Places to Visit in Kolar: Antaragange, Kotilingeshwara, KGF & 9 Best Sights
Your guide to Kolar tourist places: a cave-and-spring trek at Antaragange, one of Asia’s tallest Shiva lingas at Kotilingeshwara, the ghost township of KGF and Chola-era temples, all within a day trip of Bengaluru, with current timings and distances for 2026.
Quick Answer: Best Places to Visit in Kolar
The best places to visit in Kolar are Antaragange, the Kolaramma and Someshwara temples, Kotilingeshwara Temple, the Kolar Gold Fields, Avani and the Kurudumale Ganesha Temple. Kolar is only about 70 km from Bengaluru, so it is an easy day trip or weekend. Visit between October and March, trek Antaragange early in the morning and keep a separate half day for Kotilingeshwara and KGF.
Kolar was the early capital of the Western Ganga dynasty around the fourth century, and the district later passed through Chola, Hoysala and Vijayanagara hands. It is also where India’s gold-mining story played out. Karnataka Tourism calls it an excellent weekend getaway from Bengaluru. For a longer temple and fort circuit, continue to our Chikkaballapur guide.
Searching for places to visit in Kolar near Bengaluru? The district works best as a short loop: Antaragange and the town temples in the morning, Kotilingeshwara and Kolar Gold Fields (KGF) in the afternoon. Hills such as Avani and the Tipu’s Drop viewpoint near Kolar town suit a second day, and local guides can confirm which are open and safe on your date.
Distances, timings and rules in this guide were cross-checked against Karnataka Tourism, the Kolar district website and recent travel reports in October 2026. They change often, so confirm on the day of your visit.
Top Places to Visit in Kolar at a Glance
Use this table to shortlist places before you read the detailed guide below. Distances are approximate and measured by road.
| Place | Best for | Time needed | Where it is | Best time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antaragange | Trek, caves, spring temple | 2 to 3 hrs | About 3 to 4 km from Kolar | Early morning, Oct to Mar |
| Kolaramma Temple | Ganga-Chola heritage | 30 to 45 min | Kolar town centre | Morning |
| Someshwara Temple | Chola and Vijayanagara carving | 30 to 45 min | Kolar town | Evening |
| Kotilingeshwara Temple | Giant lingas, pilgrimage | 1.5 to 2 hrs | Kammasandra, Bangarapet taluk | Morning, avoid Shivaratri |
| Kolar Gold Fields (KGF) | Mining heritage, township | 2 to 3 hrs | About 30 km from Kolar | Oct to Feb |
| Avani | Hill temples, Ramayana links | 2 to 3 hrs | About 15 km from Mulbagal | Morning, Oct to Mar |
| Kurudumale Ganesha Temple | Large Ganesha idol | About 1 hr | Near Mulbagal | Morning |
| Markandeshwara Dam | Scenic picnic stop | About 1 hr | About 30 km from Kolar | Post-monsoon |
| Bangaru Tirupati | Rock-top shrine | About 1 hr | Kolar district | Morning |
Table of Contents: Kolar Travel Guide
- Top places to visit in Kolar at a glance
- 9 best places to visit in Kolar
- Kolar tourist places by interest
- Things to do in Kolar: 1 and 2 day itineraries
- Best time to visit Kolar
- What to eat near Kolar
- Where to stay in Kolar
- How to reach Kolar and get around
- Practical tips and mistakes to avoid
- Nearby trips from Kolar
- Kolar map
- Kolar travel FAQs
9 Best Places to Visit in Kolar (With Timings and Tips)
Kolar packs three very different trips into one district: the town’s old temples and the Antaragange trek, the Bangarapet side with Kotilingeshwara and KGF, and the Mulbagal side with Avani and Kurudumale. The nine places to visit in Kolar below are grouped that way. Each card gives the practical details that general guides often skip.
1. Antaragange
Distance: about 3 to 4 km from Kolar | Climb: about 300 steps, a 3 km trail | Best time: early morning, October to March
Antaragange means the Ganges of the deep, named for a perennial spring that comes out of the rocks on the hill behind Kolar. The water collects in a pond at the Kashi Vishweshwara Temple and pours from the mouth of a stone bull into a larger tank, which is why the site is called the Kashi of the south. Karnataka Tourism also lists cave exploration here, and the 3 km trail is rated medium, with rocky patches and some crawling through narrow passages.
Plan it: Start at sunrise before the rocks heat up, wear shoes with grip and carry water and a torch for the caves. The trail starts behind the temple. Monkeys are common, so keep food out of sight. If you are new to cave scrambling, go with a local guide.
2. Kolaramma Temple
Location: Kolar town centre | Time needed: 30 to 45 min | Best time: morning
The Kolaramma Temple is the presiding shrine of Kolar town, dedicated to the goddess Parvati. Karnataka Tourism says it was built by the Gangas and later renovated by the Cholas. The Kolar district website notes the seven mother goddesses (Sapta Matrikas) along with Ganesha and Veerabhadra, all facing east, and calls the Veerabhadra idol a masterpiece.
Plan it: It is a compact temple in a busy part of town, so go in the morning when it is quieter. Dress modestly, remove footwear at the entrance and combine it with the Someshwara Temple, which is a short distance away.
3. Someshwara Temple
Location: Kolar town | Time needed: 30 to 45 min | Best time: evening
The Someshwara Temple is a Shiva temple that Karnataka Tourism says was built by the Cholas and expanded during the Vijayanagara period. The Kolar district website describes it as built on a boulder base and richly carved in stone. It is the second half of Kolar’s old-town temple pair.
Plan it: Evening light is kind to the carved stonework, and the town is calmer after work hours. Check darshan timings locally, since small town temples often close in the afternoon.
4. Kotilingeshwara Temple
Hours: about 6 am to 9 pm | Entry: Rs 20 | Location: Kammasandra village, Bangarapet taluk
Kotilingeshwara is a modern temple built around a goal of installing one crore (ten million) Shiva lingas. Karnataka Tourism describes one of the largest Shivalingas in Asia, 33 metres tall, with a 10.6-metre Nandi beside it, surrounded by countless smaller lingas. The complex also has eleven other shrines to deities such as Hanuman, Ganesha and Santhoshima, and it is known for free mass marriages and a free midday meal for devotees.
Plan it: Karnataka Tourism lists hours of 6 am to 9 pm and a Rs 20 ticket, but some sources report a midday break, so confirm before you go. Maha Shivaratri brings enormous crowds and heavy traffic, so avoid it unless that is the point. Bangarapet Junction is the nearest major railhead, and a reported free meal is served around midday, so arrive before 2 pm if you plan to eat there.
5. Kolar Gold Fields (KGF)
Distance: about 30 km from Kolar | Time needed: 2 to 3 hrs | Best time: October to February
The Kolar Gold Fields were once among the deepest gold mines in the world. John Taylor III took control of the mines in 1880, and at their peak they were the second deepest in the world. Mining ended in 2001, and today KGF is a quiet township of colonial-era buildings, mine headframes and enormous tailings dumps. The district website notes that the area is about 30 km from Kolar and roughly 100 km from Bengaluru, and that families of Bharat Gold Mines and BEML employees live there.
Plan it: The mining areas themselves are not open for tours, so treat KGF as a heritage drive and township walk rather than an attraction with tickets. Do not enter mine property or climb on tailings. A local guide or driver helps you find the best viewpoints. Combine KGF with Kotilingeshwara on the same afternoon.
6. Avani
Distance: about 15 km from Mulbagal | Time needed: 2 to 3 hrs | Best time: morning, October to March
Avani is a small hill village in the Mulbagal area that Karnataka Tourism lists among the district’s temple and trekking stops. Its ancient temples sit on and around a hill, and the Kolar district website mentions a finely carved main temple, a shrine to Durga on her lion mount, a Padmavathi temple on another hillock and the Manmatha Pushkarini tank. The place is linked in local tradition with stories of the Ramayana.
Plan it: The short climb is easiest in the early morning, and the views over the plains are the reward. Wear grip shoes, carry water and dress modestly. Combine Avani with Kurudumale, which lies in the same direction.
7. Kurudumale Ganesha Temple
Location: near Mulbagal | Hours: reported 6 am to 6 pm | Time needed: about 1 hr
The Kurudumale Ganesha Temple near Mulbagal is known for one of the largest Ganesha idols in Karnataka. Local belief holds that you should seek Ganesha’s blessing here before a new job, a wedding or any other beginning, which is why it draws steady local visitors rather than tour groups.
Plan it: The reported hours are 6 am to 6 pm, but confirm locally. It is a short stop, best paired with Avani on a Mulbagal-side day. Dress modestly and remove footwear before entering.
8. Markandeshwara Dam
Distance: about 30 km from Kolar, 3 km from Budikote | Time needed: about 1 hr | Best time: after the monsoon
Karnataka Tourism lists Markandeshwara Dam as a scenic spot about 3 km from Budikote and 30 km from Kolar. It is a quiet reservoir setting, suited to a short picnic stop rather than a full outing.
Plan it: Water levels vary, so it looks best after the monsoon. There are few facilities, so carry water and snacks, and ask locally about access before you go.
9. Bangaru Tirupati
Location: Kolar district | Time needed: about 1 hr | Best time: morning
Bangaru Tirupati is an ancient shrine perched on rocks, which travel writers list among Kolar’s quieter temple and trekking stops alongside Avani and Mulbagal. It makes a good change from the busier temples in the district.
Plan it: Details such as exact timings and the approach vary, so ask locally or confirm with your driver before you set out. Wear sturdy shoes for the rocky ground.
Kolar Tourist Places by Interest
- Families with children: Kotilingeshwara Temple (large grounds with many small shrines) and the Markandeshwara Dam picnic stop. Both are easy, short stops with limited walking.
- Friends and day-trippers from Bengaluru: Antaragange caves and the Kolaramma and Someshwara temples in town, then lunch on the Bengaluru-Chennai highway on the way back.
- Couples: Sunrise at Antaragange followed by a slow temple visit. Avani hill is a quieter option for evening views.
- Trekkers and adventure seekers: Antaragange rock trails (go early, carry water, avoid wet rock) and the Avani hill and temple complex.
- History and photography fans: The KGF township’s colonial-era buildings seen from outside, the Chola-influenced Someshwara Temple and the Western Ganga heritage of Kolar town.
- Pilgrims: Kotilingeshwara, Kolaramma, Someshwara and the Kurudumale Ganesha Temple, which locals often combine in a single day.
- Budget travellers: Most Kolar tourist places are free or charge a small fee. Self-driving or a shared taxi from Bengaluru keeps costs low.
Things to Do in Kolar: Itineraries for 1 and 2 Days
These plans for the best places to visit in Kolar are built for Bengaluru weekenders, so they start early and avoid backtracking. Pick the tab that matches your time.
Places to visit in Kolar in one day from Bengaluru:
- 6:00 am: Leave Bengaluru via Hoskote for Kolar.
- 7:30 am: Antaragange trek, spring temple and caves.
- 10:30 am: Kolaramma Temple and Someshwara Temple in town.
- 12:00 pm: Drive to Bangarapet side for Kotilingeshwara Temple.
- 1:30 pm: Free midday meal at the temple if it is running, or lunch in Bangarapet.
- 3:00 pm: KGF heritage drive, then return to Bengaluru by evening.
Day 1: Follow the one-day plan above, but stay overnight in Kolar.
Day 2, the Mulbagal side:
- Leave early for Avani and the short hill climb.
- Visit the Kurudumale Ganesha Temple.
- Stop at Markandeshwara Dam or Bangaru Tirupati if time allows.
- Return to Bengaluru in the evening.
Which Kolar Tourist Places Suit Your Trip?
- Trekkers and adventure seekers: Antaragange caves and Avani.
- Pilgrims: Kotilingeshwara, Kolaramma, Someshwara and Kurudumale.
- History and photography fans: KGF township and the Chola-era temples.
- Families: Kotilingeshwara and the Markandeshwara Dam picnic stop.
Best Time to Visit Kolar (Month by Month)
The best time to visit Kolar is October to March, with the coolest and most comfortable weather from November to February, when daytime temperatures are roughly 18 to 30 C. Karnataka Tourism points to this window for trekking at Antaragange, the KGF heritage trail and the temple circuit.
| Period | Conditions | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| October | Pleasant, post-monsoon | Dam, Avani, Antaragange | Slippery rock after rain |
| November to February | Cool and dry | All treks and temples | Crowded weekends |
| March to May | Hot | Temples only, early morning | Midday heat, dry rocks |
| June to September | Monsoon, moderate rain | Green hills, temple visits | Slippery trails, caves unsafe in rain |
Festivals: Maha Shivaratri brings very large crowds to Kotilingeshwara, and Ugadi and Deepavali are celebrated widely across the district.
Kolar month by month:
- January: cool mornings, ideal for the Antaragange trek and Avani.
- February: dry and pleasant. Maha Shivaratri (usually February or March) brings very large crowds to Kotilingeshwara.
- March: warming up. Start treks at sunrise and finish before 10 am.
- April and May: the hottest months. Stick to early-morning temple visits.
- June and July: light to moderate showers turn the hills green, but rocks are slippery and caves are best skipped in rain.
- August and September: intermittent rain. Good for temples and drives, not for trekking.
- October: post-monsoon freshness, with clear views and fewer crowds.
- November and December: the most comfortable weather for the full Kolar itinerary.
What to Eat Near Kolar
Kolar is a day-trip district, so most visitors eat at temple kitchens, highway restaurants or in Kolar and Bangarapet towns.
- Temple meals: Kotilingeshwara reportedly serves a free midday meal to devotees if you arrive before about 2 pm.
- South Indian breakfasts: idli, vada and dosa spots in Kolar town are the usual stop before or after Antaragange.
- Mangoes: Kolar district, especially around Srinivaspur, is a well-known mango-growing area in the summer season.
Small eateries open early and often take cash only.
Where to Stay in Kolar
Pick the area that fits your plans rather than a specific property.
- Kolar town: the most practical base, close to Antaragange, the old temples and the road towards Mulbagal.
- Bangarapet and KGF: better if you want to start with Kotilingeshwara and the gold fields.
- Bengaluru: most travellers simply return the same evening, because the district is only about 70 km away.
Book ahead around Maha Shivaratri and on long weekends.
How to Reach Kolar and Get Around
- By air: Kolar has no airport. Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru is the nearest, roughly 67 km away.
- By rail: Kolar and KGF have railway stations, and Bangarapet Junction is the main railhead for KGF and Kotilingeshwara.
- By road: Kolar is about 72 km from Bengaluru on the Bengaluru-Chennai highway. The usual route is Bengaluru, Hoskote, Kolar. KSRTC and private buses run frequently.
Getting around: Auto-rickshaws and taxis are available in Kolar, Bangarapet and KGF. For a day that includes Antaragange, Kotilingeshwara and KGF, hire a cab or self-drive, because they lie in different directions.
Practical Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Do not expect gold-mine tours at KGF. The mining areas are closed, so plan it as a township and heritage drive.
- Trek Antaragange at sunrise. The rock is hot and slippery later, and the monkeys get bolder.
- Avoid caving after rain. The narrow passages become unsafe.
- Skip Maha Shivaratri at Kotilingeshwara unless you want a huge crowd.
- Group by direction. Kolar town, the Bangarapet side and the Mulbagal side are three separate loops.
- Carry cash, water and a torch. Small eateries and trail stalls may not take cards.
- Dress modestly at temples and remove footwear where asked.
Nearby Trips and Onward Journeys from Kolar
- Chikkaballapur: Nandi Hills and Skandagiri, just west of Kolar.
- Bengaluru: the capital, about 70 km away.
- Ramanagara: Savandurga and Channapatna toys, on the other side of Bengaluru.
- Tumakuru: Siddaganga and Madhugiri to the north-west.
- Hoskote and Bengaluru outskirts: the usual entry and exit point for a Kolar day trip.
- Malur, Bangarpet and Mulbagal: small towns on the Kolar circuit with temple stops.
- Chikkaballapur and Tumakuru: pair Kolar with Nandi Hills or the Siddaganga area for a 2 to 3 day trip.
Kolar Map
Kolar Travel FAQs
What are the best places to visit in Kolar?
The best places to visit in Kolar are Antaragange, the Kolaramma and Someshwara temples, Kotilingeshwara Temple, the Kolar Gold Fields, Avani and the Kurudumale Ganesha Temple.
How far is Kolar from Bengaluru?
Kolar is about 72 km from Bengaluru on the Bengaluru-Chennai highway, a drive of roughly two hours. The usual route is via Hoskote. See our Bengaluru guide to plan the other end of the trip.
What are the Kotilingeshwara Temple timings and fee?
Karnataka Tourism lists the temple as open about 6 am to 9 pm with an entry fee of Rs 20. Some sources report a midday break, so confirm before you go. Maha Shivaratri is the busiest day.
How tall is the linga at Kotilingeshwara?
Karnataka Tourism puts the main Shivalinga at about 33 metres, with a 10.6-metre Nandi beside it. The temple aims to install one crore lingas.
Can tourists visit the Kolar Gold Fields mines?
No. Mining ended in 2001 and the mines are not open for tours. Visitors can see the township, colonial-era buildings and tailings from outside, preferably with a local guide.
What is the best time to visit Kolar?
October to March is best, especially November to February. Summers are hot and the monsoon makes trails slippery.
How difficult is the Antaragange trek?
The trail is about 3 km long and rated medium, with rocky sections and narrow cave passages that need some crawling. Start at sunrise and avoid it after rain.
How many days are enough for Kolar?
One day covers Antaragange, the town temples, Kotilingeshwara and KGF. Two days add Avani, Kurudumale and Markandeshwara Dam.
What is Kolar famous for?
Kolar is famous for the Kolar Gold Fields, Kotilingeshwara Temple, Antaragange and its Ganga-Chola temples. It was also the early capital of the Western Gangas.
Which Kolar tourist places are best for a day trip from Bengaluru?
Antaragange (morning trek), Kotilingeshwara Temple and a short KGF township drive fit well in one day. Start early from Bengaluru to avoid highway traffic, and see our Bengaluru guide for the departure end.
What are the Antaragange timings?
Antaragange is a hill and cave area with open access, so there is no fixed ticket counter. Go at sunrise and leave by late morning. Confirm access with local guides, since rules can change.
Is Kolar good for a weekend trip with family?
Yes. Kotilingeshwara and the dam picnic stop are easy for children and older travellers. Keep trekking at Antaragange for those who are fit and comfortable on rock.
How many places can I see in Kolar in one day?
Plan three or four: Antaragange in the morning, Kolaramma or Someshwara in town, then Kotilingeshwara in the afternoon. A fifth stop at Avani usually needs a second day.
Which month is best for Kolar sightseeing?
November to February is the most comfortable. October and March also work for temples. Avoid rock trails during the monsoon and midday in April and May.
Plan Your Kolar Trip
The best places to visit in Kolar reward an early start: the Antaragange trek at sunrise, the temples by midday and the gold fields in the afternoon. Heading on? Continue with these guides.