Tumakuru, popularly known as the "Kalpataru Nadu" (Land of Coconuts), is a district of immense spiritual, educational, and architectural significance. Historically, it served as a vital frontier for the Mysore Kingdom and was a major center for the Hoysala and Vijayanagara empires.
​The district was named after its headquarters, Tumakuru, which is believed to have originated from "Tumbe-Ooru" (due to the abundance of Tumbe flowers) or "Tamate-Ooru" (the town of the hand-drum).