Dharmasthala is one of the famous religious places in Karnataka, India. Located in the southwest, this city and its surrounding areas have various temples and many other tourist attractions.
Nature, like big hills, the tranquil Netravati River, white marble temples, religious harmony, and various festivals near Dharmasthala, makes for an amazing list. Hinduism is very important to this place, as is Jainism.
History, they believe, mythology, and faith go hand in hand here. Who loves nature? Pilgrims, hikers, and lazy travellers. This place has something for everyone.
Top 6 Places to Visit Near Dharmasthala.
There are 6 places near Dharmasthala that you can visit on your next trip. Details of these places will make your trip easier and more comfortable.
Belthangady
Belthangady is part of the Dakshina Kannada District, Karnataka. Though not a big city, it has quite a few tourist spots and is one of the popular tourist places near Dharmasthala Town.
One of the best-kept secrets of Belthangady is the Jamalabad Fort—the destination for any traveler. Constructed in 1794, this hillock fort was built by Tipu Sultan. The exciting option for trekkers is to trek through the dense forests up to the Jamalabad Fort. As you go around, the forest unfolds its secrets before your eyes. The top view from the fort is simply mesmerizing and will definitely give you an adrenaline rush. Another local attraction includes the temple called Shri Ramasketra Dharmasthala. It is a picturesque temple depicting multiple deities. Its shiny cleanliness and tranquility make the spot refreshing for pilgrims of all age groups.
Statue Of Bhagawan Bahubali
The huge monolithic statue of Lord Baahubali is on the top of Ratnagiri Hills, near the banks of the Netravati River. Great mental and physical strength is depicted by this colossal statue, which is 57 feet tall. The Baahubali Monument is a place of reverence among Jain pilgrims seeking peace and solace. It is among the major places of interest in Dharmasthala. To enter this sacred place, people need to maintain strict rules in every respect. Both men and women need to wear traditional garments before entering the temple. There are roads and stairs going up to this shrine, and you can drive to the top of the hill with scenic views.
Sri Manjunatha Swami Temple
This unique temple is one of the most popular tourist places near Dharmasthala. The temple is situated as proof of the amalgamation of Hinduism and Jainism.
Here, the deities worshipped are the Hindu god Lord Shiva, who is otherwise known as Manjunatha, Ammanavaru, and the Tirthankara Chandraprabha, and protective gods of Jainism, such as Kalarahu, Kalarkayi, Kumaraswamy, and Kanyakumari. The temple is of Shaiva belief of Hinduism, priests of this temple traditionally belong to the Brahmin-Vaishnava community, and administrators or ‘Dharma Adhikari’ are Jains. Every year, flocks of devotees and tourists gather in this temple to witness festivals like Maha Shivaratri, Mahamastakabhisheka, and Laksha Deepa Utsava
Netravathi River Barrage
The Netravathi River Barrage is one of the most alluring tourist places near Dharmasthala within a 50 km radius. A scenic escape from the city, this place is situated in seclusion near Dharmasthala town and hence can be a perfect weekend destination. This barrage’s surroundings offer enveloping greenery that creates a charming atmosphere, perfect for a lonesome stroll.
The Nature Care Hospital near this barrage also bears importance as it maintains the ancient ‘panchbhut tatwa,’ or the natural five-element principle of treatment and healing.
Madikeri
Lying in the district of Coorg, Madikeri is among the best places to visit near Dharmasthala. From spending cozy time at Abbey Falls to exploring the wildlife on a jeep safari, and from bathing with the elephants at an elephant camp to indulging in the adventure of trekking and camping, there are a lot of things to do in Madikeri. Be it solo or with a partner, you can have a great time at this place. Some of the places that allows one to witness the best of this destination are Chelavara Falls, Raja’s Seat, Omkareshwara Temple, Cauvery Nisargadhama, Abbey Falls, Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Iruppu Falls, Golden Temple, Madikeri Fort, Chingara Falls, and many more.
Saavira Kambada Basadi
Saavira Kambada Basadi is an iconic Jain temple that is primarily known for its thousand pillars. The temple is also known as Chandranatha Temple, as it honors the tirthankara Chandraprabha, whose eight-foot idol is highly worshipped in the shrine.
The town of Moodabidri houses 18 Jain temples in total, but Saavira Kambada Basadi is touted as the finest and most popular one. Known to be one of the best temples in Karnataka, the Basadi was built by the local chieftain in 1430, and it took approximately 31 years to complete it.
Best Time To Visit Dharmasthala
The places to see around Dharmasthala are open all times of the year. But August to February is the ideal time to visit this temple town and its surroundings.
The temples can be visited according to the pilgrim’s leisure, but as many of the attractions are on hills, summer or heavy monsoon is not the appropriate time to visit. Jamalabad Fort and Bahubali statue.