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Karkala

Karkala

About:

Karkala is a historic town in Karnataka, known for its significant religious monuments and scenic landscapes. This serene town is famous for its ancient temples, Jain heritage, and the towering monolithic statue of Lord Bahubali (Gomateshwara) that attracts pilgrims and history enthusiasts from across India. Karkala, with its lush green surroundings and culturally rich atmosphere, offers a tranquil experience for visitors. The town's roots trace back to various dynasties, including the Alupas and Vijayanagara Empire, which contributed to its religious and architectural heritage. Karkala's unique blend of culture, spirituality, and nature makes it a must-visit destination in Karnataka.

Location info:
Address: Karnataka
District: Udupi
Nearest City: Moodabidri
Best time to visit: Any time

Climate/Weather of Karkala:
Summer (March to May): Hot, with temperatures ranging between 25°C and 35°C. Monsoon (June to September): Heavy rainfall, with the surrounding landscapes turning lush green; however, the rain can disrupt outdoor plans. Winter (October to February): Pleasant and cool, with temperatures ranging between 20°C and 28°C, making it the best time to visit.

History of Karkala:

Karkala's history dates back centuries and is deeply influenced by Jainism, especially during the 10th to 13th centuries when Jain rulers constructed numerous temples and statues. The most iconic structure is the monolithic statue of Lord Bahubali, which stands at 42 feet and was erected in 1432 AD by the then ruler, Veera Pandya Bhairarasa Wodeyar. Karkala also served as a significant center for the Bhairarasa family of the Santara dynasty, who were patrons of Jain art and culture. Over time, the town saw influences from the Vijayanagara Empire and other regional powers, leading to the construction of temples, basadis (Jain shrines), and fortifications. The blend of Hindu and Jain architectural styles reflects the town's diverse religious heritage. This historical tapestry makes Karkala a symbol of Karnataka’s rich cultural legacy.

The royal family of Karkala shot to prominence right from the time of the Hoysalas.They were rich and maintained a large army. Despite engaging in wars, peace prevailed in the kingdom and this led to increased cultural activity and development.The first important king was Veera Bhairava, who constructed basadis at Karkala and endowed land and money to numerous temples and basadis. Ramanatha and Veerapandya were his two sons. Ramanatha died during his father's time.

Interesting things to do in Karkala:
Sightseeing: Explore historic monuments, temples, and the famous Gomateshwara statue. Nature Walks: Take in the lush, green landscapes surrounding the town, especially during the monsoon season. Photography: Capture the scenic beauty, ancient architecture, and serene landscapes. Religious Exploration: Visit various Jain basadis and Hindu temples for spiritual reflection.

Interesting things to Visit in Karkala:

Gomateshwara Statue: This 42-foot-tall monolithic statue is one of the largest of its kind, dedicated to the Jain saint Bahubali.

The rulers of Karkala of Karnataka also constructed the Chathurmukh Basadi and Neminath Basadi and the tall Manasthamba at Hariyangadi.

Mobile range info:
Mobile connectivity in Karkala is generally good, with most major telecom providers offering coverage. However, some remote or hilly areas around Karkala may experience weak signals, particularly during monsoons due to weather disruptions.

How to reach in Karkala?
Nearest Railway Station:The nearest railway station is in Udupi, about 37 km away, with connections to major cities like Mangalore and Bangalore.
Nearest Airport: The nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport, approximately 52 km from Karkala.
Road Transport:Karkala is well-connected by road and can be accessed via Udupi and Mangalore. KSRTC and private buses operate regularly.

Nearest Visiting places of Karkala:

Moodabidri (17 km):Known for its Jain temples, including the Thousand Pillar Temple (Saavira Kambada Basadi). the construction of temples, basadis (Jain shrines), and fortifications. The blend of Hindu and Jain architectural styles reflects the town's diverse religious heritage. This historical tapestry makes

Udupi (37 km): Famous for the Udupi Sri Krishna Temple and pristine beaches.

Sri Mahalingeshwara Mahaganapathi Temple, Padubidri Padubidre (Padu Bidadi), a sacred place with a number of Temples and shrines, is famous for holding Dhakke Bali once in two years. The Mahalingeshwara Mahaganapathi Temple of Padubidri is well known in the Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts. Padubidri is located on National Highway 17, 24 kilometres from Udupi and 35 kilometres from Mangalore.

Malpe Beachudupi krishna Malpe town is about four kms. to the west of Udupi. It is the most important port of the Karnataka coast and is situated at the mouth of the Malpe or Udyavara river. The river is navigable to small cargo boats for about ten kms during high tide. The place has a fascinating natural scenery, and has been a centre of commercial activities for a long time. It is a natural port. There are three rocky islands to the west of it

Nearest Petrol Pump in Karkala:
Multiple petrol pumps are available in Karkala town. Additionally, Udupi has several filling stations for those traveling further.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation of Karkala:
  • Hotel Shreshta(Tel: 08258-731853)
  • Hotel Suhag(Tel: 08258-731991)
  • Hotel Swagath(Tel: 08258-730755)
  • Hotel King's Court(Tel: 08258-730827)
  • Hotel Tulsi(Tel: 08258-701291, 292, 455)

Things to carry in Karkala:
Comfortable walking shoes for exploring historic sites. Sun protection like sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat for sunny days. Water bottles, snacks, and a first-aid kit. Binoculars and camera to capture the beautiful landscapes and monuments. Rain gear if visiting during the monsoon season.

Tips & Suggestions:
Best Time to Visit: Winter (October to February) offers the most pleasant weather for sightseeing. Monsoon Travel: If visiting during monsoon, plan for possible delays and slippery paths. Respect Religious Sites: Some sites, especially Jain basadis, have specific dress codes. Be respectful and check guidelines before visiting. Local Cuisine: Try traditional coastal Karnataka cuisine available at local restaurants in Karkala and nearby towns.

Help Line/Phone Number:
Police Station:101
Karkala Police Station:+91-8258-230101
Tourism Department (Karnataka):+91-80-2235-2828

Karkala Archeology Nearest Attraction
St. Mary's Island
Located 58 km north of Mangalore, the St. Mary's Island beach is special for the unique formation of basalt rocks which have crystallized into columns and split into vertical hexagonal blocks. This group of islands is accessible by ferry from Malpe which is a major fishing harbor.....more
Kollur Temples
Kollur Mookambika Temple, an important seat of Shakti worship is located in very picturesque surroundings at the foot of the Western Ghats in Kundapur taluk of Udupi district. This sacred place is situated on the banks of river sauparnika and surrounded by thickly wooded hills and has a natural formation resembling the Sri Chakra. Kollur is one of the seven mukti places which were created by Parashurama.....more
Udupi Temples
Udupi, the Kokani city is the headquarters of the Udupi District, Karnataka State, India. When one hears the name "Udupi" either "Udupi Krishna" or "Udupi Masala Dosa" comes to the mind. Of course the famous, Krishna temple is located in this city. The temple is famous for a unique statue of Lord Krishna.....more
Kollur Forest
Kollur is a tiny hamlet situated 40km Kundapur Town, about 140 km away from Mangalore City in Karnataka state in Southern part of India. This village lies at the foot of the Western Ghats, and is famous for the Mookambika temple, a Hindu pilgrim center.....more
Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary
Located in Udupi District, Karnataka, Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary spans over 247 sq km and is thick with evergreen, semi-evergreen and moist deciduous forests of the Western Ghats, and small patches of teak plantations. It is contiguous with the Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary.....more
Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary
Located in the Western Ghats, Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary in Udupi District of Karnataka. This 88 sq km sanctuary is consists of semi-evergreen and evergreen forests. Wildlife species include tiger, leopard, wild dog, jackal, gaur, wild pig, sambar deer, spotted deer, barking deer, lion tailed macaque, bonnet macaque and common langur.....more
Koosalli Falls
The fabulous picnic spot, Koosalli waterfalls is located near Koosalli village in Kundapura. A series of six falls, one above the other, in splendid surroundings makes it one of the best waterfalls in the state. The combined height of all six falls is about 380 ft....more
Gurupura or Phalguni River
Gurupura river flows through Gurupura, Mangalore, Tannirubhavi. It joins the Arabian sea near Tannir bhavi. is the chief port city of the Indian state of Karnataka. Bounded by the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghat mountain ranges, Mangalore is the administrative headquarters of the Dakshina Kannada (formerly South Canara) district in southwestern Karnataka.....more
Kedaka River
The Kedaka River is a river flowing through Kundapur and Gungulli in western India. It joins with the Souparnika River, Varahi River, Chakra River, and Kubja River and merges into the Arabian Sea.....more
Pangala River
Pangala is a village situated in Udupi taluk of Udupi district, Karnataka. India's National Highway number 17 (NH-17) road connecting Mangalore (Kudla or Mangaluru) to Mumbai (Bombay) passes through this village.The village is on the north banks of Pangala river.....more
Souparnika River
Souparnika River is a river flowing through Kundapur and Gangolli in western India. It joins with the Varahi River, Kedaka River, Chakra River, and Kubja River and merges into the Arabian Sea.Sauparnika is a sacred river which emerges from a verdant mountain near Maravanthe in Udupi District of Karnataka.....more
Udyavara River
Udyavara is a village on the outskirts of the town of Udupi, Karnataka, India. It is located to south of Udupi, and to the north of the Udyavara river. Udyavara was formerly called Udayapura. It was the capital of the Alupas.....more
Kaup Beach
Kaup Beach is located 12 km south of Udupi. It is situated on the coastal belt. The Kaup beach is one of the most beautiful beaches. Its placement is perfect. The beach with the 100 ft high lighthouse on the rocks is a photographer's paradise.....more
Malpe Beach
About 6 kms from Udupi, in South Canara is Malpe, an ideal picnic spot with its virgin beach. The endless stretch of golden sand, graciously swaying palm trees, the clear blue sky and the gurgle of the sea all set a perfect mood for an unforgettable holiday here....more
Trasi Beach

Trasi is a beautiful place on the west coast of India, 100 km from Mangalore, 900 km from Mumbai and 12 km north from Kundapur.Here you can see a unique scene where a National highway separates the Arabian sea from the Sauparnika river.....more

Panna Island
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Kudumari Falls
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Seeta/ Seetha falls / Koodlu Theertha falls / Sita falls
....more