Tumkūr, India
Region: Karnataka
Geographic Coordinates: 13.340000, 77.100000
Temperature Range: 15.0°C to 35.0°C (59°F to 95°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 599078
Language: Kannada
Tumkūr is a city located in the southern state of Karnataka, India. It is situated about 70 kilometers northwest of Bangalore, The capital city of Karnataka. Tumkūr is known for its rich cultural heritage and has been an important center for art and culture for centuries. The city has a long history dating back to the 3rd century BC when it was ruled by the Mauryan Empire. Later on, It came under the control of various other dynasties such as the Chalukyas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagara Empire and Mughals before becoming part of British India in 1799.
One of Tumkūr’s most famous landmarks is the Sri Siddaganga Mutt which serves as both a temple and an educational institution. The mutt was established by Sri Siddalingeshwara Swamiji in the 15th century and today it houses over 8, 000 students who receive free education along with food and accommodation. Another popular attraction in Tumkūr is Devarayana Durga which is a hill station located about 16 kilometers away from the city. It offers breathtaking views of surrounding hills and valleys along with several temples dedicated to Lord Narasimha Swamy.
Tumkur also boasts several ancient temples such as Sri Chennakeshava Temple which was built during Hoysala Dynasty rule in India around AD1117-1125. This temple features intricate carvings on its walls depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. For nature lovers, There are several parks like Pavagada Fort Park that offer beautiful scenic views along with recreational activities like boating or trekking through nearby forests filled with diverse flora & fauna including rare species like leopard & Indian sloth bear!
The cuisine in Tumkur represents traditional South Indian dishes such as dosa (a type of pancake made from fermented rice and lentil batter), Idli (steamed rice cakes), Vada (fried lentil fritters) and sambar (a spicy vegetable stew). Tumkūr is a city that offers something for everyone. From its rich cultural heritage to its natural beauty, There is no shortage of things to see and do in this vibrant Indian city. Whether you are interested in exploring ancient temples or taking a leisurely stroll through one of its many parks, Tumkūr has it all.
Important Landmarks
- Sri Siddalingeshwara Swamy Temple
- Devarayana Durga
- Namada Chilume
- Jayamangali Blackbuck Reserve
- Pavagada Fort
- Shivagange Hill
- Gubbi Jain Temple
- Madhugiri Fort
- Yediyur Siddhalingeshwara Swamy Temple
- Tumkur Grain Merchants Association Building
Primary Industries
- Agriculture
- Textile manufacturing
- Engineering and automotive manufacturing
- Pharmaceuticals
- Food processing
- Education
- Silk sarees and handloom textiles production
- Small-scale industries
- Multinational companies:
- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
- Ashok Leyland
- Coca-Cola India
- Tumkūr was a part of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 16th century and played an important role in its administration.
- The famous warrior king Hyder Ali, who ruled over Mysore in the 18th century, had his army stationed in Tumkūr.
- Tumkūr is also known for its association with Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, who was born here in 1861. He was a renowned engineer and served as the Diwan of Mysore state from 1912 to 1918.
- The city played an important role during India’s struggle for independence from British rule. Many freedom fighters like Huchuraya Swamy, Kengal Hanumanthaiah, and K.V.Puttappa were born here.
- In recent times, Tumkūr has become known for its silk industry and is one of the largest producers of silk cocoons in India.
- The city is also home to many educational institutions like Siddaganga Institute of Technology and Sri Siddhartha Institute of Technology which are highly reputed engineering colleges.
- Another notable person associated with Tumkur is Dr.Raj Kumar who was a famous Kannada actor and singer who hailed from this place.
- Tipu Sultan’s father Hyder Ali built two forts at Arkavathi river near Gubbi Taluk which are still standing today as monuments to Tipu Sultan’s resistance against British forces during Anglo-Mysore Wars.
- The Devarayana Durga hills located near Tumkur has been historically significant since ancient times due to their strategic location on trade routes between coastal regions & interior Karnataka.
- Tiptur town located within tumkur district is famous for coffee plantations & produces some of best coffee beans grown anywhere around world.
- Sri Siddalingeshwara Swamy Temple
- Devarayanadurga State Forest
- Namada Chilume
- Pavagada Fort
- Jayamangali Blackbuck Reserve
- Goravanahalli Maha Lakshmi Temple
- Sree Kshetra Siddaganga Mutt
- Chennakesava Temple, Aralaguppe
- Madhugiri Fort
- Markonahalli Dam and Reservoir
- Tumkur United Football Club – It was founded in 2016 and participates in the Karnataka State Football League.
- Tumkur Bulls Cricket Club – It is a local cricket team that participates in various tournaments organized by the Karnataka State Cricket Association.
- Sri Shakthi Sports Academy – It is a multi-sports academy that offers training in various sports like cricket, football, basketball, and badminton.
- Pragathi Sports Club – It is a local sports club that organizes various tournaments and events throughout the year.
- Shree Sharada Sports Academy – It is another multi-sports academy that provides training to aspiring athletes across different age groups.
- Panchalingeshwara Rathotsava is a festival that honors Lord Shiva and takes place annually at the Panchalingeshwara Temple in Tumkūr. The festival’s highlight is the chariot procession, which attracts thousands of devotees.
- Kadlekai Parishe, also known as the Peanut Festival, is a popular cultural event that occurs every November to celebrate the harvest season. The event features stalls selling peanuts, toys, and other items.
- Ugadi marks the beginning of a new year according to the Hindu calendar and is celebrated with great enthusiasm across Tumkūr. People decorate their homes with rangoli designs and prepare traditional dishes like holige.
- Hampi Utsav is a cultural extravaganza that showcases Karnataka’s rich heritage through music, dance, food, and art exhibitions over three days in January or February.
- Makar Sankranti celebrates the transition of sun into Capricorn zodiac sign (Makara) on its celestial path which signifies end of winter solstice & start of longer days ahead for summer solstice.This festival involves flying kites & preparing sweets made from sesame seeds,jaggery etc.
- Basava Jayanthi commemorates birth anniversary of Lord Basavanna who was an eminent philosopher,social reformer & founder leader who fought against caste discrimination & advocated social equality.The day involves various rituals ,prayers,poojas,festivities etc
- Karnataka Rajyotsava or Kannada Day,is celebrated on 1st November every year to commemorate formation day anniversary when state was carved out from erstwhile Madras Presidency.This day is marked by hoisting of state flag,parades,cultural programs etc.
- Maddur Tiffin Room (MTR) – famous for its crispy masala dosa and filter coffee.
- Shree Krishna Bhavan – known for its authentic South Indian thali meals.
- Hotel Naveen Regency – serves a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, including biryani and kebabs.
- Hotel Ravi Mayur – specializes in North Indian cuisine, such as butter chicken and naan breads.
- Sri Vasavi Vihar Veg Restaurant – offers delicious vegetarian food like idli, vada, pongal etc.
- New Sagar Fast Food Centre – serves chaat items like pani puri, sev puri etc.
- Chikkanna’s Biryani Point – famous for its spicy biryanis made with local spices.
- Nandi Upachar & Bakery Cafe- offers a variety of bakery items along with some south indian breakfast options.
- Pavagada Fort is a historical fort located in Tumkur, perfect for trekking and sightseeing.
- Devarayanadurga is a hill station near Tumkur that offers scenic views and trekking trails.
- Siddara Betta is a rocky hill near Tumkur with caves and temples, ideal for trekking and rock climbing.
- Jayamangali Blackbuck Reserve is a wildlife sanctuary located in the Tumkur district where you can spot blackbucks, wolves, hyenas, and foxes.
- Channarayana Durga is a hill fortress with ancient temples ideal for trekking enthusiasts.
- Namada Chilume is a natural spring located in the midst of forest near Devarayanadurga hills that attracts tourists with its serene beauty.
- Kote Anjaneya Swamy Temple is a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman situated on top of a hill offering panoramic views of the surroundings.
- Madhugiri Fort Trek offers an adventurous trek experience to visitors as it’s the second largest monolith in Asia.
- Yediyur Siddhalingeshwara Temple has been attracting devotees from all over India since centuries as it’s one of the oldest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Goravanahalli Maha Lakshmi Temple attracts pilgrims due to its unique architecture and religious significance; it’s located about 90 kms from Bangalore.
Noteable History
Museums and Things To See
Sports Teams
These are some of the well-known sports teams and clubs in Tumkur with their respective histories as per available sources online at this time of writing (June 2021).