15 Most Famous Temples in Karnataka to Visit in 2025

Are you a spiritual person who enjoys visiting ancient temples and knows about their heritage & traditions?

If yes, then you’ll love this topic. Because we are walking through the ancient temples of Karnataka that speak the stories of centuries gone by.

Karnataka, a state in South India, is famous for preserving its ancient heritage & culture for ages. This state is blessed with a number of magnificent temples, particularly belonging to the Hoysala era. With their breathtaking architecture, these respected places not only uplift the soul but also amuse the eyes.

That’s why it is the perfect location for Temple tours because it is the home to several ancient Temples. The famous temples in Karnataka are known for their spiritual history, cultural beliefs, and architectural brilliance. People with strong religious beliefs from the state and visitors from other cities bow down there.

So if you are also planning a trip to the best places to visit in Karnataka this list of the most famous temples in Karnataka will help you & fill your desire for tours that are spiritually energizing.

Table of Contents

List of 15 Most Famous Temples in Karnataka

Here are a few of Karnataka’s most well-known temples that you must visit on your next visit to the stunning state.

Sri Krishna Temple, Udupi

There are numerous Temples in Karnataka devoted to Lord Krishna in the temple town of Udupi. But, the Udupi Krishna Matha, also known as Sri Krishna Temple, is the most revered of them all. This sacred temple was established by Sri Madhvacharya ji in the 13th century. This religious place provides a peaceful environment for enlightenment and attracts lakhs of devotees every year.

The most remarkable aspect of this Hindu temple is that the idol of Lord Krishna can only be worshipped through a nine-hole window that is plated in silver. And if you want to get a glimpse of the idol, you have to peek through the inner and outer windows.

Timings: 4:30 AM to 8:50 PM
Location: Udupi, Karnataka – 576101
Entry Fees: Free of cost
Best time to visit: December to February

Chennakeshava Temple, Belur

Chennakeshava Temple located in the Hassan District of Belur & is the perfect example of Hoysala architecture. Counted among the most iconic Temples in Karnataka, it was constructed in the year 1117 by the Hoysala King, Vishnuvardhana & it took over a century to complete. The interior of the temple is equally stunning, featuring exquisite attention to detail and creative elegance.

This historic building has been damaged during wars & repaired over time. The Chennakeshava religious center has been a functioning Hindu temple devoted to Lord Vishnu in the avatar of Chennakesava since its foundation. If you are a history buff, architecture, or art lover, you must visit the Chennakeshava Temple.

Timings: 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Location: Belur, Karnataka, JP Nagar
Best Time to visit: November to February
Entry Fees: Free of cost

Virupaksha Temple, Hampi

The Virupaksha Temple, a Hindu religious building honoring Virupaksha, an avatar of Lord Shiva, is situated in the center of Hampi. The temple has been around since the seventh century. It was built by Lakkan Dandesha, a chieftain serving Deva Raya II, the emperor of the Vijayanagara Empire.

The enormous temple complex boasts a pillared hall, three antechambers, and courtyards. The 50-meter-tall gate is solidly made and includes some earlier constructions. It leads you to the outer court, which has several tiny shrines and is constructed of bricks with a stone base. The temple has gates around it for entrance. Among all of them, the 9-tiered eastern portal is the biggest one. The gopurams, which open up to the interior passageways, are decorated with elaborate stone carvings.

The northern gopuram has five stories, whereas the eastern gopuram has three. Several mandapams surround the Virupaksha Temple, some of which still have ruins visible today.

Timings: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: 583239 Hampi Road, Karnataka
Best Time to visit: October to February
Entry Fees: Free of cost

Siddhesvara Temple, Haveri

This is one of the famous temples in Karnataka every devotee must visit.

It was built in the 12th century by the Western Chalukya dynasty and is devoted to Lord Shiva.

The temple is the best example of Hoysala architecture includes beautiful geometric patterns on the walls and pillars, along with a remarkable number of elaborate sculptures and carvings. This temple’s magnificent roof is adorned with the artwork of many Hindu deities, which is especially remarkable.

This temple has sculptures of the most famous Hindu gods and goddesses, including Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, and god & goddess of snakes. You can also see the idols of Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikey in this temple.

Timings: 6:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Location: Haveri, Karnataka
Entry Fees: Free of cost

Amruteshwara Temple, Annigeri

Amruteshwar Temple in Annigeri is an architectural masterpiece that represents the Hoysala and Chalukya styles. This temple is considered to be built in 1050 CE and it is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

The first soapstone monument in our nation is the Amruteshwara Temple. It shows Kalyani Chalukya architecture, with 76 pillars supporting the ceiling. Exotic carvings of many mythological figures cover the walls. There are no appropriate words to describe this temple’s architectural magnificence and captivating allure.

Anyone interested in Karnataka’s rich temple legacy must visit one of this temples in Karnataka because of its position in Annigeri town and its excellent architecture.

Timings: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: Annigeri, Karnataka – 582201
Best Time to Visit: December to January
Entry Fees: Free of cost

Mallikarjuna Temple, Pattadakal

The Mallikarjuna Temple in Pattadakal, one of the most famous temples in Karnataka, is an incredible representation of the Chalukya dynasty’s great architectural work.

This temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and has a similar architectural style as Virupaksha Temple but it’s slightly smaller in size. It was built in 745 AD by Vikramaditya’s second wife, Trilokyamahadevi. It is currently under the management of the Archaeological Survey of India and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The architecture of Mallikarjuna Temple seamlessly combines Dravidian and Nagara elements. The nine significant temples devoted to Lord Shiva are located in the premises. In addition, the monument has a sanctum, a sabha mandapa, and an antechamber. The classic interiors are adorned with beautiful woodwork representing various episodes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana. Mallikarjuna Temple is the ideal of architectural elegance and captures the charm of the past.

For anyone interested in Indian architecture, especially Chalukya art, the Mallikarjuna Temple is a must-visit place in Karnataka. It is a crucial component of Karnataka’s legacy and exhibits the craftsmanship prowess and passion of the artisans who work there.

Timings: 6:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Location: Karnataka’s Pattadakal-587201
Best Time to Visit: October to February
Entry Fees: Free of cost

Mookambika Temple, Kollur

The Mookambika Temple, Kollur is one of the most well-known pilgrimage sites and temples in Karnataka. This temple is dedicated to Devi Mookambika which is an incarnation of Goddess Durga who killed the demon Mookasura. In this temple, the Devi is worshipped as a jyotirlinga that combines Shakti and Shiva. It is a great spiritual place as Adi Shankaracharya himself placed the primary idol in this holy location.

The unique architecture of this temple belongs to the Keladi period. This holy place has a mandapam, a large hall, and an inner sanctum. A mesmerizing gold covering adorns the temple shikhara. In the center of the sanctuary lies a Vimana Gopuram as well. Goddess Mookambika’s deity has three eyes and four arms. In one hand, she takes a conch, and in the other, a chakra. In addition to the main temple, there are shrines dedicated to Lord Subramanya, Dashabhuja Ganapati, Gopalkrishna, and Anjaneya.

Timings: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Location: Karnataka, Kollur-576220
Best Time to Visit: December to March
Entry Fees: Free of cost

Badami Cave Temple, Bagalkot

As one of the most visited temples in Karnataka, Badami Cave temple is located in the Bagalkot District of Karnataka. This temple has four caves devoted to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, and one of them is devoted to Jainism. These monuments show the majestic beauty of India and reveal its vast legacy. To experience the architectural magnificence and religious significance of these sites, cultural enthusiasts visit here from all directions.

The Badami Cave Temples were established by Pulakesin I in the 6th century. During the Chalukyas’ rule, it was widened. The architecture of these temples effortlessly combines Dravidian and Nagara elements. They are adorned with elaborate carvings of Hindu and Jainist deities. Every one of these temples has a hall, a sanctum, and a verandah. In addition to the four well-known caverns, Badami is home to several medieval temples and monuments that capture the essence of the ancient world’s rich past.

Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Location: Karnataka, Badami-587201
Best Time to Visit: July to March
Entry Fees: For Foreigners- Between INR 100 to 300, For Indians – Between INR 10- 30

Keshava Temple, Somnathpur

Keshava Temple belongs to a Hoysala-era heritage structure located in Mysore’s Somnathpur. With its beautiful sculptures, this temple is one of the best-preserved landmarks. This temple was established in the 13th century by Somanatha, a general under Hoysala’s king Narasimha III. The Brahmins were given a plot of land and the materials needed to construct and care for the temples. As a result, the town was named Somnathpur.

The most magnificent and charming example of Hoysala architecture is Keshava Temple. This holy site has three major sanctums and is situated on an elevated platform in an open courtyard. All of the sanctums share a mandapa with many pillars and are devoted to Lord Vishnu in various forms. Inscriptions from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Bhagavata Purana are effectively carved into the inside walls and ceilings. The Vijayanagara Dynasty renovated the Keshava Temple in the 16th century.

Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Location: Karnataka, Somnathpur-571120
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Entry Fees: For Foreigners- Between INR 100 to 300, For Indians – Between INR 10 – 30

Vidyashankara Temple, Sringeri (Sringeri Mutt)

Sringeri Mutt, also known as Sringeri Sharda Peetha is one of the Advaita Vedanta Mathas established by Adi Shankara in the 8th century. This famous temple is located on the Tunga River’s bank and is extremely significant both historically and spiritually. Sringeri Mutt is home to two significant temples: one honoring Devi Saraswati and the other to Lord Shiva.

The Vidyashankara Temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and is a combination of Hoysala and Vijayanagara architectural styles. The temple is situated on a platform that resembles the other temples in Hoysala and is adorned with balustrades and sculptures of animals. In addition to a Shivalinga, the shrine has the gods Shiva-Parvati, Brahma-Saraswati, and Vishnu-Lakshmi placed in various directions.

It has a sandalwood shrine of the Devi as Saradamba is part of the 15th-century reconstruction of the Saraswati Temple. The temple has lesser shrines of Lord Ganesha and Bhubaneshvari in addition to the main deity. Both of these temples are quite beautiful and have great spiritual significance for their devotees.

Timings: 6:30 AM to 1:30 PM, 4:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Location: Karnataka, Sringeri-577139
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Entry Fees: Free of cost

Mahabaleshwar Temple, Gokarna

The 4th-century Mahabaleshwar Temple is revered for both its religious and spiritual significance. This honored structure is in the picturesque village of Gokarna and is visited by devotees all year. King Mayura Sharma established it approximately 365 CE to honor Lord Mahabaleshwar, a manifestation of Lord Shiva. The Mahabaleshwar Temple is an inventory of historical stories and is related to the Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.

The Mahabaleshwar Temple, which faces Karwar’s beachfront, is beautifully designed in the classical Dravidian style. Devotees must bathe in seawater before entering the temple. The primary temple is a massive stone image of Lord Shiva that is as revered as the one in Varanasi. It is thought that the deity bestows enormous blessings on devotees, even those who look carefully at it. This ancient temple is surrounded by shrines to Thamira Gowri, Ganapati, Chandikeshwara, Gokaneshwari, Adi Ganapati, and Dattatreya.

Timings: 6:30 AM to 12:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: Karnataka, Kotiteertha, Gokarnai-581326
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Entry Fees: Free of cost

Durga Temple, Aihole

Are you prepared to explore Karnataka’s architectural treasures? If so, make sure to include Aihole’s Durga Temple in your plan! This temple was constructed by the Chalukyan dynasty in the seventh century and is a superb illustration of early Chalukyan design. The walls of the temple are decorated with fine carvings that represent numerous Hindu myths. An idol of Goddess Durga killing the monster Mahishasura is located at the main temple, which is also home to other gods and goddesses.

The beautiful carvings and distinctive construction of the temple demonstrate the craftsmanship and talent of the time. The temple is also a symbol of Karnataka’s rich cultural legacy.

You will undoubtedly be amazed by the elaborate piece of art that has endured the test of time after visiting the Durga temple.

Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Location: Karnataka, Aihole
Best Time to Visit:
Entry Fees: Free of cost

Veera Narayana Temple, Belavadi

Veera Narayana Temple, built under the rulers of the Hoysala Empire, is another one of the famous temples in Karnataka. Belavadi is a picturesque village in Karnataka’s Chikkamagaluru district, where the Veera Narayana Temple is located. This temple, established in 1200 CE, features three primary shrines that are revered by its citizens.

Veera Narayana Temple is one of the famous Temples in karnataka which is famous for its exquisite architecture and is the grandest temple built by the Hoysala rulers. Visit this amazing temple during Narasimha Jayanthi to experience the wonderful events.

Timings: 6:30 AM to 9:30 PM
Location: Karnataka, Belavadi
Best Time to Visit:
Entry Fees: Free of cost

Murudeshwar Shiva Temple, Murudeshwar

Murudeshwar Temple is a popular Hindu pilgrimage site devoted to Lord Shiva nd stands out as one of the most iconic temples in Karnataka. It is home to the world’s second-highest Shiva statue, standing 123 feet tall. This renowned statue of Lord Shiva stands on top of Kanduka Hill, surrounded by the gorgeous Arabian Sea on three sides. The temple has a long history stretching back to the Ramayana and attracts visitors from all around the world.

The temple has a 20-story gopura known as the Raja Gopura, which gives you a superb viewpoint of the beautiful Shiva sculpture. The gopura has a lift, making it conveniently accessible to both devotees and tourists. The main deity at the Murudeshwar Temple is a Sri Mridesa Linga, which is frequently regarded as a component of the mythical Atma Linga.

The interiors are adorned with beautiful woodwork that will leave you in amazement. This spiritual abode of Lord Shiva has been renovated, yet the sanctum sanctorum still retains its beautiful appeal. This temple is an excellent venue to seek blessings from the Lord, who is revered across the world.

Timings: 3:00 AM to 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: Karnataka, North Kanara, Murudeshwar – 583150
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Entry Fees: Free of cost

Hoysaleswara Temple, Halebeedu

Hoysaleshwara is a Hindu pilgrimage place near Halebeedu, 150 km from Mysore. This temple was established by the Vishnuvardhana in the 12th century, but it was eventually attacked over the years. This temple is an extraordinary example of Hindu architecture, with exquisite carvings from the Hoysala period.

This ancient structure contains around 240 figures that no other Hindu temple in the region possesses. It is a dual temple devoted to both Santaleshwara and Hoysaleshwara Shivalingam. Two Nandi shrines stand tall outside the temple, facing the Shivalingas. There is also an inner sanctum dedicated to Surya Dev, the sun god. The beautiful artwork at the Hoysaleshwara Temple was heavily damaged during the Muslim conquest in the 14th century. This heritage structure is proposed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Location: Karnataka, Halebeedu – 573121
Best Time to Visit: November to March
Entry Fees: Free of cost

Conclusion

This is the main reason why tourists and local people across Karnataka keep visiting these temples on special occasions. You will surely get the calmness and relaxation after visiting these famous temples of Karnataka.

If you are excited to visit these temples, then without further ado plan your trip to Karnataka.

FAQs

Q. How many temples are there in Karnataka?

Ans. Karnataka has approximately 34,000 temples, a thousand of which are located in Bangalore. The temples in Karnataka are remarkable because they belong to several dynasties, each with their own religious context, architectural styles, and historical significance.

Q. Which is the tourist month of Karnataka?

Ans. The tourist season in Karnataka runs from November to April. We recommend that you avoid visiting Karnataka during the monsoon season due to the region’s heavy rains, which may interrupt your travel plans.