What to expect
Highlights
- Vijayanagara-era gopuram, pillared mantapas and carved Yali pillars.
- The city’s oldest temple, with Chola-era roots.
- A living Shiva shrine near Ulsoor Lake.
Halasuru Someshwara Temple
The Halasuru (Ulsoor) Someshwara Temple is the oldest temple in Bengaluru, a Shiva shrine with Chola-era origins that was greatly expanded in the 16th century under the Vijayanagara-era chief Kempe Gowda. It stands in the Ulsoor neighbourhood near the lake of the same name.
Practical guide
Plan Halasuru Someshwara Temple
Typetemple
Nearest baseCentral Bengaluru
Best timeOctober to February
Time needed30 to 45 minutes
EntryFree
Nearest town/baseCentral Bengaluru
DistrictBengaluru Urban
Place typetemple
Time needed30 to 45 minutes.
The Halasuru (Ulsoor) Someshwara Temple is the oldest temple in Bengaluru, a Shiva shrine with Chola-era origins that was greatly expanded in the 16th century under the Vijayanagara-era chief Kempe Gowda. It stands in the Ulsoor neighbourhood near the lake of the same name.
The temple is admired for its Vijayanagara-style architecture — an ornate gopuram, a 48-pillared outer mantapa, a kalyana mantapa and finely carved Yali (mythical-beast) pillars and sculpted panels — and remains an active place of worship.
Visiting
Halasuru Someshwara Temple — at a glance
Timings~6:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 5:00 - 8:30 PM (approx)
Best timeOctober to February; mornings and evenings
Entry: Free
Getting here
How to reach Halasuru Someshwara Temple
Ulsoor; Halasuru / Trinity metro (Purple Line)
The city’s oldest temple; Vijayanagara-era pillared mantapas.
Getting there
How to visit
- In Ulsoor near the lake; Halasuru and Trinity metro stations (Purple Line), autos and buses are close.
- Remove footwear and dress modestly; pair it with a walk at Ulsoor Lake nearby.
Distance by road
- Mysuru145 km
- Chennai350 km
- Hyderabad570 km
- Mangaluru350 km
- Coimbatore365 km
Road km to Bengaluru Urban; ghat roads and traffic vary — allow extra.
Timing
Best time
October to February; mornings and evenings are calmest. Maha Shivaratri is the main festival.
Weather in Halasuru Someshwara TempleSeasonal guide
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Visitor notes
- Free entry; a functioning temple — follow dress and footwear customs and ask before photographing the shrine.
Safety
Good to know
On the map
Where Halasuru Someshwara Temple is
Photos
Halasuru Someshwara Temple in pictures
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Good to know
Halasuru Someshwara Temple — frequently asked
When is the best time to visit Halasuru Someshwara Temple?
October to February; mornings and evenings are calmest. Maha Shivaratri is the main festival.
What are the entry fee and timings at Halasuru Someshwara Temple?
Entry: Free. Timings: ~6:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 5:00 - 8:30 PM (approx). Fees and timings are indicative — confirm on site before you travel.
How do I reach Halasuru Someshwara Temple?
In Ulsoor near the lake; Halasuru and Trinity metro stations (Purple Line), autos and buses are close. Remove footwear and dress modestly; pair it with a walk at Ulsoor Lake nearby.
How much time do I need for Halasuru Someshwara Temple?
30 to 45 minutes.
What else is near Halasuru Someshwara Temple?
Nearby you can pair Ulsoor Lake (830 m), Commercial Street (1.8 km), Jumma Masjid (2.1 km), St. Mary's Basilica (2.4 km).
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Image credits
- Halasuru Someshwara Temple:Udayakumar.p04, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0