Overview
Tour overview
South India is popular throughout the world for its ancient temples and exhibiting brilliant architecture. It is also known for giving its tourists the opportunity to experience spirituality and peace of mind by being in the holy presence of the Almighty. So on this tour, the tourists would not only be able to plunge in the divinity of the Supreme Lord but also explore the primeval architectural brilliance of these religious sites at the same time.
On our Karnataka temple tour, we take you on a spiritual journey to some of the most sacred temples in the city. The places covered in the package include Kukke Subrahmanya, Udupi, Gokarna, Belur, Horanadu, to name a few. Read on to know more about the detailed itinerary.
Karnataka is home to some of the most sacred pilgrimage centers that offer unparalleled chance to connect with the divine. Witness the second-tallest Shiva statue and pray to Goddess Durgaparameshwari with our Karnataka temple tour. Book today!
Tour highlights
Destinations covered
Best Time
Oct - Mar
Ideal For
Families, Couples, Nature Lovers, Photographers
Difficulty
Easy
Day by day
Day-by-day itinerary
A carefully paced plan, day by day. Tap any day for the stay, meals and altitude detail.
Welcome to Bangalore! Upon your arrival, our local representative will greet you and drive you to Kukke Subrahmanya. The drive takes approximately 7.5 hours by road. On arrival, check into the hotel and settle in. Rest for a while and then set out to visit the Adi Subrahmanya Temple on your Karnataka temple tour. This temple is devoted to Lord Subrahmanya and the snake God Vasuki. Lord Subrahmanyais worshipped as the protector of all serpents.
Legends say that the divine serpent Lord Vasuki found refuge under Lord Subrahmanya when he was attacked by Garuda. After that, you can visit Kukke Shree Abhaya Mahaganapathi which is home to a 21 feet tall monolith statue of Lord Ganesha. Return back to the hotel for your overnight stay.
Begin day 2 of your Karnataka temple tour with a scrumptious breakfast and check out of the hotel. Drive to Sauthadka Ganapathi Kshetra which is devoted to Vana Mahaganapathi and offer your prayers. Next, proceed to Dharmasthala and visit Lord Manju natha swamy Temple which is one of the holiest temples in the city dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Thereafter, visit Rathnagiri to admire the statues of Bhagawan Bahubali or Gommateshwara. Make your way to Kateel to seek the blessings of Goddess Durgaparameshwari at Kateel Durga Parameshwari Temple. After the darshan, continue your journey to Udupi.
Once you reach, check into the hotel and relax. After you freshen up, visit the very popular Sri Krishna Temple. You can also visit other smaller temples like Anantheshwara Temple and Chandramouleshwar Temple if you wish to. Head back to the hotel for your overnight stay.
Start your day with a healthy breakfast and check out of the hotel. Today, on your Karnataka temple tour we would be driving to Gokarna and visiting Saligrama Narasimha Swami Temple and Anegudde Ganapathi Temple en-route. Devoted to Lord Narasimha, the Saligrama Narasimha Swami temple is as ancient as the 8th century and is carved out of Saligrama rock.
Offer your prayers at Anegudde (elephant hill) famous for the temple of deity Lord Vinayaka on the top of the hill. Gokarna finds its mention in the epics like Shrimad Bhagavata Purana and it is believed that Lord Shiva appeared from the ear of a cow here, hence the name Gokarna derived from the two words Go and Karna. As soon as you reach Gokarna, check into the hotel and enjoy your overnight stay.
On day 4 of your Karnataka temple tour, begin your day early by visiting Mahabaleshwara Temple. It is host to the Atmalinga of Lord Shiva and is a very revered pilgrimage site for Hindus.
Then proceeds to visit Tamra Gowri Temple and Ganapathi Temple. After your darshan, head back to the hotel, enjoy a filling breakfast and check out. Then head towards Murudeshwara beach which is known for having the second-tallest statue of Lord Shiva and 20 storied Gopura at the temple. The Murudeshwar temple is located on Kanduka Hill and is surrounded by the Arabian Sea on three sides. Drive towards Kollur which is the last pit-stop for the day.
On your arrival, check into the hotel and relax. In the evening, you can visit the Mookambika Temple which houses the panchaloha image of Goddess Mookambika deified by Shri Adi Shankaracharya. Head back to the hotel for your overnight stay.
After a yummy breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive towards Sringeri. En-route you can visit Shankaranarayana Temple on your Karnataka temple tour. Post that enjoys the captivating views of the Agumbe Ghat on the way to Sringeri.
As you reach Sringeri, seek divine blessings at the Sri Sharadamba Temple and Vidya Shankara Temple. The Vidya Shankara temple is said to be an architectural marvel and sees thousands of devotees from all over. Later, drive to Horanadu.
As soon as you reach, check into the hotel and settle in. After you freshen up, set out to visit the Adi – Shaktyatmaka Shree Annapoorneshwari temple of the Goddess Annapoorneshwari. It is believed that devotees who pray here with full faith never have a scarcity of food for the rest of their lives. Head back to the hotel for your overnight stay.
Travel tips
Travel Tips
Travel Tips for Karnataka Temple Tour
Best Season to Visit Temples of Karnataka
Karnataka has diverse land features which make its coastal regions hot and humid whereas the central regions are more extreme. Even though the temples of Karnataka can be visited all year long, the weather is at its best between the months of November and April and Karnataka sees maximum tourists in this period.
Dress Code for Temples in Karnataka
Gents are required to keep their upper body bare while entering the main sanctum of the temple. They are expected to dress in pants and shirts in the temple premises. Wearing lungis is not allowed in some of the temples.
For females, they should strictly not wear any revealing clothes and keep their legs and head covered as much as possible.
Temple Tips to Visit Temples of Karnataka
According to Hindu belief, some temples may require the devotees to take a bath in the pond with in the premises before entering the temple. Make sure you follow all the rules for darshan of the deity.
Please remember that products that are made from animal skin should not be brought into the shrine.
Some of the temples do not allow the use of cameras inside the temple. Make sure you don’t click any photographs where it is strictly prohibited and abide by the rules for a peaceful darshan.
Other Attractions to Visit in Karnataka
If you have some time for your own, you can check out some of the following popular attractions in Karnataka:
Gokarna Beach: After your Mahabaleshwara Temple visit, you can enjoy some relaxing time at the Gokarna Beach with your family.
Kodachadri Hills: Watch the sunrise or sunset at the Kodachadri Hills which form the background to Mookambika Temple in Kollur after your darshan.
What travellers say
What travellers say
“A big thanks to Way To India for organising such a truly memorable and spiritually fulfilling experience during our 12 Jyotirlinga Darshan pilgrimage from 1st May to 18th May. They organized the entire journey exceptionally well, ensuring that every aspect of the trip was smooth, comfortable, and hassle-free. From transportation and hotel arrangements to darshan planning and coordination, everything was managed professionally. Despite the extensive travel across multiple destinations, the itinerary was well-structured, allowing us to complete all the Jyotirlinga darshans comfortably. Thanks to staff of Way To India, especially, Ms Neha, who was supportive, responsive, and attentive throughout the journey, always ready to assist whenever needed. Her dedication and careful planning made this sacred pilgrimage stress-free and enjoyable. I sincerely appreciate their excellent service, commitment, and hospitality. Highly recommend Way To India to anyone planning a spiritual tour, especially for the 12 Jyotirlinga Yatra. Thank you for making this divine journey so special and memorable.”2 weeks ago · Google
“We have successfully completed the 12 Jyotirlinga Yatra, with Waytoindia and it was a truly blessed and unforgettable journey. Every aspect of the tour was well planned and professionally organized, from transportation and accommodations to temple visits and sightseeing. Visiting all twelve sacred Jyotirlingas was a deeply spiritual experience. The itinerary was designed efficiently, allowing us to have darshan at each shrine comfortably while enjoying the cultural and religious significance of every destination. We sincerely appreciate the excellent support and coordination throughout the trip. The team was always available to assist, ensuring a smooth and stress-free pilgrimage. Thank you Waytoindia for making our dream of completing the 12 Jyotirlinga Yatra a reality. We highly recommend this tour to anyone seeking a well-organized and spiritually enriching pilgrimage experience. Har Har Mahadev! 🙏🕉️”4 weeks ago · Google
“We recently entrusted our honeymoon planning to 'Way to India', and it turned out to be one of the best decisions we made. From itinerary finalization to on-ground execution, everything was handled with remarkable professionalism, warmth, and attention to detail. Every aspect of our trip — flights, hotels, transfers, experiences, and even the small thoughtful touches — was perfectly curated. The itinerary was balanced, well-planned, and tailored exactly to what we wanted. We never had to worry about a single thing; all arrangements were seamless and absolutely hassle-free. What truly stood out was their responsiveness and genuine care. They were always available, always patient, and consistently went the extra mile to ensure our journey was special. Special thanks to Neha Ma'am for planning everything. We are incredibly grateful and wholeheartedly recommend their services to anyone looking for a stress-free, personalised, and delightful travel experience. Thank you for making our honeymoon truly magical!”3 months ago · Google
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
The ideal time to visit the temples in Karnataka is between November and April. During these months, the weather is more pleasant, making it easier to explore the temples. The peak tourist season falls within this period, so expect larger crowds.
Yes, there are specific dress codes. Men are generally required to be bare-chested when entering the main sanctum and should wear pants and shirts. Women should avoid revealing clothing and cover their legs and heads. It's advisable to check individual temple rules as they may vary.
Most temples in Karnataka do not require special permits for entry. However, some temples may have specific rules or restrictions, especially for certain rituals. It's best to check in advance or consult local guides for any unique requirements.
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for warm weather, along with modest attire for temple visits. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as you'll be exploring various temple sites. Don't forget essentials like sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle.
Karnataka is generally safe for solo travelers, but it's wise to stay vigilant, especially in crowded areas. Avoid traveling alone at night and keep your belongings secure. Engaging with local guides can enhance your experience and provide added safety.
To follow temple etiquette, observe local customs such as removing shoes before entering, maintaining silence, and not taking photographs in restricted areas. Some temples may require devotees to bathe in a nearby pond before entering, so be prepared to follow these practices.
Transportation options include private vehicles, taxis, and local buses. For convenience, consider hiring a local driver or joining a guided tour. This allows you to focus on the experience rather than navigating unfamiliar routes.
It's advisable to stay hydrated and use sunscreen due to the warm climate. If you have any dietary restrictions, communicate them clearly when dining. Carry a basic first-aid kit and any personal medications, as access to pharmacies may vary.
Most urban areas in Karnataka have good mobile network coverage and Wi-Fi in hotels and cafes. However, rural areas may have limited connectivity. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for better access during your travels.
Yes, many temples welcome visitors to participate in rituals, but it's essential to respect local customs and follow the guidance of temple priests. Some rituals may require prior arrangements, so inquire ahead if you're interested.
Common challenges include language barriers, as English may not be widely spoken in rural areas. Additionally, navigating local transport can be tricky. Being patient and open to learning can help overcome these challenges.
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