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Karkala

Karkala Udupi

Karkala is known to be the town and the headquarters of Karkala in the Udupi district of Karnataka in India situated about 380km from Bangalore that lies near to the Western Ghats. Karkala town was called as ‘Pandya Nagari’ during the period of Jain rule and later came to be known as ‘Karikallu’. Later on named, ‘Karkal’ and finally now known as ‘Karkala’. Karkala has numerous natural and historical landmarks.

History of Karkala:

The taluk centre is located about 24kms to south east of the Udupi district and known to be the seat of Jain religion. Jain religion is termed as Jainakasi. The place is known to be an epitome of architectural brilliance. Major attraction is the magnificent statue of Bahubali and the four faced Jain temples. Name of the town is derived from ‘Karikal’ that is black stone in Tulu. It’s so named as black a stone which is found in abundance due to the heavy rainfall in the place. There are numerous idols that are sculpted here as well supplied to different parts of the world. Residents of Karikal speak Tulu as their mother tongue.

The scholars predict that 'Murukala Mantapa' located in the Parpale hills near Hiriyangadi resembles the Stone Age culture. Bhairarasas is the lineage of Santharas of Hombucha who named themselves as Bhairarasas of Karkala is the backbone of the historical significance of Karkala. Once can find numerous historical monuments in Karkala that are said to have been built by Bhairarasas and Hoysala Governors. The two of the most eminent inscriptions are the Shanthara Lokanatha in Karkala which refers to the endowments to Guru Basadi and the Venugopalswamy temple of Kabettu.

Major tourist attractions of Karkala:

  • Bahubali Monolith
  • Chaturmukha Basadi
  • Hiriangadi
  • Attur
  • Kambala Water Buffalo Races
  • Moodabidri
  • Venoor

How to reach Karkala:

  • Distance from Mangalore to Karkala is 50km
  • The distance between Golden Triangle & Karkala is 361km
  • The distance between Bangalore & Karkala is 378km
  • The distance between Chennai & Karkala is702km
  • The distance between Pune & Karkala is 732km

Karkala By train: Nearest Railway station is Indrali station in Udupi. All prepaid taxi services are available from the railway station to Indrali station.
      
Karkala by Air: Mangalore is the nearest Airport of Karkala at a distance of about 70km away from the city. Bangalore is the nearest International Airport; 370kms away. Mangalore and Bangalore are inter-connected.

Karkala by Bus: Bangalore and Mangalore routed buses pass through Karkala city. Karkala is the well-connected to all main cities in Karnataka by buses. Bus charges are about Rs 3 to Rs 4 per kilometers.

Best Time to visit: Karkala has the maximum summer temperature of 38 degree and average winter temperature is about 28 degree. In Karkala winter starts from December and extends till February. Mostly summers are in the period of March to May. Monsoon is followed by heavy rainfall that are accompanied by thunders and strong winds.

Karakala is known for the eminent festival for Mahamastakabhisheka which is held once in 12 years. At this occasion the Gommateshwara statue is bathed with milk, saffron and water. Millions of Jain Devotees attend this festival. Last Mahamastakabhisheka was held in FEB 2002 and next will be in this year; 2014. This special occasion event is the best time for tourists to visit the city.

Explore more about Tourism in Udupi

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