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.
State: Karnataka
Ideal Duration: 1-2 Hours
January, November, December, February
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.