Goravanahalli Sri Mahalakshmi Temple

A famous hilltop Narasimha temple on the rocky Devarayadurga hills, 60 km from Bangalore. The 'Bhoga Narasimha' (Lord Narasimha in a benevolent resting posture) and 'Yoga Narasimha' (meditative posture) shrines are on twin hills. The scenic hilltop location with huge boulders and forest is breathtaking.

A 500-year-old Shaiva Math (monastery) near Tumkur, associated with the late centenarian saint H.H. Sivakumara Swami (1907–2019) who ran a school, college, and free meals for thousands daily. The Math combines education, social service, and Shiva devotion. After the saint's samadhi here, it has become a major pilgrimage.

Home to the 58-foot (17.7 m) monolithic statue of Lord Bahubali — the largest free-standing statue in the world at the time of its completion (981 CE). The statue is visible 30 km away. Every 12 years, the Mahamastakabhisheka (grand anointment ceremony) draws 1 million pilgrims who pour milk, honey, saffron, and gold coins over the statue.

A major Murugan (Subrahmanya) temple 40 km from Bangalore, unique for its association with serpent worship (Sarpa Samskara) — second only to Kukke Subramanya in Karnataka for this ritual. The deity here is flanked by two serpents (Vasuki and Adisesha). Extremely popular with Bangalore devotees seeking relief from Sarpa Dosha.