Kolār, India
Region: Karnataka
Geographic Coordinates: 13.133300, 78.133300
Temperature Range: 18.0°C to 35.0°C (64°F to 95°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 150357
Language: Kannada
Kolār, Also known as Kolar Gold Fields (KGF), Is a historic town located in the Indian state of Karnataka. It is situated about 70 kilometers east of Bangalore and has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. The town is famous for its gold mines which were discovered during British rule in India and were operational until the early 2000s. The Kolar Gold Fields are believed to be one of the deepest mines in the world, With shafts going down to depths of over 3 kilometers.
The gold mining industry was established here by John Taylor and Sons, A British mining firm, In 1880. Over time, It became one of the most significant sources of gold production in India and contributed significantly to India’s economy. Apart from its historical significance, Kolār is also home to several ancient temples that attract tourists from all over India. One such temple is the Sri Someshwara Swamy Temple which dates back to the Chola period (9th-13th century CE). This temple features intricate carvings on its walls and pillars that depict scenes from Hindu mythology.
Another popular tourist attraction in Kolār is Avani – an ancient village located about 8 kilometers away from KGF. It has several temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Parvati that date back over a thousand years. One can also find rock-cut caves here that are believed to have been used by Jain monks for meditation. Kolār’s cuisine reflects its diverse cultural heritage with influences from South Indian as well as North Indian cuisine.
Some popular dishes include Bisi Bele Bath (a rice dish made with lentils), Ragi Mudde (a steamed dish made with finger millet flour), Akki Roti (rice flour bread) among others. In recent years, Kolār has emerged as an industrial hub with several companies setting up their factories here. The town has also been featured in several movies and TV shows, Including the popular Kannada movie KGF: Chapter 1 which was based on the town’s gold mining history.
Overall, Kolār is a fascinating destination that offers a glimpse into India’s rich cultural heritage and its contribution to the world economy through its gold mines. It is a must-visit for history buffs, Temple enthusiasts, And anyone interested in exploring offbeat destinations in India.
- Someshwara Temple
- Kolar Gold Fields (KGF)
- Antharagange
- Kotilingeshwara Temple
- Avani Temples
- Bangaru Tirupati Temple
- Kolaramma Temple
- Kurudumale Ganesha temple
- Nandi Hills
- Brahmagiri Hill
- Agriculture: Kolār is known for its agriculture industry, with crops such as paddy, ragi, maize, and sugarcane being grown in abundance.
- Mining: The district of Kolār is rich in mineral resources such as gold, granite, and limestone. Several mining companies operate in the area.
- Textiles: There are several textile mills and garment manufacturing units in Kolār that produce cotton fabrics and garments.
- Handicrafts: The district has a rich tradition of handicrafts such as pottery, wood carving, and weaving.
- Tourism: Kolār has several historic temples and monuments that attract tourists from all over the country.
- Education: The district has several educational institutions including schools, colleges and universities that provide quality education to students from across the region.
- Healthcare: There are several hospitals and healthcare facilities located within the district providing medical services to locals as well as people from nearby areas.
- The ancient city of Kolār played a significant role in the Chola Empire during the 10th and 11th centuries.
- Jainism had a prominent presence in Kolār during the medieval period, with several notable temples constructed, such as Badekote Basadi and Kambadahalli Basadi.
- Tipu Sultan, a renowned warrior king, is believed to have visited Kolār while campaigning against the British in southern India.
- Robertsonpet, a town near Kolār, was established by John Taylor & Sons Company in 1889 as a gold mining settlement.
- Mahatma Gandhi included Kolār in his nationwide tour to promote social reform and independence from British rule when he visited the city in 1934.
- Ram Manohar Lohia, an Indian freedom fighter and socialist leader spent his youth living in Kolār for several years.
- In recent times, Kolār has gained fame for its production of silk sarees that are highly valued for their intricate designs and superior quality craftsmanship.
- Someshwara Temple is a 14th-century temple devoted to Lord Shiva.
- Kolar Gold Fields used to be the largest gold-producing region in India and is now a mining area.
- Antaragange Caves are natural caves and rock formations located on the outskirts of Kolar.
- Kolaramma Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Kolaramma.
- Kotilingeshwara Temple is a unique temple with one crore (ten million) lingas, which represent Lord Shiva as phallic symbols.
- Bangarpet Railway Station has unique architecture and historical significance due to its age as an old railway station.
- Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Avani, is an ancient temple located in Avani that many believe to be the birthplace of Lord Hanuman.
- Kolar District Museum and Heritage Centre showcases the history, culture, and traditions of Kolar district through various exhibits in a museum setting.
- Chikka Tirupathi Temple is a Hindu temple situated at Chikka Tirupathi in Karnataka state.
- Brahmasagara Lake, also known as Honnemardu Lake, is situated near Hosur Road in Kolar district and offers beautiful views for visitors to enjoy.
- Kolar Utsav is an annual cultural festival in Kolar that showcases music, dance, and other performances.
- Ugadi is a Hindu New Year festival celebrated with great enthusiasm in Kolar.
- Makara Sankranti is a harvest festival celebrated every January with kite flying and feasting.
- Maha Shivratri is a Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva celebrated with fasting and prayers at the temple.
- Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a major celebration in Kolar where people light up their homes with lamps and fireworks.
- Karaga Festival is an important religious event held every March or April where devotees carry a decorated pot on their heads during the procession.
- Rath Yatra takes place during June or July to commemorate Lord Jagannath’s journey from Puri to Gundicha Temple through a chariot procession.
- Navaratri/Dussehra Festival lasts for nine days during September or October and marks the victory of good over evil in Hindu mythology.
- Ganesha Chaturthi Festival honours the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesha annually between August-September every year.
- Holi celebrations are observed across Kolār district by locals throwing coloured powders at each other while singing and dancing to traditional folk songs during springtime festivities.
- Bisi Bele Bath: A traditional rice dish made with lentils, vegetables, and spices.
- Masala Dosa: A crispy crepe stuffed with potatoes and served with chutney and sambar.
- Ragi Mudde: A nutritious dish made from finger millet flour and water, usually served with sambar or curry.
- Koli Saaru: A spicy chicken curry made with a blend of Indian spices.
- Hotel Naveen Krishna Bhavan: This restaurant is known for its South Indian vegetarian dishes like dosas, idlis, vadas, and uttapams.
- Hotel Srinivasa Grand: This restaurant serves authentic North Indian cuisine like biryani, kebabs, curries, naan breads etc.
- Sri Venkateshwara Swamy Mess: This mess serves delicious Andhra-style meals including biryani rice dishes along with curries and chutneys that are unique to the region of Andhra Pradesh in India.
- Chikkanna Tiffin Room (CTR): This is a famous breakfast spot in Kolār that serves delicious masala dosas along with other South Indian breakfast items like idlis etc.
- Kolar Gold Fields (KGF) Cricket Ground – a popular spot for cricket enthusiasts.
- Antaragange Caves – a trekking destination with caves and natural springs.
- Kotilingeshwara Temple – a temple complex with 108 Shiva lingams, surrounded by lush greenery.
- Someshwara Temple – an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on the banks of the Palar River.
- Kolar Adventure Camp – offers adventure activities like rock climbing, rappelling, zip-lining, and camping.
- Antharagange Hill Station – a scenic hill station known for its natural beauty and trekking trails.
- Nandi Hills – a popular picnic spot with stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
- Kere Thonnur Lake – an artificial lake that offers boating facilities and is home to migratory birds during winter months.
- Chikka Tirupati Temple – an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, situated amidst picturesque surroundings.
