From ISKCON to Bull Temple: Exploring Bengaluru’s Divine Landmarks

Explore Bengaluru’s spiritual side with iconic landmarks like ISKCON Temple and the historic Bull Temple. Discover the stories, legends, and cultural heritage that shape the city’s divine identity—a guide for travelers and locals seeking soulful experiences in Bangalore.

Written by: Shivani Dixit | Published: November 26, 2025 | Updated: November 26, 2025
Image Source: Instagram/@iskconbangaloretemple

Bengaluru might be famous for its traffic, tech parks, and weekend cafés, but if you pause long enough, another side of the city emerges—a quieter, spiritual Bengaluru shaped by centuries-old traditions and devotion. Beneath the modern skyline, temple bells, incense, and ancient prayers mark the rhythm of daily life.

From towering gopurams to rock-cut cave shrines, Bengaluru’s spiritual landmarks offer more than just visual splendor. They preserve stories of kings, sages, miracles, and communities that have safeguarded these spaces through time. Here’s a journey through some of the city’s most iconic religious sites.

ISKCON Temple, Rajajinagar: A Modern Symbol of Devotion

ISKCON Temple is one of Bengaluru’s most visited spiritual landmarks, blending contemporary architecture with timeless devotion. Perched on Hare Krishna Hill, it welcomes thousands of visitors daily with its serene ambience, Vedic chants, and elaborate rituals.

Inside, the Radha-Krishna deities are resplendently adorned, and the corridors resonate with soothing bhajans. Join the aarti or sit on the cool marble floors, and you’ll discover a rare sense of peace, where the city’s noise feels worlds away.

Bull Temple, Basavanagudi: Where Nandi Guards the City

Long before Bengaluru became a megacity, Basavanagudi was home to a legend—a giant monolithic Nandi carved from a single black granite boulder. The Bull Temple, built during Kempegowda’s rule in the 16th century, remains a powerful spiritual symbol.

According to local beliefs, Nandi once grew bigger every year, prompting the placement of a metal harake (iron band) to restrain its size. Today, the deity still bears that band. Visit during the annual Kadalekai Parishe (groundnut fair) to experience a vibrant cultural festival that has thrived for over three centuries.

Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple: A Cave that Captures the Sun

Hidden in the heart of Gavipuram, Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple is one of Bengaluru’s oldest rock-cut shrines, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is famous for its rare astronomical phenomenon—during Makar Sankranti, sunlight passes through precisely aligned windows to illuminate the Shiva Linga inside the cave.

Kote Venkataramana Temple: A Slice of Vijayanagara in Bengaluru

Near the old Bangalore Fort stands Kote Venkataramana Temple, showcasing the elegance of Vijayanagara architecture. Built in the 17th century, it once served as the royal temple for Wodeyar kings visiting the city.

Its intricately carved pillars, detailed motifs, and tranquil courtyard offer a striking contrast to the bustling streets outside. Here, time seems to move at its own pace, inviting visitors to linger a little longer.

Dodda Ganesha Temple, Basavanagudi: The Mighty Ganesha Who Listens

Just a short walk from the Bull Temple, Dodda Ganesha Temple houses an enormous 18-foot-tall Ganesha idol sculpted from a single stone. During the Benne Alankara festival, devotees smear the idol with butter, transforming it into a glowing white marvel that draws thousands.

Locals visit before exams, interviews, or journeys, believing the deity removes obstacles with a gentle, parental warmth.

Banashankari Amma Temple: Where Devotion Meets Tradition

Dedicated to Goddess Banashankari, this temple is known for its deeply rooted rituals and bustling Tuesday crowds. Though the current structure is relatively modern, devotion to the goddess spans centuries.

During the Banashankari Rathotsava, the area comes alive with lights, chariots, and traditions cherished by generations.

Sri Someshwara Temple, Ulsoor: Older Than the City Itself

Sri Someshwara Temple in Ulsoor is a hidden treasure, believed to date back to the Chola period, making it one of Bengaluru’s oldest surviving structures. Ornate pillars, Yali sculptures, and a quiet mandapa narrate stories of a time long past.

Bengaluru’s spiritual landmarks offer a journey through devotion, culture, and history, reminding visitors that beyond the modern hustle lies a city deeply rooted in faith and tradition.

Thailand has long been a favorite among global travelers, and in 2025, the country is rolling out yet another tourist-friendly initiative. As part of a new subsidy plan worth 700 million Thai Baht, international visitors may soon enjoy free domestic flights across Thailand. The scheme aims to boost tourism in smaller towns and regional destinations, allowing travelers to explore beyond Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai.

Why Thailand is making travel easier for tourists

Thailand is already one of the most accessible destinations for Indian travelers, with visa-free entry for citizens of 93 countries including India. Recently, the government revamped visa rules to help long-term visitors and LTR (Long-Term Resident) permit holders maximize their stay. Now, the country wants to make domestic travel within Thailand cheaper and more convenient, encouraging tourists to explore cultural and heritage sites across the nation.

Sorawong Thienthong, Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports, confirmed that the plan is part of the “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year” campaign, designed to promote both tourism and cultural heritage.

Free domestic flights: How the scheme will work

• Funding: 700 million Baht allocated to subsidize tickets.
• Travel Period: Subsidy program runs from August to December 2025, with flights scheduled between September and November.
• Coverage: At least 200,000 foreign visitors are expected to benefit.
• Airlines Included: Six major carriers – Thai AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, Thai Airways International, Thai Lion Air, and Thai Vietjet.

Under the scheme, the government will subsidize 1,750 Baht (approx ₹4,000) for one-way tickets and 3,500 Baht (approx ₹8,000) for round trips. This means tourists will either fly for free or pay significantly reduced fares.

Focus on culture, heritage, and regional cities

The subsidy will encourage visitors to explore UNESCO-designated cities, regional tourist hubs, and hidden gems outside Thailand’s crowded hotspots. Famous cultural sites like Wat Pho in Bangkok (recently visited by PM Narendra Modi) will remain key attractions, but smaller cities will now get more global visibility. This approach mirrors Japan’s domestic travel campaigns, where foreign visitors are encouraged to move beyond metropolitan hubs.

Extra perks: Luggage and ticket benefits

Alongside free flights, travelers booking their international tickets to Thailand through airline websites, online travel agencies, or multi-city options will also receive:

• 20 kg free luggage allowance
• Two complimentary domestic flight tickets (or one one-way ticket, depending on the package)

This will make travel within Thailand far more economical for families and solo travelers alike.

Economic impact and what’s next

The Thai government expects this initiative to significantly strengthen the economy by redirecting tourism away from just Bangkok and Phuket and creating revenue opportunities in less-explored destinations. The proposal is currently awaiting cabinet approval before being officially implemented.

If approved, the scheme will not only benefit tourists but also create growth opportunities for local businesses, airlines, and hospitality sectors in smaller cities, helping Thailand position itself as one of the most tourist-friendly destinations in Asia in 2025.

The Guru Dronacharya Mela is one of the most vibrant cultural and religious fairs in Noida, celebrated every year to honor Guru Dronacharya, the legendary teacher of the Pandavas and Kauravas in the Mahabharata. Known for his mastery of warfare and archery, Dronacharya remains a symbol of discipline, wisdom, and devotion to knowledge.

The mela not only carries deep mythological importance but also offers a spectacular glimpse into India’s cultural heritage with rituals, folk music, wrestling matches, food stalls, and handicrafts.

Guru Dronacharya Mela 2025 Date and Duration

• 📅 Start Date: Thursday, August 21, 2025
• 📅 End Date: Saturday, August 30, 2025
• 📍 Location: Shri Drona Natya Natyashala, Dankaur, Noida

As per tradition, the mela runs for 10 days, drawing thousands of devotees, traders, and tourists from across Uttar Pradesh and neighboring states.

➡️ On the first day (August 21, 2025), all schools in Gautam Budh Nagar district, Noida, will remain closed, ensuring smooth participation and traffic management during the inaugural festivities.

The Significance of Guru Dronacharya Mela

The mela is held in honor of Guru Dronacharya, one of the most respected teachers in Indian mythology. He was the martial arts guru of both the Pandavas and Kauravas and played a key role in imparting discipline and knowledge of warfare.

The fair begins with rituals and prayers dedicated to Guru Dronacharya, symbolizing respect for teachers and knowledge-givers. Over time, the mela has grown from a religious gathering into a cultural festival that represents the spirit of community, tradition, and celebration.

Highlights of Guru Dronacharya Mela 2025

Visitors to the fair can expect a vibrant mix of traditions, entertainment, and local flavors. Some of the major attractions include:

✨ Religious Ceremonies – Devotees participate in rituals and prayers honoring Guru Dronacharya.
🎭 Folk Performances – Traditional music, dance, and street plays bring the festive grounds alive.
🤼 Wrestling Matches (Kushti) – Local akharas showcase traditional Indian wrestling, a long-time highlight of the mela.
🛍 Handicrafts & Trade Stalls – Artisans and traders display handicrafts, home décor, garments, and accessories.
🍲 Traditional Food Stalls – From chaats to sweets, the mela is also a feast for food lovers.
🎨 Competitions & Exhibitions – Schools and local communities organize cultural competitions and exhibitions for visitors.

Why Visit Guru Dronacharya Mela in Noida?

The mela is not just a religious fair, but a social gathering that strengthens community ties. It provides:

• A chance to revisit Indian mythology and its timeless values.
• An opportunity to experience local folk culture in its purest form.
• A family-friendly outing filled with entertainment, food, and shopping.
• A spiritual reminder of the guru-shishya tradition, central to Indian heritage.

Conclusion

The Guru Dronacharya Mela 2025, scheduled from August 21 to August 30 in Dankaur, Noida, promises to be a spectacular blend of tradition, devotion, and festivity. With its rich cultural programs, folk performances, and spiritual rituals, the mela continues to uphold the legacy of Guru Dronacharya, inspiring generations with his story of discipline and knowledge.

For locals and tourists alike, the mela is more than just an event—it’s a cultural experience that connects communities with India’s glorious past while celebrating its vibrant present.