Located around 65 km from Bengaluru, Tumakuru is the second-largest district in the state of Karnataka. Tumakuru district shares its border with eight districts, which is the highest in the state; Chitradurga towards the north, Hassan and Chikkamagaluru towards west, Mandya towards the south-west, Ramanagara and Bengaluru Rural towards the south, Chikkaballapura towards east and Ananthapuram (Andhra Pradesh) towards north-east. The earliest recorded history of Tumakuru dates back to around 400 AD with the discovery of copper plates of the Ganga Dynasty. Also known as ‘Kalpataru Nadu’ (land of coconuts), the district is known for the production of coconuts. It is also a major education hub; home to Tumkur University and many colleges including medical, engineering, dental, degree and postgraduate colleges and many polytechnics. It is also home to India Food Park which is one of the Mega Food Parks in India with fully developed plots for entrepreneurs to set up food processing units.

Tourist Attractions
Markonahalli: Markonahalli Dam is a dam built across the Shimsha River in the Kunigal Taluk. It was built by Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV, the King of Mysuru under the guidance of his Diwan Bharat Ratna Sir M. Visvesvaraya. This project is very unique because of the technology that is used. This was arguably the first dam to get built using the Siphon system. Here, siphons are installed designed in such a way that when the dam reaches its maximum capacity, these siphons naturally allow water to pass through the gates. Unlike other dams where the gates are always closed to stop the flow of water, here at Markonahalli the gates are always open and the water doesn’t flow unless the dam is full. This dam uses the principle of air flow and is truly an example of quality engineering of that time and the genius of Bharat Ratna Sir M. Visvesvaraya who is regarded as the architect of modern Karnataka.
Pavagada: Pavagada is a taluk headquarter known for popular Pavagada Fort. Pavagada Fort is at a height of 700 meters, offered seven layers of fortification to its residents and was built by the Vijayanagara rulers in the 14th Trek to the top of Pavagada hill to visit the fort may take up to 2 hours. Resting places are available on the way up, cool breeze will offer some respite in otherwise usually hot weather. A Hanuman temple is located halfway uphill. Essentials like water, fruits and food are available at shops near the foot of the hill. Shani Mahatma temple is located at the foot of Pavagada hill. Pavagada gets huge crowd of visitors during Shravana Masa (July-August)
Madhugiri Fort: Madhugiri is a single hill and believed to be the second largest monolith in Asia. Madhugiri Fort is built on the top, perched on a steep slope of the hill. It is also a sought after one-day trekking trip from Bengaluru city, and easily accessible including by public transport. The trek here is between moderate to difficult given the steep climb. However, there are sidebars and iron rods to help you navigate your way up the hillside.
Jayamangali Blackbuck Reserve: An open area home to blackbucks that roam freely in an open area bordering Andhra Pradesh.
Borana Kanive: A fine picnic spot next to a reservoir built across Suvarnamukhi River.
Devarayana Durga: In the hilly terrain of Devarayanadurga, are various holy spots like the temples dedicated to Yoga Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy, Bhoga Narasimha Swamy and the Sanjivaraya Temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Near the Narasimha Temple are three sacred ponds called Narasimha Teertha, Parashara Teertha and the Pada Teertha. The Pada Teertha is inside a large cave. There is another cave with the statues of Lord Rama, his consort Sita and his brother Lakshmana. The rivers Jayamangali and the Shimsha originate from these hill ranges. Explore Devarayanadurga, and get your adrenaline pumping as Devarayanadurga is an ideal spot for trekking. Get a stunning panoramic view of Tumakuru from atop the Devarayanadurga hill.
Namada Chilume: Located near to Devarayanadurga hill, is Namada Chilume, a historical place which has a small stream of water flowing throughout the year. Legend has it that this streak of water is flowing since the Thretha Yuga and is believed to been created by Lord Rama. It is said that Lord Rama had shot an arrow to get water during the Vanavasa period and it is believed to have never dried up since. The source of spring is unknown till today. Nearby, it has small forest and a beautiful Deer park as well.
Huliyur Durga: Home to an old fort built by Kempegowda. Fort is 2771 feet above sea level and houses a granary, barracks, weapon storage units and other facilities.
Hutridurga: A fortified hill 3808 feet above sea level with a Shankareshvara temple on the top.
Chennairayana Durga: A hill 3734 feet above sea level, with an old fort, tank and Ishvara temples
Sira: Sira town and fort was founded by Rangappa Nayaka. Sira was later conquered by Ranadulla Khan, a general in the Bijapur Present day Sira has the Juma Masjid and the tomb of Malik Rihan, ruins of a palace, fine garden and Ibrahim Rauza, a complex of tombs with the look of Hindu monument.
Kandikere: Home to a ruined fort and Gopalakrishna temple
Midigeshi: Hoe to a wonderful hill fort and Venkataramana temple
Nagalapura: Home to Chennakeshava temple and Kedareshwara temple
Nidugal: A fortified hill 3769 meters above sea level
Nittur: Referred to as Aihole of South, Nittur is a place of historic importance, with temples of Padmavati, Mariyamma and several Jain temples
Nonavinakere: Home to Gopalaswamy temple, Beterayaswamy temple and Garigeshvara temples. Nonavinakere was a prominent centre during the Nolamba
Theeta Reservoir: A lake and picnic area 30 kms from Tumakuru