Most of the temples in Karnataka were built during the reign of Vijayanagara dynasty and Hoysala dynasty. Karnataka is a state embellished with few of the most divine temples in India. Not only are they hugely sanctified and sacred, their architectural elegance and grandeur are second to none. The intricacy and precision with which the carvings are done on the walls of the temples, is something that can be seen nowhere else. There are temples that are so grand and exquisite, it is said that even gods refused to stay in them as they found it too beautiful to stay in. With the magnificence they possess, temples of Karnataka have also become a great tourist attraction. Karnataka cannot be segregated into areas that are more religiously important and areas that are less important. The reason being, almost every nook and corner in Karnataka, has temples and that are immensely significant. Some temples like Mookambika Temple in Kollur are situated in nature's lap, surrounded by picturesque surroundings. Far from chaos of cities, such temples provide the divine feeling, that one comes for looking on a pilgrimage in Karnataka.

Gokaranath Temple

The Gokarnath temple at Kudroli was established by Narayana Guru in 1912. It was renovated in Chola style, from its earlier Kerala style, in 1991. Navarathri celebration here is said to be the best in the State after Mysore. It is popular with backward communities who worship Shiva in the form of Gokarnatheshewara. Jog Falls

If you are overwhelmed by the art and sculpture of ancient dynasties, head westward to the Jog falls for a change. Accessible from Shimoga and Hubli, the road passes through the dense forest of teak obscuring your view of the sun. After crossing the Sharavati river, (stop by at small streams flowing down the rocky slopes, and taste the fresh spring water : the taste is unforgettable) you make a detour and face a stunning spectacle across a deep gorge.

The river leaps over an 800-foot precipice in four separate cataracts-the four R's. The Rajah is the grandest; halfway down, the violent Roarer meets it; close by are the Rocket and Rani gliding gracefully over the cliff. The columns of foam and spray created by the four streams together make up Jog Falls; sparkling in sunlight, and out of this world in moonlight.

If you are captivated by the beauty and want a closer look, you can walk down a narrow pathway to the bottom of the gorge, and immerse your body in a pool of water at the foot of the falls.

Murdeshwar Temple

This picturesque place situated 16 kms from Bhatkal has a gorgeous temple perched on a hillock by the shore. Murudeshwar is around 120 km from Malpe on the National Highway. On the route along the highway is the alluring Maravanthe Beach with the Arabian Sea roaring on the west and a serene river on the east along this route for almost 2 kilometres. The sea is an intrinsic part of the temple scape at Murudeshwar. The sea surrounds the temple towering on the small hill called Kanduka Giri on three sides. Two life-size elephants in concrete stand guard at the steps leading to the temple. The Murudeshwar temple has a history that dates back to a few centuries.

Dharmastala Temple

Dharmastala is a revered pilgrimage center in Karnataka enshrining Manjunatha - Shiva, under the trusteeship of a Jain familiy, with worship services being performed by Madhva priests. Dharmastala is at a distance of about 125 kms from Udupi. Located in picturesque settings, it is one of the well visited pilgrimage centers in Karnataka. Dharmastala is regarded as the home of Dharma or righteousness. The temple complex houses a shrine to Manjunatha and the Dharma Devatas. Thousands of pilgrims are offered food in the temple everyday. Dharmastala also houses a huge monolithic statue of Gomateshwara. Kateel Durga Parameshwari Temple Situated on the banks of River Nandini, amidst beautiful surroundings, is the spiritual energy center of South Kanara district. Goddess Durga is the loving and caring mother of the people of South Kanara. Surrounded by lush green fields and beautiful hills, Kateel has become a famous pilgrimage and a tourist center over the years. Kateel is located 30kms North of Mangalore, near the airport. Traveling to Kateel in the winding roads amidst green hills and valleys is a very pleasant and memorable experience. Thousands of devotees visit Kateel daily to seek the blessing of goddess Durga. Pilikula Nisarga Dhama Nearly 10Kms. away from Mangalore highway road at Moodushedde, the Pilikula Nisarga Dhama is located. This offers a panoramic view for the nature lovers. It is a very significant place with Botanical gardens, Horticultural gardens, Musical fountains, deer park, swimming-lake with boating facilities, tiger safari and children train. It extends to an area of 350 acres land along the tropical jungle on the bank of the Gurpur River. Kukke Subramanya A well-famed temple, inside the dense forest bordering the Western Ghats, is situated and is called Subramanya. The temple is situated in the heart of the village. Nature reveals herself in all her unhidden beauty in the rivers, forests and mountains which the temples is surrounded by. It is about a 100 KM from Mangalore and can be easily reached by buses or taxis. The temple cart is nearly 150 years old. On the bank of river Kumaradhara a small shrine of Subramanya called "Mooladevaru" is also situated. It is a sacred pilgrimage to Hindus.