A host of temples are located in Karnataka. They are located in various areas of the state. These religious sites reflect the amalgamation of various ethnicities in the culture of Karnataka.

Gokarna
This place is a famous Hindu Pilgrimage site. Gokarna`s name has been derived from a legend that revolves around Lord Shiva. Hence the history of this religious site in Karnataka is steeped in mythology and religion. The name literally means cow`s ear.

Udupi
This is a Vaishnavite pilgrimage center. This was the dwelling place of Madhwacharya who was a Sanskrit philosopher. Temples, Sanskrit learning centers and various mathas are part of this temple town. The amazing feature of this town is that it is also renowned for its food. Another famous shrine of Udupi is the Krishna Temple.

Mookambika Temple
Mookambika Temple is one of the most sacred places in Karnataka. If legends are to be believed then it has been built by the ancient sage Parashurama. Here the presiding deity is in the form of Jyotir Linga, which incorporates both Shakti and Shiva. Every year numerous pilgrims from all over India come to worship the deity.

Dharmasthala
It means the place for Dharma. It is located in Belthangady taluk of Dakshin Kannada. Here the travelers will come across Sri Manjunatheshwara Temple. the spirit of this town reflects the essence of its name. People of all kinds are accepeted by the town dwellers without any discrimination.

Iskcon Temple
From the devotees of Lord Krishna no religious center can be better than this. The beauty of the temple is unprecedented. This promotes Vedic culture and complete devotion to lord. The primary deities of this temple are Krishna, Balaram and Radha. Chariot festival attracts people from all over the world. The pageant is a treat to watch. The temple itself is built with granite, marble and Korean glass.

Shravanabelagola
Shravanabelagola has the largest monolithic stone statue of the Bhagavan Gometeshwara Bahubali. It is one of the famous Jain basadis in Karnataka. It is a sacred religious site for the Jains.

Yellamma Temple
Yellamma Temple is situated in the Bijapur District of Belgaum. The presiding deity is also known as MahanKali, Jogamma, Gundamma, Pochamma, Maisamma, Jagadambika, Holiyyamma and Renuka. Hence the Yellamma Temple in Karnataka is also called Renuka Devi Temple. The tradition of Devdasis is an integral part of this temple.

Venur
Venur is another Jain pilgrimage center in Karnataka. Located by River Gurupur the town presents a pretty picture. This is another place that has the monolithic statue of Bhagawan Bahubali or Lord Gomateshwara. As a result it has become a popular religious site for the Jains.

Sringeri
The Vidyashankara Temple located is a major tourist attraction here. It has 12 sculpted pillars and paved courtyard. Each of these pillars represent the 12 zodiac signs. These are established in such a way that the rays of the sun fall on them in accordance to the solar months they represent. Another temple here is a Dravidian style temple where the primary deity is Goddess Sharada. The town`s proximity to the Tungabhadra River has blessed the region with greenery.

Karkala
It is another sacred place where the colossal statue of Lord Gomateshwara is placed.

Inam Dattatreya Peetha
the striking feature of this religious site is that it is open to both Hindus and Muslims.

Talacauvery, Banavasi, Khwaja Bande Nawaz Durgah, Sharanabasaveshwara Shrine, Basavakalyan, Gurudwara Nanak Jhira Sahib-Bidar, Banashankari, Koodalasangama, Murudeshwar, Siddhaganga, Shivaganga, Devarayanadurga, Nanjangud, Melkote, Talakad and Mudabidri are the other religious sites in Karnataka.