North Karnataka is a favourite destination owing to its history and geographical features. A regular traveller to North Karnataka may have missed out on some less explored but beautiful locations. Have this list for your next visit:

10 Unexplored Places of Karnataka

Hoysaleshwara Temple, Halebeidu:

While most people visit the Chennakesava Temple in Belur, the Hoysaleshwara Temple and Kadareswara Temple in Halebeedu are also exquisite examples of the Hoysala architecture.

Yana Hills, Uttara Kannada district:

Located near Kumta, Yana is a small hill station. It has a rocky terrain with a natural wilderness and is a wonderful place for treks.

Gokak Falls, Belgaum:

Gokak Falls is formed by the Ghataprabha River. The river falls 171 feet over a sandstone cliff resemblingthe Niagara Falls of Canada. A temple of Lord Mahalingeshwara built in Chalukyan style set in the riverfront is another attraction worth visiting.

Belgaum Fort, Belgaum:

The fort in Belgaum is charming transporting you back to the times of Adil Shahi dynasty. It is complete with a moat and fortifications and also has numerous historical and religious monuments within its premises.

Koorma Gadde, Raichur:

Koorma Gadde is an island located on the Krishna River in Raichur district. Known to be the place of Dattatreya’s origin, it also holds the samadhi of Sripadavallabha Swami. A watchtower on the island rewards you with some awesome views over the river.

Kodachadri Peak, Shimoga:

This lesser known hill on the Western Ghatswill delight any hiker. You will come across a bounty of flora and fauna as you trek up this hill. The hill is also held in religious awe as it is believed that AdiShankaracharya meditated on this very hill.

Pattabhirama Temple, Bellary:

Slightly off the tourist trail is the Pattabhirama Temple near Hampi. It depicts vividly the Vijayanagara style of architecture with composite pillars and beautiful sculptures.

Sandur, Bellary:

Surrounded by villages like Donimalai and Ramgad, Sanduru has a natural aura of green mountains, gorges and beautiful valleys. Rich in iron and manganese ores, Sanduru was ruled by the Marathas. A huge fort built by them is a great tourist attraction.

Someshwara Temple, Dharwad:

Built by the Chalukyas, the Someshwara temple is one of the oldest heritage structures in Dharwad. The deities of Chaturbhuja and MahishasurMardini and the temple premises of lush grasslands charm all visitors.

Narasimha Jhira, Bidar:

Built inside a cave in the Manichoola hill range a kilometre fromBidar, the Narasimha Jharni Temple has to be visited wading through waist deep water! Visit this temple dedicated to Lord Narasimha for a one of a kind experience.

The list of less familiar places of Karnataka runs long. Make time to visit them and you will not be disappointed.