Located in the Udupi district of Karnataka, the town of Karkala has a spiritual heritage that is often overlooked by tourists. Nestled in the foothills of the Western Ghats, the place abounds with Jain temples, Hindu temples, mosques (like the Madina Masjid), churches (like the CSI Bethanya) and lakes. The origins of Karkala date back to the beginning of the 10th century, when it was known as "Pandya Nagari" during the period of Jain rule. The town came to political and cultural prominence from the time of the Kalasa-Karkala kingdom, which King Bhairava established between the 13th and 16th centuries. After the rule of the Pandyas, the region was annexed by Tipu Sultan. The town has retained its multicultural characteristics, which are reflected in the many languages spoken here, such as Tulu (the native language), Kannada, Konkani and Urdu.
If your interest has been piqued about this uniquely offbeat location, use this guide to plan your holiday to Karkala.
Arguably the most popular attraction of Karkala, the Gommateshwara Statue stands 13 metres high and is carved out of a single granite rock. It is said to be the second tallest statue of Bahubali, a revered figure in Jainism, in the world. The statue was built in 1432 by Veera Pandya Bhairarasa Wodeyar of the Santara dynasty and is placed on a 1.5-metre pedestal enclosed by a prakaram (temple compound outside the sanctum). A few sculptures of Tirthankaras (preachers of the dharma) are displayed in the entrance room. Bahubali is depicted in the kayotsarga posture with curly hair ringlets, large ears and palms stretching up to his knees. He weighs over 80 tonnes! Interestingly, every 12 years, a Mahamastakabhisheka is organised. This is where consecrated water is sprinkled onto the participants by devotees carrying 1,008 specially prepared vessels. The statue is then bathed and anointed with libations such as milk, sugarcane juice and saffron paste and sprinkled with powders of sandalwood, turmeric and vermillion. The next event is due to take place in 2027.
This Roman Catholic church in Karkala was built in 1759 and is purported to be the site of many miracles. Also known as Attur Church, the building honours St Lawrence, an archdeacon of the church born in the 3rd century. Due to his devotion and virtuousness, even when he was being put to death, pilgrims travel to this church from far and wide to pray for his intercession with their god. The feast days in January are peak season for visitors, so time your visit accordingly. In 2016, Pope Francis elevated this shrine to the status of a minor basilica. Thus, the St Lawrence Shrine became the 22nd basilica in India and the second in Karnataka, with St Mary's Basilica in Bengaluru being the first.
The Chaturmukha Basadi is a popular 16th-century Jain temple that is located on an elevated field in the middle of coconut plantations and paddy fields. The name chaturmukha translates to “four faces” as the temple is open on all four sides, with four identical doorways all leading to the inner sanctum of gurba gruha. The temple doorways feature various Jain Thirthankaras as well as Hindu gods and goddesses. The tranquil atmosphere of its surroundings and the symmetry of the building are extremely pleasing to the senses.
This ancient temple from the 14th century was built by the Goud Saraswat Brahmins of Karkala, who had migrated from Goa after the Portuguese invasion. It is popularly known as the Padutirupathi Temple, and the rituals performed here are similar to those followed at the Venkateswara Temple of Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh. For instance, the Dwara Puja and Suprabhatam (shloka to wake up the god from sleep) take place at 6AM. At 12PM, the Naivedyam is performed, wherein several items are served for the god in a huge plate and utensil made of copper. Once the Naivedya is over, the Maha Puja is performed at 1PM, followed by a 6PM lighting of oil lamps (Deeparadanam). Even if you’re not religious yourself, the grace with which devotees sing bhajans in the evenings and the ceremonies are a spectacle worth checking out.
Protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), like most of the buildings in this guide, the Sri Anantha Shayana Temple is a 15th-century Jain temple dedicated to an avatar of Lord Vishnu called Lord Ananthapadmanabha. The magnificent stone sculpture of Vishnu was carved out of a single black stone, with Lord Brahma emerging from Vishnu's navel, and the goddesses Sridevi and Bhudevi at his feet.
Ramasamudra Lake, also known as Rama Lake, is a picturesque freshwater lake surrounded by lush, green forests and the hills of the Western Ghats. It is the major source of drinking water for Karkala and the surrounding areas and has a maximum depth of 11.58 metres. The water in the lake is so crystal clear that visitors can see schools of fish swimming in the shallows. The lake is home to many species of birds, including several migratory ones that visit during the winter months. Some of the common bird species found here include kingfishers, egrets, herons, ducks and storks. Those interested in seeing the sights can hire a local boat to take them around on the placid waters, or simply bring a picnic spread to eat along on its banks while admiring the natural beauty.
This folk museum is dedicated to the legendary heroes of a bygone age, Koti and Chennaya. The twin brothers are believed to have lived sometime in the 16th and 17th centuries, and their fight against social injustice held them in high esteem in their community. The ambience, well-laid-out landscape and traditional architecture transports one back to five centuries ago. Spread over 100 acres, the tall compound walls have murals on the inside that portray Tuluva culture and the lifestyle of the olden days. In the south-eastern corner of the park, you will find three-metre-high statues of the brothers themselves. The story of their lives, achievements and death are engraved all over the cemented walls of the park. You will also find carvings depicting famous festivals like the worship of Nagaradhane (the snake god), the local sport of Kambula (bull fighting), cockfighting, fishing and important agricultural activities. In addition to this, there are artefacts (water containers, wooden boxes, ploughs, noodle makers, different kinds of swords) and paintings inside a museum for visitors to check out.
Situated amid a glorious forest, the viewpoint of Nakre Rock is a popular spot for sunrises and sunsets in Karkala. However, getting there is no easy task. The terrain is steep so you need to wear appropriate trekking shoes and boots to climb up. The viewpoint’s panoramic views of the villages basking under the sun will definitely make your day. This hidden gem means not many people know about the trek, so you will find fewer people joining you at the summit.
Right in the middle of Anekere Lake lies a basadi (Jain temple) that was constructed in 1545. Like the Chaturmukha Basadi, this temple is also designed with entrances facing all four directions. The Chaturmukha idol in Anekere Lake has features of Parshvanatha, Shantinatha, Neminatha and Anantanatha. There is also an idol of Goddess Padmavati here. The lake itself is an artificial construction, built in 1262 by the Bhairasa dynasty as a bathing spot for their royal elephants. Later, it was used to supply the region with drinking water. The delightful view of the Kere Basadi, surrounded by tall coconut trees, is a must-see during the day and night when the complex is lit up.
For a luxurious stay, consider rooms at the Hotel Kateel International. Budget-friendly stays include the Hotel Balaji Inn and the Hotel Mayura International. Backpackers can consider staying at Usha Boarding and Lodging and Savita Lodging Karkala.
Take a flight to Mangaluru International Airport (IXE) or the train to Udupi Railway Station (UD). From there, cover the distance to Karkala by taxi or bus. The town is connected by road to Mangaluru, Udupi, Mysuru and Bengaluru.