Most Famous Hindu temples in Karnataka

This Sri Durga Temple located in Aihole, Karnataka is an early 8th-century. Originally this temple is dedicated to Lord Surya built by Kumara based on the inscription’s in the temple. Image Courtesy: Wikipedia Common (Baragur Venkatesha from Bangalore, India)1

Indulge in the fascination of South India, a region known for its multitude of temples, as Karnataka stands out as a mesmerizing location for devotees of temple culture. Uncover the fascinating past of the state’s revered temples, embellished with magnificent Hoysala Empire design, emanating an enduring charm and individual flair. Immerse yourself in the allure of Karnataka and make sure to check out our hand-picked selection of must-see temples for an unforgettable vacation experience!

Unearth the captivating cultural riches of Karnataka, renowned for being the land of the most Hindu temples protected by the esteemed Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). This robust southern region has withstood countless trials and successfully safeguarded its temples from the adversities faced by their Northern counterparts. Immerse yourself in the vast array of South India’s temples that span across different eras and dynasties, providing an astonishingly well-preserved assortment to discover. Delve into the deep-rooted spiritual legacy, with Karnataka taking the lead and closely followed by Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh.

Sri Durga Temple, Aihole

Over 120 stone & cave temples spread along the Malaprabha river valley, in Bagalkote district!
Sri Durga Temple, Aihole, Karnataka
This Sri Durga Temple located in Aihole, Karnataka is an early 8th-century. Originally this temple is dedicated to Lord Surya built by Kumara based on the inscription’s in the temple. Image Courtesy: Wikipedia Common (Baragur Venkatesha from Bangalore, India)1

Temple Deity:Lord Aditya (Surya).
Location:Aihole (450 km from Bangalore).
Nearest airport: Hubli (140 km)
District:Aihole village, Hungund Taluka, Bagalkot
Built-in:In 7th – 8th Century. Built by descendants of Chalukya’s
Geographical Co-ordination: 16°01’11.5″N, 75°53’00″E
Address: Aihole, Karnataka 587124
Temple Timings:6:00 am – 6.00 PM
Temple Telephone: 080-22230060
Entrance Fee: Citizens of India, SAARC and BIMSTEC countries: INR 25/-. Other Countries: Rs. 300/-

Bangalore to Aihole Map
From Bangalore to Aihole

Keshava Temple, Somanathapur

UNESCO World Heritage Temple – Kesava Temple, Somanthapur
Keshava Temple, Somanathapura
Photograph by Venkatesham

Situated on the banks of the River Kaveri in Somanathapura, Karnataka, India, the Chennakesava Temple, also known as Chennakeshava Temple and Keshava Temple, is a Vaishnava Hindu temple. Somanatha Dandanayaka, a general in the service of Hoysala King Narasimha III, consecrated the temple in the year 1258 CE. This Somanathapura temple is positioned 38 kilometers (24 miles) east of Mysuru city.

Temple Deity:Lord Chennakeshava (Lord Krishna).
Location:Somanthapura, Karnataka (135 kms from Bangalore).
Nearest airport: Mysuru (40 Kms) & Bangalore (135 Kms)
District:Somanathapura, Mysuru
Built-in:Consecrated in 1258 CE by Somanatha Dandanayaka, General, Hoysala King Narasimha III
Geographical Co-ordination: 12°16′32.49″N 76°52′53.95″E
Address: Somanathapura, Karnataka 571120
Temple Timings:8:30 am – 5.30 PM
Entrance Fee: Rs. 5 for Indians, Rs. 100 for Foreign Tourists, Children below 12 yrs of age free
Camera Fee: No charges for Still Camera, Rs.25 for Video Camera

Keshava Temple, Somanthapura

 Save as PDF