Kotilingeshwara — home to one of the tallest Shivalingas in the world, standing roughly 108 feet (33 metres) tall, surrounded by over 90 lakh smaller Shivalingas — is one of the most striking pilgrimage destinations near Bangalore. Located in Kammasandra village in Kolar district, about 100 km from the city via NH75, it makes for an easy half-day or full-day trip. Whether you're a devotee of Shiva, a temple architecture enthusiast, or simply curious about a site with literal millions of lingas, Kotilingeshwara is unlike anywhere else in South India.
The temple was founded in 1980 by Swami Sambha Shiva Murthy, who began installing Shivalingas with the vision of eventually reaching one crore (koti) — which is exactly what "Kotilingeshwara" means: Lord of one crore lingas. Devotees from across the country continue to add to the count by installing their own Shivalinga in their name. Standing beside the main linga is a 35-foot Nandi statue, and the open temple grounds spread across several acres dotted with rows of smaller lingas.
This guide covers everything for your Bangalore–Kotilingeshwara trip: all-inclusive cab fares, the best route, temple timings, what to see, and practical tips.
About Kotilingeshwara Temple — Kammasandra, Kolar
🕉️ Kotilingeshwara — Lord of One Crore Lingas
The 108-foot Shivalinga at Kammasandra is among the tallest in the world, standing beside a 35-foot Nandi statue on a long stone platform. Founded by Swami Sambha Shiva Murthy in 1980 with the first linga installed on 10 October that year, the temple has since grown to house over 90 lakh smaller Shivalingas, installed by devotees from across the country, all working towards the goal of one crore (koti) lingas implied in the temple's name.
Cab Fare from Bangalore to Kotilingeshwara — 2026
All fares are all-inclusive — base fare, driver bata, and fuel. Tolls are charged at actuals. We offer packages — your driver picks you up, waits at the temple, and drops you back home.
| Vehicle | Seats | Package Fare | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan (Dzire / Swift) | 4 | ₹4,000 | Couples, Solo, Small Families |
| Ertiga | 6 | ₹5,000 | Families, Small Groups |
| Innova Crysta | 7 | ₹5,500 | Families, Comfort Travel |
All-inclusive fares. Driver waits at the temple. WhatsApp us for instant confirmation →
Choose Your Vehicle
All three vehicles are AC, GPS-tracked, and regularly serviced. Your driver stays with you throughout the trip.
Best Route: Bangalore to Kotilingeshwara Temple
The recommended route is via NH75 — well-maintained, around 100 km, and 2 to 2.5 hours from central Bangalore. The route passes through KR Puram and Hoskote, continues through Malur and Kolar town, then on towards Bangarpet with a short final stretch to Kammasandra village.
💡 Pro Tip: Leave Bangalore by 6:00–7:00 AM to reach the temple in the cooler morning hours and avoid both traffic and the midday crowd. This also leaves time to visit nearby Kolaramma Temple in Kolar town on the way back.
Kotilingeshwara Temple — Timings & Key Details
📋 Quick Reference — Timings & Facts
⚠️ Some visitors report a quieter midday window at the temple, and exact darshan hours can shift slightly. Timings and crowd levels change significantly during Mahashivaratri (Feb/March) — call ahead or check locally if visiting on a festival day.
What to See and Do at Kotilingeshwara
The temple grounds offer several meaningful experiences beyond the main darshan. Plan 2 to 3 hours to cover everything comfortably.
🕉️ The 108-Foot Shivalinga
Stand before one of the tallest Shivalingas in the world. The sheer scale, set against open sky, makes this the temple's defining sight. Photography is permitted with a small camera fee.
🐂 The 35-Foot Nandi Statue
Facing the main linga is a massive Nandi (Shiva's bull) statue set on a long stone platform, with a trishul (trident) standing between the two. A popular photo spot.
🔢 Walking Among the Lingas
Beyond the central statue, rows upon rows of smaller Shivalingas — over 90 lakh and counting — stretch across the temple grounds, each installed by a devotee. Walking through them is a uniquely immersive experience.
🪔 Linga Prathishta
Devotees can install their own Shivalinga in their name, typically starting from around ₹6,000 depending on size. Ask at the temple office or counter for current rates and procedure.
🍽️ Anna Prasada (Free Meals)
The temple is known to serve free meals to visitors around lunchtime. Availability can vary by day, so it's worth asking on arrival rather than relying on it.
🛕 Nearby Kolaramma Temple
In Kolar town, en route, the ancient Kolaramma Temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati showcases Dravidian-style architecture and intricate carvings — worth a short stop if time allows.
Best Time to Visit Kotilingeshwara from Bangalore
Kotilingeshwara can be visited any time of the year, but October to March offers the most comfortable weather for walking the open temple grounds, avoiding the peak summer heat.
The best time of day is early morning, between 6 AM and 9 AM. Arriving early means cooler temperatures, shorter queues, and a more peaceful darshan before the day's crowds build up. Weekends tend to draw more visitors from nearby towns, and Mondays — being Shiva's day — can also be busier than other weekdays.
During Mahashivaratri (February / March), the temple sees a very large gathering of devotees, often reported in the lakhs. If you plan to visit during this period, leave extra early and book your cab well in advance.
Practical Tips for Your Kotilingeshwara Trip
- Leave early: Depart Bangalore by 6:00–7:00 AM to arrive in the cooler morning hours and beat both traffic and the crowd.
- Carry cash in small denominations — the ₹20 entry fee, camera fee, and shoe-stand charges are typically collected at counters that may not accept cards or UPI.
- Wear comfortable, easily removable footwear — you will walk extensively across open stone-paved grounds and remove footwear near the main linga.
- Carry water and a cap or umbrella — much of the temple complex is in the open with limited shade, especially in summer months.
- There are very few restaurants on the route until Kolar town — carry snacks and water for the drive if travelling early morning.
- Avoid Mondays if you prefer a quieter visit, since it's considered an especially auspicious day for Shiva temples.
- Parking is free and available on the temple grounds. Your Saraswathi cab driver will park and wait throughout your visit.
- No advance booking is needed for a regular visit — just show up, pay the entry fee at the counter, and join the queue.
Frequently Asked Questions
The road distance from Bangalore to Kotilingeshwara (Kammasandra, Kolar district) is approximately 100 km via NH75. The cab journey takes 2 to 2.5 hours depending on traffic.
All-inclusive cab fare starts at ₹4,000 for a Sedan, ₹5,000 for an Ertiga, and ₹5,500 for an Innova Crysta. Fares include base fare, driver bata, and fuel. Tolls extra at actuals. WhatsApp for instant confirmation →
Yes. All our Kotilingeshwara packages are all-inclusive — your driver picks you up from Bangalore, waits at the temple, and drops you back home. No separate booking needed. Packages start at ₹4,000 for Sedan.
Entry to Kotilingeshwara Temple costs ₹20 per person. A camera fee of around ₹100 applies for photography. No advance booking or registration is required for a regular visit.
The temple is open daily from approximately 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Some visitors report a quieter midday window. Timings can shift during Mahashivaratri — it's best to confirm locally if visiting on a festival day.
Kotilingeshwara can be visited any time of the year, with October to March offering the most pleasant weather. The best time of day is early morning between 6 AM and 9 AM for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
The best route is NH75 via KR Puram/Hoskote → Malur → Kolar → Bangarpet → Kammasandra. Approximately 100 km on well-maintained highway roads. Total drive time 2 to 2.5 hours.
Plan 2 to 3 hours for a comfortable visit — darshan of the 108-foot Shivalinga, the Nandi statue, and walking among the smaller lingas. Your Saraswathi driver waits at the temple parking throughout.
Kotilingeshwara is famous for housing one of the tallest Shivalingas in the world at around 108 feet, alongside a 35-foot Nandi statue and over 90 lakh smaller Shivalingas installed by devotees — with the long-term goal of reaching one crore (koti), the meaning behind the temple's name.
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