Mantralayam Tour Packages take devotees to the holy town of Sri Raghavendra Swamy. Mantralayam is a small town in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh, on the Tungabhadra river close to the Karnataka border. It holds the Brindavana of the 17th-century Madhva saint, and devotees from across South India come for his blessings, often on Thursdays. Upstream on the same river lie the Tungabhadra Dam at Hosapete and Hampi, the old Vijayanagara capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. GoldBox Holidays currently offers one package in this category: a 2-day, 1-night bus tour from Bangalore that covers Mantralayam, the dam and Hampi.
Popular Mantralayam Tour Packages
This single trip links a major pilgrimage with a great heritage site over one weekend.
- Mantralayam-Tungabhadra Dam-Hampi Tour Package from Bangalore - 2 days and 1 night by bus from Bangalore. Good for devotees of Raghavendra Swamy, families and first-time visitors to Hampi.
Places you will visit
- Sri Raghavendra Swamy Matha, Mantralayam - the Brindavana where the saint entered samadhi in 1671. Many devotees first bathe in the Tungabhadra, then join the queue.
- Manchalamma temple - the shrine of the village goddess, which pilgrims traditionally visit before the Brindavana.
- Panchamukhi Anjaneya temple - a rock shrine near Mantralayam where the saint is said to have done penance.
- Tungabhadra Dam - a large dam near Hosapete, with gardens and wide views over the reservoir.
- Virupaksha Temple, Hampi - a living Shiva temple with a tall gopuram at the head of Hampi Bazaar.
- Vittala Temple and the royal area - the stone chariot, the musical pillars, the Lotus Mahal and the Elephant Stables.
Best time to go
October to February is the best time. Hampi's rocks trap heat, and walking the ruins at midday from March to May is tiring. The monsoon brings some rain but fills the river and the dam. The Aradhana of Sri Raghavendra Swamy, held over three days in August, is the biggest event at Mantralayam. It draws very large crowds, so book early if you plan to go then. Thursdays and the saint's Jayanti in February or March are also busy.
How to choose the right package
Mantralayam is about 370 to 400 km from Bangalore by road, and Hampi is a few more hours away. The bus covers long distances in 2 days, so this trip suits devotees and fit travellers who do not mind long hours on the road. Families with elders should carry a cushion, water and light snacks. In Hampi, a hat, sunscreen and good walking shoes make a big difference. History lovers who want more time among the ruins and Chalukya temples can pick the North Karnataka Temple Tour from our Karnataka Tour Packages. If you want to add Belum Caves or Yaganti near Kurnool on a separate trip, read our Kurnool travel guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a dress code at the Mantralayam Matha?
Traditional clothes are expected. Men may be asked to remove shirts for some sevas. Shorts and sleeveless tops are not suitable.
Can I see all of Hampi on this trip?
No. In a few hours you can see the Virupaksha temple, the Vittala temple and the royal area. Hampi has hundreds of monuments, so a longer visit is worth planning another time.
How far is Hampi from Mantralayam?
Roughly 200 km by road, a drive of about 4 to 5 hours.