Kolar is one of the most underrated destinations near Bengaluru, with a 33-metre Shiva Linga that touches the sky. This landmark at Kotilingeshwara is the tallest Shivalinga in Asia. The ancient temples here have stood since the Chola dynasty. Historically, the Champion Reef mine reached a depth of 10,500 feet. While local lore claims 16,000 feet, the official depth remains a staggering feat.
At its peak, KGF was the second deepest gold mine in the world. It was also the first Indian city to receive electricity. Located 70 km from Bengaluru, Kolar offers history and adventure. It packs more variety than destinations twice its size. If you want places beyond the ordinary, you have found the right guide.
About Kolar: History & Heritage
Kolar’s story starts long before it had its current name. Ancient inscriptions call it Kuvalala, Kolala, and Kolahalapura. The Western Ganga Dynasty founded Kolar and used the title “Kuvalala-Puravareshwara” (Lord of Kolar) for nearly a thousand years. After the Gangas, the Cholas, Hoysalas, and Vijayanagara empire each left their mark here, in temples, in inscriptions, and in stone.
Then comes the gold. John Taylor III took control of the Kolar Gold Fields (KGF) mines in 1880 and built what was once the deepest and most productivegold mine in the world. At its peak, KGF employed thousands of workers from across the globe. In 1902, KGF was the first city in India to be electrified, using power from the Shivanasamudra Falls (the first major hydroelectric project in Asia). The mines shut down in 2001, but the legacy lives on in crumbling British bungalows, old mine shafts, and the blockbuster film franchise that made KGF a household name.
Kolar is also famous for its hand-woven Kambli, a thick woollen blanket that locals have crafted for generations. Pick one up before you leave. It’s as much a piece of Kolar as anything else.
Kolar is now officially the “Tomato Capital of South India” and the largest milk producer in the state (KMF/Komul).
Top Places to Visit in Kolar
1. Kotilingeshwara Temple
No list of Kolar tourist places is complete without this one. The Kotilingeshwara Temple Kolar sits in Kammasandra village and is home to one of the largest Shivalingas in Asia, 33 metres tall, with a 10.6-metre Nandi beside it. The temple’s name comes from its ambition: to install one crore (10 million) Shiva Lingas on the premises. It’s already well on its way.
The temple also houses eleven smaller temples for various deities, and daily poojas are performed at all the installed Shivalingas with music, drums, and chanting. The scale of the place is genuinely humbling.
Timings: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM | Entry Fee: ₹20
2. Kolar Gold Fields (KGF)
KGF today stands as a silent witness to colonial ambition, industrial brilliance, and human resilience. You walk through streets lined with crumbling British bungalows, past rusted mine shafts, and into a town that once produced a significant portion of India’s gold. The Cyanide Hills, man-made mounds of mining waste, have become unexpected photography hotspots. KGF is about 30 km from Kolar town, making it an easy add-on to your trip.
3. Someshwara Temple
Someshwara Temple, Kolar, located in the fort area, is a national monument under the Archaeological Survey of India. Built in the 14th century during the Vijayanagara era, it features a striking Gopuram in Dravidian architectural style. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple draws large crowds during Mahashivaratri. The carved pillars and sculpted walls deserve a slow, unhurried look.
Timings: 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Entry Fee: Free
4. Kolaramma Temple
Built by the Gangas and later renovated by the Cholas, the Kolaramma Temple is dedicated to Goddess Kolaramma, an incarnation of Durga, and features classic Dravidian architectural style. The town of Kolar takes its very name from this goddess. The annual Kolaramma Jatre festival draws devotees from across the region and transforms the town into a celebration.
Timings: 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Entry Fee: Free
Note: On Tuesdays and Fridays (special days for the Goddess), it often stays open until 9:00 PM
5. Antaragange
Antaragange is a hill range famous for volcanic rock formations, natural caves, and a perennial spring. It’s one of the most well-known destinations for adventure activities like trekking, rock climbing, and rappelling near Kolar.
The highlight is the Sri Kashi Vishweshwara Temple at the base of the hill, where a natural underground spring flows continuously from the mouth of a stone Nandi, the source of this water remains a geological mystery. Locals believe the water has healing properties. The trek to the top takes about an hour and rewards you with sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.
Timings: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Entry Fee: Free
Safety Note: For 2026, forest department permits are occasionally required for night trekking due to wildlife (sloth bears and monkeys). It’s safer to recommend travelers check for current Forest Department notices before a midnight trek.
Things to Do in Kolar
- Kolar gives you more than temple hopping. Here’s what you can actually do:
- Trek at Antaragange. The trail winds through boulders and caves before opening up to panoramic views. Go early; it gets hot by mid-morning.
- Explore the caves at Antaragange. The cave exploration at Antaragange attracts adventure enthusiasts, with natural rock formations creating a challenging and exciting underground experience.
- Walk the KGF heritage trail. Stroll through Robertsonpet, photograph the colonial-era architecture, and soak in the ghost-town atmosphere that the KGF films made iconic.
- Do the temple circuit. Cover Kolaramma, Someshwara, and Kurudumale Ganesha Temple in one morning; they’re all within easy reach of each other.
- Shop for Kambli. The hand-woven woollen blanket is Kolar’s most distinctive handicraft. Head to the local market in Kolar town to pick one up directly from weavers.
- Photograph the Kotilingeshwara skyline. The 33-metre Shivalinga and the rows of smaller lingas stretching across the complex make for striking images, especially in the soft early morning light.
Places to Visit Near Kolar
If you have extra time, these spots near Kolar are well worth the detour:
Avani (15 km from Mulbagal):
Often referred to as the “Gaya of the South,” Avani is a small village with great historical and mythological significance, particularly linked to the Ramayana. The Ramalingeshwara group of temples here dates to the 10th century.
Kurudumale (near Mulbagal):
Home to one of the largest Ganesha idols in Karnataka. Devotees visit before weddings and new beginnings to seek the deity’s blessings.
Bethamangala Lake:
A quiet reservoir about 25 km from Kolar town. It’s a peaceful spot for birdwatching, especially during the winter months.
Bangaru Tirupati (near Bangarpet):
A replica of the famous Tirupati Venkateswara Temple, situated on a hill and offering a serene, tranquil environment for visitors. The annual Brahmotsavam here draws large crowds.
Mulbagal (30 km from Kolar):
A historic town with the Siddara Betta hill and the Srinivasa Perumal Temple, both worth a visit if you’re passing through.
How to Reach Kolar
By Road: Kolar sits about 70 km from Bengaluru on NH 75. The drive takes roughly 1.5 hours under normal traffic conditions. KSRTC buses and private cabs connect the two cities regularly.
By Train: Kolar has its own railway station. It offers direct connectivity from KSR Bengaluru. The journey usually takes around two hours. However, the Swarna Express is often faster. Local MEMU trains from Cantonment take 1 hour 45 minutes. For KGF, the nearest major railhead is Bangarapet. This station is more convenient for mining tours.
By Air: The nearest airport is Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, about 66–100 km away, depending on your destination within the Kolar district. From the airport, hire a cab or take a bus to Kolar.
Best Time to Visit Kolar
October to February is the sweet spot. The weather stays cool and pleasant, ranging from 15°C to 28°C. This is the best time for trekking at Antaragange, exploring the KGF heritage trail, and doing the temple circuit without breaking a sweat.
March to May gets hot — temperatures can touch 39°C. Early morning temple visits are manageable, but outdoor activities like trekking are uncomfortable.
June to September brings the monsoon. Antaragange turns lush and photogenic, but the caves and trails can get slippery. Temple visits remain fine throughout this period.
Pro tip: If visiting during Mahashivaratri, book accommodation in advance. The Kotilingeshwara Temple receives lakhs of devotees on this day, and the area gets very busy.
Where to Stay in Kolar
Kolar town offers several budget and mid-range hotels. Expect to spend ₹1,000–₹3,000 per night for a clean, comfortable room. If you plan to explore KGF specifically, accommodation options there are very limited. Most travellers base themselves in Kolar town and make a day trip to KGF, a practical choice given the 30 km distance.
Local Food & Culture
Kolar’s food scene is rooted in earthy, Kannadiga flavours. Ragi mudde (finger millet balls) with sambar or saaru is the definitive local meal, filling, nutritious, and deeply satisfying.
Ragi rotti with chutney and bisi bele bath are other staples you’ll find at small eateries around the temple areas. Don’t skip the filter coffee, it’s strong, fragrant, and served in the traditional tumbler-and-davara style.
Culturally, Kolar holds on fiercely to its traditions. The Kolaramma Jatre festival is the biggest event in the district calendar. It draws thousands of devotees, street vendors, and folk performers, turning the town into a living, breathing celebration of its heritage. The Kambli weaving tradition also continues in several households. Watching artisans work on the loom is a quiet but memorable experience.
Suggested Itineraries
Day 1: Cover Antaragange, Someshwara Temple, Kolaramma Temple, and Kotilingeshwara Temple. Check into a hotel in Kolar town.
Day 2: Head to KGF for a heritage walk through Robertsonpet. Then visit Avani and Kurudumale Ganesha Temple near Mulbagal. Stop at Bethamangala Lake on the way back. Return to Bengaluru by evening.
Conclusion
One morning at Antaragange, an hour inside the Kotilingeshwara complex, and a slow walk through the ghost-town streets of KGF will tell you more about this place than any guide can. It holds centuries of dynasties, myths, gold, and devotion, all within 70 km of Bengaluru. Whether you come for the temples, the trek, or just the stories.
Plan a day. You might find yourself planning to come back.
FAQ
What are the best places to visit in Kolar?
The top Kolar tourist places include Antaragange, Kotilingeshwara Temple, Someshwara Temple, Kolaramma Temple, and the Kolar Gold Fields (KGF).
How far is Kolar from Bengaluru?
Kolar is approximately 70 km from Bengaluru via NH 75. The drive takes around 1.5 hours. It’s one of the most accessible day trips from the city.
What is Kolar famous for?
Kolar is famous for its gold mining history (KGF), ancient temples, the iconic Kotilingeshwara Temple, and the hand-woven Kambli blanket. It also has deep mythological connections to the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.
What is the best time to visit Kolar?
October to February is the best time to visit Kolar. The weather is cool, pleasant, and ideal for outdoor activities and temple visits.
Is Kolar good for a day trip from Bengaluru?
Absolutely. Kolar is one of the best day trips from Bengaluru. You can comfortably cover Antaragange, the main temples, and Kotilingeshwara Temple in a single day.
What is special about the Someshwara Temple in Kolar?
Someshwara Temple is a 14th-century Vijayanagara-era temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It’s a protected national monument under the Archaeological Survey of India, known for its Dravidian Gopuram and intricately carved stone pillars.
Can you trek at Antaragange near Kolar?
Yes. Antaragange offers a popular trek through volcanic rock formations and natural caves. The trail takes about an hour to complete and rewards you with panoramic views. The best time to trek is early morning between October and February.
What is the entry fee for Kotilingeshwara Temple?
The entry fee for Kotilingeshwara Temple is ₹20. The temple is open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily.