Karnataka is a South Indian state having a lot of diversity in its geography, culture as well as population. There are urban as well as rural areas in Karnataka, from high-rise buildings to paddy farms. Karnataka has it all. Karnataka’s cities are bustling centers of economics and trade, entertainment and leisure, history and education, banking and culture. Bengaluru is the biggest city in Karnataka and its capital. It overshadows every other city in terms of everything.
Karnataka is one of the biggest economies in India and is a major hub for important industries. It is a center of science and technology. Karnataka has some of the most important institutions at the national level. It is also a major hub of the defense industry. It also has important industries. Along with its industry and technology, Karnataka has always retained its native culture and tradition.
The culture of Karnataka is also very diverse, and so are the people. There are people belonging to different communities and religions living peacefully. Karnataka has rural areas, big farms, plantations, forests, hills, waterfalls, and different kinds of crops and trees. Even though Karnataka has all these rural environments, its cities are also notable. There are tier-2 and tier-3 cities that you may consider visiting. There is so much to know and see in Karnataka.
Here are the top 6 cities in Karnataka you should definitely visit in Karnataka.
Bengaluru
Some people have heard more of Bengaluru than Karnataka. It is popular for a number of good reasons. Bengaluru is known as the ‘Silicon Valley of India’. It is the largest city by population in South India with a metropolitan population of about 1.1 crores. To compare: Karnataka has an approximate population of 6.1 crores. Bengaluru is the most important center in Karnataka.
It is the political center, educational center, corporate hub, industrial hub, entertainment, and hospitality hub. Bengaluru is one of the richest cities in India. Bengaluru provides jobs for many South Indians. Lots of people from the neighboring states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana visit Bengaluru for work.
It has a pleasant climate throughout the year, hence many people chose to own a home in Bengaluru. It has one of the best rankings in India and the World in livability. In Bengaluru, you can see people from all places of India and different countries, Bengaluru has beautiful gardens and a rich history and culture.
There are many many institutes of national importance in Bengaluru. It is the hub of information technology, biotechnology, and the aerospace industry. It is also a hub of the TV and entertainment industry. Bengaluru has the most number of engineering colleges in India.
Bengaluru is undoubtedly the most important city in Karnataka, and it is a must-visit on a Karnataka trip. If you are visiting Karnataka from other countries or other parts of India, you will most likely land at Bengaluru international airport.
The Kempegowda International Airport is also marvelous. Bengaluru is a popular tourist destination. People find this place very clean and comfortable. People from all over India, come to settle here to have a good life and work. There are so many job opportunities in Bengaluru you definitely don’t want to miss if you are an Indian.
Hubli – Dharwad
Hubli and Dharwad are the twin cities in the district of Dharwad. Together, they are the second largest city in Karnataka in terms of population and area. It is a major city in North Karnataka. There are many industries in Hubli. The district headquarters lie in Dharwad city. However, the big city and an economic hub are Hubli. Both these cities are administered by a single municipal corporation.
Hubli is an important industrial hub with many small and medium and large businesses operating here. Hubli is also a very fast-growing city. The dominance of Bengaluru as an economic hub in Karnataka is slowly being challenged by rapidly growing tier-2 cities. Hubli is one of the cities that has the highest industrial and economic power after Bengaluru.
Hubli can be reached by air, rail, and road. If you visit Hubli, you can definitely experience the culture and traditions of North Karnataka. It is famed for its beautiful handloom textiles. Many notable people from Karnataka hail from Hubli.
Hubli has a domestic airport that is well-connected to the state and the country. It is located about eight kilometers from the city. Hubli airport is considered one of the best airports in the country and has received awards from the government.
There is a lot to see and experience in Hubli – Dharwad. This is one of the destinations you should visit on a Karnataka trip. It is an important city and hub of North Karnataka. The culture of North Karnataka is slightly different from the rest of Karnataka. Their food is also different.
If you visit Hubli-Dharwad, you can feel the spirit of North Karnataka. This city is the most promising in terms of development in the state. You will definitely love your visit to the twin cities. This place is definitely worth visiting in Karnataka.
Mysore
Mysore is the third largest city in Karnataka. Mysore is known for its rich culture and history. It is known as the cultural capital of Karnataka. It is situated about 145 km from Bengaluru. It is the headquarters of the Mysore district. It was once the capital of Karnataka during the days of Maharajas. It was also the namesake of the Mysore state until it was renamed Karnataka.
Many of the cultural and culinary items have the name Mysore in them. It has a rich history and culture. Many of the big names in the history of South India ruled from Mysore. Its silk is world famous. Sericulture is one of the unique occupations of the farmers in the Mysore region.
In Mysore, you can see many things such as the Mysore Palace, Chamundeshwari Temple situated on the Chamundi Hills, Brindavan Gardens near the Krishnaraja Sagar Dam, Mysore Zoo, and many more things. It is world-famous for the Mysore Dasara, in which the procession with elephants is notable.
The Chamundi hills are an iconic place and hill in Mysore. The famous Chamundi Temple is situated at the top of the hill. The way to go up the hill is also marvelous. It is located at an altitude of more than one kilometer from sea level. It is an important place of worship for the Mysore rulers. The statue of Mahishasura is located in an important circle.
Mysore is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Karnataka, you should definitely visit it on a Karnataka trip.
Kalaburagi
Kalaburagi was formerly known as Gulbarga. This is one of the prominent cities of North Karnataka. There are famous Hindu and Muslim religious places in Gulbarga. It was earlier a part of Nizam’s Hyderabad State under British rule.
The famous attractions in Kalaburagi are Gulbarga Fort, Tomb of Khwaja Bande Nawaz, Chincholi, etc. It is associated with the medieval Bahamani Sultanate.
There is a large portion of Muslims in the population of Kalaburagi. You definitely need to visit Kalaburagi on your North Karnataka trip.
Shivamogga
Shivamogga, formerly known as Shimoga is a city in Karnataka in the Malenadu region. It is one of the cities selected in the smart cities project. It is known for its beautiful weather, especially during rainy season.
It is located on the banks of river Tunga. There are many tourist places pertaining to natural beauty and environment near Shivamogga. Definitely a city to visit in your Karnataka trip.
Mangalore
Mangalore is a coastal city in Karnataka on the shores of the Arabian sea. There are many ways to reach Mangalore as it is the only city in Karnataka to have all four means of transportation – air, land, sea and rail.
Mangalore has a distinct culture compared to other regions of Karnataka and also has distinct language. Mangalore has beautiful beaches and other tourist sites.
It also has religious sites belonging to many religions. This city is a must-visit in your Karnataka trip.
Which is your favourite among these? Type in the comments below.