Dharmstala is a small town situated in the Western Ghats of Karnataka and one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations in India. The town is known for the Dharmasthala Temple where Lord Shiva is worshipped along with a family of Jain tirthankars. The temple is managed by the Heggade family and is open from 6:30 AM to 2:00 PM and then from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Don't miss the Bahubali statue and the Manjusha Museum that exhibits a vast collection of antiques and artifacts belonging to the Heggade family. For a glimpse into the local culture, visit the nearby Netravathi River and take a dip in the holy waters.
Kukke Subramanya is a revered Hindu temple located in Subramanya town, nestled in the Western Ghats. The temple is dedicated to Lord Subramanya, the son of Lord Shiva, and is surrounded by lush green forests. The temple is open from 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM and then from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Witness the age-old rituals and ceremonies that are performed here daily. After visiting the temple, take a trek to the Kumara Parvatha peak, which is one of the most popular trekking spots in Karnataka. The trek starts from the temple and takes about seven hours to complete.
If you have more time, plan a visit to the nearby Udupi town and explore the famous Sri Krishna Matha temple and the Malpe beach. However, if you have less time, skip the Kumara Parvatha trek and instead visit the Adi Subrahmanya temple located in the same town as Kukke Subramanya.