[2][3][4] Kuknoor was an important town during the Middle Ages, and features many historical ruins, including those of the Navalinga Temples that were completed in the later Chalukya style of architecture during the 8th to 13th centuries A.D. Other important sites include the Kalleshvara and Mallikarjuna temples.

Mahamaya Temple is located in the center of the town, and is mentioned in the Indian epic Mahabharata.

This temple plays a role in the events of the epic, as it practices Narabali, a type of human sacrifice.

In modern history, there were plans to unearth it, however they were cancelled after villagers protested, citing the possible release of evil spirits if it were to be uncovered.

Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) Kuknoor is located near Gudneppanamath and is a premier educational institution.

Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has a bus depot in Kuknoor that runs service to other cities and villages.