- Kolar was historically a major administrative center for the Western Ganga Dynasty and was once known as Kuvalalapura.
- The city is situated on the Deccan Plateau, characterized by rocky granite hillocks that create a distinct arid landscape.
- It was the site of one of the deepest gold mines in the world, which operated for over a century before ceasing major production.
- The region is a significant hub for dairy production, contributing substantially to the Karnataka Milk Federation's supply.
About Kolar
Kolar is a historic city in Karnataka, India, famously known as the 'Land of Gold' due to its long association with the Kolar Gold Fields. It serves as a significant religious center, housing ancient sites like the Shri Kolaramma Devi Temple and the Shri Someshwara Swamy Temple. Travelers can explore spiritual heritage at the Shri Dakshina Kashi Vishwanatha Swamy Temple or enjoy local greenery at Kuvempu Park. The city's geography is defined by its proximity to the rocky hills of the Anthara Gange range, which features the unique Anthara Gange Pond Kolar.
Highlights of Kolar
The places our editors single out β and why they're worth your time.
Temples
This temple is renowned for its architectural heritage and the traditional deity worshiped by the local community.
Temples
Admire the intricate Dravidian-style stone carvings that define this historic temple structure.
Temples
Located in the hills, this site is frequently visited by pilgrims for its spiritual significance and scenic surroundings.
Temples
Visit this site to see the natural spring water flow, which remains a focal point for visitors exploring the hill range.
Historical places
Serving as a central landmark, this structure represents the colonial-era architecture located in the heart of the city.
Parks
This park provides a quiet, green space for leisure within the urban center of the city.
Top things to do in Kolar
The 1,471 highest-rated places in Kolar, ranked by travellers.
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Temples
Kotilingeshwara Devaalaya is home to one of the world's tallest Shiva Lingas, standing at a height of 108 feet. The temp...
2
Temples
Kurudumale Ganesha Temple houses a monolithic Ganesha idol measuring approximately 13.5 feet in height. The temple archi...
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Temples
The Garuda Temple in Koladevi is a uniquely dedicated shrine solely focused on Garuda, the divine eagle mount of Lord Vi...
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Temples
Sri Anjaneya Swami Devasthana in Mulbagal is historically significant for its association with the legend of the Mahabha...
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Temples
Shri Kolaramma Devi Temple is a historic Chola-era sanctuary located in the town of Kolar, Karnataka. The temple is dedi...
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Temples
Kailasagiri Hill is a prominent site in Kavalaganahalli, Karnataka, distinguished by its rock-cut temples dedicated to H...
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Temples
Sri Mahaganapati Temple in Kurudumale is renowned for its colossal, single-rock Ganesha idol standing approximately 13.5...
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Temples
Shri Someshwara Swamy Temple is a prominent 14th-century Vijayanagara-style structure located in the Kolar district of K...
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Historical places
The Kolar Clock Tower serves as a prominent colonial-era landmark situated in the heart of Kolar, Karnataka. It acts as...
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Temples
The Shri Ramalingeshwara Swami Temple in Avani is a cluster of shrines built in the Dravidian architectural style, notab...
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Temples
Shri Venkateshwara Swamy and Padmavathi Temple, locally known as Bangaru Tirupathi, is a prominent Hindu pilgrimage site...
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Temples
Shri Amaranarayana Swami Temple is a prominent Vaishnavite shrine located in Kaiwara, Karnataka, dedicated to Lord Vishn...
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Temples
Sri Kaiwara Yogi Nareyana Mata is a spiritual center dedicated to the 18th-century poet-saint Yogi Nareyana, located in...
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Temples
Murugamalla Dargah, also known as the Hazrath Mastan Ali Baba Dargah, is a prominent Sufi shrine located in the Chintama...
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Temples
Shri Sripadaraja Matha in Mulbagal is the historic headquarters of the Digvijaya Rama Matha, established by the Dvaita s...
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Temples
Thathayya Cave is a historical rock-cut site in Kaiwara, Karnataka, associated with the life and penance of the 18th-cen...
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Venues
Jhansi Sports Stadium is a regional athletic facility located in the Chintamani region of Karnataka. The venue primarily...
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Temples
Shri Dakshina Kashi Vishwanatha Swamy Temple is located on the Antaragange hill range in Kolar, Karnataka. The site is b...
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Temples
The Ancient Shri Virupaksha Swamy Temple is a historic site located in Mulbagal, Karnataka, known for its distinct Vijay...
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Temples
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Temples
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Places of interest
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Parks
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Kolar on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Kolar
October to March, as the cooler winter temperatures are ideal for hiking the nearby rocky terrain and visiting outdoor temple complexes.
1-2 days, which provides sufficient time to visit the central temples and explore the immediate surroundings of the Anthara Gange hills.
The city is best navigated by auto-rickshaws, private taxis, or rental cars, as public transit within the town is limited.
Visitors generally stay in the city center near the Kolar Bus Stand area to remain close to major temples and local transport hubs.
A budget-friendly destination with affordable local dining and low-cost accommodation options compared to larger cities like Bengaluru.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 1,471 curated attractions in and around Kolar, ranked by traveller ratings.
Kotilingeshwara Devaalaya is the highest-rated place to visit in Kolar right now.
The largest category is temples, with 1,421 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Bangalore, Howrah, Kottayam.
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