What to expect
Highlights
- The Nolamba Ramalingeshwara temple group.
- The Sita temple on Avani Betta.
- The Ramayana legend of the "Gaya of the South".
Avani
A heritage temple village about 13 km from Mulbagal, called the "Gaya of the South" — the 10th-century Nolamba Ramalingeshwara group of ASI-protected Shiva temples (their lingas named for Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrughna) below the Avani Betta hill, whose Sita temple is linked to the Valmiki-ashram and Lava–Kusha legend. This heritage guide is organized from Mulbagal in Kolar district, with practical planning for routes, timing, nearby stays, food, operators and direct local inventory. Use it to compare what to see, how long to spend, when to go and which heritage stays, local guides, restaurants, shops, wellness options, transport and visitor services should be verified around Avani.
Practical guide
Plan Avani
Typeheritage
Nearest baseMulbagal
Best timeOctober to February
Time needed2 to 3 hours with the hill
EntryFree
Nearest town/baseMulbagal
DistrictKolar
Place typeheritage
Time needed2 to 3 hours with the hill.
A heritage temple village about 13 km from Mulbagal, called the "Gaya of the South" — the 10th-century Nolamba Ramalingeshwara group of ASI-protected Shiva temples (their lingas named for Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrughna) below the Avani Betta hill, whose Sita temple is linked to the Valmiki-ashram and Lava–Kusha legend. This heritage guide is organized from Mulbagal in Kolar district, with practical planning for routes, timing, nearby stays, food, operators and direct local inventory. Use it to compare what to see, how long to spend, when to go and which heritage stays, local guides, restaurants, shops, wellness options, transport and visitor services should be verified around Avani.
Avani, about 13 km from Mulbagal, is a heritage temple village called the "Gaya of the South".
The 10th-century Nolamba Ramalingeshwara group of ASI-protected Shiva temples — their lingas named for Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrughna — stands below the Avani Betta hill, whose Sita temple is linked to the Valmiki-ashram and the Lava–Kusha legend.
Visiting
Avani — at a glance
TimingsDaylight hours
Best timeOctober to February; morning for the climb
Entry: Free
Getting here
How to reach Avani
About 13 km from Mulbagal; by road, with a climb to the Sita temple on the betta
An ASI temple group and a hill shrine — remove footwear, do not touch the carvings and carry water for the climb.
Getting there
How to visit
- About 13 km from Mulbagal; by road, with a climb to the Sita temple on the betta.
- A protected temple group — remove footwear, do not touch the carvings and carry water for the hill climb.
Distance by road
- Bengaluru70 km
- Chikkaballapura55 km
- Chintamani40 km
- Tumakuru130 km
- Chennai280 km
Road km to Kolar; ghat roads and traffic vary — allow extra.
Timing
Best time
October to February; morning for the climb.
Weather in AvaniSeasonal guide
Live forecast loads in your browser.
Visitor notes
- An ASI temple group and a hill shrine — treat the stonework with care and mind the climb.
Safety
Good to know
On the map
Where Avani is
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What’s near Avani
Good to know
Avani — frequently asked
When is the best time to visit Avani?
October to February; morning for the climb.
What are the entry fee and timings at Avani?
Entry: Free. Timings: Daylight hours. Fees and timings are indicative — confirm on site before you travel.
How do I reach Avani?
About 13 km from Mulbagal; by road, with a climb to the Sita temple on the betta. A protected temple group — remove footwear, do not touch the carvings and carry water for the hill climb.
How much time do I need for Avani?
2 to 3 hours with the hill.
What else is near Avani?
Nearby you can pair Devarayasamudra Lake (4.0 km), Bangaru Tirupati (9.0 km), Virupaksha Temple, Mulbagal (9.6 km), Anjaneya Swamy Temple, Mulbagal (9.8 km).
Image credits
- Avani:Akrenemis2302, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0