Tumkur district was formed in 1865 CE. It is bound by eight districts namely Chitradurga, Hassan, Chikkamagaluru, Mandya, Ramanagara, Bengaluru Rural, Chikkaballapura and Ananthapuram (Andhra Pradesh). Tumkur district consists of nine talues- Chikkanayakanahalli, Gubbi, Koratagere, Kunigal, Madhugiri, Pavagada, Tiptur, Tumkur, Turuvekere. This is the only discontiguous district in Karnataka since Pavagada taluk has no geographical continuity with the rest of the district. Pavagada taluq shares its border with Chitradurga and Ananthapuram districts. The terrain is a mix of hills and plains. The hilly east of Tumkur district is covered with forests. Tumkur city is an educational, industrial and religious city. For tourists, Tumkur district has a lot to offer- forts and temples. Tourists can choose between religious and historical.
- Sree Siddaganga Matha - Sree Siddaganga Matha is an ancient ashram established by Sree Gosala Siddeshwara Swamiji in XV Century CE. The present head of this Matha is His Holiness Dr. Sree Sree Sivakumara Swamigalu. The Matha's Gurukula provides education to more than 8000 children at no cost, without any discrimination of caste or creed. Sree Siddaganga Matha is situated on the southeatsern side of Tumkur city.
- Kote Anjaneya - This is the 75 feet tall statue of Hanuman situated on the western shore of Amani Kere, the largest pond of Tumkur city.
- Amani Kere Park - Amani Kere is the largest pond of Tumkur city. On its shore is a small park with a glass house. There are two parks, the one with glass house is opposite Kote Anjaneya statue.
- Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir - Tumkur city has four temples dedicated to Shirdi Sai Baba. The temples of Ramakrishna Nagar, Kunigal Road and Sai Baba Nagar are big and beautiful.
- Ramakrishna Vivekananda Ashram - Ramakrishna Vivekananda Ashram and Bhagwan Ramakrishna Mandir are situated in Ramakrishna Nagar, very close to Sai Baba Mandir.
- Sri Raghavaendra Swamy Matha - This monastery of Madhwa Brahmin community is situated in Raghavendra Nagar, Upparhalli.
- Shri Jain Agam Mandir - This is a large Jain temple on Sira road, Tumkur city.
- Tomlinson Church - Established in 1931 CE, probably this is the oldest church of Tumkur city.
- Library Building, Sri Siddhartha Institute of Technology - SSIT is one of the top engineering colleges of Tumkur. Its library is a globe shaped glass building, a unique design.
- Maha Ganapati Devalaya, Gulur - This Ganesha temple has a unique tradition of preparing Maha Ganapati idol from clay collected from Gulur lake. The idol preparation starts on Ganesh Chaturti and nears completion by Navaratri. The 11' tall idol is consecrated on Deepawali and immeresed in the lake at the end of Kartikamasa. Gulur, earlier known as Gulipattana, also has ancient shrines namely Beteraya Swami Devalaya and Gangadhareshwara Devalaya. Guluru is about 6 kms south of Tumkur.
- Kaidala - Kaidala also known as Kridapura is said to be the birthplace of the legendary sculptor Jakanachari. He is known as the builder of temples for Kalyani Chalukyas and Hoysalas. There are three temples of historic importance- 1. Chennakesava Devasthana, 2. Someshwara Devasthana and 3. Kodirameshwara. Kaidala is about 10 kms south of Tumkur.
- Devarayanadurga - Devarayanadurga is a hill station with an ancient fort, ancient temples, a village and covered by forest. The main temples are Yoganarasimha and the Bhoganarasimha. This is one of the favorite places for youngsters seeking adventure. Devarayanadurga is about 16 kms east of Tumkur.
- Naamada Chilume - This is a natural spring situated in Devarayanadurga forest. Clean drinkable water flows out from the surface of a rock. The place is connected to ancient Hindu legend Ramayana. Naamada Chilume is situated on Tumkur-Devarayanadurga road.
- Ramadevara Betta, Kyatsandra - Also called as Karigiri Betta, this hill is another favorite for trekkers. The hill's summit, a plateau has a small temple and mantapa. The the hill top offers a great view of the surrounding plains, hills and lakes. The hill is situated east of Kyatsandra.
- Mandaragiri Digambar Jain Basadi - This Jain Basadi is situated atop a on a rocky hill. The hill with a straight flight of steps leading to its summit is visible from Bangalore-Tumkur highway. Also next to the hill, on the plains is a recently constructed hall shaped and colored like a peacock fan used by Jain monks. Mandaragiri is about 12 kms southeast of Tumkur.
- Kuchhangi Jain Basadi - This ancient Jain Basadi is situated 12 kms north of Tumkur, off NH48.
- Yediyur Siddalingeshwara Devasthana - Yediyuru is a popular pilgrimage center. Though called as a temple, it is actually the tomb (Nirvikalpa Shivayoga Samadhi) of Tontada Siddalinga, a Lingayath saint of XV Century CE who has served at Sree Siddaganga Matha. Yediyuru is about 63 kms southwest of Tumkur and 96 kms west of Bangalore.
- Hattana Jain shrine - Hattna or Hatna is known for its temple dedicated to Bhagawan Parshwanatha in the Kayotsarga posture. The history of this temple dates back to the XI Century CE. Hattna is situated 3.5 kms west of Yediyur, off Bangalore-Hassan road.
- Markonhalli Dam - Markonahalli Dam is a dam built across river Shimsha. This dam was designed and built during Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV rule under the guidance of Sir M Visweswaraiah. This dam is known for its syphon system which lets excess water flow out automatically when the water level reaches its maximum. The other dam in similar design is the abandoned Madenur dam in Linganmakki backwaters. Markonhalli dam is about 65 kms southwest of Tumkur via Kunigal.
- Turuvekere - Turuvekere was once an Agrahara. Turuvekere is known for its Hoysala temples like Gangadhareshwara, Chennigaraya Swamy, Moole Shankareshwara and Beteraya Swamy. Within the premises of Gangadhareshwara Devasthana is a large Nandi and a big bell made of soapstone. Turuvekere is 71 kms southwest of Tumkur and 12 kms from Kibbanahalli cross on Tumkur-Tiptur road.
- Mallaghatta Kere & Gangadareshwara Devastana - This lake & temple are about 6 km from Turuvekere. Mallaghatta Kere is one of the largest rainwater harvesting ponds in the district. Its a popular picnic spot as well. This lake when filled, the overflow water goes to Turuvekere pond. In fact all the ponds of the district are connected and end up feeding Hemavati river.
- Nagalapura – Nagalapura is known for two Hoysala temples- 1. Kedareshwara Devasthana and 2. Chennakesava Devasthana. Nagalapura is 15 kms south of Turuvekere and 75 kms west of Tumkur.
- Aralaguppe - Aralaguppe is know for two ancient temples - Chennakeshava Devasthana and Kalleshvara Devasthana. Kalleshwara temple complex was constructed in IX Century CE in by Ganga-Nalamba kings. Chennakesava temple was built in XIII Century CE by Hoysala kings. Aralaguppe is about 63 kms west of Tumkur, 22 kms east of Tiptur and 15 kms north of Turuvekere.
- Vignasanthe - This village is known for Lakshminarasimha Devasthana built in XIII Century CE by the Hoysalas. Vignasanthe is about 87 kms west of Tumkur, 32 kms south of Tiptur and 18 kms west of Turuvekere.
- Settikere - This village is known for Yoga Madhava Devasthana built in XIII Century by Hoysalas. Settikere is about 25 kms northeast of Tiptur and 70 kms west of Tumkur.
- Kuppuru Gaddige Matha - This is the Samadhi of Sri Marulasiddeshwara Swamy. Kuppuru is situated about 80 kms east of Tumkur and 38 kms north of Tiptur.
- Chowdeshwari Devastana - This ancient temple with an interesting history is about 10 kms north of Tiptur.
- Goravanahalli Mahalaxmi Devasthana and Theetha Dam - Goravanahalli is known for its Mahalaxmi temple established in XIX Century CE. The temple was in a neglected state between 1910 and 1952 after which it was revived by a pious lady. Also close by is Theetha Dam built across Jayamangali, a tributary of Penna river. Goravanahalli is about 30 kms northeast of Tumkur.
- Jayamangali Blackbuck Reserve, Mydnahalli - This wildlife sanctuary is about 66 kms north east of Tumkur and 30 kms east of Madhugiri.
- Shri Kamakshi Sharadamba Devasthana, Hebbur - Kamakshi Sharadamba temple in the premises of Sri Kodandashrama Math, an Advaitha centre. A rare piece of Hindu iconography called 'Shri Chakra' made of five metals is installed in the shrine. It is supposed to represent the Primeval Energy from which the whole universe issues forth. Hebbur is 33 kms south of Tumkur.
- Chelur - A small town of strategic importance. Several important internal roads intersect at Chelur making it a hub. Hence Chelur is an important coconut market of this area. Here are three ancient monuments namely Cheluru Ooru Bagilu (town gateway), Chola period Kalyani (stepped well) and Maralu Siddeshwara Devastana. An ancient saying ties these three historical places together.
- Gubbi - This small town is known for three ancient places of worship. The first one is Sri Channabasaveshwara Devasthana, an ancient shrine dedicated to Channabasaveshwara, nephew of Jagatjyoti Basaveshwara. The second one being William Arthur Memorial Church which was established in 1904. Gubbi is 21 kms east of Tumkur.
- Kailasanatha Devastana, Kadaba - Kadaba town was an historically important center. Ramanujacharya has established one of his five Vaishnava centers at Kadaba. It is said that a inscription of this IX Century temple mentions the construction of Ellora Kailasanatha temple. Besides Kailasanatha the other important shrine here is Siddeshwara Devastana. Also the sprawling waters of Kadaba-Kere is worth a visit.
- Ranganatha Swamy Devasthana, Singonahalli - This is an ancient temple dedicated to Ranganatha, a form of Lord Vishnu. Singonahalli is about 4 kms west of Gubbi.
- Siddara Betta - This is a hill for the religious and adventerous. This hill is known to for its herbs of medicinal value. At the hill top is a temple and a cave where ascetics mediated long time back. Siddara Betta is north of Tumkur, about 32 kms via Chelavada.
- Channarayanadurga fort - This fort built is on the slopes of a rock hill. This is the hill where some scenes of 1980s Kannada cinema Bangarada Jinke was made. Channarayanadurga was built in the XVII century CE by a feudal king named Channappa Gowda. Channarayanadurga is about 40 kms northeast of Tumkur and 10 kms from Madhugiri.
- Madhugiri fort - Madhugiri, along with Savandurga, is the one of the largest monolothic hills in Asia. On this rock hills' slopes is a fort built in XVII Century CE. Originally built by Raja Hira Gowda was later taken over by Tipu Sultan. The fort has a number of gateways and bastions. At the summit is a temple dedicated to Gopalakrishna. This hill is popular for trekking and climbing. While at Madhugiri you can also see the ancient Malleshwara Swamy Devasthana, Laxmi Venkateshwara Devasthana and Jain Basadi. Madhugiri is about 45 kms northeast of Tumkur and 113 kms northwest of Bangalore.
- Siddhara Gudi - is a cave temple on the shore of the pond in the valley to the east of Madhugiri hill.
- Harihareshwara Swamy Devasthana - This shrine dedicated to Harihara was built in 979 CE. This temple is nestled in the valley south of Madhugiri hill, about 5 kms from the town.
- Midigeshi fort - Midigeshi was a headquarters of the hobli by the same name which was under Madhugiri kings. Midigeshi fort is said to be built by Nagi Reddy. On the hill are ruins of incomplete temples along with a shrine dedicated to Hanuman, several water tanks, granary and a mosque. Midigeshi is about 22 kms north of Madhugiri.
- Pavagada fort - A formidable hill fort built during Vijayanagara rule. The hill is approximaately 200 meters high with steep slopes. Close to the base of the hill is Kote Anjaneya Devasthana. Pavagada is about 100 kms north of Tumkur.
- Pavagada Solar Park - This is Asia's largest solar power park covering approximately 10K acres of plain land. The solar park is about 28 kms northeast of Pavagada.
- Nidgal Betta - Nidgal village is situated at the base of the hill with same name. The hill has a small plateau in the middle where ruins of fort and a temple can be seen. At its peak is a small shrine with ancient inscriptions. Fort ruins are also seen on the base of the hill. Besides the fort, there are other ancient temples namely 1. Rama Devasthana 2. Lakshminarasimha Swamy Devasthana, 3. Veerabhadra Swamy Devasthana, 4. Someshwara Devasthana and 5. Jain Basadi. Nidugallu is about 27 kms west of Pavagada and 118 kms north of Tumkur.
- Shri Ramthirth of Nidugallu - This is an ancient Kalyani with a small temple next to it. This spot is about 1.2 kms west if Nidgal village.
- Narasimha Swamy Devasthana, Seebi - This temple with an interesting history was established 210+ years ago. Seebi is off NH48, about 24 kms northwest of Tumkur and 36 kms southeast of Sira.
- Kaggaladu Bird Sanctuary - After Kokkare Bellur, Kaggaladu bird sanctuary is one of the largest painted storks sanctuaries in South Asia. Birds are seen here between February and August. Kaggaladu 10 kms from Sira.
- Kasturi Rangappa Nayakana Kote, Sira - Sira town was founded by Ranagappa Nayaka, chief of Ratnagiri. This fort was also built during his time. The four-sided fort with one entrance and bastions on all sieds is built on plain ground. It was later taken over by Mughals, Marathas, Tipu and finally British.
- Hazrat Malik Rehan Dargah and Juma Masjid, Sira - Sira was the capital of a province named Suba which existed during Mughal rule. Malik Rehan was the governor of Suba. These two monuments are from the XVII Century built in in Saracenic architectural style. Sira is about 54 kms northwest of Tumkur.
- Bhasmangi Kote - This fort is also known as Bhasvangi Kote. This fort was probably built by Kasturi Rangappa Nayaka and later strengthened by Tipu Sultan. Bhasmangi is about 37 kms from Sira via Badavanahalli.
- Huliyuru Durga - Huliyurdurga was once the headquarters of the taluk of the same name till 1873. The hill fort is said to be built by Kempegowda. Also in the vicinity is another hill called Hemagiri on which is Mallikarjuna Devasthana. Huliyurdurga is about 65 kms south of Tumkur and 85 kms west of Bangalore.
You may also want to learn about other districts of Karnataka-
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