Avani is a quiet temple village and a low granite hill in Mulbagal taluk of Kolar district, Karnataka, about 100 km east of Bengaluru. For travellers it offers a rare combination: a cluster of ninth- to tenth-century stone temples protected by the Archaeological Survey of India, and a hilltop shrine tied, in local tradition, to the Ramayana. Later inscriptions here call the town the “Gaya of the south,” and that phrase still shapes how pilgrims see the place.
Avani is a village in Mulbagal taluk, Kolar district, Karnataka, roughly 13 km from Mulbagal town and about 100 km east of Bengaluru. It is known for the ASI-protected Ramalingeshwara group of temples and a hilltop Sita temple that local belief links to Sage Valmiki’s ashram and the birth of Rama’s sons, Lava and Kusha.
Key takeaways
- Avani is in Mulbagal taluk, Kolar district, Karnataka, about 13 km from Mulbagal town and roughly 100 km east of Bengaluru via NH-75 (sources give 80–100 km; reconfirm on a mapping service).
- The Archaeological Survey of India protects the Ramalingeshwara group as a monument of national importance and describes it as an ornate tenth-century Nolamba-dynasty construction, later partly renovated by the Cholas.
- The four main shrines are named for Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrughna; the Lakshmanalingeshwara shrine holds the largest linga in the group.
- Local tradition — not recorded history — holds that Sage Valmiki’s ashram stood here and that Sita gave birth to Lava and Kusha in the village, which is why Avani is called the “Gaya of the south.”
- Best visited October to February; the Ramalingeshwara group and the hill are open, free-to-enter sites with no ASI ticket counter reported (indicative, as of October 2026 — reconfirm).
- Avani works best as a half-day stop paired with Mulbagal and Kurudumale, or as a day trip from Bengaluru, Kolar or KGF.
About Avani: the Gaya of the south
Avani is a small village and a low hill in Mulbagal taluk, Kolar district, Karnataka, and it has been an inhabited place for a very long time. According to the Archaeological Survey of India, an inscription here dated to 399 CE already refers to Avani, and later inscriptions call the town the “Gaya of the south” — a comparison with Gaya in Bihar, a major Hindu pilgrimage site for rites for the departed.
The name you will see most on a map is Avani, sometimes written Avanya in old records. A Sanskrit copper-plate grant of 339 CE, found in Mulbagal taluk, records that a king styled Vadhuvallabha-Malladeva-Nandivarma was staying at Avanya when he made a land grant to Brahmins. So the village sits on a genuinely old cultural layer, separate from the legends it is better known for.
For a traveller, Avani is two experiences in one short visit: a walled complex of carved stone temples at the base of the hill, and a climb up stone steps to a hilltop shrine with wide views over the Deccan plains. Kolar district, on Karnataka’s eastern edge near the Andhra Pradesh border, is dry, rocky and dotted with granite hills, and Avani is a good introduction to it. For the wider region, see our Karnataka travel guide.
The Ramayana at Avani: belief, not history
The stories that draw pilgrims to Avani belong to living tradition, not to documented history, and it is worth holding them that way. According to local belief, Sage Valmiki — credited as the author of the Ramayana — had his ashram (hermitage) at Avani, and Sita took refuge here during her exile.
The same tradition holds that Sita gave birth to her twin sons, Lava and Kusha, at Avani, and that the episode in which the boys challenge Rama’s horse took place nearby. Villagers point to a room said to be where Sita gave birth, and to features on the hill linked to the ashram. These are devotional associations, cherished locally and shared by pilgrims; they are not archaeological findings, and similar Ramayana claims attach to other places across India and Nepal.
Treating the legend respectfully is part of travelling well here. The temples are active places of worship, and for many visitors the belief is the whole point of the trip. You can appreciate the stone carving on its own terms while letting the faith of the people around you stand on its own.
The Ramalingeshwara group of temples
The Ramalingeshwara group of temples at Avani is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India as a monument of national importance, and the ASI describes it as an ornate tenth-century construction of the Nolamba dynasty that the Cholas later partly renovated. The Vijayanagara kings are credited with adding the main mandapam (pillared hall) and the rajagopuram (gateway tower).
The complex sits within a stone enclosure wall at the foot of the hill and is built in the dravida (South Indian) style. Its four main shrines are dedicated to Shiva as linga and named for the four brothers of the Ramayana — Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrughna — who, by tradition, each installed a linga here. You will see them written as Ramalingeshwara (or Rameshwara), Lakshmanalingeshwara, Bharateshwara and Shatrugnalingeshwara. Smaller shrines for Vali and Sugriva, and a shrine for Parvati, complete the group.
The carving rewards a slow look. According to Wikipedia’s summary of the scholarship, the Ramalingeshwara shrine has a sanctum (garbhagriha), vestibule (antarala) and pillared hall (navaranga), with base mouldings carved with kirtimukha faces and lion reliefs. The Lakshmanalingeshwara shrine holds the largest linga in the group and has a wall image of a tenth-century saint, Tribhuvanakarta. A ceiling inside carries an Uma-Maheshvara panel ringed by the ashtadikpalas (guardians of the eight directions), and friezes of elephants, lions, yalis (mythical beasts) and makaras (aquatic creatures) run around the shrines. A Nandi (Shiva’s bull) faces the Shatrugnalingeshwara shrine.
Art historians add nuance to the ASI’s tenth-century Nolamba label. James Harle suggested the earliest shrine in the enclosure may be the Shatrugnalingeshwara, built by the Western Ganga dynasty of Talakad on the evidence of a Ganga inscription on the premises, and he regarded Avani as an early example of a walled shrine group in Karnataka. The short version for a visitor: the core is roughly ninth to tenth century, with later additions, and the exact attributions are still discussed.
| Shrine | Dedicated to / named for | Notable feature |
|---|---|---|
| Ramalingeshwara | Rama | Sanctum, vestibule and navaranga hall; carved base mouldings |
| Lakshmanalingeshwara | Lakshmana | Largest linga in the group; wall image of saint Tribhuvanakarta |
| Bharateshwara | Bharata | Relief-carved hall pillars |
| Shatrugnalingeshwara | Shatrughna | Possibly the earliest shrine; Nandi faces it |
| Parvati, Vali and Sugriva shrines | Parvati; Vali and Sugriva | Minor shrines completing the group |
The hilltop Sita temple and the climb
Above the main complex, a flight of stone steps climbs the hill — known locally as Avani Betta (betta means hill in Kannada) — to a Sita temple, one of the relatively few temples in India dedicated to Sitadevi. A second shrine on the hill honours Adi Jambava. The climb is short but steep in places, over rough and sometimes uneven granite steps, and it is the part of a visit most people remember for the views over the surrounding plains rather than for any single building.
Plan on roughly 1.5 to 3 hours for the round-trip climb at an unhurried pace, depending on how long you linger at the top and how warm the day is. There is little shade on the rock, so carry water and go early or late. The hill is also a known rock-climbing and bouldering spot, and trekking operators run sunrise and sunset outings here; those are separate activities from a temple visit.
One local custom you may hear about at the Sita temple: tradition holds that childless women bathe in the Lakshmana Thirtha (a sacred water spot), visit the shrine, and sleep inside hoping for a dream of the goddess as a blessing. Mention it as a belief if asked; it is a devotional practice, not a tourist attraction, so watch quietly and do not photograph people at worship.
Best time to visit Avani
The best time to visit Avani is October to February, when Kolar district’s Deccan-plateau weather is at its most comfortable for temple-hopping and a hill climb. Kolar lies in a dry, hot belt; summers from March to May get harsh on exposed granite, and the open hill offers almost no shade, so winter mornings are far kinder.
The southwest monsoon brings some rain from June to September, which greens the landscape but can make the stone steps slick. If you come in the warmer months, start at or soon after sunrise, finish the hill before mid-morning, and carry more water than you think you need.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Winter (best) | October–February | Cool mornings, comfortable for the climb; ideal for day trips |
| Summer | March–May | Hot and dry; climb only at sunrise/sunset, carry water |
| Monsoon | June–September | Greener landscape, occasional rain; steps can be slippery |
How to reach Avani
Avani is reached most easily by road from Bengaluru, Kolar or Mulbagal, as there is no railway station or airport in the village itself. Avani sits in Mulbagal taluk, about 13 km from Mulbagal town and roughly 32 km from Kolar, the district headquarters; Mulbagal is the nearest town for fuel and food.
By road, the drive from Bengaluru runs east on National Highway 75 (the old NH-4, the Bengaluru–Kolar–Mulbagal–Chennai corridor) toward Kolar and Mulbagal, then on a short local road to Avani. Sources put the Bengaluru–Avani distance at roughly 80–100 km; treat it as about 90–100 km and reconfirm the exact figure and current road conditions on a mapping service before you leave. Kolar town itself is about 70 km from Bengaluru on NH-75.
By rail, the nearest useful stations are Bangarpet Junction, on the Bengaluru–Chennai main line, and Kolar; from either you would take a local taxi or bus onward, as there is no direct rail to Avani. By air, the nearest airport is Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, which is about 50 km from Kolar and farther from Avani. Many visitors simply make Avani a day trip from the city — our Bengaluru travel guide helps with where to base yourself.
| Mode | Access point | Approx. distance to Avani |
|---|---|---|
| Air | Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru | ~100–120 km (then road) |
| Rail | Bangarpet Junction / Kolar station | ~30–40 km (then taxi/bus) |
| Road (own/cab) | Bengaluru via NH-75 | ~90–100 km (sources vary 80–100 km) |
| Road (local) | Mulbagal town | ~13 km |
| Road (local) | Kolar (district HQ) | ~32 km |
Entry, timings and what to expect
Entry to the Ramalingeshwara group and the Avani hill is free, and no ASI ticket counter has been reported at the site (indicative, as of October 2026 — reconfirm with the ASI Bengaluru Circle before relying on it). As an ASI-protected monument that is also a living temple, it is an open compound rather than a ticketed enclosure, and no separate camera fee has been reported.
Timings follow temple rather than museum hours: the compound is generally accessible through daylight, roughly 6 am to 6 pm, though the inner shrines may be opened only during pooja (worship) times (indicative, as of October 2026 — reconfirm locally). There is no fixed weekly closed day reported for the complex, but shrine access can vary, so a morning visit is safest. Facilities at the village are basic; carry your own water and use Mulbagal for meals and fuel.
A suggested day trip
Avani works best as a half-day stop combined with one or two nearby sites, making an easy full day from Bengaluru, Kolar or KGF. A relaxed plan:
- Early morning: Leave Bengaluru by about 6.30–7 am on NH-75 to beat the heat and traffic; reach Avani in roughly 2–2.5 hours.
- Late morning: Explore the Ramalingeshwara group at the base, then climb the hill to the Sita temple for the views before it gets hot (allow 2–3 hours in all).
- Lunch: Return to Mulbagal town for a simple South Indian meal.
- Afternoon: Add Kurudumale (about 10 km north of Mulbagal) for the large Ganesha and the Someshwara temple, or head to Kolar for the Kolaramma temple.
- Evening: Drive back to Bengaluru, or stay over in Kolar or KGF if you want to pair Avani with Antara Gange the next morning.
Where to stay
There is no notable tourist accommodation in Avani village itself, so most visitors either day-trip from Bengaluru or stay in Kolar, KGF or Bengaluru. Kolar and KGF (Kolar Gold Fields) have the closest budget and mid-range lodges and a few business hotels; Bengaluru has the full range if you want comfort and are happy to drive out.
Room rates below are indicative planning estimates (as of October 2026) and should be reconfirmed when you book, as tariffs move with season and demand. Book ahead on weekends and festival days.
| Base | Category | Indicative tariff |
|---|---|---|
| Kolar / KGF | Budget lodge | ₹800–₹1,500 |
| Kolar / KGF | Mid-range hotel | ₹1,800–₹3,500 |
| Bengaluru | Budget to mid-range | ₹1,500–₹4,000 |
| Bengaluru | Upscale / luxury | ₹6,000 and up |
Food to try
Food around Avani is simple, vegetarian-leaning South Indian fare, best found in Mulbagal and Kolar rather than the village. Expect everyday Karnataka staples at small hotels (local restaurants) and darshinis (quick-service eateries):
- Ragi mudde (steamed finger-millet balls eaten with sambar or curry) — a filling regional staple of this dry belt.
- Thatte idli (a wide, flat steamed rice cake) — a specialty associated with nearby Bidadi/old Mysore road, found across the region.
- Dosa, idli and vada with chutney and sambar for breakfast.
- Bisi bele bath (a hot rice, lentil and vegetable dish) and curd rice for a quick lunch.
- Filter coffee to finish.
Avani village has limited options, so eat in Mulbagal and carry water and snacks for the hill.
Budget breakdown
A day trip to Avani is inexpensive, since the main sites are free and the big cost is simply getting there. The estimates below are indicative planning figures for a day trip from Bengaluru (as of October 2026 — reconfirm), and assume two people sharing transport.
| Item | Indicative cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Transport (shared cab or fuel + tolls) | ₹700–₹1,500 | Two sharing; self-drive is cheaper than a hired cab |
| Temple entry | ₹0 | No ticket reported for the ASI site or hill |
| Food (breakfast + lunch) | ₹200–₹400 | At Mulbagal/Kolar eateries |
| Water, snacks, small offerings | ₹100–₹200 | Carry water for the climb |
| Total (day trip) | ₹1,000–₹2,100 | Add accommodation if staying over |
Etiquette, rules and practical tips
No special permits are needed to visit Avani — it is an open village and ASI site in Kolar district, so the practicalities are about temple etiquette, heat and basic preparation rather than paperwork. A few things that help:
- Dress and conduct: Dress modestly for the shrines, remove footwear where required, and ask before photographing people, priests or worship. The Ramalingeshwara group is an ASI-protected monument, so do not touch or climb on carvings.
- Heat and the climb: The hill is open granite with little shade. Carry 1–2 litres of water per person, wear grippy shoes for the rough steps, and avoid midday in summer.
- Cash and connectivity: Carry some cash for small purchases and offerings; UPI works in Mulbagal and Kolar but may be patchy at the village. ATMs are in Mulbagal and Kolar, not Avani.
- Health and safety: The nearest hospitals and pharmacies are in Mulbagal and Kolar; there is no altitude concern here, as this is a low hill on the plateau.
- Solo and women travellers: Avani is a quiet rural site; it is generally calm, but as anywhere, start the hill early, stay before dusk, and keep someone informed of your plan.
- Leave no trace: Carry out your litter; Karnataka restricts single-use plastics, so avoid bringing disposables up the hill.
Nearby places
Avani pairs naturally with other sites in Kolar district, most within an hour’s drive, so it is easy to build a fuller day or a weekend around it. The strongest combinations are Mulbagal and Kurudumale (close by) or Kolar town’s temples and Antara Gange.
| Place | Approx. distance | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Mulbagal (incl. Virupaksha temple) | ~13 km | Nearest town; fuel, food and a historic temple |
| Kurudumale | ~10 km N of Mulbagal | Large Ganesha and the Chola-era Someshwara temple |
| Kolaramma temple, Kolar | ~32 km | Old temple in the district town, tied to the Western Gangas |
| Antara Gange, near Kolar | ~35 km | Granite hill with a spring-fed pond, caves and trekking |
| KGF (Kolar Gold Fields) | ~40 km | Former gold-mining town; the Kotilingeshwara temple is nearby |
Frequently asked questions
Where is Avani and how far is it from Bengaluru?
Avani is a village in Mulbagal taluk, Kolar district, Karnataka, roughly 100 km east of Bengaluru (sources give 80–100 km). You reach it by road on National Highway 75 toward Kolar and Mulbagal; it is about 13 km from Mulbagal town and 32 km from Kolar. Reconfirm the exact distance on a mapping service.
Why is Avani called the “Gaya of the south”?
Avani is called the “Gaya of the south” because later inscriptions at the site use that phrase, according to the Archaeological Survey of India, comparing it to Gaya in Bihar, a major pilgrimage centre for rites for the departed. The name reflects the village’s long-held status as a sacred place, reinforced by its Ramayana associations.
Is Avani really the birthplace of Lava and Kusha?
That is a matter of local belief and tradition, not documented history. Villagers and pilgrims hold that Sita took refuge at Sage Valmiki’s ashram here and gave birth to her twin sons, Lava and Kusha, at Avani. Similar Ramayana claims attach to other places in India and Nepal, so treat it as a cherished devotional tradition.
How old are the Avani temples and who protects them?
The Archaeological Survey of India protects the Ramalingeshwara group as a monument of national importance and dates it to about the tenth century, built by the Nolamba dynasty and later partly renovated by the Cholas. Scholars suggest parts may be earlier Western Ganga work. The Vijayanagara kings added the main hall and gateway tower.
Is there an entry fee for Avani and what are the timings?
Entry to the Ramalingeshwara group and the Avani hill is free, with no ASI ticket counter reported, as of October 2026. The compound is generally open through daylight, roughly 6 am to 6 pm, though inner shrines may open only at pooja times. Timings and any changes should be reconfirmed locally or with the ASI Bengaluru Circle before you travel.
What is the best time to visit Avani?
The best time to visit Avani is October to February, when Kolar district’s weather is cool enough for the temple visit and the open-granite hill climb. Summers from March to May are hot with little shade, and monsoon steps can be slippery. If you visit in the warmer months, climb at sunrise or sunset and carry plenty of water.
Last updated and sources
Avani suits travellers who enjoy old stone temples and quiet pilgrimage sites, and who do not mind a short, steep climb for the view. Come between October and February, early in the day, and pair it with Mulbagal and Kurudumale for a satisfying day out from Bengaluru or Kolar.
Last updated: 22 October 2026. Fees, timings and permits change — reconfirm with official sources before you travel.
Sources: Archaeological Survey of India dating and protection status via Wikipedia: Ramalingeshwara group of temples, Avani; Wikipedia: Avani, Kolar (location, inscriptions, Valmiki/Lava-Kusha tradition, Sita temple); Wikipedia: Kolar, Karnataka (distances, NH-75, railway and airport); Wikipedia: Kurudumale; Wikipedia: Antara Gange; Wikipedia: National Highway 75 (India); and Karnataka Tourism: Kolar for regional context. Accessed September 2026.
