Quick Travel Facts
State
Karnataka
Best Time to Visit
October to March
Ideal Duration
1-2 Days
Nearest Airport
Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (85 km)
Nearest Railway Station
Tumakuru Railway Station (2 km)
Traveler Rating
(4/5)
Summary
Tumakuru, also known as Tumkur, is a city located in the southern part of Karnataka, India. It’s about 70 km northwest of Bangalore.
Tumakuru’s history dates back to around 400 AD with the discovery of copper plates of the Ganga Dynasty. The city’s name is believed to be derived from “Tummeghuru,” its original name. Historically, it was part of the Mysore Kingdom and has seen the influence of various dynasties.
It has small hills filled with lush green jungle which provides excellent driveaway with natural scenic beauty. You can drive to the top of Devarayana Durga hills and witness mesmerising sunset here.
Places to visit in Tumakuru
- Siddaganga Matha: This is a prominent Veerashaiva monastery that provides free education and accommodation to thousands of students. It’s a major landmark and a center for social and educational activities.
- Devarayanadurga: A hill station with temples and natural beauty, it’s a popular spot for trekking and pilgrimage. The top temple, Shri Yoga Lakshminarasimha Swamy Temple, has 250 stairs climb on top. From there you can witness the scenic sunset.
- Mandaragiri Hill: Known for its Jain temples and the monolithic statue of Chandragupta Maurya.
- Namada Chilume: A natural spring that comes out of stone said to be created by Lord Rama. The source of the water is still not known till date.
- India Food Park: Tumakuru hosts India’s first mega food park, a project of the Ministry of Food Processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the key attractions in Tumakuru?
Tumakuru is home to several religious and historical sites. Key attractions include the renowned Siddaganga Matha (a prominent educational and spiritual center), the Devarayanadurga hill station with its twin Narasimha temples, the Jain pilgrimage site of Mandaragiri Hill, and the mystical natural spring of Namada Chilume.
Q: How far is Tumakuru from Bangalore, and how do I travel there?
Tumakuru is about 70 km northwest of Bangalore. It is easily accessible via the National Highway 48. You can travel by car or KSRTC buses, which run frequently and take about 1.5 to 2 hours. Trains from Bangalore City (SBC) or Yesvantpur (YPR) also connect to Tumakuru regularly.
Q: Can we climb Devarayanadurga Hill, and how many steps are there?
Yes, Devarayanadurga is a popular hill station that can be climbed. The Shri Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple is situated at the hilltop. There are approximately 250 well-maintained stone steps to reach the temple at the summit, offering panoramic views of the surrounding hills and forests.