Planning for a weekend getaway from Bangalore with kids but dreading the long drives, steep climbs or endless crowds? Lepakshi is your answer. This hidden gem in Andhra Pradesh is just 120 km (2-3 hours drive) from Bangalore. Lepakshi is an ancient Vijayanagara village which offers low-key adventure packed with history. The wide open spaces at Lepakshi temple are ideal for your little explorers to be themselves.
Why choose Lepakshi for Family Trips from Bangalore?
Bangalore being one of the most populated cities in India, finding tourist places with less crowd is a task for Bengalurians especially for parents with babies and toddlers. Lepakshi gives you the right stress free and crowd free environment but also sparks your child’s imagination with the historical stories from Ramayana and the Vijayanagar empire.
Key perks for busy families:
- Short drive: 120 km drive either via Hoskote or Budigere behind the airport or via Hebbal and Devanahalli crossing the airport
- Budget-friendly: No entry fee (as it is a place of worship), Rs.2500-3000 total for fuel, parking, snacks, and misc
Short History of Lepakshi
The word Lepakshi is split as ‘Le’ (‘rise’) + ‘Pakshi’ (‘bird’). In Treta Yug when Ramayana happened, it is said that this is the spot where the eagle (jatayu) who fought with Ravan to rescue Maa Sita had fallen down injured and was asked to rise by Lord Rama.
The Veerabhadra temple was built in the 16th century by Virupanna Nayaka and Viranna during the reign of King Achyutha Deva Raya. When the king died, his son-in-law took control of this region. The new king was told by the enemies of Virupanna that he is wasting money, so the king ordered Virupanna’s eyes to be plucked. When Virupanna learnt about this, he himself offered his eyes to the deity of the temple (Veerabhadra Swamy – Lord Shiva). You can see this in the temple as well. The temple’s further construction was stopped after this incident and that’s why you will find the Shiva Parvati kalyana mantapa incomplete.
Top 5 Kid-Magnet Attractions at Lepakshi
Veerabhadra Temple’s Hanging Pillar
There is one pillar in the temple which is hanging and historically it is said that it holds the weight of the entire temple structure. You can put a cloth beneath the pillar to show your kids that the pillar is hanging.
Monolithic Nandi Statue
The bull at Lepakshi is 27 ft tall and 15 ft long carved from a single rock outside the temple premises. It is the biggest bull followed by the ones in Bangalore, Mysore and Thanjavur.
Nandi always faces Shiva so where is the Shiva idol?
In the Veerabhadra Swamy temple apart from the main deity, another Shiva idol is over a Naga (Nagalinga) which is within the temple premises. There is a wall between the Shiva idol and the Nandi.
Shiva Parvati’s Wedding in Kailasha
The incomplete marriage hall in the temple depicts Shiva Parvati’s wedding in Kailasha showing who the guests were. There is a carving of Shiva and Parvati in the hall where Shiva holds 4 fingers of Parvati depicting that he is marrying her in the witness of 4 vedas, 4 yugas and 4 directions. All this will trigger the curiosity in the young minds of how our culture is intertwined with life.
Vibrant Temple Murals and Carvings
This ancient temple has wonderful paintings in the ceiling depicting stories from Ramayana. There are multiple pillars with intricate design patterns which are used in Indian clothes.
Sita’s Footprint from Treta Yuga
You will find Maa Sita’s 10 feet long footprint from Treta Yuga. It served as a waterpoint for Jatayu which fell there.
Essential Tips for Stress-Free Family Travel to Lepakshi
- Safety first: If you are travelling with babies/toddlers you should hold their hands near the rocks in the temple
- Hydrate yourself: Carry enough water with you when travelling with kids. You can also fetch water in the temple if required
- Eco Habits: No plastics and teach your kids not to throw trash anywhere in the temple or on the road
- Pack food: There are restaurants on the way to the temple but not in the temple premises so better carry food to keep yourself and your kids away from feeling hungry
- Pack A-Z: If you are travelling with babies/toddlers you will want to make sure to pack spare clothes, diapers, eco-friendly tissues, toys, water and food.
Lepakshi FAQs
1. Is Lepakshi doable for kids under 5?
Absolutely yes! I travelled with my 9-month-old when I first visited Lepakshi. I happily let her crawl within the temple premises. There are no steep climbs or long queues, unlike busier spots like Hampi.
2. Is there space for parking?
Yes, they charge you around Rs.50 for car parking.
3. Can we do Lepakshi in half a day?
Certainly! It is perfect for a half day trip with kids.
4. Best time to visit Lepakshi?
Oct-Mar is ideally the best time, but I visited the temple in April and June as well with my kid and didn’t face any problem. Anytime during the morning should be perfect.
5. How far is Lepakshi from Bangalore?
Lepakshi is about 120 km and takes 2-3 hours based on from where you are starting in Bangalore.
6. Can we combine Lepakshi trip with something else?
I did Lepakshi and Adi Yogi twice together. You can also combine your Lepakshi trip with Nandi hills or Bhoga Nandishwara.
Also read: Must Read Adiyogi Chikkaballapur Visitor Guide
Ready to create family memories? Lepakshi is a perfect family friendly weekend getaway from Bangalore.
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Read also: My other blog posts from Karnataka
