India is a country that finds its roots attached to aesthetics and beliefs. The country is home to several pilgrims, temples, and richly diversified cultures. The region of south India is blessed with many beautiful and fascinating temples that leave the devotees in awe and those visiting to admire the architectural marvels. Karnataka is one such state that contains several enchanting places to visit. There are many such fascinating temples to visit in Karnataka, which are so divine and grand that they leave you speechless with their magnificent architecture.
From the coffee plantation to the heavenly hill stations. From the high-tech cities to the peaceful temples, Karnataka has never failed us to skip a beat on our visit. Experience the holy and unforgettable journey that connects you with the supreme power is always a memorable one. For one such amazing Tour, explore these fascinating temples to visit In Karnataka.
Famous Temples to visit in Karnataka to Bless your Soul
The ageless beauty of these temples will make you relive moments from history and admire the intricate beauty of the monumental carvings. At the same time, it is skimming your soul with a gentle touch of divine grace and filling your hearts with devotion and surrender to the Almighty. Many tourists plan to seek peace and enlightenment at such dream-like destinations. Let’s quickly dive into the divine world of some famous temples to visit in Karnataka.
1. Durga Temple, Aihole
Every Karnataka trip is incomplete without taking you to Aihole. This village has about 125 temples spread all across the land. The most well-known temple is Maa Shakti, the Durga Gudi Temple. It is said to have been built in the 7th century AD. The temple is made with beautiful rock-cut architecture. The shape of the Durga temple is apsidal and oblong, which sets this temple apart from the rest of the famous temples to visit in Karnataka.
Location: Aihole, Karnataka- 587124
Timings: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
2. Keshava Temple, Somnathpur
This temple is ancient, finding its origin in 1268 AD. Keshava Temple is another one of the most popular temples to visit in Karnataka. The history of this temple is attached to the Hoysala empire, which was known for sculptures. Intricate sculptures adorn the three-star-shaped sanctuaries of this temple. The temple has a splendid view perfect for you to capture the moments so close to the Divine.
Location: Somanathapura, 40 kms from Mysore airport.
Timings: 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
3. Murudeshwar Shiva Temple, Bhatkal
The next on our list is one of the most famous Shiva temples in Karnataka. It is located in the Bhatkal district. The main attraction is the magnificent statue of Lord Shiva, which is the second-largest Shiva statue. The temple has the Arabian Sea on one side, adding a feather to the hat. You can reach Murudeshwar Shiva temple by train through the Mumbai-Mangalore-Konkan route or board a bus from Bangalore.
Location: Murdeshwar, Karnataka
Timings: 3:00 AM – 1:00 PM; 3PM – 8PM
4. Kotilingeshwara Temple, Kolar
Another unique and considered the most popular temple to visit in Karnataka, Kotilingeshwara Temple, is believed to have Asia’s tallest Shiva Linga. It is located in the remote village of Kammasandra in the Kolar district. This beautiful temple in Karnataka hosts nearly 2 lakh devotees every year, especially on the pious occasion of Maha Shivaratri. The devotees gather to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and make offerings to the Shiva Linga on this auspicious day.
Location: Kotilinga Temple, Ghattiragadahalli, Karnataka
Timings: 6 am – 9 pm
5. Badami Cave Temple, Bagalkot
A thrilling and ancient temple in Karnataka, the Badami Cave temple is built in 578 AD. The temple consists of four caves with the idols of Lord Shiva and Vishnu, while one is dedicated to Jainism. The Badami temple has a beautiful design, constructed in the Chalukya-style. It has spectacular views all around to add to the serene atmosphere at the temple. Badami is also a famous tourist destination in Karnataka with several cave temples and scenic spots like the Badami Fort.
Location: Badami, Karnataka
Timings: 9 am – 12 pm; 4 pm – 7 pm (Monday to Friday), 9 am – 7 pm (Weekends & Holidays)
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6. Banashankari Amma Temple, Bagalkot
Our next on the list of famous temples to visit in Karnataka is located very close to Badami. The Banashankari Amma temple is devoted to Goddesses and is known to fulfil all sorts of desires of the devotees visiting this shrine. It is also constructed in the Chalukya style and is known to be built in the 7th Century AD. It is very close to Badami and Belgaum airport, so reaching this one of the famous temples in Karnataka is very easy for devotees and tourists.
Location: SH 57, Cholachagudda, Karnataka
Timings: 6AM – 1PM; 4:30PM – 8PM
7. Vidyashankara Temple, Sringeri
Vidyashankara Temple is one of the famous temples to visit in Karnataka, which is dedicated to Guru Vidyashankara. The temple displays elements of both Dravida and Hoysala styles of architecture and is indeed a marvel you must visit. It contains beautiful images carved out of ruby of Lord Srinivasa, Lord Venugopal, and Nandi constructed from a large pearl. This temple in Karnataka also exhibits several inscriptions describing the Vijayanagar emperors. This temple is well connected with the major towns and cities by bus and rail networks, making it easy to reach here.
Location: Sringeri, Karnataka
Timings: 6AM – 2PM; 4PM – 9:15PM
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8. Vitthala Temple, Hampi
The next on our list is considered to be one of the famous ancient temples in Karnataka. Vitthala temple is located in Hampi, a popular historical place in Karnataka. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is very famous for its mesmerizing stone chariot and musical monolithic pillars. The temple is also among the best UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India and is an essential part of the ruins of Hampi. It is a beautiful mixture of history and mystery. The temple is accessible from Hospet Railway Station or Bangalore Airport.
Location: Hampi, Karnataka 583239
Timings: Open from 8 am to 5 pm
9. Kollur Mookambika Temple, Kollur
Our next famous temple in Karnataka is perched atop the beautiful hill station of Kodachadri in the Western Ghats. The magnificent Mookambika Temple is devoted to Maa Mookambika and is considered at least 1200 years old. The invincible beauty of this temple makes it one of the famous temples to visit in Karnataka. According to the mythology, Goddess Parvati killed a demon named Kamasura over here. Till today she is worshipped as Mookambika Amma for the devotees. The place holds a significant place among the shakti bhakti and the localities.
Location: Kollur, Udupi, Karnataka
Timings: From 5 am to 1:30 pm; 3 pm – 9 pm
10. Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple, Gokarna
One of the most famous temples in Karnataka, Mahabaleshwar Temple, is situated in Gokarna, a popular tourist spot. This magical temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is also considered the Dakshina Kashi, meaning ‘Kashi of the south. The temple is one of the most visited and is among the most famous Shiva temples of south India. If you ever visit Karnataka, you must visit this magnificent temple and experience its serenity and sanctity. Gokarna is one of the famous places to visit in Karnataka because of its beautiful beaches and breathtaking surroundings.
Location: Koti Tirtha Rd, Kotiteertha, Dandebagh, Gokarna, Karnataka
Timings: From 6 am to 12:30 pm; 5 pm – 8 pm
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11. Sree Virupaksha Temple, Hampi
Sree Virupaksha Temple is another exceptionally famous temple in Karnataka, situated in the beautiful Hampi district of Karnataka, and is one of the most ancient temples of Karnataka. Here, Lord Shiva is worshipped as Virupaksha. Being one of the most beautiful temples, it attracts a huge crowd every year, especially during December. Grand festivities are observed during this time to celebrate the marriage of God Virupaksha and Goddess Pampa, aka Shiva and Parvati. Lakkan Dandesha constructed it in the 14th century.
Location: River Rd, Hampi, Karnataka
Timings: From 9 am to 1 pm and 5 pm – 9 pm
12. Mallikarjuna Temple, Pattadakal
Among the most popular Shiva temples to visit in Karnataka, The Mallikarjun Temple is situated in the Pattadakal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple’s history is very ancient and finds its origin in approximately the 7th and 8th centuries. The presiding deity is Lord Shiva. The temple is visited in huge masses owing to its sacred origin and beautiful views. This shrine is also known as Trailokeshwara Maha Saila Prasada.
Location: Pattadakal, Karnataka
Timings: From 6:30 am to 9:30 pm
13. Siddhesvara Temple, Haveri
The next on our list of famous temples to visit in Karnataka is the Siddhesvara temple in Karnataka. It is among the most famous Shiva temples of Karnataka. The temple is constructed out of soapstone and located in the Haveri district of Karnataka. You may find beautiful sculptures and carvings of other deities like Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, Lord Kartikeya, the Sun God, and many more.
Location: Haveri, Karnataka
Timings: From 6:30 am to 9:30 pm
No matter where we go, we will always find our way back to our culture. A trip to these mesmerizing temples in Karnataka will surely leave you spellbound and make you relive the moments of the magnificent past of our country. As a matter of getting close to the Divine, these places will never fail to surprise you with their magical and serene atmosphere. Amidst the beauty of nature, it is good for the visitor to sit in peace, rejuvenate, and get recharged to combat the daily grind of the busy city life. Thus, temples to visit in Karnataka are often visited by many people who seek relaxation and spend time with the Almighty and their families.