KolārAn ancient Eastern Karnataka stronghold renowned for historical gold mines, silk weaving, and milk cooperatives.
Updated November 2026
Local businesses in Kolār
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Kolār in one minute
Kolār — live weather, population, hidden places and cost of living, auto-updated.
Kolār, one of the oldest cities in southern Karnataka, served as the early capital of the Ganga Dynasty. The city is geographically defined by its dry, boulder-strewn landscape, dominated by the massive Kolar Hills (Shatasringa Parvata). Historically synonymous with the legendary Kolar Gold Fields located in the wider district, the city itself functions as a vital administrative and trade hub connecting Bengaluru with Andhra Pradesh.
Modern Kolār has transitioned from its golden era to become a major hub for agriculture and dairy. It is home to KOMUL, one of the largest milk cooperatives in India, and is a principal supplier of tomatoes and silk to regional markets. The city is also famous for its ancient stone temples, particularly the Kolaramma Temple and the Someshwara Temple, which showcase exquisite Ganga and Chola architectural styles.
Fast facts
| Status | District Headquarters |
| District | Kolar |
| Division | Bengaluru |
| District population (2011) | 1536898 |
| City population (2011) | 138462 |
| Urban agglomeration | 138462 — municipal limits |
| Density | ≈4600 per sq km — pending |
| Languages | Kannada, Telugu, Urdu |
| Main stations | Kolar Railway Station (KQZ) |
| Nearest airport | Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) — 75 km |
| River | Palar — seasonal basin |
| Sub-divisions | Kolar, Bangarapet, Malur, Mulbagal, Srinivaspur |
| District literacy | 74.33 percent |
| Famous for | Silk weaving, mangoes, milk, Kolaramma temple |
City map
Demographics CENSUS 2011
Last official census — 2021 census deferred, estimates update on release.
1,38,462 residents
per 1,000 males
municipal area (2011)
≈15,231 children (est.)
Hidden & heritage places in Kolār
Kolār beyond the postcards — quiet places and lanes most guides skip.
Kolaramma Temple
An ancient 11th-century temple built by the Chola kings, dedicated to Goddess Durga worshipped as Kolaramma, featuring intricate stone carvings and historical inscriptions.
Directions ↗Someshwara Temple
A spectacular specimen of Vijayanagara architecture, famous for its ornate kalyana mantapa, highly decorative pillars, and a towering, beautifully carved gopuram.
Directions ↗Antaragange
A sacred hill spot known for its perennial underground spring that flows through a stone bull bull-mouth, surrounded by volcanic rock formations and natural caves.
Directions ↗Kurudumale Ganesha Temple
A historical temple housing a massive 13.5-foot monolith statue of Lord Ganesha, highly revered since the era of the Vijayanagara rulers and Ganga kings.
Directions ↗Avani
A historic village famous for its hilltop Ramalingeshwara temple complex, associated with the sage Valmiki and the birthplace of Lava and Kusha.
Directions ↗Mulbagal Prasad
A historic town famous for its unique soft-textured Mulbagal idlis and the sacred tomb of Sufi saint Hazrat Baba Hyder Vali.
Directions ↗Weekend getaways near Kolār
Approximate road distances from Kolār.
Cost of living in Kolār
Indicative monthly estimates for a single person — verify locally before deciding.
| 1 BHK rent (city) | ₹3,000 – 6,000 / mo |
| 2 BHK rent (city) | ₹6,000 – 11,000 / mo |
| Meal at a local eatery | ₹70 – 150 |
| Groceries (single, month) | ₹3,500 – 5,500 |
| Utilities (basic) | ₹1,200 – 2,500 |
| Monthly total (est.) | ₹10,000 – 17,000 |
Estimates only · tier-3 market · updated with market data over time
What runs Kolār's economy
What actually runs Kolār.
KOMUL Processing
The Kolar-Chikkaballapur District Co-operative Milk Producers Societies Union is Karnataka second largest dairy processor, producing millions of litres daily.
Dairy ↗Mulberry Silk Weaving
Traditional handloom and powerloom units producing high-quality raw silk and fine silk sarees, supplying major markets across South India.
Textiles ↗Tomato APMC Market
One of Asia largest tomato trading yards, handling hundreds of tonnes of produce daily for distribution across India.
Agri-Trade ↗Mango Cultivation and Export
Srinivaspur region of Kolar is known as the mango capital of Karnataka, producing dozens of varieties for domestic and export markets.
Agriculture ↗Narasapura Industrial Area
A massive KIADB industrial layout housing global manufacturing giants, automobile assembly plants, and ancillary engineering units.
Manufacturing ↗KGF Allied Engineering
While the active gold mines closed in 2001, the region retains engineering workshops and public sector units like BEML.
Heavy Engineering ↗Famous food & restaurants in Kolār
Where locals actually eat — local counters, classics and street institutions.
Hotel Shanti Sagar
A reliable highway stop offering classic South Indian tiffin items, filter coffee, and North Indian meals in a clean environment.
Directions ↗Woodlands Restaurant
Known for serving traditional Karnataka meals on banana leaves, along with crisp dosas and regional vegetarian specialties.
Directions ↗Mulbagal Idli Stalls
Small local eateries near the bus stand serving the famous ghee-laden, crispy-bottomed Mulbagal idlis with spicy coconut chutney.
Directions ↗Nandini Deluxe
A popular family restaurant serving Andhra-style biryanis, spicy chicken curries, and standard vegetarian fare.
Directions ↗Verified from local guides · Sep 2026 · hours change — call ahead
Markets & shopping
Kolar Flower Market
A bustling morning market trading roses, marigolds, and jasmine alongside raw silk cocoons from nearby farms.
Directions ↗MG Road Bazaar
The main commercial street lined with clothing stores, traditional jewellery shops, and local copper vessel merchants.
Directions ↗Festival & fair calendar
Karaga Festival
A grand annual celebration dedicated to Goddess Draupadi, featuring a spectacular night procession through the old city streets.
Makara Sankranti
The harvest festival celebrated with colorful decorations, sugarcane displays, and the traditional feeding of decorated cows.
Navaratri & Vijayadashami
Special pujas and cultural events held at the ancient Kolaramma Temple, drawing thousands of devotees from neighboring districts.
Theerthodbhava at Antaragange
An annual religious gathering where devotees take holy dips in the temple pond during auspicious planetary alignments.
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FAQ
Why is Kolar famous?
Kolar is historically famous for the Kolar Gold Fields (KGF), which were once among the deepest gold mines in the world, and for its ancient temples.
How far is Kolar from Bengaluru?
Kolar is approximately 70 km east of Bengaluru and is easily accessible via the well-maintained National Highway 75.
What is the best time to visit Kolar?
The best time to visit is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and cool, ideal for exploring temples and climbing Antaragange.
What are the main agricultural products of Kolar?
Kolar is famous for being a leading producer of tomatoes, milk, silk, and various varieties of mangoes in Karnataka.