Sri Venugopalaswamy Temple KRS
Pilgrimage Sites · Heritage & Culture
Hoysala Temple

Sri Venugopalaswamy Temple KRS

☆☆☆☆☆· 4 visited
90 min
Duration
Free entry
Price
October to February
Best time
Main temple entrance at Hosa Kannambadi near KRS Dam
Meeting point

About Sri Venugopalaswamy Temple KRS

Sri Venugopalaswamy Temple at KRS is a remarkable Hoysala temple dedicated to Lord Krishna in his Venugopala form, near Hosa Kannambadi and the Krishna Raja Sagara backwaters. Originally built in the 12th century in Kannambadi village, it was submerged when the KRS Dam was constructed and later restored stone by stone by the Khoday Foundation, reopening as a symbol of devotion, heritage, and resilience.

The temple is admired for its classic Hoysala architecture, including a raised platform for pradakshina, intricate soapstone carvings, pillared halls, and a sanctum housing the deity. Visitors also come for the peaceful atmosphere, the stone chariot, and the scenic setting around the reservoir, especially during sunrise and sunset.

It is a quiet, spiritually focused temple with limited commercial activity. Photography may be restricted inside, and visitors are expected to maintain silence and dress modestly.

Sri Venugopala Swamy Temple, Hosa Kannambadi, near KRS Dam, Mysuru/Mandya District, Karnataka, India

Usually peaceful; can get busier on weekends and festival days

How RutMe scores this

86.40
Overall

Sri Venugopalaswamy Temple at KRS is one of the most evocative heritage stops near Mysuru: a 12th-century Hoysala Krishna temple that was submerged by the reservoir and later restored stone by stone. That backstory alone makes it a powerful visit, but the real draw is the temple’s refined architecture, quiet devotional atmosphere, and the scenic setting beside the KRS backwaters. This is not a high-energy sightseeing stop; it’s a place to slow down, observe, and appreciate craftsmanship and history. Sunrise and sunset can be especially rewarding for photography and atmosphere, though visitors should expect a restrained temple environment with modest dress, silence, and possible photography limits inside. With free entry and a peaceful setting, it offers exceptional value for travelers interested in heritage, spirituality, and calm views.

Adventure28.50
Family82.00
Safety84.50
Crowd74.00
Cultural96.50
Relaxation91.00
Accessibility42.00
Budget friendly98.50
Pros
  • +Free entry and excellent value
  • +Rich cultural and spiritual significance
  • +Calm, scenic environment ideal for slow travel
Cons
  • –Limited facilities such as restrooms, drinking water, and food
  • –Accessibility is poor for wheelchair users and mobility-impaired visitors
Best for FAMILYBest for COUPLESBest for SOLOBest for SENIORSBest for KIDSCULTUREHERITAGERELAXATIONPHOTOGRAPHYSPIRITUAL

Suggested itinerary

Arrival
Enter Hosa Kannambadi

Reach the temple area near KRS Dam and follow the approach road to the restored temple complex.

Darshan
Temple Entry and Silent Darshan

Walk into the serene courtyard, observe the Hoysala-style architecture, and have darshan of Lord Venugopala Swamy in a quiet, respectful atmosphere.

Visit
See the Stone Chariot and Carvings

Explore the temple exterior, stone chariot, pillars, and carved panels that reflect the craftsmanship of the original Hoysala structure.

Wrap-up
Enjoy the Backwater Views

Spend a few minutes taking in the peaceful reservoir surroundings before heading back to Mysuru or nearby attractions like Brindavan Gardens.

What's included

Included
  • ✓Temple darshan
  • ✓Access to temple परिसर and carvings
Not included
  • ✕Photography inside the temple
  • ✕Offerings/prasad may be restricted

Opening hours

Monday07:00:00 – 18:30:00Some sources mention morning and evening darshan; timings may vary seasonally.
TuesdayClosedClosed as per one source
Wednesday07:00:00 – 18:30:00Some sources mention morning and evening darshan; timings may vary seasonally.
Thursday · Today07:00:00 – 18:30:00Some sources mention morning and evening darshan; timings may vary seasonally.
Friday07:00:00 – 18:30:00Some sources mention morning and evening darshan; timings may vary seasonally.
Saturday07:00:00 – 18:30:00Some sources mention morning and evening darshan; timings may vary seasonally.
Sunday07:00:00 – 18:30:00Some sources mention morning and evening darshan; timings may vary seasonally.

Show timings

Monday06:00 – 06:30Suprabhata Seva
Monday07:00 – 07:30Nitya Pooja
Monday08:00 – 08:45Maharaja Pooja
Monday12:00 – 12:30Uchikala Pooja
Monday18:30 – 19:00Bangaru Pallaki
Monday19:00 – 19:30Sandhya Aarti
Monday20:30 – 21:00Night Pooja (Ekantha)

Facilities

Parking available
Restrooms
Drinking water
Guide available
Wheelchair accessible
WiFi
Food on-site
Pet friendly
Family friendly
Kid friendly
Couple friendly
Senior friendly

Nearby attractions

within 50 km

Nearby restaurants