Rayakottai Fort

A Shiva temple at Chinna Kothur listed among the notable temples of Krishnagiri district, where the deity is worshipped as Kundeeswarar. Like other shrines in the district it reflects Chola and Vijayanagara-era temple traditions. It serves as a village place of worship in the Krishnagiri area. The temple is a quiet devotional stop away from the main highways.

Spread across two hillocks near Samalpallam, about 19 km from Krishnagiri town, Mallachandram is one of Tamil Nadu's largest megalithic burial complexes, with more than 200 dolmens (stone burial chambers) dating to roughly 1200-300 BCE. Excavations here have yielded black-and-red ware pottery, iron objects, cairn circles and urn burials, and some slabs carry rare prehistoric white-ochre rock paintings depicting hunts, houses and rituals. It is a protected Archaeological Survey of India site, though many chambers were damaged by treasure-hunters over the years. Reaching it involves a short walk up the rocky hillocks from the village.

This ancient Hanuman shrine on the Krishnagiri-Bengaluru highway is traditionally said to be around 2,500 years old and is famous as a wish-fulfilment temple. Devotees carry a saffron bag with coconut and betel leaves and perform eleven circumambulations while chanting, believing their prayers are answered within three months. A natural Nandi rock formation within the temple is revered as marking the presence of Lord Shiva. Its roadside location on NH44 makes it a popular stop for travellers between Krishnagiri and Bengaluru.

The Krishnagiri Reservoir Project dam was built across the Thenpennai (Ponnaiyar) river in the late 1950s and is the district's signature landmark. An adjoining garden and boating spot draws day visitors.

Located about 5 km from Krishnagiri town along the old NH-7, this reservoir-side spot pairs a large waterbody with a landscaped children's park. It is a popular local recreation and picnic destination, offering boating and play areas for families. Its proximity to the highway makes it an easy leisure stop for travellers passing through Krishnagiri. Evenings and weekends see the most visitors from the surrounding town.

Standing at the foot of a large hillock in Pazhapettai (Oldpet), Krishnagiri, this Vaishnavite temple is believed to be more than 1,200 years old and is traditionally attributed to the Pallava ruler Karivaradha Rangaraja Pallava, with the deity's consecration linked in legend to Arjuna. Dedicated to Lakshmi Narasimha, it was in ruinous condition for decades before a full renovation and rededication in January 2018. It remains one of the town's important heritage shrines, valued for its antiquity and hillside setting.

One of the principal Shiva temples of Krishnagiri town, where the presiding deity is worshipped as Penneswarar. Its sculptures and stone inscriptions indicate construction during the Chola and Vijayanagara periods, tying it to the region's medieval temple-building tradition. It remains an active local place of worship at the heart of the town. The temple is a focus of community festivals through the year.

A rock hill fort crowning a granite hill above Krishnagiri town, associated with Vijayanagara and later Mysore rulers including Tipu Sultan. Its ramparts and rock-cut features give the district its name ('black hill').

A prominent Roman Catholic church serving the Christian community of Krishnagiri town. It is a long-standing local landmark and a centre of worship, particularly busy during Christmas and feast celebrations. It represents the district's small but historic Christian heritage. The church anchors community life for local parishioners.

Located on Gandhi Road near the Apsara Theatre in Krishnagiri town, this was opened as Tamil Nadu's 12th district museum. It showcases regional archaeology, sculpture, coins and cultural artefacts reflecting the district's long history from megalithic times through the Chola and Vijayanagara periods. It is a useful stop for understanding the heritage behind sites like the Mallachandram dolmens. The compact galleries make it an easy introduction to the region's past.

Declared in 2014, this large sanctuary spreads across the Melagiri hill ranges in Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri districts, with its Krishnagiri portion falling in the Denkanikottai taluk under the Hosur forest division. It protects elephants, leopards, spotted deer and rich birdlife along the rugged Cauvery-basin terrain. The sanctuary forms part of an important elephant corridor linking Tamil Nadu and Karnataka forests. Access is regulated by the Forest Department to safeguard the wildlife.

This ancient Vishnu temple sits at the base of the Shoolagiri hill in Shoolagiri town. Local tradition dates its origins to the Dwapara Yuga and links its consecration to Arjuna during the Pandavas' exile, making it a revered stop for pilgrims. The hill setting and long-standing legend give the shrine both religious and scenic appeal. It is an easy detour just off NH44 between Krishnagiri and Hosur.