Karkala, a historic town in Karnataka’s Udupi district, is known for its rich cultural heritage, ancient Jain temples, and breathtaking landscapes. The town is famous for the towering 42-foot monolithic statue of Lord Bahubali (Gommateshwara), a significant pilgrimage site for Jains. Karkala is also home to several temples, including the Chaturmukha Basadi, a beautiful Jain temple with intricate carvings, and the Ananthapadmanabha Temple, which showcases stunning Dravidian architecture. Surrounded by lush greenery and scenic hills, Karkala offers a perfect blend of history, spirituality, and nature. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a spiritual seeker, or an adventure lover, Karkala has something unique to offer.
1. Shri Chaturmukha Jaina Basadi
Shri Chaturmukha Jaina Basadi in Karkala is a 16th-century Jain temple known for its four identical doorways, symbolizing Jain philosophy. Built entirely of granite, it features 108 intricately carved pillars and enshrines idols of Lord Aranath, Mallinath, and Munisuvrata. This architectural marvel, set atop a hill, is a significant pilgrimage site and a must-visit for history and architecture lovers.
Location : Shri Chaturmukha Jaina Basadi is located in Karkala, Udupi district, Karnataka, India.
Timing : Shri Chaturmukha Jaina Basadi, Karkala is open to visitors from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day.
Entry Fee : There is no entry fee to visit Shri Chaturmukha Jaina Basadi in Karkala.
2. Shri Venkataramana Temple
Shri Venkataramana Temple, also known as Padutirupati, is a renowned Hindu temple located in Karkala, Karnataka. Dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara, this temple is considered the Western Tirupati (Padutirupati) and holds great religious significance, especially for devotees who cannot visit the Tirumala temple in Andhra Pradesh.
Location : Karkala, Udupi district, Karnataka
Timing : 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Entry Fee : Free (Donations accepted)
3. Shri Gommateshwara statue
The Shri Gommateshwara Statue in Karkala, Karnataka, is a 42-foot monolithic statue of Lord Bahubali, a revered figure in Jainism. Erected in 1432 AD by King Veerapandya of the Bhairarasa dynasty, this majestic statue is the second tallest Bahubali statue in Karnataka, after the one in Shravanabelagola.
Location : Bahubali Betta, Karkala, Udupi district, Karnataka
Timing : 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entry Fee : Free (Donations accepted)
4. Sri Anantha Shayana Temple
Sri Anantha Shayana Temple is a historic and revered Hindu temple located in Karkala, Karnataka, dedicated to Lord Anantha Padmanabha, a form of Lord Vishnu in his reclining posture. The temple is known for its beautiful Dravidian-style architecture, intricate carvings, and serene spiritual ambiance.
Location : Karkala, Udupi district, Karnataka
Timing : 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Entry Fee : Free (Donations accepted)
5. Anekere Lake
Anekere Lake is a scenic and historic lake located in Karkala, Karnataka. Built in the 13th century by the Jain rulers, it was originally created as a source of drinking water for the royal family. Surrounded by lush greenery and serene landscapes, the lake is now a popular picnic spot and nature retreat.
Location : Karkala, Udupi district, Karnataka
Timing : Open 24 hours
Entry Fee : Free
6. Ramasamudra Lake
Ramasamudra Lake is a serene freshwater lake located in Karkala, Karnataka. Believed to have been built during ancient times, the lake holds religious and historical significance. It is named after Lord Rama and is considered sacred by locals.
Location : Karkala, Udupi district, Karnataka
Timing : Open 24 hours
Entry Fee : Free
Famous Food In Karkala
1. Beetroot Samosa
Beetroot Samosa is a unique and flavorful variation of the traditional Indian samosa, popular in Karkala and nearby coastal regions. Instead of the usual potato filling, this samosa is stuffed with a delicious mix of grated beetroot, spices, and sometimes coconut, giving it a vibrant red color and a slightly sweet, earthy taste.
Ingredients : all purpose flour, semolina, grated beetroot and Spices
2. Jackfruit Idli
Jackfruit Idli is a traditional coastal Karnataka dish, especially popular in Karkala, Udupi, and Mangalore. Made from ripe jackfruit, jaggery, and rice, it has a naturally sweet flavor and a soft, spongy texture. This dish is also known as Pelakai Gatti in the Konkani community and is usually steamed in banana leaves for added aroma.
Ingredients : Jackfruit pulp, idli rice, grated coconut, jaggery and cardamom powder
3. Chicken Ghee Roast
Chicken Ghee Roast is a famous Mangalorean dish, popular in Karkala, Udupi, and Mangalore. It is known for its spicy, tangy, and aromatic flavors, cooked in generous amounts of pure ghee. This dish originates from the coastal town of Kundapur and is a must-try for spice lovers!
Ingredients : chicken, yogurt, ghee and Spices
4. Crab Sukka
Crab Sukka is a delicious coastal Karnataka delicacy, especially popular in Karkala, Udupi, and Mangalore. This dish is made with fresh crabs, roasted spices, and grated coconut, giving it a rich, spicy, and aromatic flavor. It pairs perfectly with steamed rice or neer dosa.
Ingredients : fresh crab and Spices
