Budihal – Distance, History, Neolithic Site, Tourist Places & Travel Guide
Explore Budihal – Neolithic excavation site, distances from Bangalore & Nelamangala, tourist spots, and its cultural history in Karnataka & Andhra Pradesh.
Budihal may not be a name you hear every day, but it holds immense archaeological and cultural value. Best known for its Neolithic excavation site, Budihal offers a rare glimpse into early human settlements in South India. Located in Karnataka, with other villages of the same name in Andhra Pradesh, this place is a mix of history, rural charm, and local culture.
In this guide, we’ll explore Budihal’s distances from key cities, its Neolithic site, tourist attractions, and cultural connections.
Budihal Distance from Key Locations
| From Location | Distance | Approx. Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Bangalore | ~65 km | 1 hr 30 mins |
| Nelamangala | ~40 km | 50–60 mins |
| Tumkur | ~45 km | 1 hr |
| Hyderabad (AP Budihal) | ~530 km | 9–10 hrs |
Note: Distances vary slightly depending on which Budihal village you’re referring to — the most famous archaeological Budihal is in Karnataka’s Gulbarga (Kalaburagi) district, while there are smaller villages in Andhra Pradesh.
Budihal – Karnataka vs Andhra Pradesh
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Budihal, Karnataka: Famous for its Neolithic site in Gulbarga district and other villages near Nelamangala and Tumkur.
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Budihal, Andhra Pradesh: Primarily a rural settlement with agricultural significance, not as famous for archaeological history.
Budihal Neolithic Site – A Window to the Past
The Budihal in Kalaburagi (Gulbarga) district is one of India’s most important Neolithic excavation sites.
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Discovered during archaeological surveys in the late 20th century.
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Findings include stone tools, animal remains, pottery fragments, and evidence of early cattle domestication.
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The site is believed to date back 4,000–3,000 years, making it crucial for understanding early South Indian agriculture and settlement patterns.
Interesting Fact: Excavations at Budihal have provided strong evidence that early settlers here practiced both farming and herding — a rare combination in Neolithic South India.
Budihal Surname & Caste Connections
The surname “Budihal” is often found among Kannada-speaking communities from North Karnataka.
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Common in Lingayat and Vokkaliga communities.
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The surname typically indicates ancestral roots from Budihal village in Karnataka.
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In Andhra Pradesh, the surname is less common but appears in rural families with historical migration links.
Budihal to Nelamangala Distance
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Distance: ~40 km (from Budihal village near Tumkur Road)
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Best Route: Nelamangala → Dobbaspet → Budihal via NH 48
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Travel Time: ~50–60 mins
Budihal to Bangalore Distance
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Distance: ~65 km
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Best Route: Bangalore → Nelamangala → Dobbaspet → Budihal
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Travel Time: ~1 hr 30 mins by road
Budihal Tourist Places
Depending on which Budihal you visit, the attractions vary:
Near Nelamangala/Tumkur Road Budihal:
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Shivagange Hill: Popular trekking and temple spot (~20 km away)
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Dobbaspet Market: Rural shopping and local snacks
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Makali Durga: Hill fort and trekking trail (~35 km away)
Near Gulbarga Budihal (Neolithic Site):
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Kalaburagi Fort – Medieval fortress with Indo-Islamic architecture
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Sharana Basaveshwara Temple – Famous pilgrimage site
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Local Museums – Displaying Neolithic findings from Budihal excavations
Budihal Excavation – What Archaeologists Found
The excavations in Budihal (Kalaburagi) revealed:
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Circular and rectangular hut foundations
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Stone axes, blades, and grinding stones
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Pottery with geometric designs
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Cattle bones showing early domestication
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Evidence of mixed farming & herding economy
Significance:
These findings prove that Budihal was not just a temporary camp but a permanent settlement in the Neolithic period, influencing our understanding of South Indian prehistory.
Why Visit Budihal?
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If you love history and archaeology, Budihal’s Neolithic site is a rare gem.
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If you’re exploring rural Karnataka near Bangalore, Budihal offers a peaceful village atmosphere with access to treks and temples.
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For people with the Budihal surname, visiting is often a matter of tracing family roots.
Conclusion:
Budihal is more than just a name on the map — it’s a link between ancient human history and present-day rural life. From Neolithic excavations in Kalaburagi to quiet farming villages near Nelamangala, each Budihal tells a different story. Whether you’re traveling from Bangalore for a day trip or studying its archaeological significance, it’s worth adding to your South India travel list.