Tumkur City is the administrative headquarters of the Tumkur district in Karnataka. Tumkur is located at the foothills of the Devarayadurga Hill, around 70 KM from Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka. Kante Arasu of the Mysore Dynasty is credited with establishing the city of Tumkur.
Tumkur History and Overview
Tumkur is a hilly region crisscrossed by river valleys. The region is covered by coconut palm trees, earning it the name Coconut City. There are two theories regarding the origin of the name Tumkur. One idea is that the name is derived from the flower Tumba Hoovu, found in abundance here.
Another theory says that the name is derived from a folk music percussion instrument known as Tamate. On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the formation of the state of Karnataka, Tumkur was renamed Tumakuru. Tumkur is an educational center in Karnataka and has its own university.
Though Tumkur is not traditionally known as a prominent tourist spot, there are many interesting places to visit here. There are many temples dating from the period of the Vijayanagara dynasty. The famous architect and sculptor, Jakanachari was born near here, in a place called Kaidala, 5 KM from Tumkur city.
Places to Visit in Tumkur
Temples and Mutts in Tumkur
- Devarayana Durga: This is a small hill station known as DD Hills. It is surrounded entirely by forests.
- Siddhaganga: Location of the famous Veerashaiva Mutt, known as Siddhaganga. The Siddhaganga Mutt runs many educational institutions.
- Yediyur: This place has a famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva known as Siddhalingeshwara. Near the temple is a natural spring known as Siddhaganga.
- Kaidala: Considered to be the home of the famous sculptor Jakanachari, this place has a beautiful temple dedicated to Chennakesava, a form of Lord Vishnu. The temple combines the architectural styles of the Hoysalas and Vijayanagara Empire.
- Shivaganga: This place has a temple dedicated to Gangadhara and Honnadevi. It also has a natural spring known as Pathala Ganga.
- Lakshmikanthaswamy Temple: This temple is considered as the oldest in this region, constructed during the reign of the Vijayanagara Dynasty. It has a 1.5 m tall idol of Lord Vishnu seated with Mahalakshmi near him.
Other Places In Tumkur
- Pavagadha Fort: It was built by a Vijayanagara Chieftain in the 15th century. Later, it was the scene of a fierce battle between Tipu Sultan and the British.
- Madhugiri: Known for its juicy pomegranates, this place has a fine fort built by a Vijayanagara king. It also has a few fine temples and Jain Basadis.
- Marconahalli: This place has a reservoir built across the Shimsa River. It has boating facilities, so it is a tourist spot.
- Sinhadham: This is a Lion Safari Park, located on the Shimoga-Sagar Road.
Weather of Tumkur
The climate of Tumkur remains calm and moderate throughout the year, though the summer months tend to be very hot. The best time to visit Tumkur is between October and March.
How To Reach Tumkur From Bangalore
Tumkur lies at a distance of around 70 KM from Bangalore, and is located along NH 4. Regular and frequent bus services connect Bangalore and Tumkur. Tumkur is on the Broad Gauge line connecting Bangalore to Shimoga and Hubli.
Though Tumkur is more of an industrial region rather than a major tourist spot, there are many temples and monuments and natural attractions here that can satisfy anyone seeking interesting places to visit, even when they might be on a business trip.
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