Located in the heart of Dharmasthala, the temple is open from 6:30AM - 8:30PM. Sri Manjunatha Swamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and thousands of devotees visit the temple every day. You can witness the morning aarti if you arrive early in the morning.
10:30AM: Visit Bahubali Statue
Located just 2.5 km from the temple, the statue is open from 6:00AM - 8:00PM. This majestic statue of Lord Bahubali stands tall at 42 feet and is the second tallest statue of Bahubali in Karnataka. You can also enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding Western Ghats from the top.
Est. Time from previous location: 30 minutes. Est. Distance: 2.5 km.
12:00PM: Try local cuisine at Shri Ganapathi Upahara
Located 2.3 km from the Bahubali Statue, Shri Ganapathi Upahara serves delicious vegetarian food. The place is open from 7:00AM - 10:00PM. You must try their Masala Dosa, Bisi Bele Bath and other South Indian delicacies.
Est. Time from previous location: 1 hour. Est. Distance: 2.3 km.
2:00PM: Explore the Manjusha Museum
Located in the heart of Dharmasthala, the Manjusha Museum is open from 9:00AM - 5:00PM. The museum showcases the history and culture of the Tulu Nadu region. You can see ancient coins, manuscripts, artwork, and much more.
Est. Time from previous location: 1 hour. Est. Distance: 3.5 km.
4:00PM: Visit Nelyadi Beedu
Located 15 km from Dharmasthala, this fort is open from 9:00AM - 6:00PM. Nelyadi Beedu fort was built in the 16th century and played a significant role in the history of the region. You can enjoy the panoramic views of the Western Ghats from the fort.
Est. Time from previous location: 2 hours. Est. Distance: 15 km.
7:00PM: Attend the evening aarti at Sri Manjunatha Swamy Temple
You can witness the evening aarti at Sri Manjunatha Swamy Temple if you return to Dharmasthala on time. The aarti starts at 7:00PM and is a beautiful spiritual experience.
Est. Time from previous location: 1 hour. Est. Distance: 15 km.
Recommendations
If you have extra time, you can also visit the nearby Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project (SKDRDP) and learn about the social welfare programs run by the organization. If you are interested in wildlife, you can visit the nearby Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary. To maximize your fun, you can hire a local guide to learn more about the history and culture of the region.
If you want to extend your trip, consider visiting nearby towns like Kukke Subramanya and Udupi. You can also plan a trip to the beaches of Mangalore, which is just 75 km from Dharmasthala.