Nanjangud
A pilgrimage town south of Mysuru on the Kapila River, built around the sprawling Srikanteshwara Temple and its towering gopuram. Set on the banks of the Kapila (Kabini) River about 23 kilometres south of Mysuru, Nanjangud grew up around the Srikanteshwara Temple, a major Shiva shrine whose tall gopuram and expansive stone corridors were extended over centuries by successive Mysore rulers and Vijayanagar-era patrons.
Nanjangud at a Glance
Essential information about Nanjangud.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Overview
Set on the banks of the Kapila (Kabini) River about 23 kilometres south of Mysuru, Nanjangud grew up around the Srikanteshwara Temple, a major Shiva shrine whose tall gopuram and expansive stone corridors were extended over centuries by successive Mysore rulers and Vijayanagar-era patrons. The temple’s annual chariot festival, in which its wooden temple car is hauled through the streets by hundreds of devotees, remains one of the largest such rathotsavas in the region. Nanjangud sits at an elevation of 666 m and is typically explored in about 1-2 hours. The most favourable months to visit are January, December, July, and September, when conditions are best suited for sightseeing. Nearby points of interest include Sri Srikanteshwara Temple, Nanjangud Ranganatha Swamy Temple, and Parswanatha Basadi. Other notable highlights include morning aarti at Srikanteshwara Temple's inner sanctum, climbing the seven-storey gopuram for river views, and riverside steps for quiet Kapila River dip. It falls within Karnataka, India.
Highlights
- Morning aarti at Srikanteshwara Temple's inner sanctum
- Climbing the seven-storey gopuram for river views
- Riverside steps for quiet Kapila River dip
- Sweet Mysuru Pak from Nanjangud's old sweet shops
- Ancient stone carvings on the temple's outer walls
- Evening lamp lighting along the temple corridor
Getting There
Things To Do
Seek blessings at the Srikanteshwara Temple during the early morning puja
Arrive before 6:30 AM to witness the special 'Panchamruta Abhisheka' on the main Shiva linga, followed by the rhythmic chanting of vedas. The cool Kapila river breeze and the temple's 11th-century Hoysala architecture make this a serene start.
1.5 hours
Visit the Sri Paravasudeva Swamy Temple (a rare Vishnu shrine)
Walk 10 minutes north of the main Shiva temple to this smaller, lesser-known Vaishnavite temple, also from the Hoysala period. It features a unique idol of Vishnu in a reclining pose, and the inner sanctum is often empty, offering a quiet contrast to the bustling Shiva temple.
45 minutes
Attend the evening aarti at the Kapila River ghat
At sunset, join a small crowd of locals at the stone steps (ghats) near the temple's north side, where a priest performs a simple oil-lamp aarti to the river. You can also take a short, shallow boat ride (if available) or simply sit and watch the bats leave the old banyan trees.
1 hour
Taste the famous Nanjangud rasabale (banana) at the temple street vendors
Buy a bunch of the region's GI-tagged, sweet, saffron-yellow rasabale bananas from the carts right outside the temple's east gate. These bananas are famously offered to the deity, and eating one fresh is a must-do local experience.
30 minutes
Explore the ruined 16th-century Nanjangud Fort (on the riverbank)
Walk up the low, grassy mound behind the temple to see remnants of a mud-and-stone fort built by the Wodeyar kings, with a small watchtower overlooking the Kapila River. It offers a panoramic view of the town and is a peaceful spot for photography, though there are no signboards.
1 hour
Walk the sacred parikrama around the temple tank (Kapila Teertha)
Circumambulate the temple's ancient pushkarini, believed to be fed by the Kapila River, and stop at the small shrines for Ganesha and Nandi along the path. Locals often feed the resident fish and turtles here, offering a quiet, reflective moment.
45 minutes
Travel Tips
Use pre-booked private transport, not local buses
Local buses from Mysuru to Nanjangud are crowded and involve frequent stops, which can be tiring for seniors. Hire a comfortable SUV or tempo traveller for the day, and confirm the driver waits at the temple parking lot — you can also request a short rest stop at the famous Raghava Kalyan (sweet shop) on the way back.
Wear slip-on shoes and keep them in a carry bag
You must remove footwear before entering the temple, and the stone floors can be hot and slippery. Wear easy-to-remove sandals with grip, and carry a small cloth bag to hold everyone’s shoes — this avoids mix-ups and saves time when exiting.
Plan around the temple’s quiet hours
Visit Sri Srikanteshwara Temple early morning (6–9 AM) or after 5 PM to avoid crowds and heat. Seniors can request wheelchair assistance at the entrance, and group members should agree on a meeting point outside to avoid getting separated.
Check for festival days and plan for crowd-free visits
During Shivaratri, full moon days, and weekends, the temple and town get extremely crowded, which can be overwhelming for older travellers. Check the local calendar before your trip and prefer a weekday visit; also, inform the group to carry a small ID card with emergency contact details in case anyone gets separated.
Carry your own water and light snacks
Nanjangud gets very warm by midday, and clean drinking water is not always available inside the temple complex. Bring refillable bottles, ORS packets, and easy-to-eat snacks like biscuits or bananas, especially if you have diabetics or those with low blood pressure in the group.
Good to Know Nearby
Practical essentials close to Nanjangud — handy for senior and group travellers.
Hospitals
- Gowri Hospital0.6 km
- Government Hospital, Nanjangud0.7 km
- Ideal Hospital0.9 km
- ESI Hospital1.5 km
ATMs
- ICICI Bank ATM0.3 km
- Karnataka Bank ATM1 km
- Canara Bank ATM4 km
Restaurants
- Hotel Green Park1 km
Frequently Asked Questions
The most significant festival is the annual Car Festival (Rathotsava) in April or May, when the temple deity is taken out in a grand procession, and the town is decorated with lights. If you prefer a quieter visit, avoid festival days as crowds and heat can be overwhelming; instead, visit on a weekday morning for a peaceful darshan.
Nanjangud is about 23 kilometres from Mysuru, and you can hire a private cab or take a local bus from the Mysuru city bus stand. For groups, a pre-booked tempo traveller or cab is most comfortable, as it allows door-to-door movement and stops at your own pace.
The best time is from October to February, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for temple visits and walking around. Most travellers cover the main sights in a half-day trip, but if you want a relaxed pace with lunch and rest, plan for a full day from Mysuru.
Yes, you will find several traditional South Indian vegetarian restaurants near the temple, serving idli, dosa, and thali meals that are light and easy to digest. For a more comfortable experience, carry your own water bottle and ask for less spicy food; many places also offer simple rice and curd.
The primary attraction is the Srikanteshwara Temple, known for its grand gopuram and intricate carvings, and the nearby Kapila River ghats. The temple has flat stone pathways but some steps at entrances, so carry a light foldable stool or seek assistance from temple staff; the ghats are best viewed from the top platform.
Suggested Itineraries
2 Days in Nanjangud
Arrival & Temple Circuit
Settle into the peaceful rhythm of Nanjangud, beginning with the town’s spiritual heart. The day is slow-paced, with ample time to explore the grand Shiva temple and the riverfront, followed by a relaxed evening in Mysuru’s heritage quarter.
- Visit the Srikanteshwara Shiva Temple in the morning, walking through its towering gopuram, carved pillars, and the sacred inner sanctum. Spend time observing the daily rituals and the temple’s unique 100-pillar hall.
- Take a short walk to the nearby Kapila River ghats, where you can see devotees performing ablutions and offer a quiet moment by the water. Look for the old stone steps and the small shrines along the bank.
- In the late afternoon, drive to Mysuru (about 30 minutes) to stroll through the Mysuru Palace grounds from outside, admiring the illuminated exterior as the sun sets. If time permits, visit the nearby Devaraja Market for a sensory walk through spice and flower stalls.
Mysuru Highlights & Riverside Return
A full day dedicated to the key sights of Mysuru, balanced with a return to Nanjangud for its quieter, lesser-known corners. The pace is gentle, with breaks for coffee and rest between major stops.
- Start early at Mysuru Palace (open from 10 AM), exploring the durbar hall, royal artifacts, and the intricate stained-glass ceilings. Allocate two hours for a self-guided walk through the main floors.
- Visit the Chamundeshwari Temple on Chamundi Hill, taking the scenic drive up. Spend time at the hilltop for panoramic views of Mysuru and the Nandi statue halfway down, where you can pause for photos.
- Return to Nanjangud in the late afternoon for a second, deeper visit to the Srikanteshwara Temple, focusing on the outer corridors, the temple tank, and the local vendors selling traditional sweets like the famous Nanjangud rasabale (banana). End the day with a slow walk along the Kapila riverbank as the light fades.
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Tour Packages for Nanjangud
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