Quick Facts

Quick Facts

General Information:

• Location: Southern part of Karnataka, India.
• Coordinates: Approximately 13.34° N, 77.10° E.
• District: Tumakuru District (Tumkur is the district headquarters).
• Region: Bayalu Seeme (plains) region of Karnataka.
• Nicknames:
  • "Coconut City" (for its extensive coconut plantations).
  • Recently recognized as a Smart City under India's Smart Cities Mission.

 Historical Background:

• Tumakuru has a history that dates back to ancient times, featuring influences from the Gangas, Cholas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagara Empire, and the Mysore Kingdom.
• Tumkur served as a significant administrative and military center during the Mysore Wodeyars' reign.
• Modern Tumakuru started growing with the establishment of industries and educational institutions post-independence.

 Geography and Climate:

• Elevation: About 822 meters (2,697 feet) above sea level, making it one of the highest major towns in Karnataka.
• Topography: Rocky terrain with interspersed fertile valleys.
• Climate:
  • Type: Tropical savanna.
  • Summers (March–May): Warm and dry.
  • Monsoon (June–September): Moderate rainfall.
  • Winters (November–February): Mild and pleasant.
• Major rivers: Jayamangali and Shimsha flow through parts of the district.

 Economy:

• Agriculture:
  • Major crops: Coconut, groundnut, ragi (finger millet), paddy, pulses.
  • Known for vast coconut groves — one of the largest coconut producers in Karnataka.
• Industrial Hub:
  • Tumakuru is part of the Bangalore–Mumbai Industrial Corridor (BMIC).
  • Hosts industries like automobile, textile, food processing, and manufacturing.
  • Designated as a National Investment and Manufacturing Zone (NIMZ) — one of India's first.
• IT and Technology:
  • Emerging as an extension of Bangalore's tech influence.
  • Tumakuru Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) is operational.

 Education:

• A major center for education in Karnataka outside Bangalore.
• Important Institutions:
  • Tumkur University (established 2004).
  • Siddaganga Institute of Technology (SIT) – Prestigious engineering college.
  • Siddaganga Medical College and Hospital (recently developed).
  • Siddaganga Matha runs numerous schools, colleges, and technical institutes.
• Tumakuru is often called an "Educational City" for central Karnataka.

 Transportation:

• Roadways:
  • Well connected by NH 48 (Bangalore-Pune-Mumbai highway).
  • 70 km northwest of Bangalore — acts as a satellite city.
  • Good network of KSRTC buses, private buses, and taxis.
• Railways:
  • Tumakuru Railway Station connects it with Bangalore, Hubballi, Mumbai, and other cities.
• Airways:
  • Nearest airport: Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (about 90 km).
  • Tumakuru is also included in Karnataka’s regional air connectivity plan (UDAN Scheme).

 Tourist Attractions:

• Devarayanadurga:
  • Hill station and pilgrimage center.
  • Famous temples: Yoga Narasimha and Bhoga Narasimha Temples.
• Shivagange Hill:
  • Popular trekking and pilgrimage site known as "Dakshina Kashi".
• Siddaganga Matha:
  • A spiritual center and educational institution founded by Sri Shivakumara Swamiji.
• Mandaragiri Hill:
  • Jain pilgrimage site with a unique Guru Mandir and serene surroundings.
• Pavagada Fort:
  • Historical fort located near the Karnataka–Andhra Pradesh border.
• Kaidala:
  • Birthplace of Jakanachari, a legendary sculptor in Hoysala architecture.

 Culture and Festivals:

• Language:
  • Kannada (official and widely spoken).
  • Minorities also speak Urdu, Telugu, and Tamil.
• Culture:
  • Rich traditions of Veerashaiva, Lingayatism, and Jainism.
  • Folk dances, drama, and classical music performances are popular.
• Major Festivals:
  • Siddaganga Jatre (annual religious gathering).
  • Deepavali, Ugadi, Makar Sankranti, Ganesh Chaturthi.
• Local fairs and community festivals celebrate the agricultural heritage.

 Demographics (Approximate as of 2025):

• City Population: ~ 350,000.
• District Population: ~ 2.8 million.
• Literacy Rate: Over 80%, one of the higher rates in Karnataka.
• Religious Composition:
  • Hindus form the majority.
  • Also home to Muslim and Jain minorities.

 Administration:

• Tumakuru is administered by the Tumakuru City Corporation.
• Also serves as a key administrative, judicial, and commercial hub for the region.
• It has a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and is a strategic city under Karnataka’s urban development programs.

 Notable Personalities from Tumakuru:

• Sri Shivakumara Swamiji:
  • Revered seer of Siddaganga Matha.
  • Known as the "Walking God" for his humanitarian work.
• G. Parameshwara:
  • Senior Congress leader, former Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka.
• Siddaganga Educational Society:
  • Produced thousands of engineers, doctors, and professionals over decades.

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