DODDA GADDAVALLI

LAKSHMIDEVI TEMPLE (1113/ Hindu)

This is Hoysala temple 12 km from Hassan. It has shrines on four corners with a fence enclosing the precincts. The temple has four shrines with one mandapa connecting the four shrines. There is another small shrine with one mandapa connecting the four shrines. There is another small shrine nearby in the precincts and has nine towers. Only the east shrine tower is richly sculpted. The others are simple stair type pyramids. There are not many sculptures on the wall either. It looks more like the later Chalukya style.

About DODDA GADDAVALLI

About 16km (10 miles) from Hassan on the way to Belur is Doddagaddavalli, a village popular for the 12th century Lakshmi Devi temple.Doddagaddavalli is set in a scenic rural environment. According to the legends the temple was built in 1114 A.D. by a merchant called Kallahana Rahuta, a merchant or high officer in the Hoysala court. To be precise this temple was constructed under the patronage of Rahuta’s wife Sahaja Devi. 3km (2 miles) walk to the Doddagaddavalli village from the main road. No auto-rickshaw services available here.

The main temple is located at the center of the compound.This temple has four shrines facing each other and sharing the common hall within the temple. In fact this temple has four shrines facing each other and sharing the common hall within the temple.The shrines contain both Vaishnava and Shaiva deities, namely Lakshmi, Siva, Vishnu and Kali.

Location info

• Address:

• District: Hassan

• Nearest City: Hassan City.

• Best time to visit: Any time

History of DODDA GADDAVALLI

This is one of the earliest Hoysala style temples built with its peculiar architecture. Though it is one of the oldest temples in Karnataka, the Lakshmidevi temple is in an amazingly well preserved condition. Many of the Hoysala temple built much later than this temple are in a dilapidated condition or even vanished over time. The temple of Doddagaddavalli is amazingly intact

How to reach DODDA GADDAVALLI

• Nearest Railway Station:Hassan is connected by trains

• Nearest Airport:Bangalore International Airport

• Road Transport:From Hassan head towards Belur. Take the BM Road ( Bangalore Mangalore Road)

Nearest visiting places

• Ramanathapura Temples

The temples of Ramanathapura stand testimony to the architectural grandeur of the Chola and Hoysala ages, writes B M Ravi Bettasoge.Hassan brings to one’s mind art, culture and history. It has made a name for itself as a tourist destination, a haven of art and as a strong inter-link between the past and the future

• Shravanabelagola Temples

Shravanabelagola is one of the most popular Jain pilgrim centers located in the Hassan district of Karnataka state. Shravanabelagola is at a distance of 52 Kms from Hassan town, the headquarters of the Hassan district and 146 Kms from Bangalore. In Kannada (the state language), ‘Bel’ means white and ‘kola’ means the pond, an allusion to the beautiful pond in the middle of the town.Shravanabelagola is wedged between two rocky hills - Vindyagiri and Chandragiri.

• Belur Archeology

Belur was the early capital of the Hoysala Empire. With Halebidu which is only 16 km away, this is one of the major tourist destinations in Karnataka, India. Belur is located in Hassan district. According to inscriptions discovered here, it was also referred to as Velapuri.Belur is the Chennakesava temple complex which contains the Chennakesava Temple

• Halebid Archeology

The present day Halebid was earlier known as Dorasamudra. This was the capital of the Hoyasala kingdom, which became prominent in the Mysore area in the 12th-13th century after the Ganga dynasty. The fort and pa;ace no longer exist. Now it is a small village with a group of temples

• Shravanabelagola Archeology

Jainism was born in Bihar in East India. When there was a great famine it is said that saint Bahubali along with his followers, came to Karnataka. The ruler of the Murya empire of the time Chandragupta, who considered Bahubali a sint , followed him and also undertook a fast unto death to propagate non-voilance

• Belur Historical

Belur in Hassan district (222 kms from Bangalore and 38 kms from Hassan) is famous for its magnificent Hoysala Temple Complex. The Chennakeshava temple here was completed in 1116 by Hoysala Vishnuvardhana to commemorate his victory over the Chola

• Halebid Historical

Halebidu is located in Hassan district in Karnataka.Ketumalla, the chief of staff of Hoysala Kingdom, built this temple during 1121 A.D and attributed to his king, Vishnuvardhana and queen, Shantala Devi. Even then it is learnt that it took 105 years to complete

• Harnavalli Archeology

In the 13th century when the Hoysala kingdom was at the peak of it’s power, a temple was constructed in every area, its detailed sculptures and decorations

• Shrvanabelogola Historical

Shravanabelagola is one of the most popular Jain pilgrim centers located in the Hassan district of Karnataka state. Shravanabelagola is at a distance of 52 Kms from Hassan town, the headquarters of the Hassan district and 146 Kms from Bangalore

• Koravangala Archeology

Koravangala is a store house of Hoysala architecture. This scenic village, earlier called Kora Mangala, is home to three Hoysala style temples of the 12th century. All the temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva

• Hemavati River

The Hemavati River is a very important tributary of the Kaveri River. It starts in the Western Ghats at an elevation of about 1,219 metres[1] near Ballala rayana durga in the Chikmagalur District of the state of Karnataka, in southern India, and flows through Chikkamagalooru, Hassan District and Mysore district before joining the Kaveri near Krishnarajasagara

• Bisle Ghat Hills

• Mosale Archeology

Things to carry

Water and food is essential.

Helpline & emergency contacts

• Police Station:100

• Nearest Hospital:At the Nearest City.

• Society/Community Phone Number

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Karnataka. 4G is reliable in Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Hubli, and along highways. Coverage may be weaker in deep forest areas of Bandipur, Nagarhole, and certain Western Ghats sections. Most hotels, resorts, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Karnataka cuisine ranges from coastal seafood to Udupi vegetarian to Coorg’s pandi curry. Dosa, idli, bisi bele bath, and filter coffee are iconic.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Accommodation is available in the nearest town or city. Options range from budget lodges to luxury resorts. Booking ahead during Dasara (Mysore) and peak winter season is recommended.

Climate & weather

Karnataka has a varied climate from the humid coast to the dry Deccan plateau and cool Western Ghats. The best time to visit is October to March, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C depending on region. April–May is hot across most of the state (up to 38°C). The southwest monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rain to the coast and ghats but transforms the landscape — this is the best time for Jog Falls and Coorg’s lush greenery. Hill stations (Coorg, Chikmagalur) remain pleasant year-round. Bangalore has a moderate climate throughout.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available in the nearest town or on the approach road — check locally for the closest option.

Best time to visit DODDA GADDAVALLI

October to March is the best time to explore historical sites in Karnataka — pleasant weather for walking and exploring. Early morning (6:00-9:00 AM) or late afternoon (3:00-5:30 PM) offers the best light for photography and comfortable temperatures.

Timings & opening hours

Typically 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) protected sites have specific hours — usually sunrise to sunset. Some monuments may close earlier.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry fee: ₹10-₹30 for Indian nationals, ₹100-₹500 for foreign nationals (varies by monument significance). Camera fee: ₹25-₹50 for still cameras. Video camera: ₹100-₹200. ASI monument passes and composite tickets may be available.

Duration needed

1-2 hours for a basic visit. History enthusiasts and photographers may want to spend 3-4 hours exploring the site in detail.

Safety tips

Do not climb on fragile structures or enter cordoned-off areas. Some monuments have uneven floors and staircases — watch your step. Carry water as some sites have limited facilities. Beware of monkeys at some locations — do not carry open food. Keep valuables secure.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest railway station depends on the site’s location. Nearest airport varies. The site is typically well connected by road from the nearest town.

Things to do at DODDA GADDAVALLI

Explore the historical structures and ruins, admire the architectural details, photograph the monuments, learn about the site’s history through interpretive signage or guides, and appreciate the craftsmanship of ancient builders.

Things to visit & highlights

The main monument complex, any museum on site, inscriptions and artwork, surrounding archaeological landscape, and nearby related historical structures.

Frequently asked questions

Is the site protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)? Many major historical sites in Karnataka are ASI-protected monuments with designated entry fees and visiting hours.

Are there guides available? Licensed guides are available at major historical sites and offer valuable insights into the history and architecture.

What is the best time to avoid crowds? Early morning opening time (typically 6:00 AM) is the least crowded. Weekdays are quieter than weekends and holidays.

Quick facts

• Type: Destination
• State: Karnataka
• Category: Archaeology