Top 4 Best Places Visiting in Kolar for Temples, Nature & Adventure

1.Someshwara Temple

The Someshwara Temple in Kolar is a fine example of our glorious architectural and spiritual heritage of India. This temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is an elegant building dated 14th Centred and is acclaimed as a monument of outstanding national importance. It symbolises a lot to devotees as well as to tourists as this is a famous place of religious importance.

The temple epitomises the wonderful Dravidian architecture style especially seen at the tall, intricately fashioned brick and stucco structure framing the entrance. This entrance gateway, which is also termed gopuram, is quite an impressive of the temple. The luxurious ornate carvings and decorations portray the artistry of the craftsmen of that time.

In particular Someshwara Temple in Kolar is said to be more ornate and clever than the similarly named temple in Bengaluru. The temple complex has elaborately carved pillars, ornate moldings and detailed sculptures in the shape of deities, animals and mythological figures. These artistic properties explain the rich cultural and spiritual histories of its design.

Significance

• As a religious shrine, the temple remains a magnet for the devotees who have prayers answered by God Shiva. The peaceful atmosphere of the temple is peaceful and full of divinity, where one can find solace from the world and a great spot to come along spiritual seekers. Several religious rituals and festivals are zealously spent here adding in the temple’s energetic scene.

2.Kotilingeshwara Temple

Kotilingeshwara Temple situated in Kolar District, Karnataka is a worshipped Pilgrim place of Lord Shiva. This temple is distinguished in hosting one of the greatest Shiva lingams universally, situated tallness of 108 feet. Apart from this massive lingam, the temple also houses a 35 feet tall Nandi (the benevolent bull and vehicle of Lord Shiva) which is another peak element to its grandeur and spiritual ethos.

What makes Kotilingeshwara Temple one of a kind is that it has amassed the largest collection of Shivling in the planet. The temple complex shelters about five lakh shivalingas, with the objective of surpassing ten million of them, so that the temple is named—as Kotilingeshwara (here ‘Koti’ denotes one crore and ‘Lingeshwara’ stands for Lord Shiva). These lingams are blessed by devotional devotees who like to be a part of this sacred project to seek blessings from Gods.

Significance

• The temple ground is beautifully maintained providing a peaceful and the divine environment to the visitors. Besides the prime Shiva lingam and Nandi, the complex also houses temples for the other deities like Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma, Lord Ganesha and Goddess Annapoorneshwari. The temple receives thousands of devotees every year, but more particularly during Mahashivaratri when the whole complex reverberates with recitation and devotion to Lord Shiva.

Best Time to Visit

• Best time to visit this temple is during Mahashivaratri; the temple is ornate and the temple witnessed grand celebrations. For those seeking a relaxed visit, there is a pleasant climate during the winter months (November to February).

3.Kolar Gold Fields

Housed in the Kolar District of Karnataka, Kolar Gold Fields (KGF), for centuries, have been the notable gold mines of India. There is a rich history and profound British colonisation, so KGF is often called ‘Little England’ as it has a pleasant climate and the British bungalows. Although the gold mines are no longer in operation, the town still holds to the old- world charm and historical importance.

Significance

KGF has rich history of 19th century when large-scale mining operations were set up by Britain in the region. At one time, it was was world’s deepest and most productive gold mine, to the tune of almost 30,000 workers and engineers from all areas of the globe. The mine’s deep shafts – and particularly the extremely deep ones – put it second in the world in the matter of gold mines.

4.Anthargange

Anthargange located in Kolar district of Karnataka is a breathtaking place to visit, the rugged landscape, mysterious caves and lush greenery all combine to make it appropriate for trekking. 70 km from Bangalore this heavenly mountain range in the Shathashrunga mountains is a paradise for a Trekkers, Rock climber, admirer of caves.

Anthargange is a term that signifies ‘Inner Stream’ or ‘Ganges from within’ in Kannada. This name is inspired by a natural, self-well flowing through the rocks, in the centre of the mountains. Although there have been attempts made to figure out the source of this stream, it still remains a mystery as to where the water truly comes from and is only just part of the intrigue surrounding this spot.

Best Time to Visit

• The best time to visit Anthargange is during October to March when the climate is soothing and thus permits trekking and outing to be a more enjoyable adventure. Early morning or late evening is the best time for trekking as it is an ideal time for those planning to approach trekking with night camping.

Related articles : Top 5 Best Places Visiting in Kodagu (Coorg) for Nature, Culture & Adventure