🕒6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
🎟️Free
⛅October to March (Early morning or late afternoon)

About Karkala

Karkala is a historically and religiously significant town located about 50 kms from Mangalore in the Udupi district of Karnataka, India. It is considered a major sacred center for Jains, featuring numerous ancient Basadis (Jain temples) and monolithic structures.

History

Once the secondary capital of the Santara kings (Bhairarasa Wadiyars), Karkala flourished between the 14th and 16th centuries as a prominent hub of Jainism, art, and architecture in coastal Karnataka.

Architecture

The town exhibits classic Vijayanagara and Hoysala-influenced architecture, predominantly seen in its stone pillars (Manasthambas), basadis, and monolithic statues carved out of solid granite rocks.

Highlights

The 14-metre-high monolithic statue of Gomateswara (Bahubali) installed on a hilltop, the picturesque Ramasamudra lake, and ancient Chaturmukha Basadi.

Travel Guide

Easily accessible by road from Mangalore and Udupi. Ideal for cultural enthusiasts, pilgrims, and history lovers.

14-metre high monolithic statue of Lord Gomateswara and ancient Jain Basadis

👕 Dress Code & Rules

Modest clothing required; traditional attire preferred inside temples

Entry Fees:
Free
Parking:
Available near the base of the hillock
Nearby Food:
Local Udupi veg restaurants and eateries in town
Open Hours:
6:00 AM – 7:00 PM