India / Karnataka / Udupi / Karkala

Karkala, a historical town and pilgrim center for Jains and Hindus is a peaceful Udipi district in Karnataka. Its name is derived from the Kannada word karikallu which means black stones. Karkala is a tranquil town very well known for the Jain Basadis and the gigantic monolithic statue of Bahubali, which stands majestically in the heart of the city. Another main attraction here is the huge Chaturmukha Basti, a wonderful site. Karkala is a center of bubbling activity where agility and dedication combine to take a remarkable form. The visitors will be over whelmed with young zealous sculptors etching beautiful figures and bringing life to stones. Karkala, historically known as Pandyanagari or city of Pandya, was ruled in early 14th century by the chief having name Veera Pandya of Bhairarasa family, hailed from Humcha in Shimoga district. Being secular even at that time of point, these rulers equally considered all religions, although they were themselves dedicated Jains. The Goud-Saraswats who were fleeing from Portuguese harassment were welcomed by Karkala and the large temple of Venkataramana is built in this serene city during the common era 1537. Anantha Padmanabha temple devoted to Lord Vishnu, Chaturmukha Basadi and Neminath Basadi at Hiriangadi, assumed to be built as early as 16th century, are some of other temple attractions here. All these temples have fascinating histories and are celebrated for architectural brilliance. The visitors throng to the temple of Venkataramana during the festival of lights to see fantastic view of lights. This temple is attractive to many people and many find it irresistible to visit the temple regularly and receive the Lord’s blessings. The famous single stone statue of 42-foot high Gomateswara, also called as Lord Bahubali, is located very close. There are about 18 Jain shrines here, apart from several other temples, mosques and churches in and around Karkala. Karkala has many places of worship like the Jama Masjid at Salmaar, the Attur Church of St. Lawrence which was assumed to be built some centuries ago and Padutirupathi Sreenivasa Temple supposed to be more than 550 years old. Anekere Lake and Ramasamudra pond are some other scenic attractions here.

Quick Facts-Edit

Category : Temples

Time Zone: UTC + 5:30 Hours

Pincode: 574104

STD Code: 8258

Info Website:

Best Time to Visit:  October – May

HistoryEdit

Karkala, historically known as Pandyanagari or city of Pandya, was ruled in early 14th century by the chief having name Veera Pandya of Bhairarasa family, hailed from Humcha in Shimoga district. Being secular even at that time of point, these rulers equally considered all religions, although they were themselves dedicated Jains. The Goud-Saraswats who were fleeing from Portuguese harassment were welcomed by Karkala and the large temple of Venkataramana is built in this serene city during the common era 1537. Anantha Padmanabha temple devoted to Lord Vishnu, Chaturmukha Basadi and Neminath Basadi at Hiriangadi, assumed to be built as early as 16th century, are some of other temple attractions here. All these temples have fascinating histories and are celebrated for architectural brilliance. The visitors throng to the temple of Venkataramana during the festival of lights to see fantastic view of lights. This temple is attractive to many people and many find it irresistible to visit the temple regularly and receive the Lord’s blessings.

Places to VisitAdd

How to ReachEdit

By Air : Mangalore is the nearest domestic Airport, which is about 70 km away. Cab costs about Rs 1500 from Mangalore. Mangalore air terminal is connected to Bangalore and Chennai.

By Train : Nearest railhead to Karkala is Indrali station in Udupi. Prepaid taxi services are available from railway station to Karkala. This station is connected to Mangalore Junction.

By BUS : The public transport buses from Bangalore and Mangalore passes through Karkala and hence Karkala is connected to all major cities in Karnataka by buses. Special luxurious buses ply from Karkala to Bangalore (370 km), Chennai (700 km) and Hyderabad (670 km). These buses charge about Rs 3 to Rs 4 per kilometer.

By Taxi : Taxis and Auto rickshaws are easily available for moving about in the city.

By Other : N.A.

Top HotelsAdd

Budget  – Up to Rs. 800

• Hotel Sagar ; Pervaje Rd, Karkala, Karnataka 574104. ; Ph – 099 16 399373 ; Facilities – Travel Desk, 24-hour front desk, 24-hour room service, Air conditioning, Elevators, Laundry, Parking.

Economy – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200

• Mahalaxmi Hotel ; Karkala, Karnataka 574104.; Ph – N.A. ; Facilities – Travel Desk, 24-hour front desk, 24-hour room service, Air conditioning, Conference facilities, Elevators, Parking, 24-Hour Security, Banquet facilities.

Deluxe – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200

• Hotel Ashirvad ; Karkala, Karnataka 574104. ; Ph – 082 58 230530 ; Facilities – Travel Desk, 24-hour front desk, 24-hour room service, Air conditioning, Conference facilities, Elevators, Laundry, Parking.

Luxury – Rs. 2501 and above

• Hotel Athithi ; Market Rd, Karkala, Karnataka 574104.; Ph – N.A. ; Facilities – Travel Desk, 24-hour front desk, 24-hour room service, Air conditioning, Conference facilities, Elevators, Laundry, Parking, 24-Hour Security, Bus Parking.

Top RestaurantsAdd

• Forever Family Restaurant ;  Nitte, Karkala, Udupi – 574104. ; M –  (08258) 281266 ; Food Serve :  Indian, Sea Food.

• Ranganath Cafe ;  Karkala, Karnataka 574104. ; M –  N.A. ; Food Serve :  N.A.

Must Eat FoodAdd

Must Do ActivitiesAdd

Must ShopAdd

Nightlife (Pub / Disc / BAR)Ad 

SpaAdd

FestivalAdd

Safety / WarningEdit

• Beware of pickpockets as Karkala is a major tourist city in India.

HelplineEdit

• Ambulance : 102
• Fire Brigade : 101
• Police : 100

ItineraryEdit

N.A.

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