Devarayanadurga, often shortened to DD Hills, is a cluster of forested granite hills in Tumakuru district, Karnataka, rising to about 1,204 m (3,940 ft). It sits roughly 15 km from Tumakuru city and about 70 km from Bengaluru, which makes it one of the easiest hill-and-temple day trips from the state capital. Two Narasimha temples crown the rock, a historic hill fort sits near the summit, and the sacred Namada Chilume spring lies in the forest below.
Devarayanadurga is a granite hill complex near Tumakuru in Karnataka, about 70 km from Bengaluru, topped by the Yoga Narasimha and Bhoga Narasimha temples and an old hill fort. According to Karnataka Tourism, its best months run August to February, and the drive from Bengaluru takes roughly two hours.
Key takeaways
- Devarayanadurga is a cluster of granite hills in Tumakuru district, Karnataka, rising to about 1,204 m (3,940 ft) per Wikipedia’s cited figures.
- It lies about 15 km from Tumakuru city and roughly 70 km from Bengaluru; the nearest railway station is Tumakuru and the nearest airport is Bengaluru.
- Two temples define the hill: Bhoga Narasimha at the base and Yoga Narasimha at the summit, reached by a road and around 300 stone steps.
- The best season is October to March for cool, clear weather; Karnataka Tourism lists August to February, and the monsoon leaves the slopes green.
- Namada Chilume, a natural rock spring about 6 km away, is linked in local belief to Rama drawing water for his tilak (forehead mark).
- Entry to the hill and temples is generally free; treat any fees and timings here as indicative and reconfirm before you travel (as of October 2026).
About Devarayanadurga and quick facts
Devarayanadurga is a group of rocky, forested hills in Tumakuru district, Karnataka, topped by twin Narasimha temples and the remains of a hill fort. The name means “Devaraya’s fort” in Kannada. According to Karnataka Tourism and the Tumakuru district administration, the hill took its present name after the Mysore ruler Chikka Devaraja Wodeyar captured it during his campaigns; the wider region carries older Vijayanagara-era roots.
The hill is close enough to Bengaluru for a half-day visit, yet high enough to stay a few degrees cooler than the plains. If you are planning a wider circuit, pair this with our Karnataka travel guide for context on the state’s temple towns and hill stations.
| Location | Tumakuru district, Karnataka, India |
|---|---|
| Altitude | About 1,204 m (3,940 ft), per Wikipedia’s cited figures |
| Nearest city | Tumakuru, about 15 km away |
| From Bengaluru | About 70 km (Karnataka Tourism lists 73 km) |
| Nearest railway | Tumakuru station |
| Nearest airport | Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru |
| Main draw | Yoga and Bhoga Narasimha temples, hill fort, Namada Chilume spring |
| Best season | October to March (Karnataka Tourism lists August to February) |
| Entry | Generally free; indicative, reconfirm locally |
Best time to visit Devarayanadurga
The best time to visit Devarayanadurga is October to March, when the air is cool, the skies are clear for sunrise, and the climb is comfortable. Karnataka Tourism lists August to February as the recommended window. The southwest monsoon, roughly June to September, turns the granite slopes green but makes the rock and steps slippery, so trek with care.
Summers from March to May are hot on the exposed rock; start early and carry water. Whatever the month, mornings are the best time for the panoramic views and the temple darshan (viewing of the deity).
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Winter / post-monsoon | October to February | Cool, clear mornings; best for sunrise, trekking and photography. Peak visitor season. |
| Summer | March to May | Hot on open granite; start at dawn, carry water and a hat. |
| Monsoon | June to September | Green slopes, mist and waterfalls; rock and steps slippery, drive the ghat road with caution. |
How to reach Devarayanadurga
Reach Devarayanadurga by road: it is about 15 km from Tumakuru city and roughly 70 km from Bengaluru, a drive of around two hours. The nearest railway station is at Tumakuru, and the nearest airport is Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport. A paved, winding road climbs most of the way to the Yoga Narasimha Temple near the summit.
By air: Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, is the nearest airport. Published distances to the hill vary by route and source, from about 85 km to over 100 km; allow two to two-and-a-half hours by taxi.
By rail: Tumakuru is the nearest railway station, well connected to Bengaluru on the Bengaluru–Tumakuru line. From the station, hire a taxi or auto for the final 15 km or so to the hill.
By road: Karnataka Tourism notes that buses and trains run to Tumakuru, from where taxis reach Devarayanadurga; buses and taxis also run directly from Bengaluru. Self-drivers can take the Bengaluru–Tumakuru highway and turn off for the hill. For getting out of the city smoothly, see our Bengaluru travel guide.
| From | Approx. distance | Mode and notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tumakuru city | About 15 km | Taxi or auto; nearest rail and hotels |
| Bengaluru city | About 70–73 km | Car, taxi or bus via Tumakuru highway; ~2 hours |
| Bengaluru airport | About 85–100 km (route-dependent) | Taxi; ~2 to 2.5 hours |
| Namada Chilume spring | About 6 km from the hill | Taxi or own vehicle on the forest road |
The Yoga and Bhoga Narasimha temples and the fort
Devarayanadurga’s two main temples are both dedicated to Narasimha, the man-lion avatar of Vishnu: Bhoga Narasimha stands at the base of the hill, and Yoga Narasimha sits near the summit. Karnataka Tourism explains the names simply: Bhoga (worship amid daily life and enjoyment) at the bottom, Yoga (worship in penance and meditation) at the top.
The Bhoga Narasimha Temple, at the foothills, is the first stop. The Tumakuru district administration describes it as more than 1,000 years old and known for its carvings. Its tank is fed by a natural spring called Manikyadhara, and the temple hosts an annual Brahmotsava festival with music, dance and drama.
The Yoga Narasimha Temple, on a higher granite hillock, shows a Dravidian-style gopuram (gateway tower), intricately carved and weathered. According to Karnataka Tourism, it is believed to have been built in the Hoysala period and later renovated by the Wodeyars of Mysuru. The deity sits in a yogic posture, which gives the temple its name. A road climbs most of the way, after which visitors take around 300 stone steps through a forested path for darshan.
Near the top are the ruins of the old hill fort that gives Devarayanadurga its name. Local accounts and Karnataka Tourism tie the hill’s naming to the Mysore Wodeyars; treat the detailed origin stories as tradition rather than documented record, and enjoy the stone ramparts and the plains spread out below.
Namada Chilume and its Ramayana legend
Namada Chilume is a natural spring near Devarayanadurga, about 6 km from the hill, where water seeps continuously from a hole in the rock. According to local belief recorded by Karnataka Tourism and others, the spring is linked to Rama. The Kannada name is said to mean “Spring of Tilak” (nama, the forehead mark; chilume, spring).
According to the legend, Rama, travelling with Sita and Lakshmana, needed water to apply his tilak (forehead mark) and shot an arrow into the rock, from which water emerged. This is devotional tradition, not history, and accounts differ on whether the episode belongs to the forest exile or a later journey. Pilgrims treat the water as tirtha (sacred water). The surrounding area includes forest and a small deer enclosure; watch your belongings, as monkeys are common.
Things to see and do
The main things to do at Devarayanadurga are temple darshan, a short trek to the summit for sunrise, and a side trip to Namada Chilume. The hill also holds three sacred ponds and the surrounding Devarayanadurga State Forest, a dry-deciduous tract good for quiet walks and birdwatching.
- Sunrise from the summit: The Yoga Narasimha complex gives wide views over the plains and forest, best at first light.
- Short trek: A beginner-friendly climb links the base temple to the summit; the forested step path is the scenic way up.
- Sacred ponds: Karnataka Tourism lists three holy ponds here, named Narasimha Theertha, Parashara Theertha and Pada Theertha.
- State forest: The Devarayanadurga State Forest, a dry-deciduous woodland, wraps the granite hills and supports varied birdlife.
| Spot | What it is | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| Bhoga Narasimha Temple | Base temple, carvings, Manikyadhara spring-fed tank | 30–45 min |
| Yoga Narasimha Temple | Summit temple, Dravidian gopuram, ~300 steps, views | 1–1.5 hours |
| Hill fort ruins | Old ramparts near the summit | 30 min |
| Namada Chilume | Rock spring (~6 km), legend, small deer enclosure | 45 min–1 hour |
| Devarayanadurga State Forest | Dry-deciduous forest walks, birdwatching | Flexible |
A suggested day-trip itinerary
A single day covers Devarayanadurga comfortably from Bengaluru or Tumakuru. Leave early to catch sunrise and finish the temples before the heat.
- Pre-dawn: Leave Bengaluru around 4.30–5 am (or Tumakuru by 6 am) to reach the hill for sunrise.
- Early morning: Drive up near the Yoga Narasimha Temple, climb the steps, take in the sunrise and the plains views.
- Mid-morning: Descend to the Bhoga Narasimha Temple for darshan and the carvings; see the fort ruins.
- Late morning: Drive about 6 km to Namada Chilume; walk to the spring and the deer enclosure.
- Afternoon: Lunch in Tumakuru, then an optional stop at Siddaganga or Shivagange before returning.
Where to stay
Most visitors do not stay on the hill itself: Tumakuru, about 15 km away, has the nearest hotels, and Bengaluru makes an easy day-trip base. Karnataka Tourism notes that Tumakuru city has several budget and mid-range hotels. On-hill and immediate-area accommodation is limited, so plan your night in town.
The price bands below are indicative planning estimates (as of October 2026) and should be reconfirmed when you book. Rates rise on weekends and festival dates, so book ahead for the Brahmotsava period.
| Type | Where | Indicative price band / night |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Tumakuru city hotels and lodges | ₹1,000–₹2,000 |
| Mid-range | Tumakuru business hotels | ₹2,500–₹4,500 |
| Day-trip base | Bengaluru (wide range) | Varies widely; no overnight needed for a day trip |
Budget breakdown
A Devarayanadurga day trip is inexpensive because entry to the hill and temples is generally free; your main costs are transport, food and any small donations. The estimate below is a planning guide for one person on a self-driven or shared day trip from Bengaluru (as of October 2026).
Assumptions: a shared car or taxi split between occupants, one meal in Tumakuru, and modest temple offerings. Solo travellers using a private taxi should budget more for the vehicle.
| Item | Indicative cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Transport (shared) | ₹500–₹1,200 | Fuel or taxi share, Bengaluru return |
| Temple entry | ₹0 | Generally free; offerings optional |
| Namada Chilume entry | Nominal (reconfirm) | Small fee reported at the spring |
| Food | ₹150–₹400 | Lunch and snacks in Tumakuru |
| Water and extras | ₹100–₹200 | Bottled water, parking |
| Rough total | ₹750–₹1,800 | Lower if costs are shared |
Permits, temple etiquette and forest rules
No special permit is needed to visit Devarayanadurga; it is open hill and temple land, not a restricted area. The main rules are the ordinary ones of temple etiquette and forest conduct. Karnataka Tourism advises visitors to dress modestly and respectfully within the temple premises and to check darshan timings, since the temples usually open early in the morning.
- Remove footwear before entering the shrines; dress modestly and cover shoulders and knees.
- Follow local guidance on photography inside sanctums, which may be restricted.
- In the Devarayanadurga State Forest, stay on paths, carry out all litter and avoid feeding monkeys or deer.
- Do not drink spring water assuming it is treated; carry your own.
Practical tips
Plan Devarayanadurga as an early, self-sufficient outing: carry water, start at dawn, and expect limited facilities on the hill. Mobile coverage and shops thin out above the base, so stock up in Tumakuru.
- Cash and UPI: Carry some cash for the spring, parking and small stalls; UPI is not guaranteed on the hill.
- Health: The nearest full hospitals are in Tumakuru; carry a basic kit. The climb is short but steep in places.
- Footwear and water: Wear grippy shoes for the ~300 steps and granite, and carry at least a litre of water per person.
- Monkeys: Keep food and bags closed; monkeys are common at the temples and the spring.
- Solo women: The hill sees regular pilgrim and family traffic by day; visit in daylight, keep to busier paths and arrange return transport in advance.
- Packing: A hat and sunscreen for summer; a light layer for cool winter mornings; waterproofs and extra caution on the ghat road in monsoon.
Nearby places
Devarayanadurga pairs well with Tumakuru’s other hill-and-temple sites and with Bengaluru’s attractions. The distances below are from Karnataka Tourism; use them to extend a day trip into a short circuit.
| Place | Approx. distance | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Tumakuru city | About 15 km | Base town; food, hotels, rail; Siddaganga Math nearby |
| Mandaragiri | About 19 km | Jain hill temples and viewpoint |
| Kaidala Chennakeshava temple | About 27 km | Historic Hoysala-era temple near Tumakuru |
| Shivagange | About 30 km | Conical hill with temples and a short pilgrim trek |
| Maidenahalli blackbuck reserve | About 27 km | Grassland wildlife, blackbuck sightings |
| Madhugiri Fort | About 45 km | Steep hill fort, one of Asia’s large monoliths |
| Bengaluru | About 70 km | City sights; see our Bengaluru guide for ideas |
Frequently asked questions
Where is Devarayanadurga located?
Devarayanadurga is in Tumakuru district, Karnataka, about 15 km from Tumakuru city and roughly 70 km from Bengaluru. It is a cluster of forested granite hills rising to about 1,204 m, topped by the Yoga and Bhoga Narasimha temples and an old hill fort. The nearest railway station is Tumakuru.
Is there an entry fee for Devarayanadurga?
Entry to the Devarayanadurga hill and its temples is generally free, with offerings optional, as of October 2026. A nominal fee is reported at the Namada Chilume spring nearby. Treat all fees and timings as indicative and reconfirm with Karnataka Tourism or the temple administration before you travel, as they can change.
How many steps lead to the Yoga Narasimha Temple?
Visitors climb around 300 stone steps through a forested path to the Yoga Narasimha Temple near the summit, according to Karnataka Tourism. A paved road carries vehicles most of the way up the hill first, so the actual climb from the parking area is short but moderately steep. Wear grippy shoes and carry water.
What is the best time to visit Devarayanadurga?
The best time to visit Devarayanadurga is October to March, when mornings are cool and clear for sunrise and the climb. Karnataka Tourism lists August to February as its recommended window. The monsoon from June to September turns the hills green but makes the granite and steps slippery, so trek carefully then.
What is the legend of Namada Chilume?
According to local belief, Namada Chilume is where Rama shot an arrow into the rock to draw water for his tilak (forehead mark) while travelling with Sita and Lakshmana. The Kannada name is said to mean “Spring of Tilak.” This is devotional tradition rather than documented history, and pilgrims treat the spring water as sacred.
Can you do Devarayanadurga as a day trip from Bengaluru?
Yes. Devarayanadurga works well as a day trip from Bengaluru, about 70 km and roughly two hours away. Leave before dawn to catch sunrise at the summit, cover both temples and the fort by mid-morning, add Namada Chilume, and return the same day. No overnight stay is needed unless you want to explore Tumakuru further.
Last updated and sources
Devarayanadurga suits temple-goers, early risers and anyone wanting a short hill escape from Bengaluru or Tumakuru. Go between October and March, start at dawn, and keep the visit light and self-sufficient.
Last updated: 20 October 2026. Fees, timings and permits change — reconfirm with official sources before you travel.
Sources: Karnataka Tourism — Devarayanadurga; Karnataka Tourism — Devarayanadurga trek; Karnataka Tourism — Yoga Narasimha Temple; Tumakuru District Administration — Devarayana Durga; Wikipedia — Devarayanadurga (for altitude figures); Wikipedia — Namada Chilume (legend as belief). Accessed September 2026.
