10 Places To Visit In Summer In Karnataka For A Refreshing Escapade

Places to visit in Summer in Karnataka are known for their culture, traditions, and beautiful lands. From calm beaches to green hill stations and adventurous wildlife sanctuaries, the state offers the perfect escape from the scorching summer heat. Whether you’re looking for a quiet retreat in the mountains or an adrenaline-filled getaway in nature, Karnataka has something to cater to every kind of traveller. This summer, explore Karnataka’s cool and peaceful destinations to relax, unwind, and rejuvenate with this list of places in Karnataka to beat the summer heat.

10 Places To Visit In Summer In Karnataka

From green hills to clean beaches, there are many places to visit in summer Karnataka that offer you the perfect escape to cool off from the heat while experiencing the state’s natural beauty and adventure.

1. Devarayanadurga

Photo: Srinivasa83 / Wikimedia Commons

Devarayanadurga is a popular hill station located near Tumkur. Being one of the best places to visit in Karnataka in summer, it offers a cool climate. The hill station is known for its temples, which are perched atop the hill, offering panoramic views of the surrounding forests and valleys. Devarayanadurga’s trails are ideal for trekking enthusiasts.

Distance From Bengaluru: 70 km
Major Attractions: Bhoga Narasimha Temple, Yoga Narasimha Temple, Namada Chilume Spring

2. Bandipur National Park

Photo: Waldemar / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Spread across 874 square kilometres, Bandipur National Park is one of India’s most famous wildlife sanctuaries, located in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The summer months are ideal for wildlife viewing as animals, including elephants, tigers, and deer, frequent the waterholes. Being among the places to visit in summer in Karnataka, visitors can take safaris through the park, enjoying the beauty of its dense forests, grasslands, and rivers.

Distance From Bengaluru: 220 km
Major Attractions: Wildlife safaris, spotting elephants, tigers, and birdwatching

3. Maravanthe

Photo: Aditya Bharighat / Unsplash

Maravanthe is a stunning coastal town located in Udupi district. Its unique geographical setting, with the Arabian Sea on one side and the Souparnika River on the other, makes it one of the best places to visit in summer in Karnataka for beach lovers. Visitors can enjoy activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and boat rides along the river.

Distance From Bengaluru: 450 km
Major Attractions: Arabian Sea and Souparnika River sighting, water activities

4. Netrani Island

Photo: Subhas nayak / Wikimedia Commons

Netrani Island, also known as Pigeon Island, is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and rich marine life. This makes it one of the best places to visit in summer in Karnataka for scuba diving and snorkelling. The island is home to coral reefs and diverse marine species, including angelfish, parrotfish, and occasionally whale sharks.

Distance From Bengaluru: 500 km (via Murudeshwar)
Major Attractions: Scuba diving, snorkelling, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life

5. Gokarna

Photo: Aamir / Unsplash

Gokarna, a quiet beach town located in Uttara Kannada district, is among the best places to visit in summer in Karnataka for a laid-back summer holiday. Visitors can enjoy sunbathing, beach trekking, and water sports such as surfing and paddleboarding. Apart from its natural beauty, Gokarna is also home to the famous Mahabaleshwar Temple, attracting pilgrims throughout the year.

Distance From Bengaluru: 485 km
Major Attractions: Om Beach, Kudle Beach, Mahabaleshwar Temple, and beach trekking

6. Ramanagara

Photo: Nandan Menon / Unsplash

Famous for its massive granite hills and rock formations, Ramanagara is perfect for rock climbing, trekking, and rappelling. The cool breeze at the higher altitudes and the stunning views of the surrounding countryside provide relief from the summer heat. Ramanagara also has historical significance as it was the filming location for the iconic Bollywood movie “Sholay.” Ramanagara is among the ideal places to visit in summer in Karnataka.

Distance From Bengaluru: 50 km
Major Attractions: Rock climbing, trekking

7. Mullayanagiri

Photo: Ravigopal Kesari / Unsplash

Mullayanagiri, the highest peak in Karnataka, is located in the Western Ghats near Chikmagalur. Standing at 1,930 metres above sea level, it has trails that pass through coffee plantations and dense forests. The summit also has a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The cool, misty atmosphere at Mullayanagiri makes it one of the best places to visit in summer in Karnataka.

Distance From Bengaluru: 260 km
Major Attractions: Trekking trails, Baba Budangiri hills

8. Kemmangundi

Photo: Arif Khan / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Kemmangundi is a charming hill station in the Chikmagalur district. Located at an altitude of 1,434 metres, it offers a cool respite from the summer heat. Kemmangundi is surrounded by coffee plantations, dense forests, and waterfalls. The hill station also has various trekking trails, making it one of the best places to visit in summer in Karnataka.

Distance From Bengaluru: 250 km
Major Attractions: Coffee plantations, Hebbe Falls, Kalhatti Falls, and the Raj Bhavan viewpoint

9. Panambur Beach

Photo: Manoj Birhade / Unsplash

Panambur Beach, located near Mangalore, is one of Karnataka’s cleanest and most well-maintained beaches. Being one of the best places to visit in summer in Karnataka, it offers a range of water sports such as jet skiing, banana boat rides, and parasailing. Panambur Beach is also famous for its vibrant annual beach festivals, featuring kite flying, sand sculpture competitions, and cultural events.

Distance From Bengaluru: 350 km
Major Attractions: Water sports, beach festivals, and seafood shacks

10. Dandeli

Photo: shreya ann / Unsplash

Dandeli, located in the Western Ghats, is among the best places to visit in summer in Karnataka. Dandeli offers activities such as rafting, kayaking, trekking, and camping. The Kali River flows through the town, providing thrilling opportunities for water sports. Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a variety of animals, including leopards, elephants, and black panthers, making it perfect for wildlife safaris.

Distance From Bengaluru: 460 km
Major Attractions: Rafting, wildlife safaris, camping, Kali River

Whether you’re seeking a pleasant beach getaway, an adventurous trek through the Western Ghats, there’s something for everyone in Karnataka. The state’s cool hill stations, clean beaches, and thick forests provide a perfect escape from the summer heat, making it among the ideal places to visit in summer in Karnataka. So, pack your bags and book your summer vacation with TripXL and enjoy tailor-made travel packages to Karnataka’s coolest destinations.

Cover Photo: Olha Kolesnyk / Unsplash

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