The third largest city in Karnataka, Mysore gets its name from Mahishasura, the demon from Puranas, who used to rule here. This city of palaces, flowers and sandalwood is the headquarters of Mysore District. Located 140km from Bangalore at a height of 770m above sea level, the city has a non-variant climate. Mysore can be reached by rail and road from any part of the country. To know more follow the link Mysore.

Places of Interest in Raichur

Once known as Kishkinda, the legendary kingdom of 'vanaras' (monkeys), Raichur is associated with epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. Raichur town is the headquarters of the district. Rail and roads connect Raichur to other parts of the state.

Ek-Minaret Masjid built in Persian style, the Hill Fort and Jama Masjid built by Adil Shahi dynasty are places of interest in the town.

Mudgal: It is a historical town once belonged to the Yadavas of Devagiri. The main attractions are the remnants of a Mudgal Fort and an ancient Roman Catholic Church built before 1557AD.

Places of Interest in Shimoga

Located 273km southwest of Bangalore is Shimoga the headquarters of Shimoga District. It was once a stronghold of the Keladi Nayaks. The fort, the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus built in Roman and Gothic styles and the Government Museum are worth a visit in the town.

The nearest airport is Mangalore, 200km away. Rail connects Shimoga to Bangalore, Mysore and Hubli. There are good road connections from here to important centres of the state.

Jog Falls: This is the highest waterfall in India. At this place, the river Sharavati plunges down over a rocky bed and reaches a deep chasm of 292m in four distinct falls. The falls are more voluminous during the monsoon. The countryside is perfect for hiking. Rest houses and hotels are available in the near vicinity of the falls

Gajanur: Situated near the Western Ghats, Gajanur has an elephant camp for training elephants. A dam constructed across the river Tunga is an ideal picnic spot.

Places of Interest in Udupi

Udupi is a new district bifurcated from Mangalore. The headquarters is Udupi town. The town is well connected with rail and roads to other parts of the country. Udupi is a famous centre for pilgrimage. Chandramouleshvara Temple is located in the centre of the town. The local legends say that the famous 'Masala Dosa' was first created in Udupi.

Manipal: it is a prominent industrial, commercial and educational centre.

Karkala: It is a 15th century Jain centre and has a 13m tall monolithic statue of Bahubali.

Places of Interest in Uttar Kannad

Located on the western coast, Karwar is the district headquarters. Surrounded by many beaches, Karwar is an excellent beach resort. The district is one of the major tourist districts in the state and is near Goa. Roads connect Karwar to the other parts of the country. It is a seaport and is chosen as the site for a major naval base.

Karwar harbour, River Kalinadi with boating facilities and the muslin factory are places of interest in the town.

Banavasi (137km): It is a temple town mentioned in the Epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata. Situated on the left bank of the Varada River, Bavanasi once was the capital of Kadambas. Places to visit are: Madhukeshvara Temple, the ruins of a Buddhist Stupa, the Veerabhadra Temple and several idols and Jain icons.

Dandeli (125km): It is an industrial township surrounded by forests. Dandeli Sanctuary that covers an area of 207sq.km has wildlife population that includes elephant, tiger, bison, panther, sambar etc. The other tourist spots in Dandeli are Najheri View, Kawala Caves, Synthery Rocks, Vincholi Rapids etc.