Discover Magnificent Temples In Karnataka This Holiday Season

Are you looking to embark on a trip to Karnataka? Do you know about the top tourist places in Karnataka? With religious travel becoming popular in India, Karnataka is witnessing a boom in tourism. Home to prominent religious attractions, Karnataka is the go-to destination for tourists who want to discover temples away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

A visit to the temples in Karnataka gives travellers the chance to discover their long-standing roots and traditions. But when it comes to touring Karnataka, saving money becomes a top priority. The popularity of Karnataka has shot up in recent times owing to the abundance of religious attractions in the state. Since Karnataka has over 30,000 temples, handpicking the best tourist spot can be somewhat hard for newbie travellers.

But there is no need to worry as we have compiled a list of the best temples in Karnataka to simplify your travel planning. Since saving money is a top priority, you must come up with a realistic budget before embarking on your vacation. With Cleartrip at your service, you can save big on your domestic flights and hotel bookings in Karnataka. Here are the 10 most popular temples in Karnataka you must visit.

1. Hoysaleswara Temple, Halebidu

Also known as the Halebidu temple, Hoysaleswara Temple attracts worshippers from different corners of the globe. This 12th-century temple has always been a dream destination for travellers. Hoysaleswara temple was built on the banks of an artificial lake, and its construction finished around 1160 CE. Incorporating themes of Shaktism and Vaishnavism, this temple is dedicated to the Hindu deity of Lord Shiva.

The temple is full of interesting sculptures and inscriptions that speak volumes about history. The eye-catching artwork inside Hoysaleswara Temple offers a glimpse into the lives of 12th-century people in South India. The outer walls of the temple have beautifully carved designs of playful peacocks, horsemen, elephants, lions, etc. The temple also houses a sanctum that is exclusively dedicated to Surya, who is regarded as the “sun god” in Hinduism. You can also visit these famous Hindu temples in India.

2. Vidyashankara Temple, Sringeri

Built around 1338 AD, Vidyashankara Temple is a known name among spiritual travellers. This sacred shrine has been beautifully built with carved stones. Moreover, the temple boasts a mix of two different architectural styles, namely Hoysala and Dravidian. Huge numbers of pilgrims flock to Vidyashankara Temple each year for the purpose of spiritual attainment. What’s noteworthy is that this architectural marvel was built to commemorate Guru Vidyashankara.

3. Mahabaleshwar Temple, Gokarna

Also called Dakshina Kashi, Mahabaleshwar Temple never fails to lure travellers with its remarkable charm. Lord Shiva is the main deity worshipped in this temple. Surprising as it may sound, Mahabaleshwar Temple is believed to be a storehouse of miraculous powers. Make sure you bring a high-definition camera along to capture fascinating sights inside the temple so that you can return home with wonderful memories.

4. Bhootnath Temple, Badami

Bhootnath Temple is a well-known tourist spot that deserves to be on top of your travel bucket list. The calm and mysterious aura of this temple can reinvigorate your senses with the twinkling of an eye. Devotees come to this temple from around the world to worship Lord Bhutanatha. Furthermore, the stunning structure of the Bhootnath Temple is an excellent example of South Indian architectural style.

5. Sree Virupaksha Temple, Hampi

Sree Virupaksha Temple is not only one of Karnataka’s oldest temples but also a leading pilgrimage site that attracts multitudes of travellers all year round. The sight of pilgrims in religious attire is quite common here. Virupaksha Temple was built by a man known as Lakkan Dandesha, who used to be a chieftain in the Vijayanagara Empire under the kingdom of Prouda Deva Raya.

Above all, the construction of this renowned Hindu temple is thought to have finished in the 14th century. The temple is devoted to Virupaksha, which is another name for Lord Shiva. The best part is that Virupaksha Temple hosts festive celebrations throughout the year. The temple hums with excitement in the month of February, which marks the celebration of the annual chariot festival.

6. Vijaya Vitthala Temple, Hampi

Established in the 15th century, Vijaya Vitthala Temple is an architectural wonder.

The temple is dedicated to Vitthala, who is regarded as the incarnate form of Vishnu. The temple was constructed during the rule of King Devaraya II. According to legend, the temple was originally built to serve the purpose of an abode for Lord Vishnu. A plethora of travellers fly to Karnataka every year solely to admire the striking architecture of Vijaya Vitthala Temple.

The musical pillars and ruins around the temple can mesmerise anyone in a jiffy. The moving stone chariot inside the temple boosts the appeal of this place to a great extent. Travel buffs who want to dig deep into history must head to Vijaya Vitthala Temple without delay.

7. Kollur Mookambika Temple, Kollur

Nestled in Kodachadri Hills, Kollur Mookambika Temple is one of the top tourist attractions in India. Although there is not much clarity about the origin of this temple, it dates back almost 1200 years. The temple is dedicated to a Hindu Goddess called Mookambika Devi. The man behind the architecture of this temple is King Halugallu Veera Sangayya, who also installed an idol in the temple.

8. Keshava Temple, Somnathpur

Travellers looking to immerse themselves in history cannot afford to miss out on Keshava Temple. Although the Keshava Temple was established in 1268 AD, its grandeur is still intact. Decked with a wide range of intricate sculptures and relics, this age-old temple has been maintained well over the years.

9. Badami Cave Temple, Bagalkot

Badami Cave Temple is one of Karnataka’s premier historical attractions that attracts massive crowds of tourists. The temple was constructed in the Chalukya architectural style, which is believed to have been founded in Aihole. Badami Cave Temple consists of 4 caves in which you can find idols of different Hindu deities like Vishnu, Shiva, etc.

10. Durga Temple, Aihole

Famed for its rich history, Durga Temple is another leading tourist spot that draws a large influx of devotees each year. Durga Temple was established back in the 7th century AD. The temple is notable for its oblong shape, which distinguishes it from other temples in Karnataka. The rock-cut architecture of Durga Temple is an absolute feast for the eyes of the beholders. The temple opens to the public at 9 AM sharp and closes by 5 in the evening.

Takeaway

The magnificent temples in Karnataka have turned into world-famous tourist attractions lately. Now that spirituality is gaining traction in the travel space, religious sites in India are bound to witness huge crowds in the coming time. What’s great about temple exploration is that you get to embrace your culture and traditions like never before. Be it devotees chanting hymns in unison or priests observing prayer rituals, a temple tour promises unique and interesting sights.

However, it is crucial that you plan your holiday in advance to stay guarded against last-minute flight booking hassles. A little bit of advance preparation will work like a charm to make your trip convenient. Make sure you visit all the aforementioned temples to pave the way for a fun-filled travel experience in Karnataka. Get the best deals on flights and hotel bookings at Cleartrip to ensure that your travels are not only convenient but also pocket-friendly.

FAQs

How many temples are there in Karnataka?

The State of Karnataka has emerged as a bug favourite among religious travel enthusiasts. As of now, Karnataka is home to around 34,000 temples, all of which are frequented by devotees throughout the year.

Which is the smallest temple in Karnataka?

Dedicated to Shiva, Hoysaleswara Temple is said to be the smallest temple in Karnataka. The temple’s glorious history stretches back to the 12th century.

Are temples in Karnataka open amidst Covid?

Back when the pandemic was spreading rapidly, temples and other places of religious interest had to be shut down altogether. The good news is that temples in Karnataka are once again open to local and international tourists alike.

Can I use my camera inside temples in Karnataka?

Most temples in Karnataka allow visitors to use their cameras within the premises. However, you must always inquire in advance whether the temple you are visiting allows cameras or not.

Are children allowed inside temples in Karnataka?

Religious sites in Karnataka are visited by people of all age groups. Children who are accompanied by an adult will most likely be allowed inside every temple.

north india | temple | travel | Travel Guide | Travel Tips