Kolar Tourism – Explore the Land of Gold, Silk, Milk & Mango
About Kolar
Kolar is one of the historic districts of Karnataka, located in the eastern part of the state. Known for its rich heritage, ancient temples, silk, milk, mangoes and gold-mining history, Kolar offers a fascinating combination of history, spirituality, culture, nature and adventure. The district administration describes Kolar as the land of “silk, milk, mango and gold.”
With a history dating back many centuries, Kolar was associated with the Western Gangas, Cholas and Vijayanagara rulers. Today, its historic temples, hill landscapes and Kolar Gold Fields make it an interesting destination for travellers exploring lesser-known attractions of Karnataka.
History of Kolar
Kolar was historically known by names such as Kolahala, Kuvalala and Kolala. During the medieval period, it was also called Kolahalapura.
The Western Gangas made Kolar an important centre. Later, the Cholas and Vijayanagara rulers contributed to the district's temple architecture and cultural heritage.
Kolaramma Temple and Someshwara Temple are important examples of this architectural and cultural legacy.
Kolar's history took another remarkable turn with the development of Kolar Gold Fields. For more than a century, KGF was among India's most important gold-mining regions.
Kolaramma Temple
Kolaramma Temple is one of the most important historic temples in Kolar city. The temple is associated with the Ganga tradition and later received renovations during the Chola and Vijayanagara periods. Its distinctive Dravidian architecture, stone sculptures and traditional temple layout make it an important heritage attraction in Kolar.
Someshwara Temple
Someshwara Temple is a beautiful example of South Indian temple architecture. The temple features an impressive outer mantapa, Kalyana Mantapa, Vasantha Mantapa, carved pillars and a historic Pushkarini. The architecture reflects the artistic traditions associated with the Vijayanagara period.
Anthargange
Anthargange is one of Kolar’s best-known nature and adventure destinations. Located among rocky hills, it is famous for natural rock formations, caves, temples and trekking opportunities. The site is associated with the Basavanna shrine and a natural water source. The hilltop also provides scenic views of the surrounding villages.
Kotilingeshwara Temple
Kotilingeshwara Temple at Kammasandra is famous for its enormous Shiva Linga and numerous smaller Lingas spread across the temple complex. The main Shiva Linga is 108 feet high, accompanied by a huge Nandi statue. The complex also contains several smaller temples and attracts pilgrims throughout the year.
Kurudumale
Kurudumale near Mulbagal is famous for its magnificent Ganesha temple and large monolithic Ganesha idol. The temple contains beautifully carved pillars and architectural elements associated with the Vijayanagara period. The nearby Someshwara Temple also adds to the heritage value of the destination.
Avani
Avani is a historic village near Mulbagal, known for the Ramalingeshwara Temple complex and its Ramayana traditions. The area features shrines linked to Lakshmana, Bharata, Shatrughna, Vali, Sugriva and Angada, along with a hill and Dhanushkoti tank. Legends of Sita, Lava, Kusha and Valmiki make Avani a fascinating destination for mythology and heritage enthusiasts.
Bangaru Tirupati
Bangaru Tirupati is a popular pilgrimage destination near Mulbagal. The temple is located on a small hill and is designed in the tradition of Tirupati Venkateshwara temples. The complex includes shrines dedicated to Varaha, Ganesha, Anjaneya and Padmavathi, along with a beautiful temple tank.
Virupakshi Temple, Mulbagal
Virupakshi Temple is a historic temple in Mulbagal associated with the Vijayanagara period. The temple is known for its stone architecture, sculptures, gopura and traditional temple tank. The temple celebrates Rathotsava and Maha Shivaratri, attracting devotees and visitors during important festivals.
Narasimha Theertha & Sripadaraja Mutt
Narasimha Theertha near Mulbagal is associated with the Sripadaraja tradition. The site includes a Brindavana, a peaceful temple environment and the Yoga Narasimha shrine. It is also associated with the Dvaita philosophical tradition and attracts visitors interested in spirituality and history.
Mulbagal
Mulbagal is an important historic town in eastern Karnataka. Its name is traditionally connected with “Mudala Bagilu,” meaning eastern gateway. The town has several temples and heritage attractions, including the Anjaneya temple complex, Lakshmi Narasimha, Venugopala and other shrines.
Budikote
Budikote is a historic village in Bangarapet Taluk known for its old fort and its association with Hyder Ali, father of Tipu Sultan. The village offers visitors an opportunity to explore a lesser-known chapter of Karnataka’s historical heritage.
Kolar Gold Fields – KGF
Kolar Gold Fields (KGF) is a significant part of Kolar’s history, known for more than a century of gold mining. Though mining operations eventually closed, its historic mining region and Anglo-Indian heritage make KGF an interesting destination for exploring Karnataka’s industrial and gold-mining history.
Kolaramma Temple
Kolaramma Temple is one of the most important historic temples in Kolar city. The temple is associated with the Ganga tradition and later received renovations during the Chola and Vijayanagara periods. Its distinctive Dravidian architecture, stone sculptures and traditional temple layout make it an important heritage attraction in Kolar. Best for: Heritage, architecture, spirituality and photography.
Someshwara Temple
Someshwara Temple is a beautiful example of South Indian temple architecture. The temple features an impressive outer mantapa, Kalyana Mantapa, Vasantha Mantapa, carved pillars and a historic Pushkarini. The architecture reflects the artistic traditions associated with the Vijayanagara period.
Anthargange
Anthargange is one of Kolar’s best-known nature and adventure destinations. Located among rocky hills, it is famous for its natural rock formations, caves, temples and trekking opportunities. The site is associated with the Basavanna shrine and a natural water source. The hilltop also provides scenic views of the surrounding villages. Best for: Trekking, caves, nature, photography and adventure.
Kotilingeshwara Temple
Kotilingeshwara Temple at Kammasandra is famous for its enormous Shiva Linga and numerous smaller Lingas spread across the temple complex. The main Shiva Linga is 108 feet high, accompanied by a huge Nandi statue. The complex also contains several smaller temples and attracts pilgrims throughout the year. Best for: Spiritual tourism, pilgrimage and photography.
Kurudumale
Kurudumale near Mulbagal is famous for its magnificent Ganesha temple and large monolithic Ganesha idol. The temple contains beautifully carved pillars and architectural elements associated with the Vijayanagara period. The nearby Someshwara Temple also adds to the heritage value of the destination
Avani
Avani is a historic village near Mulbagal, known for the Ramalingeshwara Temple complex and its Ramayana traditions. The area features shrines linked to Lakshmana, Bharata, Shatrughna, Vali, Sugriva and Angada, along with a hill and Dhanushkoti tank. Legends of Sita, Lava, Kusha and Valmiki make Avani a fascinating destination for mythology and heritage enthusiasts.
Bangaru Tirupati
Bangaru Tirupati is a popular pilgrimage destination near Mulbagal. The temple is located on a small hill and is designed in the tradition of Tirupati Venkateshwara temples. The complex includes shrines dedicated to Varaha, Ganesha, Anjaneya and Padmavathi, along with
a beautiful temple tank.
Virupakshi Temple, Mulbagal
Virupakshi Temple is a historic temple in Mulbagal associated with the Vijayanagara period. The temple is known for its stone architecture, sculptures, gopura and traditional temple tank.
The temple celebrates Rathotsava and Maha Shivaratri, attracting devotees and visitors during important festivals.
Narasimha Theertha & Sripadaraja Mutt
Narasimha Theertha near Mulbagal is associated with the Sripadaraja tradition. The site includes a Brindavana, a peaceful temple environment and the Yoga Narasimha shrine. It is also associated with the Dvaita philosophical tradition and attracts visitors interested in spirituality and history.
Mulbagal
Mulbagal is an important historic town in eastern Karnataka. Its name is traditionally connected with “Mudala Bagilu,” meaning eastern gateway.
The town has several temples and heritage attractions, including the Anjaneya temple complex, Lakshmi Narasimha, Venugopala and other shrines.
Budikote
Budikote is a historic village in Bangarapet Taluk known for its old fort and its association with Hyder Ali, father of Tipu Sultan. The village offers visitors an opportunity to explore a lesser-known chapter of Karnataka’s historical
heritage.
Kolar Gold Fields – KGF
Kolar Gold Fields (KGF) is a significant part of Kolar’s history, known for more than a century of gold mining. Though mining operations eventually closed, its historic mining region and Anglo-Indian heritage make KGF an interesting destination for exploring Karnataka’s industrial and gold-mining history.
Frequently asked questions
What is Kolar famous for?
Which are the best places to visit in Kolar?
What is Kolar Gold Fields famous for?
What is Anthargange famous for?
opportunities
Is Kolar suitable for a one-day trip?
Kotilingeshwara, Kurudumale, Avani and Mulbagal can be added for a longer itinerary.
Explore Kolar with Mysore Travels
Explore Kolar with Mysore Travels
Discover the history, temples, heritage and natural beauty of Kolar with Mysore Travels. From ancient temples and scenic hill landscapes to the fascinating heritage of Kolar Gold Fields, Kolar offers a unique experience for travellers exploring Karnataka. Discover Karnataka's Golden Heritage.