Looking for a break from your city life in Bangalore? Then, how about reconnecting with your spirituality and seeking the Lord's blessings on your getaway? You would also get to explore some mythologically and historically significant places in the process, you know? So, check out these seven famous temples near Bangalore for your spiritual getaway.
Adichunchanagiri - one of the most important temples near Bangalore
At a height of 3300 ft. in the Mandya district of Karnataka, you will find the rocky hill of Adichunchanagiri. Did you know that the Kalabhairaveshwara Swamy Temple has a history that dates back to 2000 years? Even some ancient Vedic culture was discovered here, thereby, making this one of the most important temples near Bangalore.
At the top of the hillock, there is a sacred pond called the Bindu Sarovara. If you're here around monrise, you'll see how the hills bear stark resemblances with moon crested Shiva. Offer prayers to Lord Gangadhareshwara, the presiding deity of the temple, and take home his blessings.
Time and Distance of Adichunchanagiri from Bangalore: 2 hr; 113 km
Road Conditions: Well- maintained
Food and Accommodation: Few hotels and guesthouses available in the area. Devotees at Lord Kalabhairava's temple are also served food and basic dormitory beds for the night, if available.
Nearest Petrol Pump: Highway
Best Time to Visit: Jan - Dec
Mudukuthore - a famous temple near Bangalore
Just a little away from the banks of the Cauvery river lies Mudukuthore or Thirumalakudu Bettahalli. In Kannada, Mudukothare means to turn and flow. When you climb to the top, you'd find that the river here takes a turn and starts flowing towards Srirangapatna. Along the banks, you'd find devotees from the local villages coming for darshan and taking a dip in the holy waters of the Cauvery River.
On the top of the hillock which is around 200 ft high, you can enter the Mallikarjuna Swamy temple. It is said to have been consecrated by Arjuna of Mahabharata, and hence the name. Being a part of the panchalingas in Talakadu earns the temple its importance. The environment is calming and you are sure to come back with a feeling of being blessed.
Time and Distance of Mudukothare from Bangalore: 2 hr 48 min; 124.9 km
Road Conditions: Well- maintained
Food and Accommodation: Most good hotels in the area are at least 20 - 30 km away. So, plan accordingly.
Nearest Petrol Pump: Malavalli
Best Time to Visit: Year-round destination. Visit during January - February when a festival fair is organized for a week.
Kadiri
In Kadiri town, you can visit Sri Kadiri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple that is one of the holiest places around Bangalore. Before you head out to this temple, let me tell you something interesting from Hindu mythology. Narasimha is said to have emerged from the roots of the Kadiri tree as Swayambhu to kill Hiranyakashyap. Now, after the priests have performed the daily Abhishekam or sacred bath, the idol of Narasimha still keeps sweating.
Once you visit this important pilgrimage hub near Bangalore, you'll see idols all around the temple which itself is spread over a vast area. You'd find the whole epic portrayed in the main Narasimha idol inside the temple. Plus, the intricate wall carvings and decorations will make you wonder at the dexterity of the artists of the bygone days.
Time and Distance of Kadiri from Bangalore: 3 hr 34 min; 171.8 km
Road Conditions: Well- maintained
Food and Accommodation: Accommodation available inside the premises at affordable rates (managed by temple administration). Also, don't miss out on the laddoos. You can buy them as prasad.
Nearest Petrol Pump: C. B. Pur
Best Time to Visit: Jun - March
Nanjanagudu - one of the important temples near Bangalore
When you are visiting the famous temples around Bangalore, you cannot but pay a visit to Nanjanagudu. The Nanjundeshwara Temple, also called Srikanteshwara Temple, is some 1000 years old and is the biggest temple in Karnataka. So, a visit to the temple is a must for a humbling experience.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple lies on the banks of the Kapila or Kabini, one of the tributaries of the Cauvery River. Did you know that some even believe that a dip in its waters is more holy than a Ganga bath? The main entrance or the Mahadwara of this temple is around 7-storeys high. You'd be taken aback when you see the seven gold-plated kalasas adorning the entrance gate, I tell you! Within the premise, there are a number of temples where you can offer your prayers.
Time and Distance of Nanjanagudu from Bangalore: 3 hr 43 min; 163.7 km
Road Conditions: Well-maintained
Food and Accommodation: You can stay in the Yatri Dormitories inside the temple premise, Girijakalyana Mantap, or in the hotels and lodges in the vicinity of the temple. Being just 24 km away from Mysore, you can also opt for a stay of your choice in the city.
Nearest Petrol Pump: Nanjangudu
Best Time to Visit: Year-round destination. You can also visit during the Panchamaha Rathothsava or Mahashivratri festival.
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T. Narasipur
Did you know that like Allahabad and Nashik, Kumbh Mela is also celebrated in South India? Well, here, in T. Narasipur or Tirumakudal Narasipur, every three years, South Indian Hindus take holy dip during what is known as South India's Kumbh Mela. Tirumakudal Narasipur lies at the confluence of holy rives Kabini, Kaveri, and the mythical lake/spring Spatika Sarovara. It is, therefore, a pilgrimage place near Bangalore of great religious importance.
The temple of Gunja Narasimhaswamy is right beside the confluence. The huge complex dates back to the Vijayanagar period. So, get ready to be awed by its architectural grandeur. There are also the panchaligas in the region. If you were looking for important temples to visit near Bangalore, add Tirumakudal Narasipur or Dakshin Kashi to your list.
Time and Distance of T Narasipur from Bangalore: 3 hr 7 min; 138.8 km
Road Conditions: Well- maintained
Food and Accommodation: No good hotels in Narasipur. Instead, when you finish touring the temples, you can drive back to Mysore which is around 60km away. Try carrying your own food since only a few small canteens are available in the area.
Nearest Petrol Pump: T. Narasipur
Best Time to Visit: Winter months are best to beat the heat. Visiting during the Kumbha Mela is also a very enriching experience.
Temples of Ramanathapura
If you are fond of art and architecture, then, the Sri Rameshwara, Pattabhirama, and Agasthyeshwara temples of Ramanathapuram are must-visit holy places from Bangalore. They are a standing testimony to the finesse of Chola and Hoysala architecture. You'll find tales on every wall of the temples, something to take you back in time. You can offer prayers to the main Shivalinga or the other deities like Mahaganapathi, Parashurama, Laksmi Devi, and Chamundeshwari.
Now, Ramanathapuram is in Hassan district which itself is famous for being a fascinating tourist destination of art, history, and culture. When you are in Ramanthapura, you can also visit the nearby tourist hotspots of Halebid, Belur, and Shravanabelagola.
Time and Distance of Ramanathapura from Bangalore: 3 hr 40 min; 208 km
Road Conditions: Well-maintained
Food and Accommodation: Not much is available in the region. Your best bet is to book a stay in Hassan's main town, which is almost 40 km away.
Nearest Petrol Pump: Ramanathapura
Best Time to Visit: While you can visit all throughout the year, you wouldn't want to miss the Subramanya Rathotsava during Margashira month.
If you want to spend a spiritual and peaceful weekend near Bangalore, you'll need a good hotel or resort nestled amidst the scenic attractions. To elevate your travel experience, you can opt for these 25 resorts and plantation stays.
And if you're looking for a good travel guide for a fulfilling weekend trip, contact Yuyiii and give yourself a chance to experience the luxury and comfort you deserve!
Gopalaswamy Betta - one of the famous temples near Bangalore
If you make your way through the narrow roads in Hangala village, you'll find yourself at Gopalaswamy Betta, a pilgrimage hill near Bangalore. Dense thickets surround the hill and you'd almost always find foggy weather around the hill. You can see the clouds just floating out and about in the area. On top of the hill, you can visit the Venu Gopala Swamy temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. Now, with such a surrounding, it is definitely one of the most picturesque temples near Bangalore.
What's so fascinating about Gopalaswamy Betta?
Just above the door that takes you to the Sanctum Sanctorium, you'd be surprised to find cold water dripping constantly. The interesting thing is that it is just not during the rainy season, it happens throughout the year. Ask the priest and he'd tell you legends about the origin of this water and then he'd sprinkle some of it on you. Also, you might find some elephants roaming around in the area since it is near the Bandipur National Park. Isn't it so fascinating?
Time and Distance of Gopalaswamy Betta from Bangalore: 4 hr 4 min; 186.7 km
Road Conditions: Well- maintained
Food and Accommodation: You can book a resort stay in Bandipur National Park. Forest guesthouse in Gopalaswamy available only for public servants at duty. No food shops available on the hills, so carry your own. However, you cannot enter the premises with food.
Nearest Petrol Pump: Gundlupet
Best Time to Visit: Dec - Jan best for the cold and calming environment. Also, try avoiding the rainy season since it gets really muddy all around.
Loved checking out the temples near Bangalore? Then, you can also visit these other pilgrimage sites near the city. For an epic road trip from Bangalore, check out these destinations. If you're a history buff, you'd also wanna visit these heritage sites near Bangalore. In case you are looking for some great nature stay options, I'm sure you'll love these getaways near Bangalore. You can find more such handpicked stays near your city here at Yuyiii.
