A 16th-century Vijayanagara temple with hanging pillar, monolithic Nandi and richly painted ceilings.
The Veerabhadra temple at Lepakshi was built in 1530 under the Vijayanagara governors Virupanna and Viranna. It is known for the pillar that seems to hang, painted ceiling murals, and a monolithic Nandi statue about 8 metres long, one of the largest in India. The temple sits on a tortoise-shaped hill. The trip crosses into Andhra Pradesh, so rental cars need the correct interstate permit.
| Distance | About 120 km north of Bengaluru, over the Andhra Pradesh border |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 2.5-3 hours each way by road |
| Getting there | Mode: Car; Detail: Road via Hindupur; no direct fast rail; buses go to Hindupur, then local transport |
| Cost | Indian nationals about ₹25 (approx $0.26 USD); foreigners about ₹300 (approx $3.12 USD); verify current fees |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Veerabhadra Temple, Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh 515331, India |
How to get there
- Car with driver: about ₹4,000-6,500 (approx $42-68 USD) for the full day
- Bus: KSRTC and APSRTC to Hindupur, then an auto to Lepakshi (about 15 km)
- Train: services to Hindupur and Dharmavaram, followed by road transfer
- Organised tour: occasional heritage tours
Location
Veerabhadra Temple, Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh 515331, India
13.8073, 77.6081 View on map
Highlights
- Hanging pillar
- Monolithic Nandi bull
- Vijayanagara ceiling paintings
- Naga linga carving
Tips for visiting
- Verify interstate permit when using a rental car
- Photography rules apply inside the sanctum
- Wear modest clothing
When to visit
Morning between October and March.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lepakshi in Karnataka?
No, it is in Andhra Pradesh, about 15 km from Hindupur.
How long is the drive?
About 2.5-3 hours each way from central Bengaluru.