukh is one of the top monsoon places in Karnataka. If you are looking for a holiday where you can enjoy some breathtaking landscapes, you should choose Kudremukh.
Blessed with lush green hills, rolling meadows and pristine valleys, Kudremukh is a paradise for nature and landscape photographers. The region is blessed with various stunning waterfalls like Hanuman Gundi Falls and Kadambi Falls.
Kudremukh is also known for its pleasant and cool climate. During the monsoon season, you can enjoy the misty environment as you explore various local attractions. Kudremukh is also known for its coffee plantations.
Outdoor enthusiasts can buckle up for some amazing trekking trails throughout the region. You can also look out for camping and wildlife spotting tours that would offer you a great way to enjoy your monsoon holidays in Kudremukh Karnataka.
11. Kumarahalli
Nestled 90 minutes drive north of Coorg, Kumarahalli is a great alternative if you don’t want to choose Coorg. Unlike Coorg, Kumarahalli is not immensely popular and therefore you get fewer tourists here.
This quaint village in Karnataka is one of the best monsoon places in Karnataka offering you rural charm and vibe. Being close to Coorg, the scenic landscape is quite identical. Hence, you can enjoy rolling hills, dense forests, fast-flowing rivers and lush greenery here as well.
Enjoy bird-watching and outdoor activities like trekking, hiking and cycling in Kumarahalli. When you are done feast on some local cuisine which is the speciality of the region.
12. Mysuru
Formerly known as Mysore, Mysuru needs no introduction. It is probably the most popular destination on this list. Known for its sandalwood globally, Mysuru is a town packed with regal palaces, vibrant traditions, natural landscapes and lip-smacking food.
It is one of the famous places to visit this monsoon in Karnataka and you will not be disappointed. Mysuru has plenty of local attractions like the grand Mysore Palace, Lalitha Mahal Palace, Brindavan Gardens, Karanji Lake, St Philomena’s Church and the amazing Mysore Zoo.
If you are a foodie, Mysuru is nothing short of paradise. Try the nationally popular Mysore Masala Dosa and Mysore Pak. Shoppers can pick amazing sandalwood products, traditional handicrafts and Mysore silk sarees. Mysuru is also one of the top places to visit near Bangalore (now Bengaluru).
13. Nandi Hills
One of the popular places to visit near Bangalore in monsoon in Karnataka is Nandi Hills. Located 80 minutes drive north of the capital city, Nandi Hills is blessed with stunning natural landscapes and panoramic views.
This makes Nandi Hills one of the popular places to visit in Karnataka in the monsoon season. With its lush greenery, rolling hills and several vantage points you can have a great time here. This is ideal for those who want to enjoy a long drive out of Bangalore.
The place is also well-known for its mesmerizing sunrises and various outdoor activities like hiking and trekking. For accommodation, you can browse through a list of Nandi Hills resorts and hotels that are ideal for weekend getaways.
14. Sakleshpur
Nestled in the Western Ghats, Sakleshpur hill station remains one of the top Karnataka monsoon destinations. With its pleasant climate, lush greenery and verdant landscapes, you can have a great time putting your feet up.
You can look out for Sakleshpur resorts that would offer you accommodation in the middle of dense forests. This ensures breathtaking views, a serene environment and amazing amenities.
Outdoor enthusiasts can look out for tours that allow them to hike, trek and even visit coffee plantations. This hill station is also home to amazing waterfalls like Hebbe Falls and Hegde Falls.
You can also explore and hike the uniquely designed Manjarabad Fort. While most forts in Maharashtra do not focus much on design this one is built in French-star shape. The fort also offers historical insights and panoramic views of the surrounding forest.
15. Shivanasamudra
If you love watching waterfalls, Shivanasamudra is one of the best places to visit in Karnataka during monsoon. The place is known for its amazing waterfalls called Gaganachukki and Bharachukki Falls. This is a great place where you can enjoy the cascading waterfall as long as you prefer.
Apart from the waterfalls, you can enjoy the lush green landscape around the town. Shivanasamudra is ideal for nature and landscape photographers who would love to capture untouched natural landscapes with their cameras.
The town also has many picnic spots for families who prefer weekend getaway spots. Visitors can also enjoy outdoor activities like trekking and hiking when in Shivanasamudra.
Conclusion
If you are planning to enjoy the monsoon in Karnataka, many places would offer you a variety of things to do. As one of the biggest states in southern India, Karnataka offers a rich cultural heritage, pristine beaches, stunning architecture, amazing wildlife sanctuaries, historical forts, culinary delights, scenic hill stations and a lot more.
However, you must make plans on how you want to explore these monsoon destinations in Karnataka. With the right planning and knowledge you can decide which places match your preferences and budget.
So, which monsoon places in Karnataka are you choosing for your trip this year?
2 comments
I don’t know how anyone can decide, with so many marvelous destinations available, Sharukh. Balagar fascinates me, because I had not thought about spice gardens. As soon as I read that, I started trying to imagine the aromas in such a place. Waterfalls are a marvel of Nature’s power, so those places are attractive me too. Hugs to you and Sarah.
Well, different people have different preferences, Teagan. Some prefer beaches, some mountains, waterfalls, forests and wildlife and so on. Apart from spice gardens you should try walking through local markets that sell these spices and breathe in the aroma in the air. In some cases, it might lead to a sneeze. Thanks for visiting the blog and commenting. Hugs to you from us both.