Budikote is located in the southern part of
Kolar District in
Karnataka. It is about 90 km south-east of
Bangalore and around 30 km south of
Kolar, the district headquarters.
Budikote literally means ‘a fort of ashes.’ It is believed that a large yagna (a religious ceremony of Hindus) was performed long back at this place, which left behind huge deposits of ashes. As a result the town is also called 'Vibuthipura' by the locals.
Budikote is the birth place of Hyder Ali and there is a fort built by him. A large stone with a fine sculpture can be seen here. Two temples, one on the right and other on the left with a carved image of Lord Hanuman, are found inside the fort. The fort itself is a cluster of boulders and the highest point on the central boulder is reached through rock ledges and steps. Temples of Venkateshwara and Someshwara are the other shrines here.
Bangalore International Airport is the nearest airport. Bangarapet Railway Station is the nearest railway station.
