Iskcon Temple, Bangalore, Karnataka

ISKCON Temple Bangalore, the Sri Radha Krishna Temple on Hare Krishna Hill in Rajajinagar, is one of the largest ISKCON temples in the world. Inaugurated in 1997, it rises above Chord Road as a granite hilltop complex where daily worship, kirtan, and free food service run side by side. Entry is free, darshan takes one to two hours, and the temple welcomes everyone.

Key Highlights

• ISKCON Temple Bangalore is the Sri Radha Krishna Temple on Hare Krishna Hill, Chord Road, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru 560010.
• Darshan runs 7:15 am to 1:15 pm and 4:15 pm to 8:20 pm on weekdays, with continuous darshan from 7:15 am to 8:20 pm on weekends and public holidays.
• Entry and general darshan are free; only parking and the footwear stand carry small charges.
• The temple was inaugurated in 1997 and is one of the largest ISKCON temples in the world.
• Festivals like Janmashtami and Rath Yatra draw lakhs of visitors, so plan around them or arrive early.

History of ISKCON Temple Bangalore

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) was founded by Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada to spread the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and the Bhagavata Purana. The Bangalore temple began as a small group of devotees inspired by his teachings, and it grew along with the city. As Bangalore became a technology hub, the need for a spiritual centre in the middle of the city grew too, and the temple was inaugurated in 1997. The movement’s older centres include the ISKCON Temple, Puri, which sits close to the Jagannath Temple.

The temple is built on a hillock, so the climb up the marble steps is part of the visit. The complex mixes South Indian temple architecture with modern construction, and its tower is visible from across Rajajinagar. Inside, the main shrine holds Sri Radha Krishnachandra, with shrines for Sri Krishna Balrama, Sri Nitai Gauranga, Sri Narasimha, and Sri Srinivasa Govinda. The temple also runs the Akshaya Patra school meal programme and free food distribution.

Darshan Timings at ISKCON Temple Bangalore

The temple follows a fixed daily schedule, with a midday break on weekdays. The timings below are from the official ISKCON Bangalore website, and they change on festival days.

Weekday darshan timings

On weekdays, Mangala Arati runs from 4:30 am to 5:20 am, morning darshan from 7:15 am to 1:15 pm, and evening darshan from 4:15 pm to 8:20 pm. The temple stays closed for darshan between 1:15 pm and 4:15 pm.

Weekend and public holiday timings

On Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, the temple stays open for continuous darshan from 7:15 am to 8:20 pm after Mangala Arati from 4:30 am to 5:20 am. Weekends are crowded, so arrive before 8 am.

Vaikuntha Hill campus

ISKCON Bangalore has a second campus, ISKCON Vaikuntha Hill at Vasanthapura on Kanakapura Road. Its timings are 4:30 am to 5:00 am and 7:15 am to 12:40 pm, and 4:15 pm to 8:10 pm. Darshan here takes 45 minutes to an hour.

Entry Fee, Dress Code, and Rules

General entry and darshan are free for all visitors. The only charges are nominal ones for parking and the footwear stand. Special Darshan tickets, which skip the general queue, are sold at the entrance; the temple’s official page does not publish a price, so ask at the counter. For more slow-travel ideas, see the places to visit in India to rejuvenate.

Dress formally or in traditional attire as a sign of respect, and avoid shorts and casual clothing. Deposit footwear at the automated shoe counters at the base of the hill. Photography inside the sanctum is restricted, and phones should be kept away during darshan. The temple distributes prasadam free to visitors during darshan hours.

What to See Inside the Temple

The main shrines

The main altar holds Sri Radha Krishnachandra, the presiding deities of the temple. The shrines of Sri Krishna Balrama, Sri Nitai Gauranga, Sri Narasimha, and Sri Srinivasa Govinda each have their own worship schedule and festivals.

Kirtan, discourses, and prasadam

Kirtan runs through the day, and discourses on the Bhagavad Gita take place in the halls. The temple’s free food service, part of its Annadana tradition, feeds visitors and supports the Akshaya Patra school meal programme, which serves cooked meals to schoolchildren across India. To understand the temple beyond its architecture, sit through a discourse or a kirtan session.

Festivals at the temple

Janmashtami is the biggest festival of the year, when the temple stays open through the night and draws lakhs of visitors. Rath Yatra, Gaura Purnima, Rama Navami, and Narasimha Jayanti are also celebrated with processions and extended darshan hours. On festival days, expect long queues and road closures near Rajajinagar.

Best Time to Visit ISKCON Temple Bangalore

Early morning is the best time for a peaceful darshan, especially the 7:15 am opening on weekdays. Evenings are pleasant too, and the 7 pm Sandhya Arati is worth timing your visit around. Weekends and festival days are crowded, so visit on a weekday. October to March has the best weather in Bengaluru for a hilltop visit. Travellers with more days can pair the temple with the best Kerala backwaters. If you are planning around festivals, check the temple’s public holiday calendar for 2026 on the official website before you go.

How to Reach ISKCON Temple Bangalore

The temple sits on Hare Krishna Hill, Chord Road, Rajajinagar, about 8 km from the city centre. It is easy to reach by metro, bus, taxi, or auto-rickshaw.

By air

The nearest airport is Kempegowda International Airport, about 30 km from the temple. Taxis and airport buses run to Rajajinagar, and the drive takes about an hour depending on traffic.

By train

The nearest railway station is Yeshwanthpur Junction, about 4 km away. Bengaluru City station is about 7 km away. From either station, take an auto-rickshaw, a taxi, or a bus to Chord Road.

By metro and bus

The nearest metro stations are Rajajinagar and Mahalakshmi on the Green Line, both a short auto ride away. BMTC buses run along Chord Road and stop near the temple entrance. If you are driving, the temple has paid basement parking, from about Rs 20 for two-wheelers.

Things to Do Near ISKCON Temple Bangalore

Rajajinagar is a good base for a day of sightseeing in north Bengaluru. The temple takes one to two hours, and the places below fill the rest of the day.

Bannerghatta National Park

About 25 km south of the city, Bannerghatta National Park has a zoo, a safari, and a butterfly park, and it pairs well with a morning at the temple. Read the guide to Bannerghatta National Park for safari timings.

Lalbagh Botanical Garden, about 12 km south of Rajajinagar, is another easy half-day stop, with its glass house, lake, and old trees.

Weekend trips from Bengaluru

Nagarahole Tiger Reserve in Karnataka is a popular weekend wildlife trip from the city. See the guide to Nagarahole Tiger Reserve for safari details and the best season to go.

Travel Tips for ISKCON Temple Bangalore

Arrive early on weekends, since the queue builds up by 9 am and darshan can take two hours at peak times. Wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and legs, and leave valuables at your hotel, since you will deposit your footwear and walk barefoot inside. Carry cash for the footwear stand and parking. If you want prasadam, ask the volunteers about the distribution timings. Avoid the midday closure on weekdays, from 1:15 pm to 4:15 pm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the ISKCON Temple Bangalore timings in 2026?

On weekdays, darshan runs from 7:15 am to 1:15 pm and 4:15 pm to 8:20 pm, with Mangala Arati from 4:30 am to 5:20 am. On weekends and public holidays, darshan runs continuously from 7:15 am to 8:20 pm. The temple stays closed between 1:15 pm and 4:15 pm on weekdays.

Is there an entry fee for ISKCON Temple Bangalore?

No. General entry and darshan are completely free for all visitors. The only charges are nominal ones for parking and the footwear stand. Special Darshan tickets that skip the general queue are sold at the entrance, but the temple’s official page does not publish a price, so ask at the counter.

What is the dress code for ISKCON Temple Bangalore?

Wear formal or traditional attire as a sign of respect, and avoid shorts and casual clothing. Footwear must be deposited at the shoe counters at the base of the hill, and photography inside the sanctum is restricted. Modest clothing that covers shoulders and legs is the safest choice.

How much time do I need for ISKCON Temple Bangalore?

Allow one to two hours for darshan at the Hare Krishna Hill temple, longer on weekends and festival days. The Vaikuntha Hill campus takes 45 minutes to an hour. Add time if you want to attend an arati or take prasadam.

Where is ISKCON Temple Bangalore located?

The main temple is on Hare Krishna Hill, Chord Road, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru 560010, about 8 km from the city centre. The nearest metro stations are Rajajinagar and Mahalakshmi on the Green Line, and the nearest railway station is Yeshwanthpur Junction, about 4 km away.

Is photography allowed inside ISKCON Temple Bangalore?

Photography is allowed in some parts of the temple complex, but it is restricted inside the sanctum areas. Keep mobile phones away during darshan, and ask the temple staff before taking pictures in any hall.

ISKCON Temple Bangalore works best as a slow visit: an early darshan, a kirtan session, and prasadam before the city wakes up. Go on a weekday morning and dress modestly.