Explore various places to visit near Mookambika temple. The Mookambika Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to worshipping Mookambika Devi, the incarnation of Goddess Durga. Also known as Kollur Mookambika Temple, the temple is a renowned place of worship for Hindu pilgrims. The temple is located in Kollur town of Udupi District in Karnataka. The temple offers multiple facilities like a restaurant, a souvenir shop, a library, a meditation hall and car rental services. The temple is approximately 120 km from Mangalore and 85 km from Murudeshwar. The temple is known for its architectural beauty and spiritual significance, attracting millions of devotees annually.
Top Places To Visit Near Mookambika Temple
Explore various places to visit near the Kollur Mookambika Temple. You can plan a visit to Karnataka with your friends and family on your next vacation.
1. Murudeshwara Shiva Temple
Image Credit: Abhiram Swaroop for Wikimedia Commons
The Murudeshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is in Murudeshwar in Karnataka. The temple boasts a 123-foot gigantic statue of Lord Shiva, one of the world’s tallest statues, along with a 20-story and 237-foot tall Raja Gopuram, a temple tower. This temple is considered one of the five holy places of Lord Shiva in Karnataka. According to a legend, the atma-linga (Soul of Shiva) was obtained by the demon king Ravana from Lord Shiva after severe punishments. However, Lord Ganesha and Lord Vishnu successfully tracked Ravana when a piece of Atma-Linga fell on Kanduka Hill, where the temple was now built.
The most famous festival celebrated here is Mahashivratri, during which thousands of devotees visit this temple in honour of Lord Shiva. It is celebrated in February or March (according to the Hindu Calendar). The nearest railway station is Murudeshwar, which is well-connected to all the major cities. It is also accessible by bus or taxi from nearby towns and cities.
Location: Murudeshwar, North Canara, Karnataka
Entry Fee: No entry fee
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2. Kodachadri Peak
Image Credit: Rayabhari for Wikimedia Commons
The beautiful mountain peak of Kodachadri is located at an elevation of 1343 meters in the Shivamogga district of Western Ghats in Karnataka. It is the district’s highest peak and serves as a serene backdrop to the famous Kollur Mookambika Temple. The trek to this peak is quite challenging since it is five hours long and covers a few kilometres.
The temple is associated with the great philosopher Adi Shankaracharya, who is said to have meditated on this peak. September to February, the months of the winter season, are considered to be the best and most optimal duration of visit due to favourable weather. You should wear lightweight, quick-drying fabrics and avoid heavy, uncomfortable clothing like jeans. Buying proper trekking shoes to enjoy a safer experience would be best.
Location: Shivamogga District, Karnataka
Entry Fee: No entry Fee
3. Balamuri Ganapathi Temple
The Balamuri Ganapati Temple is small, just outside the Kollur Mookambika Temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The temple is renowned for its beautiful idol places in the sanctum sanctorum. There is no particular entrance fee to visit this temple. However, you might be charged a toll for parking your vehicle in a safe parking space. The significant festivities at this temple include the celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi with great pomp and show.
Outside the temple are various small shops and kiosks selling pooja offerings, including flowers, sweets, and other essentials. You can buy the offerings from these shops and offer them in the temple according to your beliefs and devotion. It is recommended that you first visit the Balamuri Ganapati Temple before visiting the Mookambika Temple. Every year, the temple witnesses a large influx of devotees visiting both temples; hence, it is considered one of Karnataka’s most sacred places of worship.
Location: Sri Mookambika Temple, Kollur, Kundapura Taluk, Udupi District
Entry Fee: No entry Fee
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4. Maravanthe Beach
Image Credit: Rayabhari for Wikipedia Commons
Maravanthe is a beautiful beach in the Udupi district of Karnataka. This beach is known for its unique location, with the Arabian Sea on one side and the Souparnika River on the other, separated only by National Highway 66, which runs through the area. You can enjoy the scenic views from the highway, play on the beautiful beach areas, and watch the sunset over the Arabian Sea.
Maravanthe is about 420 km from Bengaluru and 105 km from Mangaluru, the nearest airport. Beach resorts and homestay facilities are available in the nearby Trasi area, and there are more options in Kundapura town, about 12 km away. The best times to visit Maravanthe Beach are from September to March, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for swimming and other beach activities.
Location: Udupi, Karnataka
Entry Fee: No Entry Fee
5. Arishna Gundi Waterfalls
The Arishna Gundi Waterfalls, also known as Arasina Makki Falls, is a picturesque waterfall inside the thick forests of the Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary in Kollur. This waterfall is renowned for its unique orange-yellow colour, created by the sun’s rays reflecting off the water droplets around the cascading waters. This yellow-orange colour is also the origin of this name, as “Krishna” translates to turmeric colour in Sanskrit, and the word “gundi” translates to a waterfall in the Kannada language.
The place is ideal for trekking, as you must take a 2 km trek to reach the temple. You can also hire a jeep near the temple. The best time to visit Arishna Gundi Waterfalls is from October to December when the weather is pleasant and the water flow is optimal.
Location: Sampalli, Karnataka
Entry Fee: No entry Fee
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Now that you have a list of things to remember for your next vacation to Mookambika Temple plan your trip to Karnataka, these fabulous spots for the experience of a lifetime. Don’t miss out on these opportunities; book your tickets now!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit Near Mookambika Temple
Where is the Mookambika Temple located?
The Kollur Mookambika Temple is located in Kollur of Udupi district in Karnataka. It is situated on the Kodachadri hills' foothills on the Souparnika River's southern bank. The temple is dedicated to Mookambika Devi, an incarnation of Goddess Durga.
How to reach the Mookambika Temple?
The nearest railway stations are Byndoor 28 km away from the temple and Kundapura 32 km from the temple. Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation also operates regular bus services to Kollur from various major cities.
What are the special days at Mookambika Temple?
The grand festival of Navratri which is celebrated for 9 nights is considered the most important and grandest celebration at the Mookambika Temple. Near the temple, at Balamuri Ganapati Temple, the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is also celebrated with great pomp and show.
When is the best time to visit Mookambika Temple?
The best time to visit the temple is during the holy festival of Navratri in October or November. The temple sees grand celebrations and festivities during this period, making it an ideal time for devotees to visit.
Are there any rules to be followed inside Mookambika Temple?
there are several key rules and guidelines to be followed when visiting the Mookambika Temple like Indian attire is essential for women entering the temple with their heads covered with dupatta or shawl. For men, a dhoti, shirt or kurta is mandatory. You might not be able to enter the temple premises if you violate any dress code.
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