Karnataka is one of the most beautiful southern states and a place with different shades of nature. You name it and Karnataka has got it, be it nature, lush green forest, historical monuments, waterfalls, rivers, wildlife, hill stations, backwaters, and beaches. Not just this Karnataka is best known for its offbeat places or hidden gems that can cause a long-lasting memory with its scenic beauty.
If you want to run away from an annoying crowd of tourists then choose these offbeat places in Karanataka which have got all the ingredients to make any traveler go crazy.
Table of Contents
Best Offbeat Places In Karnataka
Best Offbeat Trekking Places In Karnataka
Sharavathi Valley Trek
The lesser-known Sharavathi Valley in the central region of western ghats is nothing short of a fairyland. This place is home to many gorgeous waterfalls, beautiful looking streams, and deciduous forests which form an integral part of the valley. Sharavathi is one of the few rivers that flow from east to west. The famous gem of India and one of the tallest falls Jog is formed by this river. Above all, the serene backwaters that form islands would beckon any person and make them fall for them. If you are a wildlife lover then many animals like spotted deers, sloth bears, tigers, jackals, wild pigs, king cobra, pythons, lion-tailed macaque, and few others are waiting to introduce themselves with a big hello. On the other hand, this valley also has many hardcore trekking destinations that all adventure freaks would love.
Gopalswamy Betta Trek
Gopal Swamy hills – The Misty mountain of South India in western ghats is always covered with thick cotton-like clouds throughout the year. You can either trek or take your vehicles to the top where there is a 14th century tiny Krishna temple that is stuck in between green-topped mountains. As you walk to the edge of the mountain peak on the green carpet laid out by nature to have a grandeur view of the forest beneath it, you will be awestruck by the misty clouds which are always at greater heights that can’t be reached is now just a hand touch away from you.
Furthermore, this place has a wide variety of wild species and was also one of the favorite hunting grounds for Britishers as well as Mysore Maharajas in their heydays. If you are lucky enough you can spot the herd of elephants passing by you and it is also said that there are Gaur, Sloth Bear, tigers, and rare birds in this region.
Kavaledurga Trek
Kavaledurga a hidden gem in the Western Ghats near Thirthahalli is the.fourth and last capital of the Keladi Dynasty. This fort which was built in the 9th century later got restructured by Cheluvarangappa in the 14th century. There is a popular Kashi Vishwanatha Temple on the top of the hill, dedicated to Lord Shiva built in typical Keladi style of architecture has carvings of snake, elephants, warriors, birds, sun, and moon on the outer walls. As you enter the gates What you can see are ruins and remnants of a long-lost kingdom that had rich cultural and traditional essence in the past.
Not just architecture this place is popular among trekkers who want to get lost amidst nature. Trekking trail has tiny waterfalls that join streams; greens patches everywhere, architectures hidden behind misty clouds, many beautiful pools filled with blueish water in all seasons; dark clouds that bare rain droplets and panoramic view of the valley and ponds from the peak make this place heaven on earth.
Ballalarayana Durga Trek
Ballalarayana hills were once home to a grand majestic fort built by the wife of Veera Ballala 1 of the Hoysala Dynasty in the 12th century. This was built in Karnata Dravida style architecture and it has a rich history and cultural significance attached to it, but as of now only the ruins of fort i.e. shattered walls, a few arches, and a basement remain. This fort is tucked up in the western ghats region of Chikmagalur and it can only be reached through intense trekking through the dense vegetation. Do not miss out on the sunset from the vantage point at a height of 1509 meters which offers the best panoramic view of the valley beside it and it is an ideal camping site for people who wants to get cozy with nature.
Kyathanamakhi Trek
Kyatanamakki Hills the hidden gem which is located in Horanadu is a 4 km pure off-road trail and an absolute paradise for the bikers. What makes it even more amazing is the 360° view of the valley; lush greenery as far as your eyes could see & as the sun goes down the horizon coloring the whole sky into orange is an absolute stunner to watch from the top of the hill.
Mandara Giri Hills
Mandara Giri a significant pilgrimage center of Jains in the state of Karnataka. This place is also known as Basadi betta, which is a small hillock with is carved of 400 odd steps in Tumkur district. Mandara Giri has 4 ancient temples which date back to the 12th century. You can find ancient carvings, just a few meters away from the main temple on top of the hill. If you happen to walk downwards through the barren land just behind the hill, you will witness the lesser-known but beautiful Mydala lake.
Another highlight is the bell-shaped 81 ft Guru mandir at the Mandara Giri base, which is painted with bright blue and green shades from outside to represent a peacock feather. This is one of the most famous Jain structures in southern India and also the most Instagrammed location in the recent past. We can even spot a Gomateshwara Statue near the hill base.
Best Lesser-known Beaches In Karnataka
Sasihithlu Beach
Sasihithlu Beach on the west coast of Karnataka, just 22 km from Mangalore, is a place that is almost cut-off from the external world. The silky white sand; blueish water; the cool breeze from the greenery around; and waves that hardly make any noise make it an amazing place to relax. This is the place where the river Nandini and Shambhavi converge to meet the Arabian sea, which indeed makes way for a scenic backwater. You can only spot a few Fishermans working. All these elements put together to make this beach one of the most beautiful beaches near Mangalore.
If you are one who wants to try out surfing then you gotta go to Sasihithlu Beach. Karnataka government organizes the Karnataka surfing festival, where all surfers from India can participate and winners can take away the prize money.
Best Unexplored Waterfalls In Karnataka
Dudhsagar Waterfalls Trek
Dudhsagar waterfalls are located on the Karnataka-Goa border, it is divided into a four-tiered waterfall on the Mandovi river and has different pathways to reach each level. The name ‘Dudhsagar’ literally translates to ‘sea of milk’ due to its appearance which seems like milk is overflowing from the mighty mountain peaks of the Western Ghats. This waterfall is one of the tallest waterfalls of India, at a height of around 1017 ft. Mostly people like hiking on railway tracks & through railway tunnels present amidst captivating natural surroundings, to reach the falls. No matter which way you choose, the noise of water crashing on the rocks, the cool breeze, water drizzling as you get closer to falls, and an endless flow of clear white water from greater heights is sure to make any person go down on their knees & fall in love with nature.
Sathodi Falls
Sathodi falls the lesser-known beauty formed after multiple unknown streams unite together near Kallaramane ghat. It is a 50 ft waterfall that appears rectangular in shape and flows throughout the year amidst the dense forest near Yellapur of Uttara Kannada District. You need to hike for about 500 m within the lush green forest, cross over a lot steep slippery rocks and hop from one log to another to witness the clear silky white water falling from great heights. The waterfall forms a natural pool like structure, where you can take a dip. If you are a biker then it is one of the best places to go for off-road trail and getting your bike dirtied with mud.
Vibhooti Falls
Just about 8 km from Yana caves lies this small perennial Vibhooti waterfalls surrounded by gigantic rocks and limestone deposits, in Sahyadri mountains ranges of western ghats. You need to trek for about 1.5 km to reach this 70 ft multi-tiered waterfall. The journey towards falls in itself is a great experience as you will be hiking through green shades of the forest; slippery rock, and small streams running with endless clear water.
Not to mention the sight of mist-filled mighty mountains and deep valley next to you is mind-blowing. Like many other waterfalls, even this is not visible, until you reach the endpoint. But what awaits you at the end, as the clear white water gushes down the rocks forming a pool & sound of free-flowing as it enters the forest area is pure bliss. There is a popular belief that the water that flows from the Yana caves region is the sacred ash (vibhooti), and hence the name Vibhooti Falls.
Conclusion:
There are many more unexplored places in Karnataka for the people who want to stay away from the crowd and who wants to lose their self and enjoy amidst nature. So, what are you waiting for just pack your backs and go experience these hidden gems?
Also, read Best weekend getaways from Bangalore.
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