Top things to do in Dharmasthala: Take Darshan at Sri Manjunatha Temple, see the 39ft Bahubali Statue, visit Manjusha Museum, trek Annappa Betta, take a holy dip at Netravati Barrage, explore Southadka Ganapathi, Sri Ram Kshetra, Surya Sadashiva Temple, Venoor Bahubali, Chandranath Swamy Basadi, Ermai Falls, Charmadi Ghat, Jamalabad Fort, Kukke Subramanya, and SDM Nature Cure.
Dharmasthala is one of South India’s most visited pilgrimage towns. Every day, over 10,000 devotees arrive here to seek blessings of Lord Manjunatha (Shiva) at a temple managed jointly by Hindus and Jains, a rare tradition found nowhere else in India.
This guide covers all 15 best things to do in Dharmasthala, with 2026 timings, entry fees, dress codes, and travel tips for a smooth visit.
Spiritual Activities Inside Dharmasthala
Dharmasthala’s spiritual core is compact and walkable. All four experiences below are within 2km of each other. Plan your day around the Darshan timings and you can cover all of them in one visit.
Sri Manjunatha Swamy Temple Darshan
The Sri Manjunatha Swamy Temple is the heart of Dharmasthala. Lord Manjunatha (a form of Shiva) is the presiding deity, and the temple has been managed by the Heggade family for over 800 years. What makes this temple truly unique is its administration: the Dharmadhikari (head trustee) is always a Jain, yet the priests are Vaishnavas. This Hindu-Jain-Vaishnava combination exists nowhere else in India.
2026 Temple Timings
| Session | Opening Time | Closing Time |
| Morning | 6:30 AM | 2:30 PM |
| Evening | 5:00 PM | 8:30 PM |
The temple remains closed between 2:30 PM and 5:00 PM. Plan your arrival before 11 AM to avoid long queues.
Dress Code
| For Gents | For Ladies |
| Upper cloth must be removed before entering the inner sanctum | Saree or salwar kameez is preferred |
| Dhoti or mundu is recommended | Jeans and sleeveless tops are not allowed |
| Lungis are generally not permitted | Dupatta or pallu should cover the head inside |
Mobile phones are strictly not allowed inside the temple premises. Leave them at the cloak room near the entrance.
Bahubali Statue on Ratnagiri Hill
A short walk (or auto ride) from the main temple takes you to Ratnagiri Hill, where a 39-foot monolithic Bahubali (Gommateshwara) statue stands in open air. Carved from a single granite rock, this statue represents Lord Bahubali, the Jain figure of renunciation and peace. Vines and creepers are carved around his legs, showing how long he stood in meditation.
The statue faces west, which makes the late afternoon the best time to visit. Between 4:30 PM and 5:30 PM, the setting sun lights up the statue’s face directly. Many visitors climb up during this window for both the view and the photographs.
Annappa Betta Shrine
Located on a small hill near the main temple complex, Annappa Betta is dedicated to Sri Annappa Swamy, a folk deity widely worshipped across coastal Karnataka. Devotees climb the hill barefoot as a mark of respect.
Important Rule: Women and children are not allowed inside the main shrine area of Annappa Betta. This is a strict temple tradition and is enforced at the entrance. Male devotees can enter and offer prayers directly at the sanctum.
Holy Dip at Netravati River Barrage
Many devotees take a holy dip in the Netravati River before their Darshan at the main temple. This is considered an act of purification. The barrage area has separate bathing ghats for men and women with changing rooms nearby.
The ritual is simple:
- Arrive at the ghat early morning (before 8 AM is ideal)
- Take a dip facing east
- Change into fresh clothes
- Proceed directly to the temple for Darshan
Museums and Heritage Sites
Most visitors spend all their time at the temple and miss these three gems completely. That is a mistake. Dharmasthala’s heritage sites give you a deeper understanding of the town’s 800-year history, its Jain roots, and its contribution to wellness in India.
Manjusha Museum
Manjusha Museum is one of the most underrated museums in Karnataka. It sits just a few minutes walk from the main temple and houses a collection that will surprise most visitors.
The star attraction is the vintage car collection. You will find well-preserved models including a Ford Model T, a Rolls Royce Silver Ghost, and several other early 20th-century automobiles that once belonged to the Heggade family. These are not replicas. These are original working-era vehicles maintained in excellent condition.
| Detail | Information |
| Entry Fee | ₹5 to ₹10 per person |
| Timings | 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM |
| Photography | Limited (check at entry) |
| Best For | History lovers, families, students |
Chandranath Swamy Basadi
This is one of the finest Jain temples (Basadi) in the Dakshina Kannada region. Built in the 16th century, the Chandranath Swamy Basadi is dedicated to Chandranatha, the eighth Tirthankara in Jain tradition.
The architecture here is worth studying closely. The pillars inside the main hall are intricately carved with floral and figurative motifs. The stone ceilings show detailed craftsmanship that has survived over 400 years without major restoration. The overall structure reflects the Jain tradition of building temples that are calm, clean, and free of excess decoration.
SDM Nature Cure Hospital
The SDM (Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara) Nature Cure Hospital is a working naturopathy and yoga centre run by the Dharmasthala trust. While it functions primarily as a hospital, visitors are welcome to walk through the campus and learn about traditional Indian healing practices.
You can observe or enquire about treatments like:
- Mud therapy and hydrotherapy
- Yoga and pranayama sessions
- Diet-based healing programs rooted in Ayurvedic principles
Top Places to Visit Near Dharmasthala (Short Drives)
These four temples are within 35km of Dharmasthala and are easy half-day trips. Each one offers something completely different from the main temple experience. Hiring a single auto or cab for the day is the most practical way to cover all four.
Southadka Mahaganapathi Temple (16 km)
Southadka Mahaganapathi is one of the most unusual Ganapathi temples in Karnataka. The first thing you notice is that there is no roof over the main shrine. The deity sits in an open-air sanctum, exposed to the sky. Rain, sun, and wind pass directly over the idol.
The Bell Ritual is what makes Southadka truly special. The temple corridor is lined with hundreds of bells of different sizes, all donated by devotees over many decades. When you visit, you will hear a continuous sound of bells being rung by worshippers as they walk around the shrine.
| Detail | Information |
| Distance from Dharmasthala | 16 km |
| Temple Type | Open-air shrine (no roof) |
| Special Ritual | Bell offering and ringing |
| Entry | Free |
Sri Ram Kshetra (3.5 km)
Sri Ram Kshetra is just 3.5km from the main Dharmasthala temple, making it the easiest excursion on this list. The temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and is known for its 36 marble idols placed across the main hall and surrounding shrines. The white marble work is detailed and well-lit, giving the entire space a calm and grand appearance.
The temple is built close to the river, and from certain points inside the complex, you get a clear view of the flowing water against the green hillside. The combination of white marble architecture and the river backdrop makes this one of the most photogenic temples in the region.
Surya Sadashiva Temple
The Surya Sadashiva Temple is known across coastal Karnataka for one very specific and rare practice: the Mmannu Gombe offering (soil doll ritual).
Devotees who come here with a specific wish, whether it is for good health, success in business, a child, or recovery from illness, make a small human figure using the sacred soil available at the temple. This soil doll (called Mmannu Gombe in Tulu) is then offered at the feet of the deity as a symbol of surrendering oneself completely.
Venoor Bahubali Statue (35 km)
The Venoor Bahubali is a monolithic Bahubali statue built in 1604 AD, making it over 400 years old. At 35 feet, it stands slightly shorter than the 39-foot Dharmasthala Bahubali, but what it lacks in height it makes up for in historical age and setting.
Comparing the Two Statues:
| Feature | Dharmasthala Bahubali | Venoor Bahubali |
| Height | 39 feet | 35 feet |
| Year Built | 1973 | 1604 AD |
| Location | Ratnagiri Hill | Open courtyard, Venoor village |
| Atmosphere | Busy, temple-town setting | Quiet, village setting |
| Entry | Free | Free |
The Venoor statue stands in an open courtyard surrounded by a small Jain complex. The setting is far quieter than Dharmasthala.
Beyond the Town: Nature and Adventure
Dharmasthala sits at the edge of the Western Ghats. Within 60km, you have dense forest roads, a major pilgrimage centre, a Tipu Sultan-era fort, and hidden waterfalls that most tourists never find. These three destinations are best done as full-day trips or on a separate day from your temple visits.
Kukke Subramanya Temple (55 km)
Kukke Subramanya is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Karnataka. The temple is dedicated to Lord Subramanya (Kartikeya) and is the go-to destination for devotees seeking relief from Sarpa Dosha. Thousands of families travel here specifically for the Sarpa Samskara and Ashlesha Bali rituals.
The 55km drive from Dharmasthala passes through dense Western Ghats forest and is scenic throughout. The temple sits at the base of Kumara Parvatha, one of the most challenging trekking peaks in Karnataka at 1712 metres. Even if you are not trekking, the mountain forms a dramatic backdrop behind the temple that is visible from the main courtyard.
Charmadi Ghat and Jamalabad Fort
Charmadi Ghat is a mountain pass connecting the coastal district of Dakshina Kannada to Chikkamagaluru in the interior. The road has 11 sharp hairpin bends and cuts through thick Shola forest. It is one of the most scenic drives in Karnataka, especially during and after the monsoon when the hillsides are completely green and small waterfalls appear along the road.
Jamalabad Fort is located near Charmadi and is built on a rocky hilltop. It was constructed during Tipu Sultan’s reign in the late 18th century. To reach the fort, you climb approximately 1800 stone steps through forest cover. The trek takes about 90 minutes one way and is moderately difficult.
| Detail | Information |
| Trek Distance | Approximately 3 km one way |
| Steps | Around 1800 stone steps |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Best Season | October to February |
| Entry Fee | Minimal forest entry fee applies |
Ermai Falls (Near Belthangady)
Ermai Falls is a multi-level waterfall located near Didupe village in the Belthangady taluk. It is largely unknown outside the local area, which means no crowds, no ticket counters, and no commercial setup around it.
Reaching the falls requires a short trek through paddy fields and forest undergrowth. The waterfall drops in two to three distinct levels over black rock.This is a hidden gem in the truest sense. If you are travelling with a small group and want one experience that feels genuinely off the beaten path, Ermai Falls delivers that completely.
SDM Nature Cure (Wellness Experience)
Already covered in the heritage section, SDM Nature Cure deserves a second mention here for travellers interested in wellness tourism. A dedicated visit for a consultation, yoga session, or naturopathy treatment turns this into a full half-day experience rather than a quick walk-through.
Planning Your Visit: Booking and Stay
Dharmasthala is a trust-managed town. Most accommodation, food, and transport here is run by the Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari trust, which keeps costs very low and quality consistent. You do not need to worry about overpriced hotels or unreliable food options.
Where to Stay
The trust runs several official guest houses inside and around Dharmasthala. Rooms are clean, affordable, and in high demand. Book at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance for weekends and festival seasons.
| Guest House | Type | Best For |
| Ganga Guest House | Standard rooms | Families and couples |
| Kaveri Guest House | Dormitory and rooms | Budget travellers and groups |
| Narmada Guest House | Deluxe rooms | Comfortable stay with more amenities |
How to Book: Visit the official Dharmasthala website (dharmasthala.in) or call the trust’s accommodation desk directly. Walk-in availability is rare during peak season (November to February) and on Mondays, which is the temple’s busiest day.
Food: Anna Prasadam
One of Dharmasthala’s most remarkable features is its Anna Prasadam, a free meal service run by the temple trust. Every day, thousands of pilgrims are fed at no cost. The meal is simple, vegetarian, and served on a banana leaf.
| Detail | Information |
| Meal Type | Free vegetarian meal (prasadam) |
| Who Can Eat | All visitors and pilgrims |
| Morning Session | 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM |
| Afternoon Session | 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM |
| Evening Snacks | Available near the temple premises |
Arrive a few minutes before the session opens to avoid waiting in a long queue. The dining hall is large and well-managed but fills up quickly on weekends.
Getting to Dharmasthala
| Mode | Details |
| By Road | Well connected via NH75; 75km from Mangalore |
| By Bus | KSRTC buses from Mangalore, Bangalore, and Udupi |
| By Train | Nearest station is Mangalore Central (75km); take a bus or cab from there |
| By Air | Mangalore International Airport (80km) |
Local autos and cabs are available inside Dharmasthala for short trips to Bahubali Hill, Annappa Betta, and nearby temples.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are mobile phones allowed inside the Sri Manjunatha Temple?
No. Mobile phones are strictly not allowed inside the temple premises. A cloak room is available near the entrance where you can deposit your phone before entering. This rule is enforced at all entry points.
What is the best time to visit Dharmasthala?
November to February is the best time. The weather is cool and dry, making it comfortable to walk between sites and trek to places like Jamalabad Fort and Ermai Falls. Avoid visiting during peak monsoon (June to August) as roads to ghats and waterfalls can be dangerous.
What is the dress code at the temple?
Gents must remove their upper cloth before entering the inner sanctum. Ladies should wear a saree or salwar kameez. Jeans, shorts, sleeveless tops, and revealing clothing are not permitted for either gender.
Is photography allowed at the Bahubali Statue?
Yes, photography is allowed at the Bahubali Statue on Ratnagiri Hill. It is not allowed inside the main Manjunatha Temple.
How many days are enough for Dharmasthala?
Two days is ideal. Day 1 covers the temple, Bahubali Statue, Annappa Betta, Manjusha Museum, and Chandranath Basadi. Day 2 covers nearby excursions like Southadka, Sri Ram Kshetra, and either Kukke Subramanya or Jamalabad Fort depending on your interest.
Is Dharmasthala suitable for senior citizens?
Yes, largely. The main temple, museum, and Anna Prasadam are all flat and accessible. Bahubali Hill and Annappa Betta involve some climbing but are manageable with breaks. Treks like Jamalabad Fort are only for physically fit visitors.
