Kaivara

History

It is said that the Pandavas of the great Indian epic Mahabharata lived here during the exile in the forest (Vanavasa). Bheema is said to have killed Bakasura in this place. During the Dwaparayuga this town was known as Ekachakrapura. Narayanappa a famous saint who is popularly known as Kaivara Thathayya in Kannada and Telugu had lived here during last part of the eighteenth century and the first half of the nineteenth century. The town gets its name from this famous bilingual poet.

Interesting things to do

If you are a naturalist, you must study sericulture and horticulture and this place is a host many exotic flora and fauna. The place has many small scale industries flourishing in the business of sericulture and horticulture.

The hilly terrain would give ample opportunities for trekking and rock climbing. But please make sure you are there with an experienced trekker or rock climber. Do not undertake this adventure on your own. The rocks are and hills are deceptively dangerous.

Interesting things to Visit

Aranya Rama Temple: Close to the Amaranarayana is another small shrine dedicated to Lord Rama, where he resides with Sita devi and Lakshmana.

Bheemeswara Temple: Mythology has it that Bheema killed the Rakshasa Bakasura when the Pandavas were in exile here thereby relieving the citizens of this place of a tyrant. To honor this deed a temple was built here for Bheema which is the Bheemeswara Temple.

Narayanappa Mutt: A mutt/ashram dedicated to the famous Telugu/Kannada composer and writer Narayanappa (1730-1840 AD). It is said that this saint was initially a bangle seller. There after he got his call and dedicated his life to sainthood writing and composing many literary works some of which are the famous ’Amaranarayana Shathaka and ‘Kaalagnana’.

Many social, religious and philanthropic activities are undertaken by the Management of the Ashram. Provision of free meals to pilgrims and accommodation at very nominal rates are some of these activities. The authorities also conduct mass marriages between June and December.

Yoganarasimha Swamy Temple: This temple is at a distance of about a kilometer from the Mutt, on a small hillock called Vaikunta. This is the place where Narayanappa was on meditation for over three years. The statue of Narayanappa is installed here. A magnificent prayer hall is within the precincts of the temple which is huge and boasts of an excellent view of the surrounding hills and valleys. This is an ideal place for meditation.

Nearest Visiting places

Lord Venkateswara Temple, Alamgiri: This is also within a 10km radius of Kaivar. Alamgiri is also famous for Paper Mache handicraft.

Location info

• **Address:**Chintamani Taluk of Kolar district in Karnataka, It is about 65 km from Bangalore.

• **District:**Kolar

• **Nearest City:**Chintamani

Best time to visit: The best time to visit this place would be between January to March and June to September. In fact from Bangalore you could visit there over a weekend.

Climate & weather

This very beautiful town is situated in a picturesque valley and the temperature ranges between 18 to 23 degrees Celsius. The climate of Kaivara is salubrious. It rains here mainly during October. The rain usually is a heavy downpour. In fact this place gives the feel of a hill resort.

How to reach Kaivara

**Nearest Railway Station:**Many trains from all over India run to Bangalore. From Bangalore a taxi or any other road transportation can be hired to go to Kaivara.

• **Nearest Airport:**Bangalore airport is the nearest airport from where a taxi can be hired to travel the 65 odd kilometers to Kaivara.

• **Road Transport:**National Highways - NH4, NH7, NH212 and NH48 converge on Bangalore. Kolar where Kaivara is situated lies on NH4 to the East of Bangalore.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

The Mutt Ashram provides good accommodation for the tourists at nominal costs

Things to carry

Warm Clothes. Trekking gear. Basic First aid kit.

Helpline & emergency contacts

• **Police Station:**Chintamani

• **Nearest Hospital:**Chintamani

• 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

Karnataka’s cities offer diverse cuisine. Bangalore has a legendary food scene from iconic darshinis (stand-up eateries) to craft breweries. Mysore is known for Mysore pak and traditional meals. Temple towns (Udupi, Dharmasthala, Murudeshwar) offer excellent vegetarian fare.

Nearest petrol pump

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

Accessibility

Religious sites may have steps at the entrance and may not have ramps. The interiors are generally level once inside. Some historic sites have uneven stone floors. Visitors with mobility concerns should check in advance.

Rules & restrictions

Modest dress is required: shoulders and knees must be covered (scarves or shawls are often available at the entrance). Photography is generally permitted without flash, but video may be restricted. Maintain silence inside. Mobile phones should be on silent mode. Remove shoes if required (indicated by signage). Do not touch artefacts or altars. These are active places of worship — respect services, festivals, and devotees.

Best photography spots

Karnataka has a rich collection of churches primarily in Mangalore (Mangalorean Catholic), Bangalore (colonial-era), and Mysore. St. Philomena’s Cathedral in Mysore (neo-Gothic, one of Asia’s largest) and the Rosario Cathedral in Mangalore are the most photogenic. The interiors of Mangalorean churches with their detailed altars are worth shooting.

Best time to visit Kaivara

Early morning (6:00-9:00 AM) is the best time for a peaceful darshan with fewer crowds. Major festivals attract large crowds — visit on regular days for a more serene experience. Winter months (October to March) offer pleasant weather for temple visits.

Timings & opening hours

Typically 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Pooja timings vary — morning abhisheka is usually around 6:00-7:00 AM, evening aarti around 6:00-7:00 PM. Some temples have specific timings for darshan. Temple may close during midday hours.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry is generally free for all devotees. Special pooja tickets or darshan packages may cost ₹50-₹200. Camera fee: ₹20-₹50 for still cameras, ₹100-₹200 for video cameras. Parking is usually free or nominal (₹10-₹20).

Duration needed

30 minutes to 1 hour for darshan and exploring the temple premises. If the temple has historical significance or architectural interest, plan 1-2 hours.

Safety tips

Temple premises are generally safe. Keep valuables secure in crowded areas. Follow temple rules and dress code. Remove footwear before entering the inner sanctum. Be aware of your surroundings during festivals when crowds are heavy.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest railway station varies by location — typically the district headquarters station. Nearest airport: Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) or Mangalore International Airport (IXE). Local transport includes buses, auto-rickshaws, and taxis.

Frequently asked questions

What is the dress code for visiting the temple? Modest clothing is required. Shoulders and knees must be covered. Traditional Indian attire is appreciated.

Is photography allowed inside the temple? Photography rules vary — check signage at the entrance. Flash photography and video recording are typically restricted inside the sanctum.

What are the main festivals celebrated here? Major Hindu festivals like Mahashivaratri, Navaratri, and annual temple festivals (brahmotsava) are celebrated with special poojas and cultural programmes.

Quick facts

• Type: Tourist Attraction
• State: Karnataka
• Category: Pilgrims Destination

Visitor information

Please check locally for current visitor information.

Photo gallery of Kaivara

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