The district of Tumkur is situated in the foothills of Devarayadurga Hill. Found 70 kilometers away from Bangalore, which is recognized as the IT center of India, Tumkur is often overlooked by tourists touring Karnataka for a weekend getaway. Though not very renowned as a tourist attraction, the places to explore in Tumkur are recently gaining popularity, thanks to their scenic attractiveness.
Top 7 Destinations To Explore In Tumkur
We have shortlisted 7 destinations to explore in Tumkur that are the ideal stops to witness the best of the city and experience Karnataka’s cultural milieu:
- 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 constructed by Chikka Devaraja Wadiyar, the 14th king of the Wadiyar dynasty of Mysore, in the 17th century. The fort also gave rise to the name Devarayanadurga, which means “fort of Devaraja”. Not much remains of it now, but it is worth a short stop. There are no food stalls along the way, so make sure to bring enough food and water. You can also plan ahead to visit the fort at sunset. Aside from this, there are various activities to enjoy in Tumkur with your loved ones.
How to reach: Drive directly from Siddaganga Hale Mata to Devarayanadurga. The approximate distance between them is around 14.4 km.
Essential Read: 8 Hill Stations Near Tumkur For A Captivating Vacation With Your Friends!
2. Namada Chilume
Namada Chilume is regarded as the initial point of the famous Jayamangali river. It is a constant natural spring that holds a rich historical importance. It springs out of a gigantic hole in a dim somber rock. According to legend, Lord Ram, while on his journey to Lanka to save Sita, rested near Namada Chilume for one night. The following morning, when he wanted to make a red paste for his forehead, he shot an arrow into the rock, and a spring burst forth. This is why Namada Chilume translates to “small spring for forehead paste” in English.
How to arrive: Namada Chilume is situated on the way to Devarayanadurga from Tumkur. Many buses operate on this route.
3. Devarayanadurga State Forest
Devarayanadurga State Forest is positioned at an elevation high enough to motivate you to obtain plenty of woollens. It is a forty two square kilometre designated expanse of jungle. The forest has been safeguarded by Karnataka since 1853. The maximum point is at 3,940 feet. The forest flaunts an enticing variety of wildlife, including langurs, chitals, wild boars, leopards, and tigers. The tigers usually remain hard to find.
How to arrive: The closest railway station is Tumkur Railway Station at a distance of 15 km.
4. Mahima Garuda Ranganatha Swamy Temple
The temple, which is dedicated to Mahima Garuda Ranganatha, is situated on Bangalore-Tumkur Road. You can access it via Dobbspet. Positioned on a small hilltop, it can be reached after 300 steps of climbing. The village’s name is also Mahimapura, which can also be accessed from either Mahimapura Cross near Dobbspet or Neelamangala. Garuda’s idol is situated near the entrance of the garbhagruha.
How to arrive: Travel on NH4 on the Bangalore-Tumkur Road and take a right turn on Mahimapura Cross before Dobbspet and reach Mahimapura.
5. Shivaganga Hills
Shivaganga Hills 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 impart important life lessons to his disciples. Apart from his 10 incarnations, he also appeared in various forms like Hayagriva, Venkateshwara, Ranganathaswamy, or Varadaraja. Ensure to wear comfortable trekking footwear.
How to arrive: The closest airport is the Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore, at a distance of about 76 km. From there, guests can take a bus to Dabaspet and then hire an auto to reach Shivaganga.
6. Bhoga Narasimha Temple
A somewhat tiring hike via a steep winding road, rugged landscape and steps led to another temple, Bhoga Narasimha is every aesthete’s delight. From here, you get a panoramic perspective of the hills and valleys. There are a cluster of rugged hills surrounded by forests, with ancient temples in close proximity. We recommend that you take your fitness levels into consideration before embarking on this challenging hike.
How to arrive: Take the deviation from Dobbespet on Bangalore Tumkur Road.
7. Yoganarasimha Swamy Temple
It is a sanctuary dedicated to Yoganarasimha Swamy — a part man, part-lion icon of Lord Vishnu. The sanctuary is known to have existed from the time of the Cholas. It has beautiful pillars and carvings and a massive circumambulatory entrance surrounding the inner sanctuary. We recommend you cover your legs and shoulders before entering the temple premises to show respect for the holiness of the temple.
How to arrive: The closest railway station is 25 km away in Dobbespet.
The places to visit in Tumkur are gradually gaining popularity with backpackers from across India. It is a great spot to visit for nature enthusiasts and history buffs. As mentioned above, there are several temples in the region that are devoted to Vishnu, Shiva and other Indian gods. From a pilgrim to a nature lover, there is something for everyone in Tumkur. Book a journey to Tumkur with Fred and Fuzzys today to take advantage of exciting deals and discounts.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Explore In Tumkur
Are lodgings in Tumkur secure and sanitary after the outbreak of COVID and is the cuisine prepared up to the standard?
Considering the COVID situation, each lodging establishment is upholding its criteria to provide a comfortable stay for its guests. As the lodging industry is experiencing financial difficulties, they are taking all necessary measures to welcome guests, including thorough disinfection, the obligatory use of masks, and regular cleaning of the kitchen area to prevent any viral transmission, which will improve the quality of the meals they serve their guests.
Is Tumkur a hub for Hindu worship?
Indeed, Tumkur boasts numerous places of devotion that one can visit, such as the Bhoga Narasimha Temple, Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple, and more.
What are some of the locations to explore in Tumkur aside from the temples?
There are abundant attractions in Tumkur beyond the temples. For instance, the Devarayanadurga Fort, Namada Chilume, Devarayanadurga State Forest, and more.
What is Tumkur renowned for?
Tumkur is renowned for housing Shree Siddaganga Mutt, for being an industrial city, and for its plethora of magnificent temples.
Where is Tumkur situated?
Tumkur is located in Karnataka. It is positioned 71 kilometers away from Bangalore. Additionally, this place is governed by the municipal corporation.
How can one reach Tumkur?
Travelers can opt for both flights and road transportation to reach Tumkur from Bangalore. The air route would be fast and convenient, so it is advisable to travel by air to the destination.
Are there any hills in the city of Tumkur?
Yes, the district of Tumkur encompasses several hills that captivate the locals and visitors alike. Among the most popular ones are the Shivaganga hills in Tumkur, which attract a high number of visitors. Therefore, if you desire to immerse yourself in the splendor of a hilly region, make sure to explore various hill stations near Tumkur.
Is Tumkur a developed city?
Yes, Tumkur is a highly developed locale with a plethora of burgeoning industries, consequently experiencing various other advancements within the city. It is, therefore, recognized as a smart city in contemporary terms.
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