Things to do in Kollur

Mookambika Temple

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  This riverside temple is dedicated to Goddess Mookambika Devi who defeated the asuras, Mookasura and Mahishasura.

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  It is renowned for its self-manifested lingam, which has a golden line splitting it into two unequal parts.

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  The smaller part represents the Holy Trinity, i.e., the Gods Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva and the bigger part represents their wives, Goddesses Saraswathi, Lakshmi, and Parvathi. Their combined powers form Adi Parashakti or the Goddess Mookambika Devi.

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  This temple is especially famous for conducting the vidyarambha (beginning of education) and annaprashana (beginning of solid food) puja for children.

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  Chandrika Homam is another important puja here in which Goddess Durga is worshipped in all her nine forms simultaneously.

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  Temple Timings: Morning – 5:00 am to 1:30 pm | Evening – 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm

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  Aarti Timings: Morning - 6:30 am to 8:15 am | 12:30 pm to 12:45 pm | 7:15 pm to 8:45 pm

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  Dress code: The temple follows a strict dress code with only dhotis and angavastrams (cloth draped around the shoulders) for males, and traditional Indian attire for females.

Best Areas to Stay in Kollur

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  Mookambika Temple Area: A stay close to the main temple is preferred by guests seeking the best of all worlds.

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  KSRTC Bus Stand: This neighbourhood is ideal for guests commuting to Kollur by bus and seeking a quick getaway.

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  Dharmapeeta: Set away from the city centre and the main crowds, this area offers peaceful vibes.

Must-visit Attractions in Kollur

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  Dharmapeeta: A peaceful meditation centre with a lingam, open to guests from all walks of life.

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  Kodachadri Peak: A Natural Heritage Site with forested slopes, waterfalls, caves, and viewpoints to see beautiful sunrise & sunset.

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  Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary: Set in the Western Ghats, this hilly sanctuary is home to tigers, panthers & many other wild animals.

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  Marvanthe Beach: A popular beach nestled between the River Souparnika and the Arabian Sea.

Other Popular Temples in & Around Kollur

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  Murudeshwara Shiva Temple (60 km): Set on the beach, this famous temple boasts one of the world’s tallest statues of Lord Shiva. Temple Timings: Morning - 3:00 am to 1:00 pm | Afternoon - 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm

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  Udupi Shri Krishna Matha (73 km): An iconic temple dedicated to Lord Krishna where puja is performed only through a silver-plated window. Temple Timings: Morning - 4:30 am to 9:30 pm

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  Idagunji Maha Ganapathi Temple (76 km): A historical temple with Lord Ganesha in a standing position as the presiding deity. Temple Timings: Morning - 6:00 am to 1:00 pm | Afternoon - 3:00 pm to 8:30 pm

Good to Know Before You Travel

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  How to Reach: Take a flight to the Mangaluru International Airport (132 km) or opt for a train ride to Mookambika Road Byndoor Railway Station (29 km). One can also board a bus to the KSRTC Bus Stand in Kollur.

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  What to Eat: South Indian cuisine, especially Karanataka-style sambhar & rasam can be enjoyed along with other delicacies like coconut chutney, idli, and vada.

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  What to Buy: Local handicrafts make good souvenirs. Besides these, one can shop for religious artifacts and puja items from the shops near the main temple.