- Karkala Gomateshwara Statue - 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.
- Moodabidri - 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.
- Complimentary hotel pick-up and drop-off service
- Two bottles of mineral water per person included
- Delicious lunch provided (beverages not included)
- Guidance from a knowledgeable local English-speaking guide
- Comfortable transport in a private, air-conditioned vehicle
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Gratuities
Karkala and Moodabidri are two tranquil towns located about an hour’s journey by car from Mangalore in Karnataka, a state in the southern part of India. From the 14th to the 16th centuries, this region emerged as an important hub of education and a destination for pilgrimages for adherents of the Jain religion.
In the town of Karkala, the imposing figure of Lord Bahubali draws numerous Jain devotees from across different regions. Meanwhile, Moodabidri is home to the renowned Thousand-Pillar Jain Temple devoted to the deity Chandranatha. This temple is the grandest Jain temple along the coastal area of Karnataka and features intricately carved pillars, each with a unique design. Conclude your journey with a stroll through Moodabidri’s traditional marketplace and an exploration of a local spice farm.
Key Attractions
• Lord Bahubali’s impressive 40-foot structure in Karkala
• Moodabidri’s prominent Thousand-Pillar Jain Temple
• 50-foot towering, standalone monolithic column
• Aromatic spice farm
- 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
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
