Two-Day Itinerary to Discover Dharmasthala

1. Monday, July 17: Visit Manjunatha Temple
   Located in the heart of Dharmasthala

   In the morning, start your day with a visit to the famous Manjunatha Temple. This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and attracts thousands of devotees every day. Explore the intricate carvings and beautiful architecture of the temple. In the afternoon, you can partake in the ritualistic ceremonies and witness the mesmerizing rituals performed by the priests. In the evening, attend the aarti (prayer) ceremony, which is a soul-stirring experience.

   • Manjunatha Temple darshan: Free, 1-2 hours
2. Tuesday, July 18: Visit Bahubali Statue
   Approximately 1.5 hours (70 miles) from Dharmasthala

   On the second day, take a day trip to see the majestic Bahubali Statue. Located atop a hill in Karkala, this 42-feet monolithic statue is a significant Jain pilgrimage site. Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape from the hilltop. In the morning, you can also visit the Chaturmukha Basadi, an ancient Jain temple nearby. In the afternoon, savor a delicious Jain meal at one of the local restaurants. In the evening, return to Dharmasthala.

   • Bahubali Statue visit: Free, 2-3 hours
   • Chaturmukha Basadi visit: Free, 1 hour
   • Jain meal: INR 300-500, 1 hour

Recommendations

If you have additional time to explore Dharmasthala, you may consider visiting the following attractions:

• Netravathi River Barrage: Enjoy a peaceful walk along the river and witness the scenic beauty of the surrounding nature.
• Bahubali Betta: Trek up this hill to witness a smaller version of the Bahubali Statue and enjoy breathtaking views of the Western Ghats.
• Manjusha Museum: Discover a vast collection of artifacts, paintings, and sculptures related to the history and culture of Dharmasthala.

For day trips, you can consider visiting the nearby town of Subramanya, famous for the Kukke Subramanya Temple, or the serene beaches of Udupi.

To make the most of your trip to Dharmasthala, ensure you book accommodation and flights in advance. You can check hotel and flight prices here.