Visit Bahubali Monolith in Karkala: The Second Largest And Popular Monolith Statue Of Bahubali (2024)

A small town approximately 60 km away from Mangalore, Karkala is famous for housing one of the most loved and visited Bahubali Monolith Statue in Karnataka. Those of you who don’t know who Bahubali is, then we have the answer for you. Bahubali is believed to be a much – revered figure among the Jain community. If the legends are to be believed, then it is said that he meditated motionless for a year in a standing posture. After a year of this deep meditation, Bahubali is believed to have attained omniscience. It is in Karkala that you can find the second largest and popular Monolith statue of Bahubali. In this article, you will get to know everything that you should know about this one of the important tourist places to visit in Karnataka – the Bahubali Monolith, Karkala. Image Source:

Why Should You Visit The Bahubali Monolith In Karkala?

The small town of Karkala is visited by a huge crowd of tourists especially because of this stunning Bahubali Monolith. Believed to be built around 1432 AD, this is considered as one of the most prime tourist places to visit in Karnataka. With a height of 42 feet or 13 m, the statue is built on an elevated platform on top of a rocky hill. Consecrated on February 13, 1432 AD by Veera Pandya Bhair Arasa Wodeyar who was the scion of the Bair Arasa dynasty, this statue holds immense importance among the Jain religious community. There are many reasons why you should visit this exceptional statue:

1. The Second-Largest Statue In Karnataka: This Bahubali Monolith attracts the attention of people from all over the state because of its exceptional size. Sporting a height of 42 feet, this Monolith statue of Bahubali is the second largest statue in the entire state of Karnataka after the 55.77 feet idol of Gomateshwara at Shravanabelagola.
2. The Local Belief: If the local beliefs are to be believed, then the monolith idol or Gomateshwara was built by King Veera Pandya Bhairava Raja of the Pandya dynasty. The statue was built in order to commemorate Prince Bahubali. As per popular folklore, Bahubali was a royal prince who gave up on all of the worldly pleasures and spent 12 years of his life in deep meditation.
3. Mahamastakabhisheka: Though the idol is visited all year round by devotees and pilgrims however, it is during the Mahamastakabhisheka that the crowd at Bahubali Monolith is exceptional. It is one of the important festivals celebrated here. It is held once in every 12 years. Hence, the craze is just exceptional. This occasion involves the bathing of the Monolith statue with milk, water, and saffron paste. People from all over the country take part in this festivity with a lot of zest and happiness.

Bahubali Monolith Visiting Hours

The Monolith statue of Bahubali is open for visitors on all days of the week. It is recommended that before visiting this one of the prominent tourist places in Karnataka, you must check the visiting hours first.

• Monday 6 AM to 6 PM
• Tuesday 6 AM to 6 PM
• Wednesday 6 AM to 6 PM
• Thursday 6 AM to 6 PM
• Friday 6 AM to 6 PM
• Saturday 6 AM to 6 PM
• Sunday 6 AM to 6 PM

What Is The Best Way To Reach The Bahubali Monolith In Karkala?

Thanks to the presence of the prestigious Bahubali Monolith, Karkala is a popular place to visit in Karnataka state. Karnala is well connected with all means of transport.

1. By Air: The closest domestic airport to Karkala is situated in Mangalore at a distance of about 70 km. While the closest international one is located in Bangalore at a distance of around 370 km. You can hire a taxi from the airport to reach Bahubali Monolith.
2. By Road: The small town of Karkala is well connected via road with neighboring cities too. You can find a number of private and government-owned buses running to and fro between Udupi, Bangalore, Mangalore, Karkala, and Mumbai. Hence, you can reach Bahubali Monolith by road too.
3. By Train: The nearest railways head to Karkala town is Udupi station. It is approximately 29 km away from Karkala. One can hire a taxi from here to reach the Monolith statue.

Best Time To Visit The Bahubali Monolith In Karkala

It is best to visit the Bahubali Monolith in Karkala before the scorching summer heat begins. The place gets unbearably hot and humid during the summer season. Hence, it is recommended to visit this popular attraction in Karnataka during the winter season between October to March. You can also go in the monsoon season if you love rains but you must remain alert as the roads can get bad during the rains.

Also, it is suggested that you visit the Monolith statue of Bahubali in the early morning hours or during the evening. This is because during these hours the heat is at its minimum.

Where To Stay Near Bahubali Monolith In Karkala?

When it comes to accommodations, then there are sufficient options for decent hotels located near this popular tourist attraction in Karnataka. Some of the popular hotel choices among travelers near Bahubali Monolith in Karkala are:

1. The Ocean Pearl: It is approximately 13.64 km away.
2. Country Inn and Suites by Radisson, Manipal: It is approximately 13.53 km away.
3. Samanvay Boutique Hotel: It is approximately 13.10 km away.
4. Hotel Tranquil Manipal: It is approximately 12.89 km away.
5. Fortune Inn Valley View: It is approximately 12.83 km away.

What Are The Different Places To Visit Near Bahubali Monolith In Karkala?

The good news is that while visiting this Monolith statue of Bahubali in Karkala, you can also club some more exciting tourist attractions nearby in your itinerary. Some good places nearby are:

• Pajaka Kshetra: It is the birthplace of Dvaita philosopher Sri Madhvacharya. The authorities have done a good job of preserving the place well. There is a small temple within the premises and a kund at the back.
• Kore Sri Varadaraja Swamy Temple: Many tourists miss visiting this beautiful temple while proceeding to the Shivanasamudra falls. Hence, the beauty of the place is intact. Housing a mesmerizing idol of Lord Varadharaja, this temple is worth visiting.

No matter whether you are looking for a spiritual weekend getaway or just wish to spend some moments in peace, visiting this Bahubali Monolith statue in Karnala is going to be a good idea.