godu

Godu is a village located in the eastern part of Karnataka state in South India. It falls within the administrative jurisdiction of Kolar district and is part of the Bannerghatta taluk. The village lies approximately 55 kilometres northwest of the district headquarters at Kolar and 42 kilometres southeast of the state capital, Bengaluru. The name Godu is derived from the local Kannada word meaning "hill" or "rocky outcrop," reflecting the village’s modest elevation above the surrounding plains.

The population of Godu, according to the most recent census, is about 1,200 residents, predominantly belonging to the Kannada-speaking community. Agriculture is the primary occupation, with farmers cultivating crops such as ragi, millets, and groundnuts. In recent years, an emphasis on organic farming has emerged, supported by small grants from the Karnataka State Agricultural Department. The village also maintains a small primary school, a health sub-centre, and a weekly market that serves the surrounding rural areas.

Infrastructure in Godu is developing; a network of unpaved roads connects it to nearby towns, and a state-run bus service provides weekly transit links to Kolar and Bengaluru. Electricity is supplied by the Karnataka Power Distribution Corporation, and a rural water supply scheme distributes potable water collected from a local reservoir. Although the village lacks a dedicated railway station, nearby towns are serviced by regional rail lines, facilitating passenger and freight transport for agricultural produce.

Culturally, Godu follows the broader traditions of the Karnataka hinterland. Festivities such as Dasara and Sankranti are celebrated with local community gatherings, and the village hosts an annual fair on the eve of Vishwakarma Purnima. The temple of Lord Venkataramana, situated on an elevated spot within the village, serves as a religious center and a subtle attraction for pilgrims from surrounding districts.