Bull Temple (Dodda Basavana Gudi)
Basavanagudi, South Bengaluru
- Time needed
- 45 minutes – 1 hour
- Distance
- 7 km away
- Entry
- Free entry
- Best time
- Early morning or during Kadalekai Parishe in Nov/Dec
The Nandi here was carved in place from a single outcrop of granite that Kempe Gowda's builders found on this hill, which is why it's oriented slightly oddly rather than facing a standard cardinal direction — the rock dictated the layout, not the other way round. Local legend says the bull kept nibbling a neighbouring groundnut field, hence the annual Kadalekai Parishe groundnut fair held right outside.
The temple itself is modest in scale compared to the Nandi, with black basalt pillars and a low, dark garbhagriha that keeps the stone cool even in April. It sits at the top of Bugle Rock hill, so the short walk up from the main road gives you a decent view over old Basavanagudi.
Highlights
- 20-foot monolithic granite Nandi, one of the largest in India
- Kadalekai Parishe groundnut fair, held annually in Nov/Dec
- Bugle Rock park and viewpoint right next door
- Black basalt pillared mandapa
Good to know
- Footwear counter at the entrance is basic — carry socks if the stone floor bothers your feet in summer
- The groundnut fair week is worth it for the atmosphere but expect serious crowds and traffic
- Bugle Rock park behind the temple is a quiet five-minute add-on most tourists skip
More like this
Places that pair well with Bull Temple (Dodda Basavana Gudi) on the same trip.
Rajajinagar, West Bengaluru
One of the largest ISKCON complexes in the world, built on Hare Krishna Hill with a striking gold-topped shikhara.
per person, indicative
Mavalli, South Bengaluru
240 acres laid out under Hyder Ali, with a Victorian glass house that still hosts two flower shows a year.
per person, indicative
Cubbon Park
4.6Kasturba Road, Central Bengaluru
300 acres of shade trees wedged between Vidhana Soudha and MG Road, closed to cars on Sundays.
per person, indicative