Sandur is a picturesque town in the Ballari (Bellary) district of Karnataka, located approximately 65 km from Ballari and 40 km from Hampi. Nestled in a valley surrounded by the wooded slopes of the Swamimalai hill range, Sandur was historically a small princely state ruled by the Ghorpade dynasty of Marathas.
Key Highlights & Architecture
The town's primary attraction is the ancient Kumaraswamy Temple complex, located on the nearby hillock named Lohachala (Iron Hill). Built during the Badami Chalukya and Rashtrakuta eras (8th–10th century CE), the complex features two main shrines dedicated to Lord Kartikeya (Kumaraswamy) and Goddess Parvati. The architecture highlights exquisite stone carving and classic South Indian temple craftsmanship.
Another major landmark is the Shivavilas Palace, a splendid 1930s royal residence converted into a heritage hotel that showcases the rich history and lifestyle of the Ghorpade royal family. Sandur is also famous for its vast deposits of high-grade iron and manganese ores, with several open-cast mining operations nearby.
Kumaraswamy Temple, Shivavilas Palace, scenic forest valleys, and iron ore mines
👕 Dress Code & Rules
Traditional modest clothing required inside the temple premises
Free for Kumaraswamy Temple
Ample parking near the temple hill complex and palace ground
Local restaurants serving traditional South Indian meals and North Karnataka thali
6:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM