Kolanupaka, also written Kolanupak and known to pilgrims as Kulpakji or Kulpak Tirth, is a small village in Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district of Telangana, about 80 km east of Hyderabad on the Hyderabad–Warangal highway (NH 163). It is one of South India’s most important Jain pilgrimage centres, built around a temple whose green-stone and jade images draw Svetambara Jains from across the country, and it sits a short drive from the ancient Someshwara Shiva temple and a clutch of Chalukya-era inscriptions.
Kolanupaka (Kulpakji), in Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district of Telangana, is a Jain pilgrimage village roughly 80 km from Hyderabad. Its Kulpakji temple enshrines a revered idol of Lord Mahavira said to be carved from a single block of jade, alongside the green-stone Manikyaswami image. October to March is the comfortable season to visit.
Key takeaways
- Kolanupaka (Kulpakji) is in Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district, Telangana, about 80 km from Hyderabad via NH 163 through Aler; the temple lies roughly 6 km off the highway at the Aler diversion.
- The Kulpakji temple’s most revered image is an idol of Lord Mahavira about 1.3 m (roughly 130 cm) tall, said by published accounts to be carved from a single piece of jade; the principal green-stone Rishabhanatha image is known locally as Manikyaswami.
- Telangana Tourism describes Kulpakji as an important pilgrimage centre for Svetambara Jains in South India; local tradition holds the temple is more than 2,000 years old, while surviving structures and inscriptions are dated to about the 9th–12th centuries.
- The nearby Someshwara (Shiva) temple is linked to the Kalyani Chalukyas; in 2022 archaeologists reported a 151-line Kannada inscription of 1125 CE on a pillar near the complex.
- Temple timings are commonly listed as 6 am–7 pm (indicative — reconfirm locally); the inner sanctum is open to those wearing pooja cloth, and there is no listed entry fee as of October 2026.
About Kolanupaka and quick facts
Kolanupaka is a village in Alair (Aler) mandal of Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district, Telangana, and the site of the Kulpakji Jain temple, a Svetambara pilgrimage centre known as Kulpak Tirth. The name is often read as “lake” (kolanu) and “hut” (paka), per the Yadadri district administration.
The village is compact and the temple complex is its centre of gravity. Most visitors come as a half-day or day trip from Hyderabad, often pairing it with Bhongir Fort or the hill shrine at Yadagirigutta. If you are planning a wider trip, our Telangana travel guide sets this corner of the state in context.
| Location | Kolanupaka village, Alair (Aler) mandal, Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district, Telangana |
|---|---|
| Distance from Hyderabad | About 80 km via NH 163 (Hyderabad–Warangal highway); about 30 km from Bhuvanagiri (Bhongir) town |
| Main sites | Kulpakji Jain temple (Svetambara); Someshwara (Shiva) temple; Kolanupaka district museum |
| Nearest railhead | Aler (Aleru) on the Secunderabad–Kazipet line; major station Secunderabad |
| Nearest airport | Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Shamshabad, Hyderabad |
| Best season | October to March |
| Temple timings | Commonly listed 6 am–7 pm (indicative — reconfirm locally) |
The Kulpakji Jain temple and its jade idol
The Kulpakji temple enshrines three principal Tirthankara images — Rishabhanatha (Adinatha), Neminatha and Mahavira — and its most revered figure is an idol of Lord Mahavira that published accounts say is carved from a single piece of jade. Sura Books’ record puts this seated image at about 130 cm (51 in) tall; a Telangana Tourism listing describes it as roughly 140 cm, so treat the exact height as approximate, in the 1.3–1.4 m range.
The temple’s other celebrated image is a green-stone idol of Rishabhanatha, known locally as Manikyaswami (also Manikya Deva). Telangana’s heritage accounts say this green image has been historically famous under that name, and Jain tradition holds that the original Adinatha idol “made Kolanupaka its abode.” The complex also houses Neminatha and, by local count, images of several further Tirthankaras including Shantinatha and Chandraprabha; a multi-hooded cobra canopy marks the Parshvanatha image.
The building itself is worth slowing down for. Eco-heritage records describe a structure of red sandstone with white marble pillars, carved in the dense, ornamented idiom that Gujarati and Rajasthani temple builders brought to the renovation. Shoes come off well before the gates, and the inner sanctum is reserved for those who have changed into pooja cloth.
| Image | Material / note | Local or traditional name |
|---|---|---|
| Mahavira | Said to be carved from a single piece of jade; about 1.3–1.4 m tall | — |
| Rishabhanatha (Adinatha) | Green stone; presiding image | Manikyaswami / Manikya Deva |
| Neminatha | Enshrined among the principal Tirthankaras | — |
| Parshvanatha | Marked by a multi-hooded cobra canopy | — |
History: Chalukyas, decline and renovation
Kolanupaka’s recorded past runs from early medieval Jain patronage to a modern revival. Telangana Tourism and the district administration say the temple “is said to be more than two thousand years old,” while noting that the structures in their present form are dated to roughly the last 800 years — a reminder that the 2,000-year figure is tradition, not firmly dated history.
In the 11th century the town, then called Kollipaka, was an important centre under the Kalyani (Western) Chalukyas. Travel and museum accounts describe it as a “second capital” of the dynasty in that period; historians caution that the Chalukyas’ main seat was Kalyani (today Basavakalyan), and that Kollipaka functioned as a regional centre governed by feudatories. Jain inscriptions from the site — more than twenty by one count — record grants to a basadi (Jain shrine) and name teaching lineages such as the Kanur Gana.
Jain activity at Kulpak is said to have declined after the late 13th century and to have been re-established in the early 18th century, when the Manikyaswami shrine was renovated. The most visible chapter is recent: after years in ruins, the temple was rebuilt in the late 20th century by more than 150 artisans from Rajasthan and Gujarat, with Sompura master-craftsmen reportedly supervising. The old garbhagriha (sanctum) was preserved and a new temple raised around the existing tower — a renovation to respect, not a reconstruction from scratch.
Someshwara temple and the inscriptions
A short walk from Kulpakji stands the Someshwara temple, a Shiva shrine that locals call Sri Chandikamba Sametha Someshwaraswami, linked to the Kalyani Chalukyas and described by the district administration as established “about 800 years” ago. It is a quieter, more weathered site than the Jain temple, and its sanctum is often opened mainly for pujas; Mahashivaratri is its busiest day.
The temple’s importance to historians lies in its stones. In 2022, during conservation work, archaeologist Dr E. Sivanagireddy reported a 151-line Kannada inscription dated 1125 CE on a pillar standing on a mound in a nearby tank. According to press reports and Jain epigraphy records, it was issued by the crown prince Kumara Someswara, son of the Chalukya emperor Tribhuvanamalla (Vikramaditya VI), and records a village grant to the ritual provisions of goddess Ambika at a Jaina basadi maintained by the Meshapashana Gachcha. The same year, two large stone Tirthankara foot-sculptures were reported found during work at the site. Statues recovered around the village have been gathered into a small district museum attached to the complex.
Why it matters as a Svetambara tirtha
Kulpakji is counted among the most important Svetambara Jain pilgrimage centres in South India. Telangana Tourism describes it in exactly those terms, and for Svetambara pilgrims the site — Kulpak Tirth — carries the weight of a place continuously venerated across changes of dynasty and faith.
Much of the devotion attaches to the Manikyaswami image. According to Jain tradition recorded in medieval texts, the image was worshipped in distant antiquity before coming to Kolanupaka, and the main temple is credited in legend to the emperor Bharata. These are beliefs held by the community rather than dated history, and that is how they are best understood by a visitor. What is not in dispute is the living practice: daily rituals, a steady flow of pilgrims, and a dharamshala tradition that keeps the tirtha hospitable.
Best time to visit
October to March is the comfortable window to visit Kolanupaka. This part of Telangana has hot, dry summers from April to June and a southwest monsoon from roughly June to September, so the cooler, drier months either side of winter are kindest for walking between the temples and the museum. Mahashivaratri (usually February or March) brings crowds to the Someshwara temple; Jain festival days bring them to Kulpakji.
| Period | Conditions | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| October–March | Cool and dry; pleasant mornings | Best overall; temple visits, day trips, pairing with Bhongir |
| April–June | Hot and dry | Early-morning visits only; carry water and sun cover |
| July–September | Monsoon; humid, intermittent rain | Green surroundings; watch road conditions |
How to reach Kolanupaka
The easiest route is a roughly 80 km drive east from Hyderabad on NH 163 (the Hyderabad–Warangal highway), taking the diversion at Aler (Aleru) town and continuing about 6 km to the village; the temple sits about half a kilometre from the Kolanupaka bus stop. By train, Aler is the nearest railhead on the Secunderabad–Kazipet line, with Secunderabad the main junction for long-distance services. The nearest airport is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at Shamshabad, Hyderabad, from where it is a road transfer of two to three hours (indicative).
| Mode | Route / hub | Approx. distance / note |
|---|---|---|
| Road | Hyderabad → NH 163 → Aler diversion → Kolanupaka | About 80 km; ~6 km off the highway |
| Road | Bhuvanagiri (Bhongir) town → Kolanupaka | About 30 km on NH 163 |
| Rail | Aler (Aleru) station; or Secunderabad junction | Aler is the nearest railhead; then local transport ~6 km |
| Air | Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad | Then road transfer (~2–3 hours, indicative) |
Timings, entry and temple etiquette
Temple hours are commonly listed as 6 am to 7 pm, and no entry fee is published for Kulpakji as of October 2026 — treat both as indicative and reconfirm at the gate, as Jain temples often close the sanctum over a midday break. The inner sanctum is reserved for devotees who change into pooja cloth; ordinary visitors can view from the outer areas.
Standard Jain temple etiquette applies: remove shoes and leather items (belts, wallets, bags with leather) before entering, dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered, keep your voice low, and do not touch the idols. Photography inside the sanctum is typically not allowed; ask before photographing anywhere in the complex and respect any “no photography” signs. These are indicative norms — follow the instructions of temple staff on the day.
Where to stay
Most visitors do not stay overnight in Kolanupaka itself; the usual bases are Bhongir, Aler or Hyderabad. Pilgrims often use the Jain dharamshala / yatri bhavan attached to the tirtha, which offers simple, clean rooms aimed at those on pilgrimage; book ahead around festival dates.
- Budget (indicative, ₹600–₹1,500/night): the Jain yatri bhavan at Kolanupaka and simple lodges in Aler and Bhongir. Reconfirm availability and rates directly, as they change.
- Mid-range (indicative, ₹1,500–₹3,500/night): hotels in Bhongir/Bhuvanagiri town, handy for Bhongir Fort and Yadagirigutta.
- Comfort / luxury (indicative, ₹3,500 and up): the full range of business and premium hotels in Hyderabad, about 80 km away.
Rates above are planning estimates as of October 2026, not quotes — reconfirm when you book. For wider options across the state, see our Telangana travel guide.
Budget for the trip
A Kolanupaka visit is inexpensive because it is usually a day trip. The main costs are transport from Hyderabad and meals; the temples themselves have no listed entry fee. The table below is a per-person planning estimate for a one-day trip and should be reconfirmed before you travel.
| Item | Budget | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Transport from Hyderabad (shared vs private cab share) | ₹200–₹500 (bus) | ₹1,200–₹2,500 (cab, shared) |
| Meals and water | ₹150–₹300 | ₹400–₹700 |
| Local transport (Aler diversion, autos) | ₹50–₹150 | Included in cab |
| Donations / miscellaneous | ₹50–₹200 | ₹100–₹500 |
| Approx. per person (day trip) | ₹450–₹1,150 | ₹1,700–₹3,700 |
Assumptions: a same-day return from Hyderabad, no overnight stay, and sharing a cab between three or four people. Add accommodation if you stay in Bhongir or Hyderabad.
Rules and practical tips
No special permits are required to visit Kolanupaka: it is open to all travellers, and no ILP or protected-area permit applies here. The practical rules are the temple etiquette above plus ordinary small-town travel sense.
- Cash and UPI: carry some cash for autos, small eateries and donations; UPI works in many shops but not everywhere. ATMs are more reliable in Bhongir and Aler than in the village.
- Network: mobile coverage is generally fine along NH 163 and in the village.
- Timing your visit: go in the morning to avoid the midday sanctum break and the afternoon heat; most people finish both temples and the museum in two to three hours.
- Health: the nearest larger hospitals are in Bhongir and Hyderabad; carry water, especially April–June.
- Solo and women travellers: the site is a well-visited pilgrimage centre and generally comfortable; as anywhere, prefer daytime travel and keep someone informed of your plans.
- Packing: October–March, light layers for cool mornings; summer, sun cover and extra water; monsoon, a light rain layer and footwear with grip.
Nearby places
Kolanupaka pairs naturally with two landmarks on the same highway corridor and, further east, the Kakatiya heritage of Warangal. The district museum at Kolanupaka itself is worth the few minutes it takes.
| Place | Approx. distance | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Bhongir (Bhuvanagiri) Fort | About 30 km (NH 163) | Monolithic rock fort; the district administration credits its construction to the Western Chalukya ruler Tribhuvanamalla in 1076 |
| Yadagirigutta (Yadadri) Lakshmi Narasimha temple | About 15 km from Bhongir | Major hill shrine, recently rebuilt in stone; the district’s namesake pilgrimage town |
| Kolanupaka district museum | At the temple complex | Sculptures and inscribed stones recovered around the village |
| Warangal | Further east on NH 163 | Kakatiya-era fort, Thousand Pillar Temple and Ramappa (a UNESCO World Heritage temple) |
For how these sites fit a longer Telangana itinerary, see our Telangana travel guide.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Kolanupaka and which district is it in?
Kolanupaka (Kulpakji) is a village in Alair mandal of Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district, Telangana, about 80 km east of Hyderabad on NH 163, the Hyderabad–Warangal highway. It lies roughly 30 km from Bhuvanagiri (Bhongir) town, reached by taking the Aler diversion and continuing about 6 km to the temple.
Is the Kulpakji Mahavira idol really made of jade?
Published heritage accounts, including a Sura Books record and Telangana Tourism material, describe the Kulpakji temple’s Mahavira image as carved from a single piece of jade, about 1.3–1.4 m tall. The separate green-stone image of Rishabhanatha is the one known locally as Manikyaswami. Treat exact height figures as approximate.
How old is the Kolanupaka Jain temple?
Local tradition and the district administration say the temple “is said to be more than two thousand years old,” but the structures in their present form are dated to roughly the last 800 years, and surviving inscriptions run from about the 9th to 12th centuries. The 2,000-year figure is best understood as tradition rather than dated history.
What are the Kolanupaka temple timings and is there an entry fee?
Kulpakji is commonly listed as open 6 am to 7 pm with no published entry fee as of October 2026, though these details are indicative and should be reconfirmed, as Jain temples often close the sanctum over a midday break. The inner sanctum is reserved for devotees wearing pooja cloth; others view from the outer areas.
What else is there to see near Kolanupaka?
Combine Kolanupaka with Bhongir (Bhuvanagiri) Fort, a monolithic rock fort about 30 km away whose construction the district credits to a Western Chalukya ruler in 1076, and the Yadagirigutta Lakshmi Narasimha hill temple about 15 km beyond it. The ancient Someshwara Shiva temple and a small district museum sit at Kolanupaka itself.
Are photographs and leather items allowed inside?
Photography inside the sanctum is typically not allowed at Kulpakji, and leather items such as belts, wallets and bags should be removed or left outside, as at most Jain temples. Dress modestly, remove shoes before entering, and ask temple staff before photographing anywhere in the complex. Follow any posted “no photography” signs.
Last updated and sources
Kolanupaka suits pilgrims and anyone interested in Jain heritage and Chalukya-era history, best visited as a half-day or day trip from Hyderabad. Go between October and March, early in the day, and pair it with Bhongir Fort.
Last updated: 19 October 2026. Fees, timings and permits change — reconfirm with official sources before you travel.
Sources: Telangana Tourism — Kolanupaka; Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district administration; CPREEC EcoHeritage — Kolanupaka; Jain Heritage Centres — 1125 CE inscription report; Telangana Today — Kolanupaka inscription; Museums of India — District Museum Kolanupaka; Trawell — Jain Temple, Kolanupaka (timings); Wikipedia — Kulpakji (for primary citations). Accessed September 2026.
