Dharmasthala

Quick Overview

Best Time to Visit: October to March — pleasant, festive season with mild winter months
Weather: Winters (Oct–Mar): daytime 30–33 °C, nights 21–23 °C — ideal for sightseeing. Hot season (Apr–Jun): 34 °C+, humid. Monsoon (Jun–Sep): heavy rains, lush greenery, may disrupt road travel
Budget: Approx ₹1,500–₹8,000/day

Nearest Airport:

Mangalore International Airport — ~80 km, connected to major Indian and Middle East destinations

By Train:

Subramanya Road Railway Station (~45 km) is the closest; well-connected to major cities. Comfortable transfers by KSRTC/private buses or taxis
Many visitors take a train (often Vistadome coach) from Bangalore to Subramanya, then a bus or taxi

By Road:

Well-connected via Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and private buses from Bangalore, Mangalore, Udupi, etc.
Drive via Charmadi or Shiradi Ghats — roads generally good, may have occasional rough stretches after heavy rain

Near Temple Town: Affordable lodgings and temple-run accommodations; ideal for easy darshan access
Around Ujire / Mangalore Road: Resorts like Aananda Wellness & Resorts, Ocean Pearl offer more comfort (rooms ₹1,200–₹4,500/night)
Homestays & Guest Houses: Budget options (₹700–₹2,500/night) near Ujire/Dharmasthala temples

Light cottons for daytime, layers or shawl for cooler nights
Comfortable walking shoes (many temple areas are stepped)
Rain protection (umbrella/raincoat) — especially during monsoon
Sunscreen & sunglasses
Modest dress: Men should avoid shorts and wear shawl post-shir removal; women in saree or salwar-kameez preferred
Reusable water bottle

Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple
~800-year-old Shaiva shrine run by Jain administration, with Vaishnava priests
Bahubali Statue
39‑ft rock-carved Jain monolith from 1973 standing on Ratnagiri hill
Hosts Mahamastakabhisheka every 12 years (last held Feb 9–18 2019)
Manjusha Museum
Showcases antiques, palm-leaf manuscripts, temple chariots, vintage cars & artifacts from coastal Karnataka
Netravathi River Barrage
Peaceful riverside spot near temple; perfect for morning strolls
Chandranatha Basadi
Ancient Jain temple dedicated to Chandraprabha, showcasing religious harmony
Annappa Betta
A short hill offering scenic views — ideal for a quiet nature break
Stroll through Ujire & Local Markets
Witness regional life, handicrafts, and small eateries; don’t miss local sugarcane and banana stands.

Annadana (Community Feast)
Temple offers free meals daily — a spiritual experience and a part of social service culture
Festivals & Rituals
- Maha Shivaratri, Mahamastakabhisheka, Laksha Deepa Utsava are grand events worth timing your visit for
- Lakshadeepa festival in November lights up the temple
Trek to Bahubali Hill
Climb for panoramic views and tranquil moments.
Explore Manjusha Museum
Dive into antique cars and age-old manuscripts.
Riverside Strolls
Relax near the Netravathi barrage at dawn or dusk.
Nearby Pilgrimage Stops
- Kukke Subramanya (~50 km) — join as part of a road pilgrimage circuit
- Sringeri (80 km), Shravanabelagola (140 km), Murudeshwar (170 km) for culture and architecture trips

Temple Prasadam & Satvic Meals served at Annapoorna Chathra — wholesome and communal
Local Snacks & Street Food: Idli, dosa, vada, sweet buns, banana chips
Nearby Restaurants: Simple South-Indian thali and coastal cuisine options in Ujire and Mangalore road

A shining example of religious harmony: Hindu rituals overseen by Jain custodians; spiritual plus social service blended uniquely

The town is active throughout the year — temple festivals, rural fairs, pilgrim traffic make it vibrant yet serene.

Languages: Kannada (official), Tulu, plus English and Hindi
Getting Around: Walks, auto-rickshaws, private taxis; bus network locally & from Mangalore/Udupi
Dress Code: Modest attire required inside temples — no shorts or sleeveless; men may need to remove shirts and carry a wrap
Safety Tips:
- Roads in ghats may face occasional blockages during monsoon — check conditions before travel
- Watch your belongings in crowds and on buses
- Respect religious spaces and local customs

Enjoy Your Yatra!