Kunigal, town
Kunigal is a small town in Tumakuru district located about 70 kilometers west of Bengaluru, known for its horse breeding tradition and many old temples. The town has narrow lanes with simple houses built from local materials, busy markets selling fresh vegetables and spices, and several lakes nearby that are important for farming.
Kunigal was named after a legend about dancing stones and has been a center for trade and community gatherings for hundreds of years. The Narasimha temple dates back to the Hoysala period and shows the craftsmanship of that era, while horse breeding traditions here began during the time of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan when a farm was established to train horses for military use.
The name Kunigal comes from a legend about dancing stones at the lake that made water jump and bounce, connected to stories of Shiva in local beliefs. Today you can see temples built in styles from different periods, each reflecting the spiritual importance the place has held for generations.
The town is easily reached by road as a main highway connects Bengaluru and Mangaluru, and a railway line also runs through it. The best time to explore is early morning or evening when the streets are quieter and you can see the local markets and temples without crowds.
Kunigal Lake is the second largest lake in Karnataka and has always been central to local farming and people's lives. Visitors can see the expanse of water and understand how vital this lake is to the survival and daily activities of the community.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
