We now have one more Isha Yoga Center aka Sadhguru’s ashram! It is situated near Chikkaballapur, a small town 2 hours from the mega city of Bangalore. This center has two beautiful temples – Naga Mandapam and Yogeshwar Linga temple & of course the 112ft Adiyogi statue. It also has a 21-feet Nandi and 54-foot Mahashula (Trishul) giving an additional pizzazz to the place! This is the exact location of this center: https://goo.gl/maps/SEM8yFs3h17HtZs47. A work-in-progress road leads 4 kms into the countryside, off the smooth-as-butter national highway, NH 7 and voila you find yourself at this delightful place!

Sadhguru started this new center with a bang! The first consecration was of the Naga deity, never consecrated before by Sadhguru. At the time of this consecration we got to see Adiyogi in half constructed state and it was still quite impressive. The Naga shrine since then has come up as a beautiful mandapam-style temple. And a few months later, the 112ft Adiyogi Statue with the Yogeshwar Linga temple was completed and inaugurated in Jan 2023.

If you wanted to know more about visiting the Coimbatore Adiyogi, and landed here by mistake. Here’s my detailed guide to visit the COIMBATORE Adiyogi.

Powerful Naga Mandapam Temple, Gateway to Adiyogi Bangalore

These two, the Naga temple with the Adiyogi face behind is such a powerful visual, don’t you think?

This Naga Mandapam is like a gateway to enter the Adiyogi temple complex (which will eventually have many more temples, right now only the one Yogeshwar Linga is live). Visitors are usually distracted in the Naga Mandapam, because they are ready with their phones to meet the Adiyogi and take a gazillion photographs. However, I find the Naga deity so arresting, and am surprised that the visitors miss it altogether in their hurry to click Adiyogi pics. I urge you, when you visit this temple complex, do take a few minutes to be with the Naga deity. It’s a powerful temple and would only add value to your trip.

This Naga temple also a slew of rituals that one can do like the sarpa seva, naga pooja for vehicles and others.

There are offerings like malas, pooja basket, dhoopam or flowers. These have a small cost.

Aarti happens thrice a day at this shrine – 6.20 AM, 12.10 PM and 6.20 PM. It is a short affair, so you can attend for a bit if feasible.

Know more about this beautiful Naga temple on this blog post.

Yogeshwar Linga Temple, Consecrated Deity

As with the Coimbatore Adiyogi, there is a Yogeshwar Linga temple below this Adiyogi as well. In fact, this Yogeshwar temple is bigger and on the walls of the mandapam, there are 7 shrines for the Saptarishis.

This yogeshwar linga temple is the consecrated deity in this space around Adiyogi. It has been consecrated in 5 chakras by Sadhguru.

Offerings: there are malas, jala, pooja and other offerings in this temple as well.

Aarti happens once a day, right after the Adiyogi Light Show. It lasts just a few minutes. The Aarti fire is kept until the temple closing for all the devotees to take it. The daily Adiyogi light show that happens at 7pm, I have a detailed guide about this event here.

There is also a more intimate process with this linga called the Yoga Sandhya. Know more about it in my YT video here:

21-Feet Nandi in front of Adiyogi

This new Sadhguru center is shaping up different from the Coimbatore one. A big difference is this 21-feet Nandi placed right in front of Adiyogi. Coimbatore also has a large Nandi but it is seated in the inside complex in front of Dhyanalinga temple. If you are going to see Adiyogi, then the presence of this Nandi here, is special. It makes for great photographs, and gives a very friendly vibe to the place (in my experience).

54-Feet Mahashula: One of the Longest Trishulas!

Currently, this trishul is kept close to the Nandi, in front of the Adiyogi. However, it will soon be installed a little distance away. Once the installation is completed, we can expect very interesting rituals around it! I am looking forward to that.

Stunning Location of Sadhguru Sannidhi Bangalore aka Adiyogi Chikkaballapur: Restaurants, ATM, Bathrooms & Other Facilities

This center is officially named as ‘Sadhguru Sannidhi Bangalore’. My first visit to this center happened in October 2022 for the Naga temple consecration. At that time, I was floored by the surrounding hills and undulating landscape. Lush greens surrounding the land showed glimpses of beautiful temple gopurams rising above the trees. And a range of hills gently fading away, one behind the other, into the distance. Nearby, some brightly coloured flowering fields. As we drove into this space, we passed an amazing white limestone hillock with a serene lake at its foot. It is all lovely!

Food & Restaurants

The eating area at this Adiyogi Bangalore is shaping up well. There is now quite a bit of variety for the visitors for light and heavy meals. There are two restaurants inside this complex called the Mallige Maatu and Chandramukhi. Both have varied menus providing dosas, idli, bissibele bath and such options. I suggest checking both of them out and selecting what you want to eat. If you want a heavy meal, then either of these restaurants will be a good option. For lighter meals, the stalls will provide a lot of variety.

Wheelchair Facility

Wheelchair facility is possible. But first ask the security or any of the volunteers at the temple how to go about it. Sometimes visitors bring the old/disabled person to the temple and then ask for wheelchair – this is very difficult. Because the wheelchair maybe available somewhere else… So, it is better to get the right information and then decide where to park your vehicle and how to go about the visit to ensure minimal difficulties to all involved.

Washrooms, ATMs & Shopping

There are some stalls to buy local trinkets and such. There are also official Isha stalls to buy Adiyogi mechandise, Rudraksha, Prasadam, Vibhuti and Isha Life products. Toilet blocks separate for men and women are available near the restaurants. There is also an ATM.

Information Centers

There are two information centers, one outside Naga mandapam, second outside Yogeshwar Linga temple. At least one Information Center is usually open – you can always enquire anything over there.

Since the Adiyogi Bangalore center is still coming up, it does not have all its various temples, eating places, rest areas and such built up yet. That is why visitors might feel there is not THAT much to do after they finish photographing the Adiyogi and visiting both the temples. Unless, of course, if you fall in love with the temples and Adiyogi, as a lot of visitors do, then you can simply sit in the Naga mandapam or on the Adiyogi steps and enjoy your time. But for others, you can consider clubbing your Adiyogi trip with some of the other amazing places in this region (there are lots!). This may give you a very satisfactory travel experience.

The Ultimate List of Places Around Adiyogi Chikkaballapur

There are a LOT of amazing places in this region! For a “foot-loose” traveller like me, it has been such a fascinating area to be in! To give you an idea, today, I decided to go on a short 10km drive. It was an enjoyable ride through less traffic, farmlands, not many potholes, and some light ghat sections. Inevitably, as I was planning to turn back, I realized just a little ahead there is a waterfall, temple and lake reservoir. Intrigued, I went down the small road and lo behold, what a picturesque spot!

Though, it was the end of summer and rains had barely started, so the waterfall was dry but I could see how stunning this spot might be when the waters will flow!
This place is called Gurukulanagenahalli Waterfalls.

While a lot of these places are known and popular, some of them are known only to the locals – I urge you to travel to these places responsibly! Please don’t litter. And adhere to the LEAVE NO TRACE principle, which means that you leave the beautiful space the way you find it (or improve it).

Now, without further ado, let’s start with this MEGA List of Places to Visit near Adiyogi Chikkaballapur…

Most Popular

Lepakshi:

A lot can be said about this place. The largest monolithic Nandi. Ancient Shiva temple with strong associations with Ramayana events (the place where Jatayu pakshi fought with Ravana to rescue Sita). The iconic Nagalinga & more.

Lepakshi is about 1 hour from Adiyogi on the NH 7. It can be done on the same day trip even though it is in the neighbouring state of Andhra Pradesh.

Map location: https://goo.gl/maps/oGFmT3YUzBvv5Jno8
Spend time: Minimum one hour to visit the Nandi and explore the temple properly
Food: There is an Andhra tourism hotel right next to the Nandi. It is veg and non-veg mix.
Stay: If you want to stay close to Lepakshi, I would suggest looking at Puttaparthi an hour away. Sathya Sai main ashram town.

Pro tip: take the guided tour. It is worth it as the guide explains to us about the ceiling painted fresco, hanging pillar and more.

Nandi Hills:

The most well known spot in this area I think. I have been hearing about ‘Nandi Hills’ so often from my Bangalore friends that I didn’t want to go there, cause it felt like a “must-see tourist destination” which are usually over-rated. Thus, I have still not been up the hill. But I will one of these days, now that I have explored so much of its neighborhood. Nandi hills, I hear, has a sunrise spot, treks, paragliding, ancient temples and many more interesting places and activities. Just search it out online and take your pick ….

Map location: https://goo.gl/maps/6T2Cb3ywGL5Ehxs89
Spend time: Depends on what activity you choose to do here
Food: Many options. Mostly veg & non-veg mix. I tried the Dosa Spot, it is good, they made special no onion, garlic chutney for us. The Marriott swanky 5-star hotel is also here.
Stay: Lot of options.

Forts:

GudiBande:

Would be a good short hike up the hill to a 17th century fort and temple. Said to be built by a Robinhood-style chief called Byregowda, it has rainwater harvesting systems and small escape routes built-in. I look forward to hiking there when I get a chance.

Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/6yvqbSTBp67ZjFTU8

Food: it is a largish town, so there should be a few local eateries and restaurants

Stay: not that I know of.

Devanahalli:

I have passed through Devanahalli many times on my way to Chikkaballapur but didn’t notice anything special from the highway. I was surprised to know this was the birthplace of Tipu Sultan!

Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/yF4skKDF48AExH9o7
Food: Nandi Upchaar or NandaGokul, both on the NH 7 highway
Stay: Any of the many stay places near Bangalore Airport would be fine to explore Devanahalli

There is a fortress on top of Nandi Hills, completed by Tipu Sultan which may also be worth a visit.

Lakes

Sabanahalli:

A beautiful lake, you can include in your trip back from Lepakshi. It has a couple of different names on maps, including Vatadahosahalli and Thokalahalli lake. Not sure, why the different names, but there is only one large lake. There is a nice picnic spot and sit-outs if you go to the map location given below,
Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/YE3JX9FUc3GV3Pbg8
Food: none in particular. Plan to eat elsewhere or try Gudibande town for eateries.
Stay: none in particular.

GudiBande, Bhairasagara Lake:

There is quite a large lake right by the Gudibande town. There might be good sitting spaces around it, but you will need to explore them out.

Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/nUUFSMf3PoVCUDpk6
Food: none in particular. Plan to eat elsewhere or try Gudibande town for eateries.
Stay: none in particular.

Dandiganahalli:

A dam reservoir, videos/photos of this place are quite stunning. Will share more once I visit.

Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/wm6TMJbX65N8Ko8N9

Treks & Hikes

The “Other Hills” : Skandagiri, Rangaswamy, Makalidurga…

There are many hills around Nandi hills, these include Skandagiri, Rangaswamy Betta, Mallikadurga and many more. All the hills here have little trekking routes. There are quaint / ancient temples on top of them. Many legends associate these spots with deities and cultural epics.

Map Location: Skandagiri, Rangadhama Betta, MakaliDurga
Open Hours: Usually, the treks to the top would take a few hours. Starting off in the wee hours is recommended giving you enough time to reach the top, spend time and then come back before dark. Many of these hills have a fee charged by the government. And camping at night would require permissions.

Spend Time: these are longer treks, they would require half or 3/4th part of the day. So, ideally you would stay here at least for a night. This would give you enough time to trek and visit Adiyogi properly 🙂

Food: a few dhabbas in Mudenahalli or AJ cafe
Stay: Nisarga Farms coffee estate or other AirBnbs at Muddenahalli

Harihara Betta, Kaurav Kunda:

These two treks are right by Adiyogi Isha gate. So, if you are planning only a one-day visit. You can plan the Isha visit with one of these treks. They seem to be shorter treks. Will update more once I explore them.

Map Location: Hari Hara Betta, Kaurav Kunda

Avalabetta Beak Rock:

Intriguing place, even though this curious shaped beak rock on the Avalabetta hilltop has been cordoned off by the authorities. Still, this feels like a worthy trek to go for some reason. Probably, better to stay a night in the region to start-off early in the morning and then be back and get time to explore Adiyogi also.

Map Location: Avalabetta hill

Waterfalls

Vivekananda Waterfalls:

A few kms from the Isha gate, this spot is popular with locals. A short 2 kms walk amidst nature might be required. Again, will update more once I explore myself 🙂

Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/Cnt3J6QPAYZN8qtT8

Gurukulanagenahalli that I mentioned earlier, has a nice waterfall. But during dry months or summer it would be dry.

Ancient Temples

Bhoga Nandeeshwarar:

This would be one of my top recommendations of places to visit in this region. The reason is the mix of architectures from different ruling dynasties over the years which even as a lay person you should be able to notice is stroll around the temple. It is also not too time consuming, as it is located only a few kms off the NH 7 at the base of Nandi Hills.

Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/u5Z4fnfb6HEZ3Qxj7

Rangaswamy:

The gopuram rising tall can be seen from the Adiyogi center. And locals recommended this temple. But, I found the temple a little lackluster in terms of devotional activities around it (not a single flower/offerings stall) etc.. but tell me if you really liked it. I would like to know more. The deity Ranganatha evokes much more vibrant and happening images in my mind. Maybe, the temple has seen its pinnacle some time earlier.

Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/SxEzP9xUVhqPoqor5

Ghati Subramanya:

I am really looking forward to exploring this Kartikeyan aka Subramania temple. It is about 1.5 hours from the Adiyogi center. Might be the largest and popular temple in this region. But I am yet to go there and see. I hope it has a vibrant ecosystem around it.

Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/tGub8nNfjBQzPftb6

Special Mention: Jain Temples of Devanahalli:

Not that ancient, at least the current structures. There are two temples in Devanahalli. The 108 Nakoda Avanti Parshwanath which is dedicated to two Parshwanath forms found in Nakoda town in Rajasthan and Avanti (Ujjain probably). It has a functioning bhojnalaya and is a very nice place to explore. The second is the mini Palitana, an ambitious project, with a full complex of temples on top of a hillock. Unfortunately, I hear the project is stuck in some management fights and issues.

Lepakshi has the Veerbhadra temple built on a hillock. It is a wonderful temple to explore with lime frescoes on the ceiling, interesting carvings, stories and legends associated with it.

I will keep adding more as I explore this region. Would you like to add some amazing places to this list? Comment or contact me! 🙂

Travel Information, Adiyogi Bangalore (Chikkaballapur)

Location: Adiyogi Chikkaballapur statue is 10 kms from the small town of Chikkaballapur and 70 kms from Bangalore city. 

Transport: Daily buses every 30 minutes or so from Chikkaballapur bus stand. Auto-rickshaws from Chikkaballpur will take about 250 – 300 INR. Private taxis from Bangalore Airport will cost about 3000 INR 2-way fare. You may need to bargain a bit. 

From Bangalore city you can take a bus to Chikkaballapur and then transfer to the Adiyogi bus. Or opt for a private taxi or self-driving all the way. For self-driving you can book a car on any of the car rental services like hertz etc… 

Food: Good eatery at the Adiyogi entrance. There is a restaurant called Chandramukhi which serves rice plates, dosas, tea/coffee and more. Plus, a lot of stalls serving various snacks like samosas, ice-creams, corn cobs, fresh fruits and more. 

Stay: If you want to stay close to Adiyogi then opt for hotels in Chikkaballapur like Sri Sierra. There are also a few Airbnb options in the surroundings, but they will require your own transport. Nisarga farms, a rare coffee estate at Mudenahalli is 30 mins from Adiyogi. 

You can also opt for a hotel near the Bangalore airport – there are many more options here with better comfort levels and access to amenities. Or stay in Bangalore city and do a day trip the Adiyogi.