10 Must Visit Temples in Karnataka: Visitor Stats, Best Seasons & Unmissable Festivals
Karnataka’s diverse heritage shines through its monumental temples—some dating back a thousand years, others famed for record-breaking statues and vibrant festivals.
Beyond spirituality, these shrines showcase rich architectural styles (from Hoysala intricacy to Vijayanagara grandeur), draw millions of visitors yearly, and host spectacular events that bring communities together.
This user-friendly guide highlights the must visit temples in Karnataka, offers practical info like annual footfall, the best time to visit, main festivals you shouldn’t miss, and tips to help you plan a memorable trip.
Top 5 Iconic Temples in Karnataka
These five temples are revered for their grandeur, architectural merit, and spiritual significance, each attracting large visitor counts every year.
Virupaksha Temple, Hampi
Approx. 1 million visitors each year (including foreign tourists)
Why Virupaksha Temple, Hampi Special:
- UNESCO World Heritage Site – central to the ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire
- Architectural Marvel: Intricate carvings, towering gopurams, and centuries-old murals
- Best Time to Visit: November–February (pleasant weather for exploring Hampi’s open-air ruins)
- Main Event: Hampi Utsav (usually in November) – cultural extravaganza featuring dance, music, and puppet shows.
Kollur Mookambika Temple
AnnuallyEstimated 1.5–2 million pilgrims.
- Deity: Goddess Mookambika, believed to be a form of Parvati.
- Spiritual Vibe: Strongly associated with Adi Shankaracharya’s visit and revered by devotees for divine blessings.
- Location Perk: Nestled in the scenic Kodachadri hills, providing a peaceful, nature-rich pilgrimage experience.
Why It’s Special:
- Shankaracharya’s Association: He is believed to have established the temple’s main deity.
- Scenic Hillside Setting: Nestled amidst the Kodachadri hills, offering a peaceful spiritual retreat.
- Best Time to Visit: October–March (cooler temperatures and post-monsoon greenery)
Main Festivals
- Navaratri: A vibrant 9-day celebration with special pujas.
- Rathotsava (Car Festival): Temple chariot procession draws large crowds.
5 Shiva Temples in Karnataka for Devotees
Shaivite devotion runs deep in Karnataka, home to many revered Shiva shrines. Below are five unmissable ones if you seek Lord Mahadev’s blessings.
Murudeshwar Temple
Annual Footfall: Over 2 million visitors
- Famous For: The world’s second-tallest Shiva statue overlooking the Arabian Sea.
- Spiritual Pull: Believed to house part of the Atma Linga from the legend of Ravana and Lord Ganesh.
- Architectural Note: Towering 20-story gopuram with an elevator to enjoy panoramic views.
Why It’s Special:
- 2nd Tallest Shiva Statue globally, perched beside the Arabian Sea
- Panoramic Views: 20-story gopuram with an elevator leading to scenic vistas
- Best Time to Visit: October–February (mild weather, calmer seas)
Main Festival:
Mahashivratri: Temple grounds illuminate with lamps, and devotees perform night-long prayers.
Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Temple
Annual Footfall: Approx. 8–10 million devotees annually.
- Deity: Lord Shiva in the form of Manjunatha, with strong Vaishnavite influences too.
- Cultural Twist: Temple authority is run by a Jain administration (the Heggade family) but worship follows Hindu customs.
- Pilgrim Must-Do: Partake in the temple’s famed annadanam (free meal) that feeds thousands of devotees daily.
Why It’s Special:
- Unique Administration: Managed by a Jain Heggade family, but rituals are traditionally Hindu
- Famous Annadanam: Serves free meals to thousands daily
- Best Time to Visit: November–April (avoid peak summer)
Main Event:
Lakshadeepotsava in Kartika month (Oct/Nov) – Temple lit up with a hundred thousand lamps
Historical Marvels & 1000-Year-Old Temples
Karnataka’s ancient shrines have survived dynastic reigns and natural wear over centuries, standing testament to ingenious craftsmanship and devotion.
Kadri Manjunatha Temple, Mangaluru
Age & History: Believed to be around 1,000 years old, showcasing early influences of both Buddhism and Hindu Shaivism
Annual Visitors: Over 700,000 devotees
Best Time to Visit: December–February (dry weather, comfortable for coastal areas)
Key Highlight of Kadri Manjunatha Temple, Mangaluru
Holy Ponds (Teerthas): Seven freshwater ponds where devotees take a ritual dip
Pattadakal Group of Monuments
Oldest Structures: Some are dated to 7th–8th century (over 1,200 years old)
Annual Footfall: Around 500,000 (including history buffs and architecture students)
Best Time to Visit: November–February (cool, ideal for exploring open sites)
Must-See Event
Pattadakal Dance Festival (Jan/Feb) – Celebrates classical dance forms against the backdrop of ancient temples
Powerful Deities, Mysterious Shrines & Cultural Ties
From awe-inspiring Shakti peethas to lesser-known shrines laden with folklore, Karnataka’s temples blend local legends and strong divine presences.
Which Is the Powerful God in Karnataka?
Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu (Udupi Sri Krishna), and Goddess Durga (e.g., Chamundeshwari, Mysuru). Each has fiercely dedicated followings.
Mysuru Chamundeshwari Temple
Annual Footfall: Over 2 million (especially during Dasara)
Best Time: September–October (Dasara festival season)
Major Event: Mysuru Dasara with grand processions, lighting of the Mysuru Palace, and cultural performances.
Mysterious Temples in Karnataka
Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple (Nandi Hills):
Rumored to have ancient hidden passages.
Popular for its 1,300-year-old architecture.
Belur Chennakeshava Temple:
Intriguing sculpture details that appear to “move” with changing sunlight.
Annually attracts 1+ million tourists and devotees.
Must Visit Temples in Bangalore & Nearby
Bangalore is known for tech parks, but it also hosts notable religious sites—some centuries old, others modern marvels. Perfect for weekend getaways or quick spiritual retreats.
ISKCON Temple, Rajajinagar
Annual Footfall: ~6–7 million visitors (local and foreign)
Modern Marvel: Opened in 1997, blending Dravidian and contemporary styles.
Deity Worship: Lord Krishna and Radha, with daily bhajans and spiritual discourses.
Cultural Hub: Regular events, festivals, and a bustling vegetarian food court.
Why It’s Special:
- Fusion of Modern & Dravidian Styles
- Daily Bhajans & Kirtans: Lively spiritual environment
- Best Time to Visit: Janmashtami (Aug/Sept) for large-scale festivities dedicated to Lord Krishna
Famous Temples near Bangalore
1. Ghati Subramanya (60 km away):
Main Deities: Lord Subramanya & Lord Narasimha
Popular Festival: Narashima Jayanti in springtime, draws thousands
2. Kotilingeshwara Temple (Near Kolar):
Annual Footfall: Over 1 million
Main Festival: Mahashivratri – Thousands offer prayers among the crores of Shiva lingas
Table: Karnataka Temples Snapshot
| Temple | Location | Annual Visitors | Best Time | Major Festival |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virupaksha Temple | Hampi | ~1 million | Nov–Feb | Hampi Utsav (Nov) |
| Kollur Mookambika | Kollur | ~1.5–2 million | Oct–Mar | Navaratri, Rathotsava |
| Murudeshwar Temple | Murudeshwar | ~2 million | Oct–Feb | Mahashivratri |
| Dharmasthala Manjunatha | Dharmasthala | ~8–10 million | Nov–Apr | Lakshadeepotsava (Oct/Nov) |
| Kadri Manjunatha | Mangaluru | ~700,000 | Dec–Feb | Pattanaje, Kadri Kambala |
| Pattadakal Temples | Pattadakal | ~500,000 | Nov–Feb | Pattadakal Dance Festival |
| Chamundeshwari Temple | Mysuru | ~2 million | Sept–Oct (Dasara) | Mysuru Dasara |
| Bhoga Nandeeshwara | Nandi Hills | Not documented precisely | Year-round (mild) | Karthika Deepotsava |
| ISKCON Bangalore | Rajajinagar | ~6–7 million | Janmashtami (Aug/Sept) | Krishna Janmashtami |
| Kotilingeshwara | Kolar District | ~1 million | Feb–Mar (Mahashivratri) | Mahashivratri |
(Numbers are approximations based on various travel and tourism sources.)
Conclusion
Whether you’re drawn to the 1,000-year-old heritage of Kadri Manjunatha, the coastal charm of Murudeshwar, or the urban spiritual oasis of ISKCON Bangalore, Karnataka’s temple circuit promises a kaleidoscope of cultural experiences.
With millions of devotees visiting these sacred places each year, your journey here can be deeply spiritual, historically enlightening, and culturally rich—all at once.
Remember to time your trip around key festivals, as that’s when these temples come alive with processions, special rituals, and communal feasts, offering a memorable taste of Karnataka’s devotion and hospitality.
FAQs (People Also Ask)
Virupaksha Temple (Hampi), Murudeshwar Temple, Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple, Kollur Mookambika, and ISKCON Bangalore often top the list for their historical, spiritual, and cultural value.
Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Temple sees around 8–10 million devotees yearly, especially during weekends and festivals.
Generally, November to February is ideal for pleasant weather. However, visiting during festivals (e.g., Hampi Utsav, Dasara, or Janmashtami) offers an immersive cultural experience.
Yes. Kadri Manjunatha Temple in Mangaluru is around 1,000 years old, and parts of Pattadakal’s monuments exceed 1,200 years in age.
Pattadakal & Aihole complexes are considered among the oldest, with some structures dating back to the 7th–8th century. Kadri Manjunatha (Mangaluru) also boasts a millennial legacy.
