In any part of the World, there exists always experiences hidden away from the more fancier ones. A visit to Adiyogi, Lepakshi & Vidurashwatha is one such. It is mystic, mythical, magical, mesmerising, magnetic, surreal, all at the same time!
A 3 hour drive from Bangalore takes you to Vidurashwatha where there are tens of thousands of statues of the Cobra, the God of fertility. This place has a Chinese-Terracotta-Warriors like feel. In the same place, there is a memorial to 32 Indians who were killed by the British during a protest in 1938. The next stop, in 1 hour drive, is Lepakshi which has exquisite stone sculptures similar to Hampi. You then proceed to see the stunning Adiyogi which is the largest bust statue in the world. Around 8 hours of drive in the day to see some virgin but extraordinary sites.
(1) Wearing sandals is preferable since you have to remove footwear multiple times.
(2) Wear clothes in a way to cover your legs & shoulders since you are visiting active temples.
Pickup included
If there was one icon of Shiva which has caught the imagination of millions of Hindus in India, it is this stunning statue, installed in the lap of nature, about 70 km from Bangalore. The Adiyogi Shiva is massive in size with a height of 112 ft with a serene, green and magical backdrop of rocky hills. The aura of Shiva, among the three principle Gods of Hinduism, is seen to be believed. It is the largest bust statue ever made in the World. This statue was installed by Sadhguru of the Isha Foundation in 2023 and is a replica of another statue installed earlier in Coimbatore. Already this site is drawing tens of thousands of visitors and soon would become a major tourist attraction in the region. Let us pay our salutations to Lord Shiva!
Ancient Hindu temples in India are steeped in mystery more than history. The Snake Temple at Vidurashwatha is unique & you will find no other temple such as this in the entire country! Snake Gods are worshipped to bestow us children & good health. Devout Hindus who are denied these, invoke Vasuki, the Snake God of fertility & get a statue installed in the premises, to appease him. So far there have been more than 15,000 of them and still counting! The very image of these endless rows & columns of these statues, with worshippers circling them, with monkeys jumping from one to the other, with devotees applying turmeric & vermillion, with priests nudging the pilgrims, are typical scenes here. Visit this temple for a mystic experience!
Vidurashwatha is also known as the Jalianwala Bagh of South India. 32 Indians were shot dead by the British on April 25 1938 for defying an order not to hoist the Indian Flag during Freedom movement. We pay a visit to a memorial built to these brave hearts!
Lepakshi is a hidden gem in the architectural treasure trove of South India. The extraordinary quantities of stones quarried, moved, sculpted & installed to build temples in India over 2 millennia stands testimony to the efforts & beliefs of Hindus. The Veerabhadra Swamy Temple of Lepakshi is one of the best examples of Vijayanagara architecture which evolved during 14-16 CE in the Deccan. Visit Lepakshi if you want to: See the largest monolithic stone statues of a Bull & King Cobra; Awe at an ornate hanging pillar with people passing their hankies underneath it; Marvel at the 500 year old paintings depicting Hindu mythology on the ceilings of the temple; Listen to the story of how Lepakshi got its name through a Vulture named Jatayu which helped Lord Rama looking for his wife; Admire & photograph the carvings of all the details adorning the walls & pillars of this 500 year old temple. If you have not already visited Hampi, or, don't have time to do it, this is your calling.
At the exit of street level on M G Road on the commercial side
Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka, is renowned for its pleasant climate, vibrant tech scene, and lush greenery. Known as the 'Garden City of India' and the 'Silicon Valley of India,' it offers a unique blend of modern IT hubs, historic landmarks, and serene parks.
A historic botanical garden established in 1760, featuring a wide variety of plants, trees, and a beautiful glasshouse.
The seat of the Karnataka Legislature, this impressive building is a fine example of Indo-Saracenic architecture.
Built in the late 19th century, this palace showcases Tudor-style architecture and houses a museum with royal artifacts.
A lush green park in the heart of the city, perfect for a leisurely stroll, picnic, or bird-watching.
A beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, known for its spiritual ambiance and architectural grandeur.
A thin, crispy crepe made from fermented rice and lentil batter, often served with sambar and chutney.
Soft, steamed rice cakes served with a tangy lentil-based stew.
A flavorful rice dish cooked with lentils, vegetables, and a special spice blend.
A strong, aromatic coffee brewed using a traditional filter.
This is the best time to visit Bangalore due to its cool and pleasant weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Indian Rupee (INR)
IST (UTC+5:30)
230VV, 50HzHz
Bangalore is generally safe for travelers, but petty crimes like pickpocketing and scams can occur. Exercise caution in crowded areas and at night.
Bangalore City Railway Station, Yesvantpur Junction
Kempegowda Bus Station, Shantigram Bus Stand
The metro system is efficient, clean, and air-conditioned, making it a popular choice for commuters.
Available • Apps: Ola, Uber
Car, Bike, Scooter
A historic city known for its stunning palace, rich cultural heritage, and beautiful gardens.
A stunning waterfall on the Kaveri River, offering scenic views and adventure activities.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring ancient ruins, temples, and a unique landscape.
Price varies by option