Dharmasthala is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. This town is located in the state of Karnataka in southwest India. The city is home to many historical and religious sites, as well as several natural attractions. Some of the top Dharmasthala near places include the Temple complex of Manjunatha, the Sri Kalahasti temple, and the Nandi Hills.

You can reach Dharmasthala:

By train:  The nearest railway junction to Dharmasthala is Mangalore Railway Station, located about 74 km away. You can hire cabs or take buses to reach Dharmasthala from the Mangalore railway station.

By air: Dharmasthala’s nearest airport is Mangalore Airport, which serves both domestic and international passengers. Formerly called Bajpe Airport, it is located 65 kilometres from Dharmasthala. It connects to major Middle East destinations such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Furthermore, it is ideal for travellers coming from Mumbai, Bangalore, Goa, Kochi, Calicut, and other major Indian cities.

By road: Travellers can hire taxis/cabs or take buses to reach Dharmasthala from Mangalore Railway Station, located at a distance of about 74 km.

16 places you must visit in Dharmasthala

1) Manjunatha Swamy Temple

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The Manjunatha Swamy Temple is the most popular tourist attraction in Dharmasthala. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is said to be over 800 years old. Visitors can see the beautiful architecture and sculptures and also take part in the many religious ceremonies that are held here. There are also several other temples and shrines in Dharmasthala, making it a great place to learn about Hinduism and Indian culture. The closest metro station to Sri Manjunatha Swamy temple in Bengaluru is a 17-minute walk away.

2) Annapoorna chathra meals

The Annapoorna Chathra is a popular tourist destination and one of the best Dharmasthala near places. The chathra offers a variety of meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The chathra also offers a variety of activities, including a playground, a swimming pool, and a spa.

3) Manjusha museum

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The Manjusha museum is a great place to visit if you are interested in seeing some classic cars. The museum has a wide variety of cars on display, and the staff is very knowledgeable about the history of each one. You can also take a tour of the museum’s workshop, where you can see how the cars are restored. The museum type is Auto World Vintage Car Museum. It houses a collection of old items that date back to the 18th century. The museum hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day. The entry fee is INR 100 per visitor.  

It houses a collection of old items that date back to the 18th century. The museum is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Admission is free for all visitors.

4) Bahubali Hill

The first thing you should do when visiting Dharmasthala is climb to the top of Bahubali Hill. The hill is located in the centre of town and offers a great view of the surrounding area. There are also a few temples on the hill, making it a great place to pray and meditate. You can even go for a swim in the nearby lake. Located 12 kilometres south of Bangalore-Mangalore Road (NH-48), it is 78 kilometres from Halebidu, 89 kilometres from Belur, and 83 kilometres from Mysore.

5) Devi Annapoorna Temple

The temple of Devi Annapoorna, the goddess of food and abundance, is one of the most popular tourist destinations near Dharmasthala. The nearest metro station is Nanjappa Circle, 257 metres away, four minutes walk from Canara Bank Vidyaranyapura, 648 metres away.

6) Kanyadi Rama Mandir Temple

The Kanyadi Rama Mandir temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Rama. It is located in the village of Kannada, in the state of Karnataka, India. The temple was built in the year 927 CE by the Chola dynasty king Rajaraja I. It is one of the oldest temples in Karnataka. The temple is surrounded by a tank, which is said to have been built by the same king. A local bus and taxi are easily available up to Manjunatha temple from Belthangady, which is three km away.  

8) Surya temple, Ujire

The Surya temple in Ujire is one of the most Popular Tourist Attractions in Dharmasthala. The temple is dedicated to the sun god, Surya, and is said to be one of the only temples in India that is. The temple complex is huge, and there are many things to see and do. The main attraction is the chariot festival, which takes place every year in October. A bus or taxi can take you to Beltanagday from Sadashivarudra Temple, Surya Ujire, which is six km from Dharmasthala and 15 km from Belthangady.

9) Nethravathi River

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The Nethravathi River is among the most popular tourist attractions in Dharmasthala. Visitors can take a boat ride, go fishing, or just enjoy the scenic views. There are also many temples and shrines along the river that are worth visiting. The Netravati River Area is located in Mangalore, Dakshina Kannada District, Karnataka, India. Kadri (5.29 km), Konchady (9.52 km), and Bondel (14.06 km) are nearby and are easily accessible by local buses or taxis.  

10) Sringeri, Karnataka – The Abode of Sharadamba

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Sringeri is a hill town located in Karnataka’s Chikkamagaluru district. It is known as the abode of Sharadamba, an incarnation of Goddess Saraswati. The town is home to many temples and shrines, including the Vidyashankara Temple, which was built by Sri Vidyaranya Swami in the 13th century. Visitors can also enjoy scenic views of the Western Ghats from Sringeri. The distances from Udupi to Sringeri are 70 kilometres, Shimoga to Sringeri is 70 kilometres, Mangalore to Sringeri is 92 kilometres, Mysore to Sringeri is 108 kilometres, and Hubli to Sringeri is 254 kilometres. The distances between all the trains are covered by several trains.

11) Karinjeshwara hilltop Temple

The Karinjeshwara hilltop temple is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Dharmasthala. The temple is located atop a hill, providing visitors with stunning views of the surrounding area. The temple houses numerous sculptures and paintings, making it a great place to learn about the history and culture of Dharmasthala. Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful gardens and peaceful atmosphere of the temple.

12) Didupe falls near Ujire

The best time to visit Dharmasthala is between October and February when the weather is cool and pleasant. If you’re looking for something to do in Dharmasthala, make sure to visit Didupe falls near Ujire. Dedupe town is located about 40 minutes outside of Ujire town near Dharmasthala, and there are no frequent bus services, so hiring a jeep from Ujire is always the best option. 

13) Patrame River between the forest

The Patrame River is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Dharmasthala. It is a beautiful river that flows through the forest. Visitors can take a boat ride on the river, go fishing, or enjoy the scenery. There are also many restaurants and cafes along the river where you can relax and enjoy the view. From Kokkada you need to take a diversion through the deep forest in the foothills of the Subramanya-Dharmasthala route.  

14) Gou shala, Dharmasthala

It is a unique experience where you can see how cows are taken care of and learn about the benefits of using cow products. The staff is also very friendly and informative, making it a great place to visit for all ages.

15) Dharmasthala temple: Old preserved chariots

The Dharmasthala temple is home to two beautifully preserved chariots. These chariots were used in processions during religious festivals. They are now on display for visitors to see. The chariots are intricately decorated and are a sight to behold.

16) Southadka Ganesha Temple 

In Dakshina Kannada district, Southadka is a pilgrimage centre located three km from Kokkada in Belthangady Taluk. The uniqueness of this place is that Lord Maha Ganapathi stands out in the open without a garbha Gudi or temple structure. There is a 968 metres walk between Cunningham Road and Vidhana Soudha / Dr.B.R.Ambedkar Stn, and 1579 metres walk between Bangalore Cantonment and Vidhana Soudha / Dr.B.R.Ambedkar Stn.  

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