Koppal District

About Koppal District

The district of Koppal has come into existence as recently as 1998. It is located between 15.09’ 00“-16. 03’ 30“ North Latitude and 75. 47’ 30“ to 76. 48’ 10“ East Longitude.

Koppal District located in the northern interior of Karnataka has an area of 8,458 sq km. It is bounded by the districts of Raichur, Bagalkot, Gadag, and Bellary. Koppal district is the best seed production center in the state. Several national seed companies have seed production centres for flowers, fruits, vegetables and pulses here. Anegundi, Kanakagiri, Navabrindavana, and Kuknur are the important places to visit.

Geographically, Koppal is a stretch of rocky terrain on one side and acres of dry land on the other wherein agricultural crops like Jowar, Ground-nuts etc are grown.Farmers still use the old Bullock-Cart ploughing methods, depending mainly on the Monsoons which is a rarity in these parts of the world.However recently some of them have ventured into high-tech irrigational Farming especially after the Thunga-Bhadra river waters from the neighbouring town of Munirabad(20kms away with a huge Dam}is been redirected to the Town to solve it’s water problems.So, the current product crops are Pomegranites,Grapes,and Figs{which are being exported}

History

The history of Koppal can be traced back to the kingdoms of Shathavahanas, Gangas, Hoysalas and Chalukya Dynasties. The name of the district i.e. “KOPPAL” is found in the poetic work of the great poet Kavirajamarga (During King Nrupathunga’s time of 814-878 A.D.) as “VIDITHA MAHA KOPANA NAGARA”. During Ashoka’s period, the Jainism gained greater momentum in this region. Therefore, it was called “Jainkashi”. In twelth century A.D. Veerashaivaism of Social Reformer Basaveshwara became popular. The present Gavi Math of Koppal has great attraction.

Anegundi of Gangavathi Taluk was the first capital of great Vijayanagara Dynasty. The old palace and fort still exist where annual festival called “Anegundi Utsava” is being celebrated in a befitting manner every year. The other important historical places of Koppal district are Itagi, Kukanoor, Madinoor, Indrakeela Parvatha, Kanakagiri, Pura, Chikkabenakal, Hirebenakal & Huligi.

Before Independence, Koppal was under the Nizam of Hyderabad. India got Independence on 15th August 1947, since Koppal was part of Hyderabad region, the people of the region had to struggle further to attain Independence from the clutches of Hyderabad Nizam. On 18th September, 1948, the Hyderabad-Karnataka got independence from Nizam. Since then until 01-04-1998, Koppal District was in Raichur District of Gulbarga Revenue Division. On 01-04-1998, Koppal district consisting of four taluks viz. Koppal, Gangavathi, Kushtagi & Yelburga came into being.

Educational Institutions

Institutions

• Jagadguru Sree Gavisiddeshwara
• Government TTI
• Sardar Vallabhai Patel B. Ed College
• Janatha Seva ITI
• Govt First Grade College,kushtagi
• Govt First Grade College,yelburga
• HRSM College
• J HN College Of Commerce
• Govt Pu College
• Sri Siddeshwar Comp Pu College
• Govt Pu College, Kustagi
• Smvs Comp Pu College
• Vijayanagar Comp Pu College
• Gangavati Education Society

Tourist Attraction

Temples of Koppal district, reflecting the typical south Indian pattern of architecture are some of the excellent tourist spots in Karnataka. Koppal district was formed after the division of Raichur district and is the best seed production center in the state. Places of interest in the district are Anegundi, Navabrindavana, Kanakagiri, and Kuknur.

Maadanoor Temple, one of the temples of Koppal district houses two bronze idols of Brahmayaksh and Padmavati of the 13th and 16th centuries. At the temple, one can also witness two bronze idols of Mulnayak Bhagvan Shantinath and Bhagvan Ajitnath. The temple with its tranquil and peaceful atmosphere attracts pilgrims from far and near. The temples of Koppal district have earned great popularity since their construction.

Anegundi:
Anegundi (means “Elephant Pit” in Kannada) is one of the most ancient places of Koppal district is situated on the left bank of the river Tungabhadra. It is said that, Anegundi is the place where the elephants of the Vijayanagara kings were kept. Anegundi, believed to be the monkey kingdom of Kishkinda in the epic of Ramayana. Anjanadri hill, the birth place of Hanuman (the monkey-god), and the mountain Rishimuka are the other places near Anegundi associated with Ramayana. The Ranganatha Temple and the Huchchappayana Matha are worth a visit. The Pampa Sarovara, the Kamal Mahal and Nava Brindavana housing the mortal remains of famous saints, are the other attractions around Anegundi.

Pampa Sarovar Lake in Koppal District is 45 km from Hampi. Lying south of Tungabhadra River, it is awe-inspiring. Pampa Sarovar is considered one of the five greatest sarovars in India.

Kanakagiri:
The old name of Kanakagiri town of Gangavathi taluk was Swarnagiri (means a “Hill of Gold”). It is said that Kanaka Muni, a saint, performed penance at this place. Kanakagiri was the headquarters of the southern area of the Mauryan Empire. During the Vijayanagar period, this was the chief town of the Bedar Rajas. Kanakachalapathi temple here is a specimen of the South Indian architecture of Vijayanagar times. The gopuram and walls have well-executed sculpture.

Kuknur:
Is a small town lying seven miles due north of Bannikoppa station on the Guntakal-Hubli railway line. The town, though now small, was an important place in the early and mediaeval days and is rich in antiquarian remains of the later Chalukyan style of architecture and these buildings range from the 8th to the 13th century A.D.The folklore speaks of this place as the legendary Kuntalapura of Mahabharata period. The Navalinga group of temples here represents early Chalukyan architecture. Two other important temples are Kalleshvara and Mallikarjuna.

Munirabad:
In Koppal taluk, about eight kilo meters from Hospet, on the Hubli-Guntakal railway line and about 32 kilometers from Koppal District headquarters.Tungabhadra reservoir is the attraction of Munirabad in Koppal taluk. The Left Bank Canal from here, which passes through the Koppal, Gangavathi taluks, irrigates a large extent of agricultural lands in the district.

KOPPAL FORT
Is another important object of historical interest at Koppal. It is not known definitely by whom it was built. But it was acquired by Tippu Sultan in 1786 AD from a Paleyagar and rebuilt into one of the strongesxt forts with the help of French engineers.

Bahadur Basadi is situated at Koppal in Koppal District of Karnataka. It is an ancient cave temple of the Jains, built during the 11th century. The temple has magnificent idols of Tirthanakar and Brahmyaksh

Gundlavaddigeri is an ancient village in Koppal District. It was a big city prior to Vijaynagara period. A 12th century stone deed in Halegannada (old Kannada), belonging to the Vijaynagara dynasty has been excavated from here. According to this deed, a lake was built in this village for irrigation. Now there are many dry lakes in this village.

Maadanoor Temple is situated at Koppal in Koppal District of Karnataka, about 9 km from Bahadur Basadi. The temple houses two bronze idols of Brahmayaksh and Padmavati of the 13th and 16th centuries.

Gavimutha is an old and noted Veerashaiva Mutt situated close to Koppal Parshwanath Basadi at Koppal. The vicinity of this mutt was once the center of Jaina and Veerashaiva religion and culture. Gavimutha is associated with a saint called Gavisiddeshwara

ITAGI in Yelburga taluk,
Is about three miles from the south of the Bannikoppa railway station on the Gadag-Koppal line. This place is famous for the Mahadeva temple, which is one of the finest of the later Chalukyan temples. The temple, which faces east consists of a shrine with an ante-chamber, a closed hall with porches on either side of it towards the north and the south, and the pillared hall which is open at the sides.

KINNAL, in Koppal taluk,
About eight miles from Koppal, is noted for manufacture of toys and images by Chitragars. Weaving, preparing of combs from horns and pottery are the other industries of this place.

KANAKAGIRI, in Gangavathi taluk,
Is an ancient place situated on the Gangavati-Lingasugur road, about 13 miles from Gangavati. Kanakagiri means a “Hill of God” and its old name was Swarnagiri with the same meaning. This place was probably the head quarters of the southern viceroyalty of the Mauryas.

PURA, Kotilinga Temple, Pura in Kushtagi taluk, about the five miles from Tavargera, Kotilinga Temple, Pura is noted for its fine and spacious temple of Someshwara which has Koti Lingas , where annually a big jatra(Fair) is held in the month of Shravana.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

• Hotel Sreemata
• Hotel Sarvesh (Phone:+91-8533-330912)
• Kishkinda Heritage Resort (Phone:+91-8533-387034)
• Shanthi Guest House (India-+91 8394 325352)

Location info

It is situated approximately 38 km away. Anegundi, is also a famous travel destination.Koppal district is bounded by Raichur district in the east, Gadag district in the West, Bagalkot district in the north, Bellary district in the south.

Climate & weather

The climate of the district is very hot and dry. Hot season starts from middle of the February to end of May. Southwest maonoon ranges from June to end of September. Post monsoon is furing the October and November. Cold season is from December to middle of February. The average rainfall of the district is 572 mm and average rainy days are 46

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.

Helpline & emergency contacts

Tourist Helpline: 1364 (toll-free, 24×7). Police: 112 (all-India emergency). Ambulance: 108. Women’s Helpline: 1091. Karnataka Police Tourist Helpline: 112.

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 Koppal District

October to March is the best time to explore cities in Karnataka — pleasant weather for sightseeing. November to February offers comfortable temperatures perfect for outdoor exploration. Summer (April-June) can be hot — plan outdoor activities for early morning or evening.

Timings & opening hours

City attractions have varying hours. Most shops and markets operate from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Temples and heritage sites typically open 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Malls and restaurants stay open until late.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry fees vary by attraction within the city. Most parks and public spaces are free. Museums: ₹20-₹100 for Indian nationals, ₹100-₹500 for foreign nationals. Heritage sites: nominal entry fee.

Duration needed

2-3 days is ideal to explore the main attractions of the city. A day trip can cover the highlights. Week-long stays allow for in-depth exploration including day trips to nearby attractions.

Safety tips

Karnataka’s cities are generally safe for tourists. Take standard precautions: keep valuables secure, avoid isolated areas after dark, use registered taxis or app-based cabs at night, and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas.

Things to carry

Comfortable walking shoes, camera, water bottle, sunscreen, hat, city map or smartphone with navigation, power bank, light jacket for air-conditioned venues, and identification documents.

Nearby visiting places

Nearby attractions include other cities in the region, historical sites, temples, nature spots, and recreational areas within a day-trip distance.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

The city has its own railway station and bus stand. The nearest domestic/international airport connects to major cities. City buses, auto-rickshaws, app-based taxis, and rental cars are available for local transport.

Things to do at Koppal District

Explore the city’s heritage sites, museums, and markets. Visit temples, churches, or mosques. Enjoy local cuisine at restaurants and street food stalls. Shop for local handicrafts and specialities. Experience the city’s nightlife and cultural events. Take day trips to nearby attractions.

Things to visit & highlights

Historical landmarks and heritage buildings, museums and art galleries, shopping areas and markets, parks and gardens, religious sites, and cultural centres showcasing local art and performances.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best way to get around the city? Auto-rickshaws, app-based cabs (Uber/Ola), and city buses are available in most Karnataka cities. Walking is ideal for exploring compact city centres.

What local dishes should I try? Karnataka cities offer diverse cuisine — try dosa, idli, bisi bele bath, ragi mudde, and local seafood (in coastal cities). Don’t miss the famous filter coffee.

Is the city safe for solo travellers? Karnataka’s cities are generally safe. Take standard precautions: avoid isolated areas at night, use registered transport, and keep valuables secure.

Quick facts

• Type: Destination
• State: Karnataka
• Category: District Of

Photo gallery of Koppal District

Photos coming soon. In the meantime, you can find images of Koppal District on popular travel photography sites and social media.