15 Best Places to Visit in Monsoon in Karnataka
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Being a pluviophile, I have always loved monsoon and so, the state of Karnataka in monsoon. As the dark clouds fluff up the skies and heavenly showers of rains approach the earth vanishing the scorching heat of the sun and softening the soil, the state of Karnataka turns into a paradise. The wind of joy traverses through the cities of Karnataka and travelers from India and around the world start planning their trip to Coorg, Agumbe, Chikmagalur, and other marvelous gems of the state. The monsoon season in Karnataka adds enchantment to the hills, valleys, jungles, and beaches. While a clairvoyant fragrance fills up the jungles of Kabini, the falls like Shivanasamudra and Jog become favorite spots to the photographers. Following is the list of 15 best places to visit in monsoon in Karnataka where you can experience the beauty of rains!
1. Mandalpatti, Coorg
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Mandalpatti hill is located near the Madikeri town in Coorg and is one of the best tourist places in Karnataka for 2 days trip. Mandalpatti has a height of 1600 meters and is only 18 kilometers from Madikeri. While Mandalpatti is best known for its spectacular sunrise and sunset, people also enjoy trekking to the peak and witnessing a plethora of bird and animal species. The trail to the hill itself looks heavenly in monsoon.
Weather in Monsoon: 16 to 21 degrees Celsius at an average
Top Attractions: Abbey Falls, Sunset Point
Best Things to Do: Nature sightseeing, birdwatching, trekking
How to Reach: The nearest town is Madikeri from where you can take a jeep ride to Mandalpatti.
2. The Jungles of Kabini
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The jungles of Kabini are one of the most spectacular places in Karnataka to be at during the monsoon. The Kabini River in the rainy season of Karnataka provides a great opportunity for adventure activities and exploration of exotic flora and fauna. This wildlife sanctuary is home to diverse animals and birds and the greenery sandwiching the Kabini River makes the place look magical.
Weather in Monsoon: 23 to 27 degrees Celsius at an average
Top Attractions: Kabini River, wildlife like black panther, antelope, and reptiles
Best Things to Do: Open jeep safari, boat safari, wildlife tour
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Bangalore. You can reach Kabini by road comfortably from here. You can also catch a KSRTC bus from Bangalore or Mysore.
3. Kudremukh and Coffee Estates, Chikmagalur
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To enjoy the pristine beauty of nature during the monsoon in Karnataka, no place could be better than Kudremukh and Coffee Estates. An ideal destination for trekking in western ghats, Kudremukh is the second largest wildlife protection area in south India. A jeep rise to Kudremukh will take you to the 6 kilometers long expanse of coffee farms. You will also witness 10 streams passing through the area that look picturesque in rains.
Weather in Monsoon: 19 to 24 degrees Celsius at average
Top Attractions: Views of the Arabian Sea, Jamalabad Fort, Hanumana Gundi Waterfall
Best Things to Do: Camping, trekking, coffee farms tour
How to Reach: You can reach Kudremukh from Kalasa which is only 20 kilometers from the place. A road trip from Chikmagalur would also be a great choice.
4. Agumbe Rainforest
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The place that provided a setting for R.K. Narayan’s Swami and His Friends and the series based on it called Malgudi days, Agumbe Rainforest is the perfect place to see the monsoon in full bloom in Karnataka. Whenever you look for the best forest places to visit in Karnataka, Agumbe will be the first name to pop up in the list. Agumbe is often referred to as the “Cherrapunji of South” due to a heavy amount of rain. Kalinga, the King Cobra, has its abode in Agumbe rainforest.
Weather in Monsoon: 19 to 25 degrees Celsius at an average
Top Attractions: Agumbe Sunset Point, wildlife, traditional houses, temples
Best Things to Do: Wildlife tour, hiking, fishing, photography
How to Reach: You can reach Agumbe by taking a bus from Bangalore. Mangalore is the nearest airport from where you will get a cab to Agumbe.
5. Jog Waterfall and Sharavathi Valley
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If you are ready for some monsoon adventure, go for a trekking to Sharavathi Valley and reach Jog Waterfall. Although the trek is difficult, many adventure-seekers flock together at Sharavathi Valley to have a unique experience in tranquil surroundings. After finishing the trek, you will reach the Jog Falls which is considered as one of the tallest and most beautiful plunge waterfalls in India.
Weather in Monsoon: 20 to 27 degrees Celsius at an average
Top Attractions: Waterfall, reservoir, trails, and viewpoint
Best Things to Do: Trekking, sightseeing
How to Reach: Nearest railway station is Shimoga and trains are available from Bangalore, Chikmagalur, Mysore etc. while the nearest airport is Hubli.
6. Gokarna
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Known for its laid-back back atmosphere, delicious seafood, and serene landscapes, Gokarna is an all-time favorite spot to many. But in monsoon, when the hills dotting the Gokarna beaches look majestic with the green sprouts, Gokarna’ beauty is incomparable. 235 kilometers from Mangalore, Gokarna has something for all kinds of travelers. So, whether you are a party lover, a nature enthusiast, an adventure junkie, or have a spiritual insight, Gokarna is one of the best places to visit in monsoon in South India.
Weather in Monsoon: 24 to 29 degrees Celsius at an average
Top Attractions: Mahabaleshwar temple, Om beach, Kudle beach
Best Things to Do: Jet skiing, banana boat ride, and other water sports
How to Reach: Buses are available from Goa and Bangalore. The nearest airport is Dabolim, Goa while the nearest railway station is Ankola.
7. Kemmangundi Hill Station
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Located in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka, Kemmangundi Hill Station is famous for its panoramic views, picturesque valleys, and gushing waterfalls and indeed, is one of the best places to visit near Bangalore in June. The hill station is an 8-hour drive from Bangalore that goes through a number of hairpin curves making it one of the most beautiful routes in south India. Kemmangundi has an elevation of 1434 meters and is a part of Baba Budan hill range.
Weather in Monsoon: 17 to 24 degrees Celsius at an average
Top Attractions: Hebbe Falls, Z Point, Shiva Temple
Best Things to Do: Trekking, botanical tour
How to Reach: The base station is Kemmanagundi, Chikmagalur which is 62 kilometers from Kemmangundi while the nearest airports are Mangalore and Bangalore located at a distance of 205 and 246 kilometers respectively.
8. Dandeli
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A cute little gem in the heart of Karnataka, Dandeli is famous for its aqua adventures. There are plenty of trail going through the lush green forest area of Dandeli that become gorgeous in the monsoon season. If you are looking for the best places to visit in Karnataka during July, come to Dandeli for white-water rafting. You can also encounter the wildlife like black panther and elephants in the forested area of Dandeli.
Weather in Monsoon: 20 to 27 degrees Celsius at an average
Top Attractions: Wildlife sanctuary, nature camp, Dandakaranya Park, and Dandelappa temple
Best Things to Do: White-water rafting, wildlife tour, cave tour, hiking
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Belgaum which is 90 kilometers from Dandeli while the nearest railway station is Dharwad. You can also reach here from Bangalore by road.
9. Shivanasamudra Falls
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Shivanasamudra Falls, located in the Mandya district of Karnataka is one of the most beautiful waterfalls formed by the river Kaveri. The waterfall is divided into different streams falling parallel to each other. While the streams fall passively in other seasons, during the rains, they acquire a tremendous speed and magnificence.
Weather in Monsoon: 22 to 30 degrees Celsius at an average
Top Attractions: Waterfall, hydroelectric power station, and heritage sites
Best Things to Do: Photography, hiking
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Bangalore which is 175 kilometers from Shivanasamudra while the nearest railway station is Mysore which is 81 kilometers from here.
10. Skandagiri Hill
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Also called Kalavara Durga, Skandagiri Hill is a famous spot in Karnataka for ecotourism. The place is 62 kilometers from Bangalore and 3 kilometers from Chikballapur. Overlooking the Nandi Hills, Skandagiri is an ideal place to take a break from the monotony of life. Many people also come to Skandagiri for a night trek and catch the marvelous sunrise.
Weather in Monsoon: 17 to 26 degrees Celsius at an average
Top Attractions: Temples, fortress, waterfalls
Best Things to Do: Trekking, ecotourism, camping
How to Reach: Skandagiri base is easily reachable from Bangalore by bus. You can take a KSRTC bus from Bangalore and then take an autorickshaw.
11. Maravanthe Village
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For people who want to see the rustic side of Karnataka this monsoon, Maravanthe Village can be the best place to be at. While the beach offers plenty of opportunities for water activities like scuba diving and snorkeling, taking a boat ride on the backwaters when the soothing drizzle makes the surroundings pleasant is the best experience one can have. Take an evening stroll on the road between the sea and backwaters.
Weather in Monsoon: 24 to 29 degrees Celsius
Top Attractions: Maravanthe Beach, Gude Mahalingeswara Temple
Best Things to Do: Boating, Scuba Diving, snorkeling
How to Reach: the nearest town is Kundapura from where you can use a local bus to reach Maravanthe Village. You can also reach here from Udupi by road which is 55 kilometers from the village.
12. Kumara Parvatha, Pushpagiri
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Kumara Parvatha is the most beautiful spot and the highest peak in Pushpagiri. Trekking to the peak is a great adventure for nature enthusiasts. The trekking path will let you spot the fauna of the place like Sambar, deer, and giant squirrels. Watching the peaks of Kumara Parvatha playing hide and seek with the clouds is a treat for photographers.
Weather in Monsoon: 15 to 20 degrees Celsius at an average
Top Attractions: Wildlife sanctuary
Best Things to Do: Wildlife tour, trekking
How to Reach: You can reach Pushpagiri from Bangalore which is 259.4 kilometers from the place. The best way is to hire a taxi or cab and reach here within 6 hours.
13. Brindavan Gardens
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Although Brindavan Gardens is an all-year-round tourist destination, the beauty of it6 can be best captured in monsoon. Right beside the garden is the Krishnarajasagar Dam which is built across the river Kaveri. While the main highlight of the garden is its musical fountain show, you will also find a large variety of plants including Ficus, Marigold, Bougainvillea, and Celosia.
Weather in Monsoon: 20 to 28 degrees Celsius at an average
Top Attractions: Musical fountains at night, Krishnarajasagar Dam
Best Things to Do: Picnicking, botanical walk, boating
How to Reach: Brindavan Gardens is 10 kilometers from the city of Mysore and requires a 30 minutes’ drive.
14. Tadiandamol
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Tadiandamol is one of the best places to visit in Karnataka during August as the peaks of Tadiandamol fill with incredible beauty during the rainy season. Surrounded by picturesque waterfalls and having an altitude of 5735 feet, the rocky terrain of Tadiandamol is best for trekking. Since the hills are close to the coffee farms, you will enjoy the aroma of coffee throughout the trek.
Weather in Monsoon: 13 to 18 degrees Celsius at an average
Top Attractions: Tadiandamol hills, Nalknad Palace, Chelavara falls
Best Things to Do: Nature tours, trekking
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Mangalore which is 118 kilometers from Tadianmol. A number of cabs and taxis are available from there to reach Tadiandamol base.
15. Bhutanatha Temples, Badami
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The Bhutanatha group of temples is one of the lesser known places to visit during monsoon in Karnataka, but the charm of these ancient temples can be best captured when they are drenched in rains. The pyramid-shaped temple structures are surrounded by majestic hills and small waterfalls are created on them during the monsoon. Come here in monsoon, and you are sure to have a soulful time.
Weather in Monsoon: 23 to 32 degrees Celsius at an average
Top Attractions: Sandstone shrines dedicated to Bhutanatha
Best Things to Do: Tour of the caves and temples, watching the sunset
How to Reach: Belgaum is the nearest airport, 150 kilometers from Badami. You will get a number of buses and taxis from here to reach the temple complex.
South India is the first place to receive monsoon showers and therefore, the southern state of Karnataka takes no time to turn into a monsoon heaven. What are you still waiting for? Get your bags ready and enjoy monsoon in Karnataka!
