Mangalore: Karkala and Moorbidri - 4.5 hours
A statue rising 12.6 meters and engraved from a single stone rises at a foot of a hill in Karkala erected in 1432 alongside a temple in honor of the great prince Bahubali or “the one with strong shoulders”. Bahubali fought a fierce battle with his brother for a throne but having succeeded then turned to meditation and prayer for 12 long years. Soon creepers started winding around him which gets depicted in this gigantic statue.
At Moodbidri, we see another masterpiece of the industrious Jain community which became on offshoot of Hinduism. They called them Basidas or residence of god.
Commissioned by king Devaraja Woodeyar in 1430 AD the temple has a thousand pillars no two of which are alike.
Interspersed between these two highlights is the Soan’s Farm started by the Swiss – German Basel Missionary society in 1926. Alfred Soans made innovative changes to the dry laterite soil and with inter cropping and better water management farmed superior qualities of upland rice, coconut, arecanut, banana, chillies, ginger, tapioca, mango and spices like clove, pepper, nutmeg, cinnamon, cardamom. Most famous are his Soan’s pineapples which we get to sample.
Added Value:
The imposing statute and the temple are great sights. The visit to the Soans horticultural Farm is a highlight of this tour. In the past, guests have thoroughly enjoyed this excursion.
Recommended: Comfortable footwear, hats and sun block for protection against the sun. Footwear to be removed at the temple & no skimpy dress. It may be advisable to carry a pair of socks for the temple walk.
- Tour Duration: 4 ½ hours
- Tour can operate : Morning
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Physical activity level : High
- Wheelchair Accessible : No
Please note the climb involves 212 steps to reach the statue atop the hilllock. Comfortable footwear, hats and sun block for protection against the sun. Footwear to be removed & advisable to carry a pair of socks.
Inclusions:
- Transportation by an air-conditioned vehicle - Services of a local English speaking guide.
- All the entrance fees and camera fees.
- Light refreshments at Soan Farms.
- Credit card and bank charges.