Dharmasthala is a famous religious destination of the state of Karnataka, India. Situated in the southwest district, this town and its surroundings are decorated with different temples and many more tourist attractions. Nature consists of vast green wavy hills, quiet Netravathi River, marble white temples, religious harmony, and different festivals places to visit near Dharmasthala possess quite a surprising list. Hinduism, as well as Jainism, bears immense importance for this place. History, myths, and faith go hand in hand around this place. Nature lovers, or pilgrims, trekkers, or lazy strollers, this place has something to offer everybody.
Top 6 Places To Visit Near Dharmasthala
There are 6 places to visit near Dharmasthala which you can consider for your next trip. The details of these places will make your trip easier and comfortable as well.
1. Belthangady
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Belthangady is situated in the Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka. This small town holds several attractions which makes it one of the popular visiting places near Dharmasthala town. Hidden gems of Belthangady include trekkers’ paradise Jamalabad Fort. Tippu Sultan built this top hill fort in 1794. Trekkers can opt for a thrilling trek to the uphill Jamalabad Fort through dense forests. As the trekker proceeds through the ambiance of the surroundings, the forest reveals a mystery in front of a trekker’s eyes. The mesmerizing view from the top of the fort pumps up the adrenaline rush, surely. Another attraction of this area is the Shree Ramaskhetra Dharmasthala temple. The scenic temple has multiple deities. The sparkling clean and peaceful environment of the temple makes it a refreshing destination for pilgrims of all ages.
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2. Statue Of Bhagawan Bahubali
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The giant monolithic statue of Lord Bahubali is situated at the top of Ratnagiri hills, near the Netravati river bank. The massive 57 feet high statue symbolizes immense strength, both physical and intellectual. While being one of the bestplaces to visit in Dharmasthala, Bahubali statue is a sacred spot for Jain pilgrims seeking peace and salvation. Tourists are bound to abide by strict laws to enter this sacred place. Men and women must maintain traditional attire while entering to the temple. Steps and roads lead to this shrine to the top of the hill covering a beautiful scenic path.
3. Sri Manjunatha Swami Temple
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This unique temple is one of the most popular tourist places near Dharmasthala. This temple is situated as proof of the amalgamation of Hinduism and Jainism. Here, the deities worshipped are the Hindu god Lord Shiva, who is otherwise known as Manjunatha, Ammanavaru, and the Tirthankara Chandraprabha, and protective gods of Jainism, such as Kalarahu, Kalarkayi, Kumaraswamy, and Kanyakumari. The temple is of Shaiva belief of Hinduism, priests of this temple traditionally belong to the Brahmin-Vaishnava community, and administrators or ‘Dharma Adhikari’ are Jains. Every year, flocks of devotees and tourists gather in this temple to witness festivals like Maha Shivaratri, Mahamastakabhisheka, and Laksha Deepa Utsava.
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4. Netravathi River Barrage
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A scenic escape from the city, Netravathi River Barrage, is known as one of the most alluring tourist places near Dharmasthala within 50 km. Unpolluted and uncrowded, this secluded place is situated near the Dharmasthala town, making it a perfect weekend destination. This Barrages surroundings offer enveloping greenery that creates a charming atmosphere, perfect for a lonesome stroll. The Nature care hospital near this barrage also bears importance as it maintains the ancient ‘panchbhut tatwa’ or the natural five-element principle of treatment and healing.
5. Madikeri
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Lying in the district of Coorg, Madikeri is one of the best places to visit near Dharmasthala. From spending come cozy time at Abbey Falls to exploring the wildlife on a jeep safari and from bathing with the elephants at the elephant camp to indulging in the adventure of trekking and camping, there are numerous things to do in Madikeri. Whether you are travelling alone or with a partner, you can enjoy a wonderful sightseeing experience. Some of the places that allows you to witness the best of this destination are Chelavara Falls, Raja’s Seat, Omkareshwara Temple, Cauvery Nisargadhama, Abbey Falls, Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Iruppu Falls, Golden Temple, Madikeri Fort, Chingara Falls, and more.
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6. Saavira Kambada Basadi
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Saavira Kambada Basadi is an iconic Jain Temple that is primarily known for its thousand pillars. The temple is also known as Chandranatha Temple as it honours the tirthankara Chandraprabha whose eight-foot idol is highly worshipped in the shrine. The town of Moodabidri houses 18 Jain temple in total, but Saavira Kambada Basadi is touted as the finest and popular one. Known to be one of the best temples in Karnataka, the Basadi was built by the local chieftain in 1430 and it took approximately 31 years to complete it
Best Time To Visit Dharmasthala
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The places to see around Dharmasthala are open all the time of the year. But, August to February is the ideal time to visit this temple town and its surroundings. The temples can be visited according to the pilgrim’s leisure, but as many of the attractions are on hills, summer or heavy monsoon is not the appropriate time to visit. Jamalabad Fort and Bahubali statue can be seen best in the months of winter. Festivals are other attractions of these temples that witness thousands of footfalls every year. Tourists must visit at the time of Shivratri, Mahamastakabhisheka, and Laksha Deepa Utsava to witness the grandeur.
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How To Reach Dharamshala
- By Air: Mangalore airport, earlier known as Bajpe Airport, located at a distance of 65 kilometers from the main city of Dharmasthala. The airport serves both as domestic and international tourists, heading to Dharmasthala. The flights are connected to the major cities such as Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The airport is perfect for the tourists coming from different major cities of India such as Kochi, Mumbai, Goa, and Bangalore.
- By Train: Located 74 kilometers away from Dharmasthala, Mangalore Railway Station is considered as the closest railway junction to Dharmasthala. This railway station is well-connected to all the major towns and cities in India.
- By Road: Travellers can reach Dharmasthala by Karnataka State Road Corporation Buses, operated from almost all over the cities.
The temple town Dharmasthala along with many precious getaways located near vicinity offers a variety of attractions to its tourists. From a famous temple bearing signs of religious harmony to a mysterious fort at the top of a hill, places to visit near Dharmasthala do not cease to surprise its visitors with its gems. Now that you have a list of those attractions, so plan a trip to Karnataka and head towards spending a beautiful weekend in and around this spot soon.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit Near Dharmasthala
Where is Dharmasthala located?
Dharmasthala, the temple town, is located in the Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka state, India.
Why is Jamalabad Fort near Dharmasthalais famous?
Jamalabad Fort is situated 65km away from the city Mangalore. Built by Tipu Sultan, this fort is situated at Belthangady. It is situated at the Kudremukh range of hills, on the Killoor road, Belthangady, Dakshina Kannada District, Karnataka, India. The historical backdrop of this fort has made it popular among the tourists.
What is special in Dharmasthala?
The specialty of this gram panchayat is the unique temple of Dharmasthala. The temple hosts gods from Hinduism as well as Jainism. The priests are of the Vaishnav community whereas the patrons of the temple are Jains.
Which are the best places to visit near Dharmasthala?
Some of the best places to visit near Dharmasthala are Belthangady, Statue Of Bhagawan Bahubali, Sri Manjunatha Swami Temple, Netravathi River Barrage, Madikeri, Saavira Kambada Basadi, and more.
When is the best time to visit Karnataka?
October through April is the best time to visit Karnataka and South India. Owing to the location of the state in South India, the climate of Karnataka remains on the warmer side throughout the year. Winters are mild, summer are hot and humid, and monsoon arrives early in Karnataka.
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Pragna Mukherjee Patra is an ardent explorer of unseen places and a passionate travel writer who love to pen down about the many destinations she visits around the world. From trekking to hiking, she loves to push herself through adventures and write about them for fellow travellers.
