Pilgrimage
Kigga
A quiet village a short drive from Sringeri, centred on the Rishyashringeshwara temple dedicated to the sage traditionally credited with giving Sringeri its name. Kigga’s Rishyashringeshwara temple honours the sage Rishyashringa, a figure from the Ramayana whose hermitage tradition places in these hills and whose name, in one telling, gave rise to “Sringeri.” The modest wooden-roofed shrine, styled after local Malnad hill-country temple architecture rather than grand Hoysala stonework, sits amid areca and coffee gardens on the fringe of the Kudremukh forest range, and is typically visited alongside the nearby Sirimane Falls.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Overview
Kigga’s Rishyashringeshwara temple honours the sage Rishyashringa, a figure from the Ramayana whose hermitage tradition places in these hills and whose name, in one telling, gave rise to “Sringeri.” The modest wooden-roofed shrine, styled after local Malnad hill-country temple architecture rather than grand Hoysala stonework, sits amid areca and coffee gardens on the fringe of the Kudremukh forest range, and is typically visited alongside the nearby Sirimane Falls. Kigga sits at an elevation of 675 m and is typically explored in about 1-2 hours. The most favourable months to visit are January, November, December, and February, when conditions are best suited for sightseeing. Nearby points of interest include Kigga Village Heritage Walk, Kigga Sree Rameshwara Temple, and Sarpadri Hill. Other notable highlights include ancient Rishyashringeshwara temple’s carved stone pillars, morning aarti with brass lamps and conch, and riverside walk along the Tunga’s clear shallows. It falls within Chikmagalur district and Karnataka, India.
Highlights
- Ancient Rishyashringeshwara temple’s carved stone pillars
- Morning aarti with brass lamps and conch
- Riverside walk along the Tunga’s clear shallows
- View of Mullayanagiri range from temple steps
- Local priest’s story of sage Rishyashringa’s penance
- Quiet village lane lined with areca and banana groves
Getting There
Things To Do
Seek blessings at the Rishyashringeshwara Temple
Walk through the ancient stone gateway to the main shrine dedicated to sage Rishyashringa, where the deity is a swayambhu (self-manifested) linga. Offer prayers and observe the daily puja rituals, which are especially vibrant during the early morning hours.
1 hour
Watch the afternoon aarti and temple music
Sit in the temple courtyard during the 12:30 PM or 6:30 PM aarti, where priests play the nadaswaram and drums, creating a resonant, spiritual atmosphere. This is a true local experience, as most visitors leave by noon, leaving the space calm and intimate.
45 minutes
Circumambulate the temple tank and stepwell
Stroll around the small, serene temple pond (kalyani) adjacent to the shrine, where devotees perform ritual ablutions before entering the temple. The carved stone steps and calm water offer a peaceful spot for quiet reflection and photography.
30 minutes
Visit the small shrine of Goddess Shanta Devi
Walk to the adjacent, smaller shrine dedicated to Shanta Devi, the consort of sage Rishyashringa, located within the same temple complex. This lesser-visited spot is ideal for a quiet prayer and to see the traditional Malnad-style temple architecture up close.
20 minutes
Explore the hillock behind the temple (Kigga Betta)
Take a short, gentle climb up the rocky hill behind the temple complex, which is part of the Western Ghats. From the top, you get a panoramic view of the surrounding paddy fields, coconut groves, and the distant Tunga River valley.
1.5 hours
Picnic near the stream at the base of the hill
Follow the narrow path from the temple’s east gate down to the seasonal stream that flows from the hill, especially during or just after the monsoon. The shaded, mossy banks are perfect for a simple packed lunch, but carry your water back as the stream is not potable.
1 hour
Travel Tips
Carry a small foldable stool or walking stick
Seniors will find the uneven terrain easier with a walking stick, and a light stool helps during long queues for darshan. Group members can take turns using them while waiting.
Keep group contact and meet-up points clear
Mobile signals are patchy near Kigga, so decide on a fixed meeting point (like the big banyan tree near the base) and time before splitting up. Wear bright or matching caps so the group is easy to spot.
Hire a local guide for vehicle parking and route assistance
Parking is limited near the temple, and the last stretch is narrow. A local auto or guide can drop you closer to the base, saving a long walk for the group.
Start early to avoid steep climb fatigue
The Kigga temple involves a moderate uphill walk with uneven stone steps. Begin your visit by 7:30 AM when it's cooler, and take frequent rests on the shaded benches along the path.
Pack light snacks and water, but avoid heavy meals before the climb
There are no eateries near the temple, only small stalls at the base. Carry glucose biscuits, ORS packets, and water bottles, but eat a light breakfast to avoid dizziness during the climb.
Frequently Asked Questions
Carry your own water bottles and light snacks, as there are only a few small tea stalls near the temple, and no proper restaurants. Also bring a hat, sunscreen, and a small first-aid kit, and wear sturdy, non-slip footwear for the climb and uneven paths.
Yes, the main temple (dedicated to Rishyashringa) sits on a small hill, and you will need to climb about 100-150 stone steps, which can be tiring. However, there is a shorter, smoother path from the side that is less steep, and you can also hire local helpers to support you if needed.
The best time is between October and March, when the weather is cool and dry, making it ideal for walking and sightseeing. Avoid the heavy monsoon months (June to September) as the roads can get slippery and the trek to the Kigga temple becomes challenging for senior travellers.
There is no strict dress code, but it is respectful to wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees, as it is a Hindu temple. You must remove your footwear before entering the inner sanctum, and it is customary to offer a small coconut or flowers, which you can buy from the vendors near the entrance.
Kigga is about 12 kilometres from Sringeri, and you can hire a private taxi or an auto-rickshaw from the town. The road is narrow but paved, with some sharp curves, so a slower, comfortable drive is recommended; a small van or SUV is best for groups to avoid jostling.
Suggested Itineraries
2 Days in Kigga
Day 1
Arrive in Kigga in the morning, a peaceful village nestled in the Malnad hills. Spend the first half of the day exploring the Rishyashringeshwara temple, its ancient stone carvings, and the quiet courtyard, learning about the sage Rishyashringa. After a relaxed lunch, take a gentle walk along the nearby Tunga River banks, where the water is clear and the air is fresh, perfect for a slow afternoon.
- Visit Rishyashringeshwara temple, offer prayers, and observe the unique architecture and the idol of the sage with a horn on his head
- Walk around the temple complex and the small local market for hand-made incense and local spices
- Stroll along the Tunga River ghats, sit on the rocks, and watch the sunset over the water
Day 2
Dedicate the second day to exploring the main Sringeri town, just 15 minutes away. Visit the famous Sri Sharadamba Temple and the Vidyashankara Temple, known for its 12 zodiac pillars and stunning Hoysala-style architecture. In the afternoon, take a short drive to the nearby Sringeri Mutt (monastery) to see the sacred puja rituals and the museum of Adi Shankaracharya’s relics, then return to Kigga for a quiet evening.
- Visit Sri Sharadamba Temple, attend the morning puja, and see the golden goddess idol
- Explore Vidyashankara Temple, noting the pillars that align with zodiac signs and the intricate ceiling carvings
- Walk through the Sringeri Mutt premises, view the samadhi of Adi Shankaracharya, and browse the small museum of ancient manuscripts and coins
- Optional: short visit to the nearby Harihara temple and the river confluence point at Tunga and Bhadra (if time permits)
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