While South India is known for having the majority of India’s temples, Karnataka is one destination where you’re never bored when it comes to temple touring. In addition to the ageless beauty, these fascinating temples in Karnataka showcase a unique architectural style from the Hoysala Empire. All these temples await you in this enchanting state.
How to reach Karnataka?Â
By air:Â
Bangalore, Mangalore, Mysore, Hampi, Hubli, Belgaum, and Bijapur are among the seven Karnataka cities with airports. Mangalore International Airport and Bengaluru International Airport are the only two airports in Karnataka that operate international flights.
By train:Â
There are only a few district headquarters connected by railroad to Bangalore, the capital city of Karnataka. Indian Railways’ South Western Zone is headquartered in Hubli.
By road:Â
The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) operates the road transport system in the state. Both intra-state and interstate buses connect the state’s major cities and tourist destinations. It is possible to reserve bus tickets in advance with KSRTC online.
Must-visit temples in Karnataka for a holy holiday
Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangapatna
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The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is one of the most important Hindu temples located in Srirangapatna, India. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu and his consort Lakshmi, who is referred to as Ranganatha and Padmanabha, respectively. Built over 8 centuries, the temple displays a blend of Hoysala and Vijayanagara-style architecture with Dravidian influences.
How to reachÂ
As it lies on the Bangalore-Mysore State Highway, this town can be reached by road from Mysore and Bangalore. Many buses run regularly between these two cities. It is also possible to hire a taxi from Mysore to reach the temple. Trains and even flights can take tourists to Bangalore and Mysore. Srirangapatna can be reached by rail from Mysore.
Dodda Basavana Gudi, Bangalore
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Dodda Basavana Gudi is one of the most famous temples in Karnataka, located about 12 km from the heart of Bangalore. It was built by Basaveshwara and is one of the most important pilgrimage centres for Lingayat devotees. The temple is a fine example of Chalukyan architecture, with a structure that blends both Nagara and Dravidian styles.
How to ReachÂ
Dodda Basavana Gudi cannot be reached directly from Bengaluru, but trains depart from Vidhana Souda and arrive at National College via Majestic. Travel time, including transfers, is approximately 30 minutes. A subway and train are the most cost-effective ways to get from Bengaluru to Dodda Basavana Gudi, which takes 30 minutes.
Murudeshwara Temple, Murudeshwara
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Murudeshwara Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva that is situated in the town of Murudeshwara, near the city of Shimoga. The main deity here is Lord Shiva, and it has been built on a hill called Panchkula. It was built by King Mayuravarma I of the Kadamba dynasty, who reigned from 345-380 AD.
How to reachÂ
The closest airport is Mangalore international airport, about 153 km south of Murudeshwar. Public buses connect Murudeshwar with Mumbai, Kochi, and Bengaluru.
Kukke Subramanya Temple, Kukke
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The Kukke Subramanya Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Shiva and his consort Parvati. The temple is located near Mangalore in Karnataka, India. It is one of the most important pilgrimage centres for Hindus on the coast of south India. The Kukke Subramanya temple attracts as many as 8,000 visitors per day and 100,000 per week during major festivals like Shivaratri and Ganesh Chaturthi.
How to reach
Additionally, devotees can fly to Madakallli airport in Mysore, 190 km from Subramanya, or Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore, 303 km away. A jeep or auto-rickshaw can help you reach the Kukke Subramanya temple. It is 12.5 km from Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, and Dharmasthala. Various buses operate from Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, and Dharmasthala to Subramanya. All routes are operated by KSRTC, providing the best travel options.
Gomateshwara Statue, Shravanabelagola
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The Gomateshwara Statue is a monolithic statue of Lord Shiva, located in Shravanabelagola, India. It stands at the height of 216 ft (66 m), making it the tallest monolith of Shiva as well as one of the largest statues on Earth. The statue was built around 983 AD by Chavundaraya.
How to reachÂ
There are 51 kilometres between Shravanabelagola and Hassan, the district centre. This temple is located 12 kilometres south of Bangalore on Vindhyagiri Hill. To access the temple, tourists must climb more than 600 steps.
Mahabaleshwara Temple, Gokarna
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The Mahabaleshwara Temple at Gokarna is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that the deity of this temple was originally from Kashi and brought here by Parashurama, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. Legend has it that Parashurama cut off the head of Mahisha, the Buffalo Demon and threw his axe (the axe is still there today) into this temple.
How to reachÂ
Gokarn is 150 km away from Dabolim International Airport in Panaji, Goa. There is a railway station six kilometres from the town called Gokarna Road. The KSRTC bus service connects Panaji, Bengaluru, and Mangalore to Gokarna.
Kotilingeshwara Temple, Kotilingeshwara
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Kotilingeshwara is a Hindu temple located at Kotilingeshwara, near Mysore. It was built by Chamaraja Wodeyar III. And his queen Alamelamma as an act of gratitude for the King’s recovery from illness. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Kotilingeshwara temple is surrounded by a huge outer wall with four gates, which leads to the main entrance of the shrine.
How to reachÂ
On the Bangalore city-Bangarpet-Marikuppam route, Coromandel, Station code COL is the nearest railway station. From outside the railway station in Coromandel, you can take an auto maximum of Rs 100-120 to the temple which is only 5 km away.
Banashankari Amma Temple, Bangalore
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The Banashankari Amma Temple is located near the city of Bangalore and is one of the most popular temples in Karnataka. It is dedicated to Goddess Bhagawati, also known as Parvati or Durga. The temple was built during the reign of Tipu Sultan, who took it upon himself to rebuild many temples that were destroyed by his father Hyder Ali.
How to reachÂ
Bangalore City Railway Station is approximately 8.5 kilometres away from Banashankari Temple. From the railway station, you can take a taxi, bus or auto to Badami’s city centre. The temple is within five kilometres of the city centre.
Nandi Statue, Chamundi Hills
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One of the most popular temples in Karnataka is the Nandi Statue, found in the Chamundi Hills. It is quite a tourist attraction and is loved by locals for its peaceful atmosphere. The statue itself has been worshipped as an incarnation of Lord Shiva. There are also many other temples located on these hills. Including a temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati and one to Lord Ganesha.
How to reachÂ
Chamundi Hills can be reached easily by bus from Mysore. Buses travel regularly between Mysore and Chamundi Hills and Chamundeshwari Temple. While a bus tour showcases roads and lush green hills. Mysore is just a 15-minute drive away from Chamundi Hills, which is hardly 12 kilometres.
FAQs
What is the richest temple in Karnataka?
One of the top 10 temples with the highest annual incomes is Kukke Subramanya in Kadaba taluk, Dakshina Kannada district.
How do temples in Karnataka differ from other temples?
There has been a tradition of preserving ancient heritage in Karnataka since ancient times. Several temples in this region, mostly belonging to the Hoysala period, offer both spiritual rejuvenation and awe-inspiring architectural beauty.
