7-Day Budget-Friendly South Karnataka Temple and Nature Tour

Day 1: Temples and Waterfalls

Kukke, Dharmasthala, Sowthadka, Ermai Falls on May 14, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Kukke Local Eatery

Start your day with a hearty South Indian breakfast of idli, dosa, and filter coffee at a budget-friendly local eatery near Kukke temple.
INR100, 0h40m

8:15am

Kukke Subramanya Temple

Visit this famous temple dedicated to Lord Subramanya, known for its serpent worship and spiritual ambiance. The temple opens at 6am and is ideal for morning darshan.
Free, 1h

9:30am

Travel to Dharmasthala

Take a budget-friendly local bus or shared taxi to Dharmasthala, about 45 minutes away from Kukke.
INR50, 0h45m

10:15am

Dharmasthala Temple

Explore the peaceful Dharmasthala Temple, famous for its unique harmony of Hindu and Jain traditions. It's a free entry spiritual center open throughout the day.
Free, 1h

11:30am

Travel to Sowthadka Vinayaka Temple

Journey by local transport or shared auto for approximately 30 minutes to visit this local temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha.
INR30, 0h30m

12:00pm

Sowthadka Vinayaka Temple

Pay respects at this serene temple popular among locals and travelers seeking blessings of Lord Ganesha.
Free, 0h30m

12:45pm

Lunch at Local Dhaba

Enjoy an affordable and authentic Karnataka thali lunch at a roadside dhaba near Sowthadka.
INR150, 1h15m

2:00pm

Ermai Falls

Take a short hike to the scenic Ermai Falls; locals recommend visiting in the early afternoon when the waterfall is flowing strongly. Open year-round, no entry fee.
Free, 2h

4:15pm

Return to Kukke

Travel back to Kukke for an overnight stay, traveling by local transportation.
INR50, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Kukke Budget Restaurant

Have an affordable dinner with South Indian cuisine such as dosas, chutney, and sambar at a budget-friendly restaurant near Kukke temple.
INR120, 1h

Day 2: Historical and Spiritual Sites

Karkala, Dharmasthala on May 15, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Kukke Guesthouse

Enjoy a simple and budget-conscious breakfast including tea and sandwiches at your guesthouse in Kukke before traveling to Karkala.
INR80, 0h40m

8:00am

Travel to Sri Rama Kshetra Karkala

Take a shared taxi or bus to Karkala, a journey of about 2.5 hours by road, enjoy scenic countryside views en route.
INR150, 2h30m

10:30am

Sri Rama Kshetra, Karkala

Visit this temple complex known for its vibrant religious activities and architectural beauty. Ideal for cultural immersion and spiritual experience.
Free, 1h

11:45am

Lunch near Karkala Bus Stand

Enjoy a budget-friendly lunch of local Udupi thali at a vegetarian-friendly restaurant in Karkala town.
INR180, 1h15m

1:00pm

Gomateshwara Statue

Visit the remarkable 57-foot monolithic statue of Lord Bahubali, a splendid example of Jain architecture and one of the largest free-standing statues in the world.
Free, 1h

2:15pm

Return to Kukke by train

Travel back towards Kukke by train from Karkala station. Train offers budget-friendly and scenic route.
INR100, 2h

5:00pm

Evening rest and light snack

Relax at your accommodation in Kukke and enjoy a light snack like vada or banana chips with tea.
INR60, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at local Kukke eatery

Taste traditional South Karnataka flavors with a budget dinner of ragi mudde and sambar at a local eatery.
INR130, 1h

Day 3: Nature and Pilgrimage

Bisle Ghat, Malle Mahadeshwara Temple, Kukke on May 16, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast and Checkout

Have an early breakfast featuring fresh idlis and chutney at your Kukke stay before heading out for a longer day trip.
INR90, 0h40m

7:30am

Travel to Bisle Ghat Viewpoint

Set off for Bisle Ghat by local transport or share a taxi. This natural viewpoint offers spectacular views of the Western Ghats and lush greenery.
INR100, 3h

10:30am

Bisle Ghat Viewpoint

Enjoy tranquil vistas and photo opportunities of misty mountains and deep valleys; it's a nature lovers' ideal spot open all day.
Free, 1h

11:45am

Lunch picnic or local eatery

Have a packed lunch or eat at a modest local restaurant nearby, focusing on fresh, affordable South Indian meals.
INR150, 1h

1:00pm

Travel to Malle Mahadeshwara Temple

Continue by local transport towards Malle Mahadeshwara Temple, a pilgrimage site nestled in the hills with spiritual and serene surroundings.
INR100, 2h

3:00pm

Malle Mahadeshwara Temple

Explore the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva known for its peaceful atmosphere and natural setting. Free entry and open till sunset.
Free, 1h

4:15pm

Return to Kukke

Head back towards Kukke by local transport to complete the loop of your trip, allowing for a relaxed evening.
INR100, 2h

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner in Kukke

Enjoy a final delicious and budget-friendly dinner with local specialties such as neer dosa and chutneys at a popular local restaurant.
INR140, 1h