The district of Tumkur lies in the foothills of Devarayadurga Hill. Located 70 kilometers away from Bangalore, which is known as the IT hub of India, Tumkur is often ignored by tourists traveling to Karnataka for a weekend retreat. Though not very popular as a tourist hotspot, the places to visit in Tumkur are recently gaining traction, thanks to their scenic beauty.
Top 7 Places To Visit In Tumkur
We have shortlisted 7 places to visit in Tumkur that are the picture perfect stops to witness the best of the city and experience Karnataka’s cultural scene:
- Devarayanadurga Fort
- Namada Chilume
- Devarayanadurga State Forest
- Mahima Garuda Ranganatha Swamy Temple
- Shivaganga Hills
- Bhoga Narasimha Temple
- Yoganarasimha Swamy Temple
1. Devarayanadurga Fort
The fort was built by Chikka Devaraja Wadiyar , the 14th king of the Wadiyar dynasty of Mysore, in the 17th century. The fort also led to the name Devarayanadurga, which means “fort of Devaraja”. Not much is left of it now, but the place called for a brief stop. There are no food stalls on the way, so carry ample food and water. You can also preplan your trip to the fort to catch the setting sun. Apart from this, there are various things to do in Tumkur that you can enjoy with with your loved ones.
How to reach: Drive straight from Siddaganga Hale Mata to Devarayanadurga. The approximate distance between them is around 14.4 km.
Must Read: 8 Hill Stations Near Tumkur For An Enchanting Vacation With Your Pals!
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2. Namada Chilume
Namada Chilume, a natural spring amidst rocky terrain, is perfect for a family picnic and nature exploration. is among the best places to visit in Tumkur with family. It is considered the starting point of the famous Jayamangali River. It is a perennial natural spring that has rich historical significance. It gushes out of a massive hole in a dark, dreary rock. As per the legend, Lord Ram, on his journey to Lanka to rescue Sita, rested near Namada Chilume for one night. The next morning, when he wanted to make a vermilion paste for his forehead, he shot an arrow into the rock, and a spring burst open. This is why Namada Chilume translates to “small spring for forehead paste” in English.
How to reach: Namada Chilume is on the way to Devarayanadurga from Tumkur. Several buses ply on this route.
3. Devarayanadurga State Forest
Among places to visit in Tumkur for couples, the picturesque Devarayanadurga State Forest stands out, boasting not only its breathtaking natural beauty but also a fascinating history of conservation dating back to 1853. Explore this 42-square-kilometer forest, complete with diverse wildlife such as langurs and chitals, and the possibility of spotting elusive tigers in its pristine surroundings at an altitude of 3,940 feet, making it an enticing choice for a romantic and adventurous outing.
How to reach: The nearest railway station is Tumkur Railway Station at a distance of 15 km.
Suggested Read: 10 Best Adventure Activities In Karnataka That Will Sweep You Off Your Feet
4. Mahima Garuda Ranganatha Swamy Temple
The temple, which is devoted to Mahima Garuda Ranganatha, is on Bangalore-Tumkur Road. You can reach it via Dobbspet. Located on a tiny hilltop, it can be reached after 300 steps of climbing. The village’s name is also Mahimapura, which can also be reached from either Mahimapura Cross near Dobbspet or Neelamangala. Garuda’s idol is located near garbhagruha’s entrance.
How to reach: Travel on NH4 on the Bangalore-Tumkur Road and take a right turn on Mahimapura Cross before Dobbspet and reach Mahimapura.
5. Shivaganga Hills
Offering fantastic panoramic views and a religious shrine atop the hill, Shivaganga Hill is among the top places to visit in Tumkur district. This is crowned as one of the most stunning places to visit near Tumkur and are considered sacred by the locals of Tumkur. According to the ancient books like, Vishnupurana and Brahmavaivartha Purana, Lord Sri Vishnu donned several avataras to teach his disciples important life lessons. Apart from his 10 incarnations, he also appeared in several forms like Hayagriva, Venkateshwara, Ranganathaswamy, or Varadaraja. Make sure to wear comfortable trekking shoes.
How to reach: The nearest airport is the Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore, at a distance of about 76 km. From there, visitors can take a bus to Dabaspet and then hire an auto to reach Shivaganga.
Suggested Read: 9 Museums In Karnataka: Top Creative Spots With A Rich Heritage
6. Bhoga Narasimha Temple
A somewhat exhausting trek by means of a lofty bending street, rough landscape and steps prompted another sanctuary, Bhoga Narasimha is every aesthete’s joy. From here, you get an all encompassing perspective on the slopes and valleys. There are a bunch of rough slopes encompassed by woods, with ancient temples in close proximity. We suggest that you take your fitness levels into account before embarking on this strenuous trek.
How to reach: Take the deviation from Dobbespet on Bangalore Tumkur Road.
7. Yoganarasimha Swamy Temple
The Yoganarasimha Swamy Temple, with its ancient roots and intricate architecture, stands as one of the top tourist places near Tumkur, attracting visitors seeking spiritual significance and cultural exploration. It is a sanctuary devoted to Yoganarasimha Swamy, a part-man, part-lion symbol of Lord Vishnu. The sanctuary is known to have existed since the time of the Cholas. It has excellent columns and carvings and a huge circumambulatory entry encompassing the inward sanctum. We suggest you cover your legs and shoulders before entering the temple premises to respect the sanctity of the temple.
How to reach: The nearest railway station is 25 km away in Dobbespet.
Further Read: 25 Stunning Places To Visit In Summer In Karnataka For A Relaxing Retreat
The places to visit in Tumkur are slowly becoming popular with backpackers from across India. It is a fine spot to visit for nature lovers and history aficionados. As mentioned above, there are several temples in the region that are dedicated to Vishnu, Shiva and other Indian gods. From a pilgrim to a nature enthusiast, there is something for everybody at Tumkur. Book a trip to Tumkur with TravelTriangle today to avail exciting deals and discounts.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Tumkur
Which temple is famous in Tumkur?
The Siddaganga Mutt is the renowned and revered temple in Tumkur, Karnataka, dedicated to Sri Siddaganga Swamy, attracting devotees and visitors from various places for its spiritual significance and philanthropic activities.
What type of climate is Tumkur?
Tumkur generally experiences a semi-arid climate. It is characterised by hot summers with temperatures reaching high levels and relatively mild winters. Rainfall is limited, and the region often faces dry conditions.
Which hill to trek near Tumkur?
Devarayanadurga is a popular hill for trekking near Tumkur. It offers picturesque landscapes, scenic trails, and the opportunity to visit temples like Bhoga Narasimha and Yoganarasimha at the hill's summit, making it a favoured trekking destination for locals and tourists.
What are some of the Tumkur tourist places beyond the temples?
Apart from the temples, there are many places to visit in Tumkur. For instance, the Devarayanadurga Fort, Namada Chilume, Devarayanadurga State Forest, and more
Suggest a few hidden places in Tumkur.
Some hidden gems in Tumkur include Namada Chilume, a natural spring amidst rocky terrain with a mythological connection; Shivaganga Hill, known for its religious significance and scenic views; and Antharagange, featuring a network of caves and a perennial spring ideal for treks and exploration.
Where is Tumkur located?
Tumkur is situated in Karnataka. It is situated at a distance of 71 kilometres from Bangalore. Also, this place is governed by the municipal corporation.
How can one reach Tumkur?
Travellers can take both flights as well as use road transport facilities to travel to Tumkur from Bangalore. The air route would be good and fast, so it would be better to travel to the destination by air.
Are there any hills in the city of Tumkur?
Yes, the district of Tumkur has several hills that catch the attention of the people over there. The most popular ones are the Shivaganga Hills in Tumkur, which are among the most visited places over there. So, if you want to bask in the glory of a hilly area, make sure to visit various hill stations near Tumkur.
Is Tumkur a developed city?
Yes, Tumkur is a very well-developed place that has a lot of growing industries, so there are various other developments taking place in the city. It is, therefore, a smart city in present-day terminology.
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