The southern states of India are home to some of the most breathtaking temples on the planet. Boasting intricate architecture, a long history, and an undying following of devotees that flock to these temples all year long. One such temple is the Kukke Subrahmanya Temple located in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. Today, we talk about all the places to visit near Kukke.
You have already visited the temple and have ample time to kill. So, what should you prefer? Another temple or maybe a beach, a waterfall, hill station or some mountains? Regardless of that, here is a list that will do justice to your time.
Top 20 Places To Visit Near Kukke
The following are the most popular places to visit near Kukke that lure travelers from across the country with their exclusive experiences. A combination of hills, temples, hill stations and other natural avenues – these ares some of the best tourist places near Kukke Subramanya:
- Adi Subrahmanya Temple: Famous For Mrittika
- Kumara Parvatha: Go For A Thrilling Trek
- Biladwara Cave: The Serpent God’s Hideout
- Ghat Viewpoint: For Hiking Lovers
- Sakleshpur: A Supreme Hill Station
- Coorg: The Scotland Of India
- Dubare Elephant Camps: An Offbeat Place
- Bandaje Falls: The True Marvel Of Nature
- Tadiandamol: The Second Highest Peak
- Mangalore: A Beach City
- Sri Omkareshwara Temple: For History Enthusiasts
- Mullayanagiri: For All The Adventure Buffs
- Chikmagalur: Where Pleasant Climate Prevails
- Horanadu: More Religious Avenues
- Udupi: Of Beaches And Temples
- Kemmangundi: Favorite Summer Destination
- Nagarhole National Park: The Natural Green Zone
- Agumbe: The Village With A Miles Of Forests
- Kabini: The Quaint Karnataka Region
- Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary: An Encounter With The Wild
1. Adi Subrahmanya Temple: Famous For Mrittika
Adi Subrahmanya Temple is located right next to the Kukke Subrahmanya Temple and is home to two holy anthills that are representations of Vasuki and Adidesha. The temple holds great importance among pilgrims and serves “mrittika” as the prashad. Legend says that consuming this prashad will heal all kinds of skin-related diseases and ailments.
Apart from being religiously symbolic, the other special thing about the Adi Subrahmanya Temple is that relatively fewer devotees know about the existence of this temple, and its religious importance.
Thanks to which, the beautiful garden that houses the shrine offers travellers a quiet respite from an otherwise lively city.
Distance from Kukke Subrahmanya: 250 meters
Timings: 7 AM to 8 PM
Entry Fee: Free Entry
Places To Stay: Hotel Sheshnaag Aashraya, SLR Residency, Hotel Akshayadhara, Shesha Kuteera, Hotel Sai Skanda
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2. Kumara Parvatha: Go For A Thrilling Trek
Part of the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, the 1712 tall Kumara Parvatha is a hot favorite among hikers visiting the area. The 13 kilometer hike is considered one of the most challenging trails in Karnataka and takes up to 10 hours to complete. The views from the peak (overlooking the Kukke Temple) and simply breathtaking, and well worth the effort, making it one of the best places to visit near Kukke for adventure and nature lovers.
The great thing about this trek is that the starting point is at a walkable distance from the temple. However, thanks to the challenging trail, the long distance, and the ban on camping at the peak, the trek falls in the moderately difficult category and may not be suitable for all fitness levels.
Distance from Kukke Subrahmanya: 200 meters
Timings: Hike during daylight hours
Entry Fee: Rs 350
Places To Stay: WelcomHeritage Ayatana, Hotel Sheshnaag Aashraya, SLR ResidencyHotel Akshayadhara, Shesha Kuteera
Suggested Read: 21 Historical Places In Karnataka Every History Buff Should Visit
3. Biladwara Cave: The Serpent God’s Hideout
If the rich mythology associated with the Kukke Subrahmanya Temple is what attracted you to the city of Subrahmanya, the Biladwara Cave will surely interest you.
Believed to be serpent God Vasuki’s hideout while he was trying to avoid a battle with Garuda, the cave is an essential part of the lore that surrounds the temple of Kukke.
The best part is, there is no entry fee required to visit the cave. That, combined with its proximity to the temple, makes Biladwara Cave one of the best budget places to visit near Kukke.
Distance from Kukke Subrahmanya: 800 Meters
Timings: 5 AM to 7 PM
Entry Fee: Free Entry
Places To Stay: WelcomHeritage Ayatana, Hotel Sheshnaag Aashraya, SLR ResidencyHotel Akshayadhara, Shesha Kuteera
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4. Ghat Viewpoint: For Hiking Lovers
The Bisle Ghat Viewpoint is one of the most visited tourist spots in the area, and rightfully so. Situated bang in the middle of the towns of Sakleshpur and Subrahmanya, the quaint village of Bisle houses the Bisle Ghat Viewpoint.
The viewpoint offers enchanting 360-degree views of the surrounding mountain ranges of Yenikallu Betta, Doddabetta and Pushpagiri and Kumaraparvatha.
The viewpoint is perfect for spending a quiet afternoon with your loved ones, simply soaking in the majestic views of the Western Ghats. Thanks to this, the viewpoint is one of the best places to visit near Kukke for couples.
The viewpoint falls within Bisle Forest Reserve, which is home to a variety of unique species of flora and fauna including, monkeys, peacocks, spotted deer, and elephants. The hike to the viewpoint is also very exciting, since it is extremely easy to run into a hidden waterfall or a picture-perfect stream.
Distance from Kukke Subrahmanya: 24 km
Timings: 6 AM to 6:30 PM
Entry Fee: Free Entry
Places To Stay: WelcomHeritage Ayatana, Hotel Sheshnaag Aashraya, SLR ResidencyHotel Akshayadhara, Shesha Kuteera
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5. Sakleshpur: A Supreme Hill Station
Sakleshpur is a supreme hill station and probably one of the best places to visit around Kukke Subramanya. The hill station surrounded by the Western Ghats has acres of vast tea, coffee and spice plantations. Get gleaming views of the Hemavathi River flowing across the town when the sun’s down and mist has surfaced most of the mountains. Manjarabad Fort, Sakleshpur Lake and Ayyappa Swamy Temple are some of the best places to visit in Sakleshpur.
Distance from Kukke Subrahmanya: 60 km
Timings: N/A
Entry Fee: N/A
Places To Stay: CoffeeBean Villa Sakleshpur, The Vana – Valley Retreat, Sereno Resort
Suggested Read: Best Homestays In Sakleshpur For Bangaloreans To Get A Slice Of Country Life
6. Coorg: The Scotland Of India
Possibly the most famous hill station in South India, the city of Coorg needs no introduction to experienced travelers. For those who don’t know about it, Coorg is home to unmatched natural beauty, enchanting royal gardens, coffee and wine plantations, and a host of adventure activities such as hiking and paragliding. There are a plethora of places to visit in Coorg that you can visit on your vacation.
All that, coupled with a city filled with welcoming locals and a laid back, almost hippie vibe in the air, Coorg is among the best tourist places to visit near Kukke, and will make for the perfect extension to your trip to Kukke.
Distance from Kukke Subrahmanya: 74 km
Timings: N/A
Entry Fee: N/A
Places To Stay: Sanctum Retreat, Woodland Bungalow, The Tamara Coorg, Estate Stay, Club Mahindra Virajpet
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7. Dubare Elephant Camps: An Offbeat Place
Dubare is a very popular destination where you can get the essence of a unique and fun vacation. The place is readily popular for the vast elephant camps situated by the bank of river Kaveri. There are plenty of opportunities to ride the elephants, boat across the river and trek through the jungles. In short, the Dubare Elephant camps are one of the most satisfying and offbeat tourist places near Kukke Subramanya.
Distance from Kukke Subrahmanya: 75 km
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: INR 900
Places To Stay: Palette Resorts, Dubare Inn, Birds Eye Homestay
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8. Bandaje Falls: The True Marvel Of Nature
A postcard-stamp worthy destination, the Bandaje Falls are a true marvel of Mother Nature and is one of the best spot on our list of places to visit near Kukke . Nestled deep within the forest, the majestic waterfall is famous for breathtaking views (especially during the sunset), untouched natural surroundings, and a challenging hike.
To reach the waterfall, which is situated at a height of 700 metres above sea level, one has to trek for 15 long and challenging kilometers. Those that make it, are rewarded with a waterfall that boasts a 200 feet drop, the sight of which, is nothing short of surreal.
Distance from Kukke Subrahmanya: 77 km
Timings: Hike during daylight hours (camping is allowed near the waterfall)
Entry Fee: Free Entry
Places To Stay: Sudharshan Homestay, Misty Hieghts Homestay, Meghagiri homestay, Katikan Home Stay, Vamoose Kaddu Kallu
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9. Tadiandamol: The Second Highest Peak
Another one among the best tourist places around Kukke for the adventure lovers, Tadiandamol is a hiker’s paradise that happens to be located in proximity to Kukke Temple. Tadiandamol stands at a height of 1746 meters and is the second highest peak in Karnataka.
The hike is a pleasant one, and takes one through landscapes that switch from coffee plantations to dense forests to vegetation free mountain tops. While a bit challenging at times, the trail is well marked and easy to follow. Considering the kind of views visible from the top, it is a fact that Tadiandamol is an extremely rewarding hike.
Distance from Kukke Subrahmanya: 105 km
Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
Entry Fee: Rs 20
Places To Stay: Misty Woods Resort, Twins Cottage, The Tamara Coorg, Vacanza Estate House, Vamoose Coffee Country
Ideal Duration: 2-4 days
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10. Mangalore: A Beach City
Mangalore is a port city and one of the major commercial centres in Karnataka. Why it finds itself in the list of top tourist places near Kukke Subramanya is because of the immense number of temples in the city and the beaches that act as a perfect buffer for a leisure vacation. After all the praying and sightseeing, who would want to miss out on some fresh wind coming from the beach. Panambur Beach, Ullal Beach and Tannirbhavi Beach are some of the best beaches in Mangalore.
Distance from Kukke Subrahmanya: 105 km
Timings: N/A
Entry Fee: N/A
Places To Stay: Ginger Mangalore, River View – Kavitha Residency, Goldfinch Hotel
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11. Sri Omkareshwara Temple: For History Enthusiasts
The 18th century shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, Sri Omkareshwara is a unique Hindu temple that attracts devotees and architecture & history aficionados alike.
According to the story behind the temple, it was built by King Linga Rajendra II as a sign of penance for killing a Brahmin to fulfill his political ambitions.
The temple has a contrasting architecture, when compared to the other temples of South India, particularly because it lacks the traditional pillared hall, a common feature of South India temples. In fact, the temple’s architecture can be compared to that of a mosque!
This heady mix of an interesting back story and interesting architecture make Sri Omkareshwara Temple one of the most famous places to visit near the Kuke Temple.
Distance from Kukke Subrahmanya: 126 km
Timings: 6:30 AM-12:00 PM/5:00 PM-8:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free Entry
Places To Stay: V Twin Towers, Grand Continent Hotels JP Nagar, FabHotel Prime Ivory Pearl II, Skanda In, Hotel Ambient Turret
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12. Mullayanagiri: For All The Adventure Buffs
This one is for the adventure buffs who don’t mind going the extra mile in search of an adrenaline rush. While a bit distant from the Kukke Temple, Mullayangiri is an excellent destination to satisfy your wild side.
Standing at a height of 1930 meters, Mullayangiri is the highest peak in Karnataka. Thankfully, the peak is accessible after a rewarding hike of only 3 km and is dotted with hidden jungle waterfalls.
Since it is relatively unexplored by tourists, Mullayangiri trek offers a rewarding experience filled with enchanting views and a healthy dose of solitude.
Distance from Kukke Subrahmanya: 140 km
Timings: Hike during daylight hours
Entry Fee: Free Entry
Places To Stay: The Royal Palace, TripThrill Colour Stay, Benaka Residency, Resside Serviced Apartments, Panchami Cottages
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13. Chikmagalur: Where Pleasant Climate Prevails
Chikmagalur is another hill station which you must consider while searching for places to visit around Kukke Subramanya. The pleasant climate, vast expanse of coffee estates and multiple hills demarcate Chikmagalur. The Bababudan Giri ranges attract a lot of tourists for tourism purposes especially for trekking and camping. The picturesque landscape and lush green valley will overall make for a glorifying stay in the hill town of Chikmagalur.
Distance from Kukke Subrahmanya: 148 km
Timings: N/A
Entry Fee: N/A
Places To Stay: Chikmagalur Homestay, Holiday Inn Home, The Vintage Chikmagalur
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14. Horanadu: More Religious Avenues
If you are looking for more religious places to visit near Kukke, then visit Horanadu, a panchayat village. Horanadu is very well-known for the Annapoorneshwari Temple, which preaches the Goddess of food. There are some other temples in Horanadu that you must visit to complete your religious tour including the Kalaseshwara Temple.
What else? The town is also in the vicinity of several natural hotspots like Kyatanmakki hills and Gangamula – the origin of 3 major rivers – Tunga, Bhadra and Netravathi.
Distance from Kukke Subrahmanya: 150 km
Timings: N/A
Entry Fee: N/A
Places To Stay: Shree International Sringeri, Upasana Retreat, Bhadra Nivasa Lodge
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15. Udupi: Of Beaches And Temples
Udupi is another temple city where you can tour various temples and since the city lies on the shores of Arabian Sea, you can tour them too. The city is also famous for its signature Udupi cuisine. The Sri Krishna Matha is the most popular temple in the city. The city has garnered crowds, not just from religious sects but from the beach and adventure community too.
And Let’s not forget the families that attract themselves to the famous St Mary’s Island. Other tourist attractions in Udupi include Corporation Bank Heritage Museum, Mattu Beach, Stella Maris Church Kalmady, Mannapalla Lake, Arbi Falls and Swarna river.
Distance from Kukke Subrahmanya: 153 km
Timings: N/A
Entry Fee: N/A
Places To Stay: Hotel Sri Krishna Residency, White Lotus Hotel, Paradise Isle Beach Resort
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16. Kemmangundi: Favorite Summer Destination
The hill station which is everyone’s favorite place for the summers. Kemmangundi is a little far from Kukke but is worth the visit. It has a plethora of waterfalls like Hebbe Falls, Kalhatti Falls, Kallathigiri Falls, Shanti Falls, Honnammana Halla and so many more. Not enough? There are some other avenues for you to consider as well!
Trek to the Z Point Trekking Peak, explore wildlife at the Kemmangundi Krishnarajendra Park, pray at the Shri Veerabhadreshwara Swamy Temple and picnic near the Madagadakere lake.
Distance from Kukke Subrahmanya: 155 km
Timings: N/A
Entry Fee: N/A
Places To Stay: Ranga Taana, The Last Resort, The Wildernest Homestay
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17. Nagarhole National Park: The Natural Green Zone
A family tour is incomplete without visiting a national park or wildlife sanctuary. It’s just a saying! The Nagarhole National Park is a gateway to a huge expanse of jungles in the Kodagu and Mysore district. The protected zone is a huge part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. You can clearly see the mammoth Brahmagiri Mountains filled with teak and sandalwood trees. The natural zone is fed by the serene Kabini River through the jungle which is home to tigers, Asian elephants and birds.
Distance from Kukke Subrahmanya: 160 km
Timings: 6:45 AM – 6:00 PM; Safari timings: 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM, 3 PM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 250 for Indians, INR 1,000 for foreigners; safari charges are extra
Places To Stay: Bison Manor Country Retreat, Koomankolly Heritage Resort, Agraharam Resorts
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18. Agumbe: The Village With A Miles Of Forests
Agumbe is by far one of the best places to visit around Kukke Subramanya which will not disappoint you as a traveler in any way. The more we talk about the tranquil nature of Agumbe, the less it is. The high-altitude village in the Shimoga district is known for mountains, rich green rainforests and waterfalls like Jogi Gundi, Onake Abbi and Bakarna. The Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary lies to the south of Agumbe. There are plenty of opportunities for hiking, trekking, camping and picnics.
If you want to learn more, here is an exclusive Agumbe village guide which lists out even more details about this supreme location.
Distance from Kukke Subrahmanya: 170 km
Timings: N/A
Entry Fee: N/A
Places To Stay: The Highlands Homestay, Hingaara – The Nature Stay, Kolavara Heritage
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19. Kabini: The Quaint Karnataka Region
Do not miss Kabini just because it’s a little away from Kukke. Kabini is a green zone full of spots that are tranquil, serene and quaint in nature. On one side, we have the Kabini Dam, in another, the Kabini Backwaters, while a little further lies the Bandipur national park and the famous Kabini river. Do not miss to stay at the river lodges and resorts while otherwise enjoying safari, boating and trekking. All of this together makes Kabini one of the top places to visit near Kukke.
Distance from Kukke Subrahmanya: 180 km
Timings: N/A
Entry Fee: N/A
Places To Stay: Red Earth Kabini, The Serai Kabini, Waterwoods Lodge
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20. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary: An Encounter With The Wild
A protected tiger reserve, the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is filled with untouched marvels of nature and is known as one of the most visited tourist places near Kukke. From a rich and varied collection of flora and fauna to waterfalls and hills nestled in the deep ends of the forest, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is the perfect day trip from the Kukke Temple.
With pocket-friendly Forest Department operated jungle safari tour, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is a great place to visit near Kukke for families. The only thing to keep in mind is that the safari only takes place between 6:30 AM and 8:30 AM in the morning and 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM in the evening.
Distance from Kukke Subrahmanya: 198 Kilometers
Timings: 6:30 AM-8:30 AM/4:00 PM-6:00 PM
Entry Fee: Rs 400 for Jeep Safari (Max. 6 people in a jeep) and Rs 300 for bus safari
Places To Stay: Halli Hithalu Homestay, Baladara, Patel Homestay, Kava Retreat, Brindavan Homestay
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There is no dearth of places to visit near Kukke Subrahmanya Temple for those willing to make an effort to explore. Plan your trip to Kukke with TravelTriangle and enjoy the best vacation amidst the scenic beauty of Karnataka. If you still have any apprehensions, read our FAQs below to get started with planning your holiday to this magical destination.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit Near Kukke
How do I reach Subrahmanya from Bangalore?
Since Subrahmanya is a known point of pilgrimage, reaching the area is not a challenge. From Bangalore (and other major cities in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu), there are direct buses running on this route. One can also find a direct train from Bangalore to the Subrahmanya Road Railway, which is just 7 km away from the Kukke Temple. Why is Kukke Subrahmanya Temple famous?
Dedicated to the Lord Of Serpents, Kukke Subrahmanya Temple is not just a major pilgrimage destination for Hindus all over the World, but has a rich history associated with it. The temple’s intricate construction dates back to 5,000 years. During this time, both mythological and unbelievable but real stories have been associated with the temple. The temple is also an important example of the architecture style of temples in South India. What is the best time to visit Kukke Subrahmanya?
The best time to visit the temple is during the winter months, between December and March. During this time, the weather is extremely pleasant, which is perfect if you are looking to explore a new destination. Moreover, the temple hosts the Thaipooyam festival during January and February, which has a lot of religious significance. Are there any religious customs that must be kept in mind while visiting the Kukke Temple?
Unlike many of its counterparts in the South India, the Kukke Temple enforces no customs or rules on its visitors. How far is Kukke Temple from Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple?
The Dharamshala Manjunath Temple is one of the most revered holy places to visit near the Kukke Temple. At a distance of just 53 km, visiting this temple can turn out to be the perfect utilization of the day that remains after visiting the Kukke Temple. What is Sarpa Samskara?
The Sarpa Samskara is a hindu ritual, and one of the most prominent reasons devotees come to the Kukke Subramanya Temple. The ritual is said to get rid of the naga dosha which roughly translates to serpent curse.
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Sakshi Awasthi, an ardent traveler by heart is a Research Scholar from the University of Delhi. Unveiling the untold story of historical sites and encountering the impeccable beauty of nature, turned her to be a Travel Blogger. Currently, working as a Senior Content Writer with TravelTriangle.
