Karnataka is home to some of the most beautiful and spiritually important temples in India. Additionally, temples in Karnataka represent a mix of history, architecture, and devotion.
Whether you are planning a religious journey or a cultural trip, these famous temples in Karnataka must be on your travel list.
1. Khatu Shyam Ji Temple, Karnataka
Khatu Shyam Ji Temple is one of the most famous temples in Karnataka, and it is becoming increasingly popular among devotees of Lord Shyam. The temple offers a peaceful atmosphere for prayer and devotional gatherings, especially during festivals and special bhajans.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Temple Timings: 07:15 AM to 01:15 PM and 04:15 PM to 09:15 PM
Aarti Timings: Morning and evening aartis
How to Reach: Connected by local roads and public transport
Nearby Railway Station: Bengaluru Railway Station
Nearby Bus Station: Bengaluru Bus Stand
2. Murudeshwar Temple, Uttara Kannada
This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Murudeshwar Temple has to be on the list of Karnataka famous temples as it is popular for its massive Shiva statue and stunning location near the Arabian Sea. The temple attracts devotees and tourists throughout the year for its peaceful atmosphere and scenic beauty.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Temple Timings: 06:00 AM to 01:00 PM & 3:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Aarti Timings: Maha Pooja/ Noon Aarti from 12:15 PM to 01:00 PM
How to Reach: The temple is well connected by road from Mangalore and Bengaluru
Nearby Railway Station: Murudeshwar Railway Station
Nearby Bus Station: Murudeshwar Bus Stand
3. Kukke Subramanya Temple, Dakshina Kannada
This famous temple is dedicated to Lord Subramanya, who is worshipped as the protector from serpent-related doshas. It is one of the biggest temples in Karnataka. Many devotees visit this temple to perform Sarpa Samskara and Ashlesha Bali rituals.
Best Time to Visit: October to February
Temple Timings: 05:00 AM to 09:00 PM
Aarti Timings: Daily poojas throughout the day
How to Reach: Accessible by road from Mangalore and Mysuru
Nearby Railway Station: Subrahmanya Road Railway Station
Nearby Bus Station: Kukke Subramanya Bus Stand
4. Virupaksha Temple, Hampi
Another name on the Karnataka temple list is the Virupaksha Temple. It is located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its grand gopuram and historical importance.
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Temple Timings: 06:00 AM to 01:00 PM and 05:00 PM to 09:00 PM
Aarti Timings: Morning and evening rituals
How to Reach: Reachable via Hospet by road
Nearby Railway Station: Hospet Junction
Nearby Bus Station: Hampi Bus Stand
5. Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple, Dharmasthala
Dharmasthala Manjunatha is one of the best temples in Karnataka. This sacred temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is known for promoting charity and religious harmony. Thousands of devotees visit every day to seek blessings and enjoy free community meals.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Temple Timings: 06:30 AM to 11:00 AM, then 12:15 PM to 02:30 PM, and 05:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Aarti Timings: Daily poojas and deeparadhane
How to Reach: Connected by buses from Mangalore and Bengaluru
Nearby Railway Station: Mangalore Junction
Nearby Bus Station: Dharmasthala Bus Stand
6. Udupi Sri Krishna Temple, Udupi
Udupi Sri Krishna Temple is one of the most famous Krishna temples in South India. The temple is known for its unique Kanakana Kindi window through which devotees view the idol.
Best Time to Visit: October to February
Temple Timings: 05:00 AM to 11:00 PM and 06:00 PM to 09:00 PM
Aarti Timings: Multiple sevas and aartis daily
How to Reach: Easily accessible by road and rail
Nearby Railway Station: Udupi Railway Station
Nearby Bus Station: Udupi Bus Stand
7. Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple, Gokarna
This ancient Shiva temple is believed to house the sacred Atmalinga. The temple is located near Gokarna Beach. It is known for combining spirituality with natural beauty.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Temple Timings: 06:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 05:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Aarti Timings: Morning and evening pujas
How to Reach: Connected by road from Karwar and Hubli
Nearby Railway Station: Gokarna Road Railway Station
Nearby Bus Station: Gokarna Bus Stand
8. Chamundeshwari Temple, Mysuru
Situated on Chamundi Hills, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Chamundeshwari, the protector deity of Mysuru. The temple offers beautiful views of the city.
Best Time to Visit: September to February
Temple Timings: 07:30 AM to 02:00 PM and 03:30 PM to 06:00 PM
Aarti Timings: Daily ritual aartis and special poojas during Navratri
How to Reach: Well-connected by road from Mysuru city
Nearby Railway Station: Mysuru Junction
Nearby Bus Station: Mysuru Bus Stand
9. Kollur Mookambika Temple, Udupi District
This temple is dedicated to Goddess Mookambika and is highly respected by devotees from Karnataka and Kerala. The temple is believed to be a powerful place for education and spiritual blessings.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Temple Timings: 05:00 AM to 01:30 PM and 03:00 PM to 09:00 PM
Aarti Timings: Morning and evening poojas
How to Reach: Reachable by road from Mangalore and Udupi
Nearby Railway Station: Kundapura Railway Station
Nearby Bus Station: Kollur Bus Stand
10. Sringeri Sharada Peetham, Chikkamagaluru
The temple was founded by Adi Shankaracharya. Sringeri Sharada Peetham is dedicated to Goddess Sharada. The temple is known for its peaceful riverside setting and spiritual importance.
Best Time to Visit: October to February
Temple Timings: 06:00 AM to 02:00 PM and 04:00 PM to 09:00 PM
Aarti Timings: Daily rituals and evening deeparadhana
How to Reach: Connected by road from Bengaluru and Mangalore
Nearby Railway Station: Shivamogga Railway Station
Nearby Bus Station: Sringeri Bus Stand
11. Hoysaleswara Temple, Halebidu
Hoysaleswara Temple is famous for its intricate Hoysala-style carvings and architecture. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is one of Karnataka’s greatest historical treasures.
Best Time to Visit: October to February
Temple Timings: 06:30 AM to 09:00 PM
Aarti Timings: Limited temple rituals
How to Reach: Accessible by road from Hassan
Nearby Railway Station: Hassan Railway Station
Nearby Bus Station: Halebidu Bus Stand
12. Chennakesava Temple, Belur
The Chennakesava Temple was built during the Hoysala dynasty, and it is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is famous for its detailed stone carvings and artistic beauty.
Best Time to Visit: October to February
Temple Timings: 07:30 AM to 07:30 PM
Aarti Timings: Daily pujas conducted
How to Reach: Connected by road from Hassan
Nearby Railway Station: Hassan Railway Station
Nearby Bus Station: Belur Bus Stand
13. Banashankari Amma Temple, Badami
This temple is dedicated to Goddess Banashankari and is famous for its annual fair and traditional architecture. Devotees from across Karnataka visit throughout the year.
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Temple Timings: 06:00 AM to 01:00 PM and 03:00 PM to 09:00 PM
Aarti Timings: Daily morning and evening aarti
How to Reach: Reachable by road from Bagalkot
Nearby Railway Station: Badami Railway Station
Nearby Bus Station: Badami Bus Stand
14. Nandi Temple (Dodda Basavana Gudi), Bengaluru
This Bengaluru temple is famous for a huge monolithic Nandi statue located inside the temple premises. It is also considered to be one of the most ancient temples in Karnataka.
Best Time to Visit: October to February
Temple Timings: 06:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 5:30 PM to 09:00 PM
Aarti Timings: Morning Abhisheka: 6:00 AM – 7:30 AM, Madhyana Pooja: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM, and Deepa Aradhana: 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
How to Reach: Easily accessible within Bengaluru city
Nearby Railway Station: KSR Bengaluru City Junction
Nearby Bus Station: Majestic Bus Stand
15. Kotilingeshwara Temple, Kolar
Kotilingeshwara Temple has to be on the list of temples to visit in Karnataka. It is a unique temple known for housing lakhs of Shiva lingas and a massive Shiva idol. It is one of the unique pilgrimage sites in Karnataka.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Temple Timings: 06:00 AM to 09:00 PM
Aarti Timings: Regular Shiva poojas
How to Reach: Accessible by road from Bengaluru and nearby areas
Nearby Railway Station: Kolar Railway Station
Nearby Bus Station: Kolar Bus Stand
Things to Know When Visiting Temples in Karnataka
Before visiting temples in Karnataka, it is important to follow local customs and temple rules to ensure a respectful and comfortable experience.
| Do’s | Don’ts |
| Ensure to wear traditional or modest clothes. Men can wear kurtas, shirts, or dhotis, while women can wear sarees, salwar suits, or other modest outfits. | Avoid wearing revealing outfits. |
| Maintain silence inside temple premises and follow the temple queue systems. | Avoid littering around the temple and do not disturb fellow devotees. |
| Follow temple rules diligently. | Do not take pictures in temple premises if it is prohibited. |
FAQs
- Which is the most visited temple in Karnataka?
Murudeshwar Temple, Kukke Subramanya Temple, and Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple are among the most visited temples in Karnataka. These temples attract lakhs of devotees every year because of their religious importance, architecture, and spiritual atmosphere.
2. What is the best time for a temple tour in Karnataka?
The best time to visit temples in Karnataka is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing. Many important festivals and temple celebrations also take place during this period.
3. Are there any dress code rules in Karnataka temples?
Yes, many temples in Karnataka encourage visitors to wear modest and traditional clothing. Sleeveless tops, shorts, and revealing outfits may not be allowed in certain temples, especially during religious ceremonies and festival days.
4. Can I find accommodation near famous temples in Karnataka?
Yes, most popular temple destinations in Karnataka offer hotels, lodges, guest houses, and dharamshalas for pilgrims.
5. Why should I choose redBus to book my tickets for Karnataka temple trips?
redBus offers a simple and convenient way to book bus tickets for major temple destinations across Karnataka. You can compare bus operators, choose preferred seats, check boarding points, and access multiple travel routes easily through the platform.
