Dog Temples In India!

India has temples and shrines that honour dogs, including the Channapatna Dog Temple in Karnataka, the KukurDev Temple near Raipur in Chhattisgarh and the Dog Temple near Arambol Beach in Goa. If you see your dog as an equal member of the family, these are places where loyal companions are loved and celebrated. Here is what we know about each one, and how to plan a respectful trip.

Dog temples in India

Channapatna Dog Temple, Karnataka

This temple is in a humble village called Agrahara Valagerahalli, in the city of Channapatna in Karnataka. Locals call it the 'Nai Devasthana', where 'Nai' means 'dog' in Kannada. Channapatna is known for its beautifully polished wooden toys and is nicknamed the 'town of toys'. From Channapatna centre, the temple is nearly 20 km inside Agrahara Valagerehalli village, and it is approximately a 1.5 hour drive from Bangalore.

KukurDev Temple, Chhattisgarh

This temple is in Khapri Village, near Raipur in Chhattisgarh. The dog's shrine sits next to a Shivling. According to local myth, a moneylender was once gifted a dog by a Banjara as compensation for his unpaid debts. It is 132 km from Raipur, and you will see two dog statues guarding the entrance.

Dog Temple, Goa

This one is a place to appreciate and adopt abandoned dogs. The NGO in Goa works to give each dog a lovely life and to celebrate them as valued members of the family. It is near Arambol Beach in Goa. You can use Google to find the address, and visit dogtemple.org for more.

How to plan a visit

• Decide whether your dog will come. The temples honour dogs, but a long drive and a crowd are not right for every dog. If your dog gets nervous in the car or around crowds, a visit without them may be kinder.
• Check local rules. Rules at places of worship vary. If you plan to bring your dog, ask locally or on the organisation's page before you go.
• Dress and behave respectfully. These are active places of belief for the people who visit. Keep your voice low, follow local customs and ask before taking photos.
• Keep your dog leashed. A secure leash and ID tag with your phone number are the basics, and a harness is useful in a crowd.
• Plan the route. Village roads can be narrow and slow, so use maps in advance, allow extra time and plan breaks for your dog to stretch and relieve themselves.
• Never leave your dog in a parked car. Not even for a short time, and especially not in the sun.
• Carry the basics. Water and a bowl, poop bags, a towel, a mat for your dog to rest on and a charged phone.
• Leave no trace. Pick up after your dog, and carry your rubbish out.

Preparing your dog for a busy place

New smells, bells, crowds and unfamiliar dogs can overwhelm even a friendly dog. A few days before the trip, practise calm leash walking in a busier street, and reward calm behaviour with praise. On the day, exercise your dog first so they are relaxed, arrive early before the crowds build up and watch their body language. If your dog yawns often, pulls away, hides or will not settle, step away to a quiet corner or head home. A good outing is one both of you enjoy.

Questions to ask before you go

• Is the place open on the day you plan to travel?
• Are dogs allowed inside the premises, or only nearby?
• Is there shade, water and parking close to the entrance?

Making it a road trip

The Channapatna temple works well as a day trip from Bangalore, since it is about a 1.5 hour drive. Combine it with a visit to the town of toys, and start early so you are back before dark. If your dog is new to car rides, practise with short drives first. Our guide to making your pet car friendly covers the steps. For the Goa temple, remember that beach areas can be hot and busy, so plan for shade and a calm approach.

Travelling by train

Our earlier note said the Indian Railways had opened dog-friendly compartments so that you can travel with your canine companion. Rules and availability can change, so check the current policy with Indian Railways before you plan a journey.

More dog-friendly adventures

If you enjoy this kind of outing, you will love our roundup of top dog-friendly activities in India. For places close to home, see dog-friendly spaces in Bangalore and the pet-friendly places hub. To see how dogs fit into Indian culture and daily life, visit pet life in India.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Channapatna Dog Temple called locally?

The 'Nai Devasthana'. 'Nai' means 'dog' in Kannada.

How far is the Channapatna Dog Temple from Bangalore?

Approximately a 1.5 hour drive. From Channapatna centre, the temple is nearly 20 km inside Agrahara Valagerehalli village.

What can I see at the KukurDev Temple?

Two dog statues guard the entrance, and the dog's shrine is next to a Shivling. It is 132 km from Raipur.

Can I adopt a dog at the Goa Dog Temple?

It is an NGO that works to give abandoned dogs a lovely life. Visit their website to learn how adoption works.

Do you know of more dog-friendly temples?

If you come across any, we would love to hear about them. Write to us @stepevoli on Instagram.

By Team Stepevoli.