Excursion To Karkala And Moodabidri From Mangalore with Lunch

Mangalore , India

Excursion To Karkala And Moodabidri From Mangalore with Lunch

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(2 reviews)

5h - 6h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Karkala and Moodabidri are two sleepy towns situated around an hour’s drive from Mangalore in the South Indian state of Karnataka. Between the 14th and 16th centuries, this area became a great center of learning and pilgrimage for members of the Jain faith.

In Karkala, the giant statue of Lord Bahubali attracts Jain pilgrims from far and wide. In Moodabidri, visit the famous 1000-pillared Jain Temple dedicated to Chandranatha. This is the largest Jain temple in coastal Karnataka with richly carved pillars and no two pillars in this temple are alike. End your trip with a visit to the local bazaar and a spice plantation in Moodabidri.

Highlights
• 40 feet tall statue of Lord Bahubali, Karkala
• 1000-pillared Jain Temple, Moodabidri
• 50 feet high, free-standing monolithic pillar
• Spice plantation

Available options

1-8 Travelers

Price per person for 1-8 travelers<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Hotel pick-up & drop-off

02 bottles of mineral water per person

Lunch (beverage excluded)

Local English speaking guide

Transport by private air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

You will be picked up from your hotel in Mangalore and driven to Karkala which is located at an hour’s drive from Mangalore.

Visit the giant monolithic statue of Lord Bahubali that was erected in 1432. Bahubali (One with strong arms) is a much revered God of the Jains. He is said to have meditated standing for a year and thereafter attained liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth.

Next drive to Moodabidri, a 30-minute drive from Karkala. It is one of the major centers of Jainism in India and is often referred to as Jain Kashi. There are no less than 18 Jain temples in this little town. It took 31 years to complete the temple.

After the temple visit a local bazaar in Moodabidri, which has visitors from the surrounding areas buying fruits, vegetables, spices, clothes, food items and other items of daily use. It is a nice way to see daily life in this part of the country.

Your next stop will be at a fruit and spice plantation. You can walk through the plantation and learn about the various spices, fruits and other products grown here. You can also taste their famous pineapples if you wish. The farm also offers spices for sale if you would like to buy some (own expense).

At the end of the visit take lunch (beverage excluded) at a local restaurant near Moodabidri.

After lunch you will be driven back to Mangalore and dropped off at your hotel.

What's not included

Food and drinks, unless specified

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Adult pricing applies to all travelers.

A moderate amount of walking is involved.

Not recommended for pregnant women and people with heart problems or other serious medical conditions.

Dress code is smart casual.

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Meeting point

We will pick up traveler from their hotels / fixed point within city center.

Important notes

Hotel pickups commence approximately 30 - 60 minutes prior to this time, exact pickup time will be advised on reconfirmation.

About Mangalore

Mangalore is a vibrant coastal city in Karnataka known for its beautiful beaches, rich cultural heritage, and delicious cuisine. It serves as a major port city and offers a unique blend of traditional and modern experiences.

Top Attractions

Panambur Beach

Panambur Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Mangalore, known for its golden sands and serene atmosphere. It's a great place for a relaxing stroll or a picnic.

Beach 2-3 hours Free

Kudroli Gokarnath Temple

This temple is dedicated to Lord Gokarneswara and is one of the most important Hindu temples in Mangalore. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture and peaceful surroundings.

Religious 1-2 hours Free

St. Mary's Island

St. Mary's Island is a group of four small islands known for their unique basaltic columnar rock formations. The islands are a popular spot for nature lovers and photographers.

Nature Half day INR 500-1000 for boat rides and entry fees

Must-Try Local Dishes

Neer Dosa

A thin, lacy crepe made from rice batter, often served with coconut chutney or fish curry.

Breakfast Vegetarian

Ghee Roast Dosa

A crispy dosa cooked with ghee and spices, often served with potato masala and chutney.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian

Kori Rotti

A traditional dish made with dry roasted rice papads and chicken curry.

Lunch/Dinner Non-vegetarian

Popular Activities

Scuba diving Snorkeling Beach relaxation Spa treatments Temple visits Local festivals Beach activities Boat rides

Best Time to Visit

October to February

This is the best time to visit Mangalore as the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing. The city hosts several festivals during this period.

20°C to 32°C 68°F to 90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Kannada
Widely spoken: English, Tulu
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Indian Rupee (INR)

Time Zone

IST (UTC+5:30)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Mangalore is generally safe for travelers, but standard precautions should be taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas.
• Avoid walking alone at night in isolated areas.
• Use reputable taxi services or app-based services.

Getting there

By air

Mangalore International Airport • 15 km from city center

By train

Mangalore Central, Mangalore Junction

By bus

City Bus Stand, Private Bus Stand

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the primary mode of public transport in Mangalore. They are affordable and cover most areas of the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Ola, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Hampankatta Panambur Kankanady

Day trips

Udupi

60 km • Half day to full day

Udupi is a town known for its famous Krishna Temple and beautiful beaches. It's a popular day trip from Mangalore.

Karkala

50 km • Full day

Karkala is a historic town known for its ancient temples, museums, and the famous Karkala Hill Fort.

Festivals

Mangalore Dasara • September/October Ganesh Chaturthi • August/September

Pro tips

Visit the beach early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the heat and crowds.
Try the local seafood at beachside shacks for an authentic experience.
Carry a map or use a navigation app as street signs can be limited.
Learn a few basic phrases in Kannada or Tulu to enhance your interaction with locals.
Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites.