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07-01-2025

Districts of Karnataka

By JAIN College
districts of karnataka
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Karnataka, a state in southern India, is divided into 31 districts. These districts are grouped under four revenue divisions. Below is a list of Karnataka's districts categorized by their divisions:

How many districts in Karnataka in 2025 with names?

Karnataka is divided into 31 districts, Each district tells a unique story of history, culture, and progress. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the formation, features, and future prospects of Karnataka's districts, unraveling the richness they add to the state’s identity.
 

31 District of Karnataka in Alphabetical order 

Districts of Karnataka in Alphabetical Order
Bagalkot
Ballari
Belagavi
Bidar
Chamarajanagar
Chikkaballapur
Chikkamagaluru
Chitradurga
Dakshina Kannada
Davanagere
Dharwad
Gadag
Hassan
Kalaburagi
Kolar
Kodagu
Koppal
Mandya
Mysuru
Ramanagara
Raichur
Shivamogga
Tumakuru
Udupi
Uttara Kannada
Vijayanagara (carved out of Ballari in 2021)
Yadgir
Bengaluru Urban
Bengaluru Rural

 

Districts of Karnataka and Geographical Layout

Karnataka is strategically located in southern India, bordered by Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. Its geographical diversity includes lush forests, rugged hills, fertile plains, and serene beaches.

List of 31 Districts of Karnataka - 2025

Districts of Karnataka Under North Karnataka 

Northern Karnataka: Known for its arid landscapes and historical sites.

  • Bagalkot
  • Ballari
  • Belagavi
  • Bidar
  • Chitradurga
  • Dharwad
  • Gadag
  • Haveri
  • Kalaburagi
  • Koppal
  • Raichur
  • Vijayapura
  • Yadgir

Districts of Karnataka Under South Karnataka 

Southern Karnataka: Characterized by verdant hills and fertile lands.

  • Chamarajanagar
  • Chikkaballapur
  • Chikkamagaluru
  • Dakshina Kannada
  • Hassan
  • Kodagu
  • Kolar
  • Mandya
  • Mysuru
  • Ramanagara
  • Shivamogga
  • Tumakuru

Districts of Karnataka Under Coastal Karnataka 

Coastal Karnataka: Famous for pristine beaches and seafood cuisine.

  • Dakshina Kannada
  • Udupi
  • Uttara Kannada

Districts of Karnataka Under Central Karnataka

Central Karnataka: A mix of plateaus and agricultural land.

  • Bengaluru Urban
  • Bengaluru Rural
  • Tumakuru
  • Kolar
  • Mysuru
  • Mandya

Note:

  • The Vijayanagara district, carved out of Ballari in 2021, could be considered part of Northern Karnataka due to its historical and geographic ties to the region.

Karnataka Districts by Division

Bengaluru Division Mysuru Division Belagavi Division Kalaburagi Division
Bengaluru Urban Chamarajanagar Bagalkot Ballari
Bengaluru Rural Chikkamagaluru Belagavi Bidar
Chikkaballapur Dakshina Kannada Vijayapura Kalaburagi
Chitradurga Hassan Dharwad Koppal
Davanagere Kodagu Gadag Raichur
Kolar Mandya Haveri Yadgir
Ramanagara Mysuru Uttara Kannada  
Shivamogga Udupi    
Tumakuru      
Vijayanagara (carved out of Ballari district in 2021)      


A Complete Guide to All 31 Districts of Karnataka and Their Unique Highlights

Bengaluru Urban District

The largest district by population, Bengaluru Urban, is Karnataka's capital and the IT hub of India. It boasts a cosmopolitan culture, technological parks, and educational institutions, making it a global city. Key attractions include Lalbagh Botanical Garden and Bengaluru Palace.

Bengaluru Rural District

Surrounding the bustling urban district, Bengaluru Rural offers a contrast with its serene landscapes and agricultural lands. Known for its silk production and historical sites like Nandi Hills, it provides a glimpse into traditional Karnataka.

Belagavi District

Belagavi is the largest district by area in Karnataka. Known for its rich heritage, it houses historical sites like the Belgaum Fort and serves as a prominent hub for sugarcane farming and industries.

Bagalkote District

Famous for its sandstone temples and monuments, Bagalkote is a historical and cultural treasure. It is home to landmarks like Pattadakal and Aihole, showcasing the architectural brilliance of ancient India.

Ballari District

Rich in mineral resources, Ballari is known for its iron ore deposits and historical landmarks like Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The district also showcases Karnataka's rich Vijayanagara-era history.

Bidar District

Situated in northern Karnataka, Bidar is renowned for its Persian-inspired Bidriware craft. The district is steeped in history, with the iconic Bidar Fort and historical mosques adding to its charm.

Vijayapura (Bijapur) District

Known for its Islamic architectural marvels, Vijayapura is home to Gol Gumbaz, one of the largest domes in the world. The district also features ancient monuments and cultural significance.

Chamarajanagar District

Located near the Tamil Nadu border, Chamarajanagar is known for its forests and wildlife sanctuaries like Bandipur National Park. It is a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.

Chikballapur District

Famous for its proximity to Nandi Hills and the serene Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple, Chikballapur is a picturesque district known for trekking, vineyards, and cultural heritage.

Chikkamagaluru District

Known as the coffee capital of India, Chikkamagaluru boasts lush coffee plantations, misty hills, and trekking destinations like Mullayanagiri and Baba Budangiri.

Chitradurga District

Famous for its massive fort built across hills, Chitradurga is steeped in history and folklore. It also plays a significant role in agriculture and wind energy production.

Dakshina Kannada District

Known for its vibrant coastal culture, Dakshina Kannada features serene beaches, temples like Dharmasthala, and a robust educational infrastructure with renowned institutions.

Davanagere District

Once known as the “Manchester of Karnataka,” Davanagere is famous for its textile industries and delicious Benne Dosa, attracting visitors from across the state.

Dharwad District

A cultural hub, Dharwad is known for its contributions to Hindustani classical music and educational institutions. The Dharwad Pedha is a popular local delicacy.

Gadag District

Renowned for its temples and architecture, Gadag is home to the beautiful Trikuteshwara Temple and a thriving cultural and religious heritage.

Kalaburagi (Gulbarga) District

Known for its Bahmani Sultanate heritage, Kalaburagi features iconic structures like the Gulbarga Fort and Jama Masjid, reflecting Indo-Islamic architecture.

Hassan District 

Hassan is known for its ancient Hoysala temples, including the famous Belur and Halebidu. The district is also a prominent agricultural hub.

Haveri District

Rich in culture and heritage, Haveri is known for its Siddhesvara Temple and as the birthplace of many Kannada poets and writers.

Kodagu (Coorg) District

Known for its natural beauty, Kodagu is famous for its coffee plantations, misty hills, and tourist spots like Abbey Falls and Talakaveri.

Kolar District

Dubbed the “Golden Land” of Karnataka, Kolar is known for its gold mines and historical temples, including the Kolaramma Temple.

Koppal District

A significant historical district, Koppal is home to the famous Mahadeva Temple and is part of the UNESCO-listed Hampi region.

Mandya District

Known as the “Sugar Bowl of Karnataka,” Mandya is a prominent agricultural district, producing sugarcane and rice, with landmarks like the KRS Dam.

Mysuru (Mysore) District

The cultural capital of Karnataka, Mysuru is famous for its palaces, Dasara festival, and sandalwood products. The Mysore Palace is a major attraction.

Raichur District

Known for its thermal power plants and historic forts, Raichur has been a significant region since the Vijayanagara Empire.

Ramanagara District

Famous for its silk industry, Ramanagara is often referred to as “Silk City.” It is also a popular destination for rock climbing and trekking.

Shivamogga District

Blessed with natural beauty, Shivamogga features waterfalls like Jog Falls and lush forests, making it a nature lover’s paradise.

Tumakuru (Tumkur) District

An emerging industrial hub, Tumakuru is known for its industries and landmarks like Devarayanadurga and Siddaganga Matha.

Udupi District

Famous for its temples and beaches, Udupi is also known as the birthplace of the renowned Udupi cuisine and Krishna Matha.

Uttara Kannada District

Uttara Kannada is a district known for its stunning beaches, Western Ghats biodiversity, and landmarks like Gokarna and Jog Falls.

Yadgir District

Known for its agricultural economy, Yadgir is rich in black soil and features ancient forts and temples, reflecting its historical significance.

Raichur District

A district with historical importance, Raichur is home to Raichur Fort and rich in natural resources like thermal energy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

There are 31 districts in Karnataka.

Belagavi is the largest district by area.

Belagavi is the largest district by area.

Bengaluru Urban is the IT hub of not just Karnataka but India.

Mysuru is considered the cultural capital.

Ballari district is home to the ancient ruins of Hampi.

Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, and Uttara Kannada are the coastal districts.

Karnataka has 31 Districts and 4 Divisions

There are 31 districts in Karnataka as of 2024.

As of 2025, Karnataka continues to have 31 districts unless further reorganization has occurred.

The 31st district of Karnataka is Vijayanagara, carved out of Ballari in 2020.

The 29th district of Karnataka is Yadgir, formed in 2009.

Bengaluru Urban is often considered the No. 1 district in Karnataka in terms of population, economy, and development.

The newest district in Karnataka is Vijayanagara, formed in 2020.

By population, the smallest district is Kodagu, and by area, it is Bengaluru Urban.

Karnataka has only 31 districts

The largest city in Karnataka is Bengaluru.

Kodagu is often considered one of the safest districts in Karnataka due to its low crime rate and peaceful environment.

KA-01 is the RTO code for Bengaluru Central.

Karnataka is divided into four administrative divisions: Bengaluru Division Mysuru Division Belagavi Division Kalaburagi Division

The 31 districts of Karnataka are: Bagalkote Ballari Belagavi Bengaluru Rural Bengaluru Urban Bidar Vijayapura Chamarajanagar Chikballapur Chikkamagaluru Chitradurga Dakshina Kannada Davanagere Dharwad Gadag Kalaburagi Hassan Haveri Kodagu Kolar Koppal Mandya Mysuru Raichur Ramanagara Shivamogga Tumakuru Udupi Uttara Kannada Yadgir Vijayanagara

About the Author
Mekhala Joshi

JAIN College

JAIN PU College, a part of the renowned JGI Group, is committed to empowering students with quality education. Beyond academics, the college ensures its online content reflects the same standard of excellence. Every blog and article is meticulously vetted and proofread by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy, relevance, and clarity. From insightful educational topics to engaging discussions, JAIN PU College's content is crafted to inform, inspire, and add value to its readers, reflecting the institution's commitment to intellectual growth and innovation.

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