Places to Visit Near Dharmasthala

Known For : Annapoorneshwari Temple Kalaseshwara Temple

Known for the revered Annapoorneeshwari Temple, Horanadu is a holy town located in Malnad, Karnataka. Carpeted with green paddy fields and accompanied by a hilly backdrop, this region lies at an altitude of 2726 feet. With pristine natural beauty, Horanadu is also famous for its extensive collection of dry fruits, namely cashew nuts and almonds. The town of Horanadu being agriculture centric is rich in tea, coffee and spice plantations. One can purchase these in bulk at much cheaper rates than those found in cities.

Distance from Dharmasthala: 89 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

2 Horanadu Attractions

Known For : Shringeri Shree Sharadambe Devi Temple Kigga Annapoorneshwari Temple

Distance from Dharmasthala: 102 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

10 Sringeri Attractions

Known For : Abbey Falls Talacauvery Namdroling Monastery

Generally covered as a part of trips to Coorg, Madikeri is a hill town in Karnataka with vast coffee plantations, lush forests and misty hills, all culminating into a breathtaking view. Located in Kodagu District at around 6 hours from Bengaluru between Mysore and Mangalore, Madikeri is a perfect weekend getaway. There is no pollution, no noises to hurt your ears and the cool breeze that accompanies you throughout makes your trip memorable. The most famous place of Madikeri is Raja's Seat- a famous viewpoint from where you can grab all the striking beauty of Madikeri at one go.

Distance from Dharmasthala: 122 km

Best Time: February to September

18 Madikeri Attractions

Known For : Kodachadri Jog Falls Agumbe

With nature in its full bloom, the town of Shimoga has been a home to several great dynasties and kingdoms. Steeped in rich heritage and culture, this main city of Shimoga District derives its name from the words 'Shiv-Mukha' implying 'Face of Lord Shiva'. Packed with several marvels of nature in form of picturesque landscape, gorgeous waterfalls, mystical temples and lush green surroundings, its raw beauty will leave you absolutely enchanted.

Distance from Dharmasthala: 166 km

Best Time: July to December

37 Shimoga Attractions

Known For : Hoysala Temples at Mosale Shettihalli Church Bhagwan Bahubali Statue

Known as the temple-architecture capital of Karnataka, Hassan is located 187 km from Bangalore lying in the Malnad and Maidan districts of Karnataka. The district headquarters of Hassan district in Karnataka, it derives its name from the presiding deity Goddess Hassanamba which in Kanada language mean 'Smiling mother'. The town of ancient structures and monuments, Hassan saw its development as a major seat of Hoysala Empire that ruled major parts of South India.

Distance from Dharmasthala: 129 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

22 Hassan Attractions

Nestled on the banks of River Yagachi in Hassan District of Karnataka, the town of Belur along with its twin town of Halebid located 16 km away, houses exquisite temples reflecting the exemplary artistic taste and technique of temple builders of the yore. This small town was the capital of the mighty Hoysala empire and their engineering genius can still be witnessed in the temples that stand here today. Some of the important shrines that are housed here include Chennakesava Temple and Kappe Chennigaray, both of which are exemplary Dravidian peices of architecture.

Distance from Dharmasthala: 91 km

Known For : Baba Budangiri Mullayanagiri Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

Famously known as the ‘Coffee Land of Karnataka’, Chikmagalur is situated in the foothills of the Mullayangiri Range in Karnataka and stands at an altitude of 3400 feet. If you love the aroma of freshly brewed coffee in the mornings, you are going to love Chikmagalur, which has a perpetual fragrance of coffee lingering in the air. Famous for its tall mountains, lush green forests and its tranquil environment (apart from its coffee production), Chikmagalur is a very popular tourist destination and is a quaint getaway from the busy life of the city.

Distance from Dharmasthala: 88 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

22 Chikmagalur Attractions

Known For : St Angelo Fort Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach Arakkal Museum

Located on the Malabar Coast of Kerala, Kannur (fondly known as Cannanore), is a beautiful city bundled with a plethora of sightseeing options like beaches, monuments, ancient temples and picnic spots. Steeped in the distinctive local art forms like Theyyam, Kannur still has an aura of the bygone colonial era. The deep footprints of the Dutch, the Portuguese, the British and the Mysore Sultanate are still imbibed into the town and can be witnessed all around.

Distance from Dharmasthala: 200 km

Best Time: October to March

36 Kannur Attractions

Known For : Ranipuram Malom Wildlife Sanctuary Ananthapura Lake temple

Kasargod is a small coastal town in Northern Pary of Kerala displaying a delightful blend of various religions, culture and bounty of nature. Blessed with majestic forts, lofty hills, beautiful offbeat backwaters, temples and pristine beaches, the town oozes charm and tranquillity from every aspect. It is gaining popularity among people from nearby cities owing to the presence of luxury resorts.

Distance from Dharmasthala: 106 km

Best Time: September to January

29 Kasargod Attractions

Known For : Bekal Fort Bekal Beach Kappil Beach

Located on the west of the Malabar coastline, Bekal is a small town in the Kasargod district of Kerala. It is famous for its beaches, backwaters, forts and some tourists spots. Bekal is home to the largest fortress in Kerala. It's one of the primary landmarks of Kasargod district. Shaped like a giant keyhole, the Bekal fort is bordered by the Arabian on three sides. A set of 45 caves called the Nityanandashram caves, Kappil Beach and Chandragiri fort are few of the other major attractions.

Distance from Dharmasthala: 123 km

Best Time: October to March

12 Bekal Attractions

Known For : Chaturmukha Basadi Statue of Bahubali (Gomateshwara) Ramasamudra Lake

Karkala is a quaint small town in the Udupi district of Karnataka. With great historical significance, it is blessed with several ancient temples and Jain basadis. Deriving its name from the word 'karikal' meaning 'black stone' it has an abundance of black granite in the area. The town also serves as an important religious centre for Jains and Hindus and has been declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Distance from Dharmasthala: 63 km

Best Time: September to March

10 Karkala Attractions

Known For : Padukone Trasi Shankaranarayana

Culturally rich, a treasure trove of mesmerizing nature and environ of spirituality define this temple town best. It is known for its unique dialect in Kannada and amazing cuisine. Lying on the western coast of Karnataka, the town is flanked by water bodies on three sides, i.e. Panchgangavalli River in the north, Kalaghar River in the east and Arabian sea and picturesque Kodi backwaters in the west.

Distance from Dharmasthala: 142 km

Best Time: October to Apr

12 Kundapura Attractions

Belthangady is a Taluk in Dakshin Kannada District. One can take a direct bus from Dharmasthala. The area consists of forest cover and the Western Ghats. It has numerous famous temples that attract devotees. Apart from these, there are tourist places like Aladangady Palace, Jamalabad Fort, Bandaje Falls (for trekking), and the Charmadi Ghat. This Ghat is well known due to its scenic beauty, especially during the monsoons.

Puttur is a place with plenty of tourist spots in and around it. One can visit the ancient and traditional Sri Mahalingeshwara Temple, having a unique pond. The Beeramale Hill offers beautiful views and a public library. There's the Campco Chocolate Factory, one of the biggest in Asia. Mai De Deus Church showing fine architecture. Bendru Theertha is a hot spring which is believed to heal various ailments; and many other places. Around Puttur, there are beaches, waterfalls, hill stations, temples and more.

Best time: Beginning of monsoon and post-monsoon.