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The state of Karnataka is steeped in its history and culture and possesses some of the most breathtaking spiritual landmarks in India. One of the numerous jewels is the temples in Karnataka with their godly energy, detailed carvings, and their everlasting beauty. These sacred places are a marvellous combination of art, religion, and tradition, the ancient stone wonders, and the colourful pilgrimage centre. You can be a traveller who wonders at the architectural wonders, a history lover who learns the names of the dynasties of the past, or a devotee on a soulful journey; Karnataka’s temples can provide experiences as awe-inspiring as they are unforgettable.
Top 10 Best Temples To Visit In Karnataka
From ancient shrines to spiritual enclaves, these temples in Karnataka are completely unmissable.
1. Virupaksha Temple
Photo: iMahesh / Wikimedia Commons
Virupaksha Temple is among the most beautiful temples in Karnataka and has been operating in the same manner since the 7th century. The grand gopuram of the temple is 50 metres in height, and the carvings on the gopuram are stories from the Hindu epics. The ceiling of the hall has exquisite paintings from the Vijayanagara period, which depict scenes from mythological stories shown in bright colours. The pilgrims who visit the temple believe the sanctum of Lord Shiva emanates a powerful source of spiritual energy. The town is also filled with worshippers and visitors during the yearly Phalapuja and Ratha Yatra festivals, which are the highlights of the culture and tradition of Hampi.
Location: Hampi, Vijayanagara District
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Suggested Read: Temples In Srirangapatna
2. Chennakesava Temple
Photo: Dineshkannambadi / Wikimedia Commons
Originally constructed in 1117 CE by Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana, the Chennakesava Temple is one of the most important temples in Karnataka. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is a soapstone monument on a star-shaped base with over 600 sculptures, which include dancers, elephants, and deities of all kinds. Inside the temple, the dark-black polished stone pillars and ornamented ceiling panels are breathtaking displays of the best of Hoysala craftsmanship. One of the largest festivals, the annual Rathotsava, sees thousands of devotees gather to witness both religious ceremonial rituals and cultural performances.
Location: Belur, Hassan District
Timings: 7:30 AM – 7:30 PM
3. Vitthala Temple
Photo: Basavaraj M / Wikimedia Commons
Vitthala Temple is known to be one of the most beautiful temples in Karnataka, known for its wonderful stone chariot and musical pillars. The mandap below creates musical notes when tapped, leaving guests astounded by the Vijayanagara artisans’ artistry. Built in the 15th century, it is dedicated to Lord Vitthala, a component of Lord Vishnu, whose mula murti stands in the centre. The temple has very beautifully carved gates, halls, and a large courtyard, all entirely indicative of unmatched grandeur. This space becomes a centre for cultural and artistic performances during the festivals, when the temple is brought back to life with devotion.
Location: Hampi, Vijayanagara District
Timings: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In Karnataka For A Soulful Holiday
4. Murudeshwar Temple
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
Murudeshwar Temple is one of the tallest holy coastal temples and is known for the huge 123-foot Shiva statue overlooking the Arabian Sea. It also has a 20-storey gopuram that should be visited just to get a view from the top, which you can reach via a lift. Inside, there is a sanctum containing a Shiva lingam, which is said to be a part of Ravana’s Atmalinga. Here, mythology, architecture, and nature blend into a very unique location to perform rituals and devotee worship. The setting at sunset from areas near the temple is genuinely beautiful and allows an enchanting view of the region.
Location: Murudeshwar, Uttara Kannada District
Timings: 6 AM – 1 PM & 3 PM – 8 PM
5. Hoysaleswara Temple
Photo: Basavaraj M / Wikimedia Commons
The Hoysaleswara Temple is one of the most elaborate temples (12th century CE) in Karnataka, and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple tells you a story with the stone carvings on the walls, depicting stories from the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata that are still incredibly detailed today. The twin sanctums of the temple represent the union of faith and artistry. Inside, visitors can see the idol of the Nandi, representing one of the biggest and most intricately carved sculptures of its kind in India. Halebidu was the site of the capital of the Hoysalas, and the temple is reminiscent of the glory of the Hoysalas.
Location: Halebidu, Hassan District
Timings: 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Karnataka
6. Kukke Subramanya Temple
Photo: BHARATHESHA ALASANDEMAJALU / Wikimedia Commons
The Kukke Subramanya Temple in the Western Ghats is one of the holy temples in Karnataka and is dedicated to Lord Subramanya, or Lord of Serpents. The temple is well-known for performing Sarpa Samskara and Ashlesha Bali rituals. These rituals enable special blessings for the devotees who have nagadosha and desire to be freed from it, while the Ashlesha balu brings affluence. The temple is situated along the riverside under the mountains and forests of the Western Ghats by the Kumaradhara, adding a religious feeling to the temple. Kukke attracts many pilgrims and tourists who want to experience pure devotion to nature techniques.
Location: Subramanya, Dakshina Kannada District
Timings: 5 AM – 8 PM
7. Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple
Photo: Krishsa / Wikimedia Commons
The Mahabaleshwar Temple is one of Karnataka’s most sacred temples and is home to the famous Atmalinga. The Atmalinga has tremendous mythological significance because when Ravana carried it away, he stopped here. The temple is Dravidian-style with a series of festivals and rituals that draw thousands of people looking to attain the blessings of Lord Shiva. It is a common belief that a visit to Gokarna is equivalent to a visit to Kashi, the Holy City, and so serves to elevate the sanctity of the temple. Besides spiritual practice, the temple’s closeness to the beaches of Gokarna adds a level of sweetness to this coastal pilgrimage experience.
Location: Gokarna, Uttara Kannada District
Timings: 6 AM – 12:30 PM & 5 PM – 8 PM
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Gokarna
8. Kollur Mookambika Temple
Photo: Yogesa / Wikimedia Commons
Kollur Mookambika Temple is a most adored religious temple in Karnataka, dedicated to Goddess Mookambika, a higher Shakti. It sits in the Western Ghats in a tropical, spectacular location and is said to have been consecrated by Adi Shankaracharya himself. The temple holds a unique golden idol that brings the three deities together, Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, and Saraswati, in one idol, making this temple the only one of its kind in South Indian shrines. From all parts of India, devotees and pilgrims attend this temple to seek blessings for education, success, and protection.
Location: Kollur, Udupi District
Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM
9. Keshava Temple
Photo: Srinivasa83 / Wikimedia Commons
The Keshava Temple is among the finest architectural marvels in Karnataka, as well as a temple that explicitly worships the Lord Krishna in one of his forms, namely Chennakesava. Constructed in 1268 CE by General Somanatha under the kingdoms of the Hoysalas, Keshava Temple is known for its star-shaped platform, which embodies the temple’s complex arrangement. Its crowning aspect is the astounding detail in the stone carvings of each of the walls, where the carvings depict the stories of the Bhagavata Purana, Ramayana, and Mahabharata with such precision that it is simply astonishing.
Location: Somanathapura, Mysuru District
Timings: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Kollur Mookambika Temple For Travellers
10. Banashankari Amma Temple
Photo: Jaisuvyas / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Banashankari Amma Temple is one of the most extraordinary temples in the state of Karnataka, which is dedicated to Goddess Banashankari, a manifestation of Goddess Parvati. The temple was constructed in the 7th century by the Chalukyas; it displays Dravidian architecture and has a tower located above the sanctum, which is typical of temples. The annual Banashankari Jatre festival attracts worshippers from afar who transform the town into a busy metropolitan (for a few days at least) cultural exchange environment. The temple tank enhances the pleasant ambiance of worship, and a corridor of pillars provides a pleasant approach for worshippers.
Location: Badami, Bagalkot District
Timings: 6:30 AM – 8:30 PM
The temples in Karnataka stand as timeless symbols of devotion, history, and artistic brilliance. From serene coastal shrines to intricate Hoysala marvels, each temple offers spiritual peace and cultural richness. Whether you seek inner calm, awe-inspiring architecture, or legendary tales, Karnataka’s temples promise unforgettable experiences. Plan your sacred journey with TripXL and discover the divine splendour of Karnataka—where every step echoes with centuries of tradition and reverence.
Cover Photo: pavan sai thummala / Unsplash
