Karnataka is a Deccan state that is known for its historical and cultural prowess. It was home to some of the most prominent Indian kingdoms, like, the Vijay Nagar kingdom and the Chalukyas. This begs the question, which are the best historical places in Karnataka? To answer this question we will list the names of some of the most historically significant places in the state of Karnataka.
Top Historical Places In Karnataka To Visit
There is no shortage of historical places in Karnataka. The places we are about to list are some of the most significant. Before starting this list, we must tell you that this list is not ranked in any particular order because each of these places holds a value that cannot be quantified.
Belgaum Fort, Belgaum
Located in the city of Belgaum, this fort is one of the most visited historical places in Karnataka. It is said to have been built during the Ratta Dynasty in 1204 AD. After that, it was captured and renovated several times. Belgaum fort also has a significant role in modern Indian history as this was the place where Mahatma Gandhi was jailed during his efforts in India’s independence movement.
Gol Gumbaz, Bijapur
Another one of the historical places in Karnataka, Gol Gumbaz, is a mausoleum of Mohammad Adil Shah, the former Sultan Of Bijapur. It is one of the largest domes ever built in the world and holds a notable position as a tourist place. This structure perfectly reflects the Indo-Islamic architecture. One of the most extraordinary things about this Gumbaz is its central chamber, which echoes every sound at least 7 times.
Hampi Monuments, Hampi
Hampi monuments are some of the oldest standing structures in Karnataka. Located in the Hampi city of Vijayanagar district in Karnataka. It is said to be the capital of the Vijaynagar empire. The origin of Hampi can be traced back to the Vedic times, as it is mentioned in many Hindu scriptures as well as in the records of travellers from different countries like China and Portugal. It has also been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site by the UN. It is one of the most respected and sought-after locations for tourists to visit. It comprises numerous temples and monuments.
Statue Of Gomateshwar, Shravanbelagola
This is a very good place to go for anyone who is intrigued by Jainism. This is a 57-foot-long statue that was made by Chamundaraya in 981 AD during the Western Ganga Dynasty. This is one of the most important historical places in Karnataka for Jains. This statue is also known as Bahubali due to its shape and size. This 57-foot-long statue was carved from a single stone of granite and is one of the tallest monolithic statues in the world. This is hands down one of the historical places in Karnataka to watch out for.
Bangalore Palace, Bangalore
Bangalore Palace is a part of modern Indian history. Created in 1944, this historical place in Karnataka was inspired by the palaces of Normandy and England. Although the monument has lost most of its historical original work, it still stands tall as one of the most significant historical places in Karnataka. The main features of the Palace are woodcarving, Tudor-style architecture, extravagant chandeliers, and much more.
Badami Cave Temples, Badami
Badami Cave is another historical place in Karnataka that many tourists visit throughout the year. It might have a simple and plain exterior but its interior is etched with art, craft and architecture. It comprises 4 temples devoted to different deities. Built around the 6th century, Badami Caves’ first temple is dedicated to lord Nataraja (Lord Shiva), the second and third temples are dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and the last is dedicated to Lord Mahavira of the Jain tradition.
Final Thoughts
Karnataka is a state steeped in history. So, if you’re planning on visiting historical sites, Karnataka is one of the best places to start from. So what are you waiting for? pack your bags and delve into the historical heritage of India by visiting these historical places in Karnataka.