Sedan (Swift Dzire / Etios)
👥 3–4🧳 2 bags
Budget couple / small-family darshan day trips
Tour Overview
The great Jain sites of Karnataka — the monolithic Bahubali of Shravanabelagola and the Gommateshwara statues and basadis of the coastal belt.
Shravanabelagola (Bahubali)Moodabidri Thousand Pillar BasadiKarkala GommateshwaraVenur
📍 Speciality & significance
Shravanabelagola's 57-foot monolithic statue of Bahubali (Gommateshwara) is among the world's tallest free-standing monoliths and the focus of the grand Mahamastakabhisheka held once every twelve years. It is one of the most important Jain pilgrimage centres in India.
The coastal Jain belt adds the exquisite Thousand-Pillar Basadi of Moodabidri, the Gommateshwara monolith of Karkala and the shrine at Venur — a circuit that showcases Jain devotion, art and the distinctive basadi architecture of Karnataka.
🛕 Shravanabelagola (Bahubali Gommateshwara)
Shravanabelagola, set between two hills in the Hassan district, is one of the most important Jain pilgrimage centres in India, revered for the colossal monolithic statue of Bahubali, also known as Gommateshwara, atop Vindhyagiri hill. Carved from a single granite block over a thousand years ago under the Ganga dynasty, the serene standing figure is among the tallest of its kind in the world. The nearby Chandragiri hill holds ancient basadis and memorials of great historical significance.
Pilgrims climb the rock-cut steps of Vindhyagiri for darshan of Bahubali, an ascent best suited to the able-bodied, though assisted options ease the way for some. The grand Mahamastakabhisheka, the head-anointing ceremony held once in about twelve years, draws immense gatherings. Modest attire is appropriate. Cooler, drier months are more comfortable for the climb. The Chandragiri basadis and the town's Jain heritage make natural extensions to the visit.
🛕 Moodabidri Thousand Pillar Basadi
In the coastal town of Moodabidri, often called the Jain Kashi of the south, the Saavira Kambada Basadi, or Thousand Pillar Basadi, is a celebrated 15th-century Jain temple dedicated to Tirthankara Chandranatha. It is renowned for its remarkable array of intricately carved pillars, no two alike, blending local coastal craftsmanship with Jain architectural tradition. The town preserves numerous basadis and ancient palm-leaf manuscripts, making it an important centre of Jain religion and learning in the region.
Visitors come both as devotees for darshan of Chandranatha and as admirers of the temple's extraordinary pillared halls and carvings. Jain festivals are observed with traditional rituals. Modest attire is appropriate, and general temple etiquette applies. The complex is largely level and comfortable for elders. The temperate coastal months are pleasant for visits. Moodabidri combines well with nearby Karkala and the Dakshina Kannada coast for a rounded Jain heritage circuit.
🛕 Karkala Gommateshwara (Bahubali)
Karkala, in the Udupi district, is a historic Jain centre known for its towering monolithic statue of Bahubali, or Gommateshwara, raised on a rocky hillock in the early 15th century under the local Bhairarasa rulers. The dignified standing figure, carved from a single granite block, is among the notable Bahubali monoliths of Karnataka. The town also preserves the Chaturmukha Basadi and other shrines, reflecting its long standing as a seat of Jain faith and craftsmanship.
Pilgrims and visitors climb a modest flight of steps to the statue for darshan and to take in the surrounding views. The periodic Mahamastakabhisheka anointing ceremony draws large gatherings. Modest attire is appropriate. The short climb is manageable for many, though elders may prefer to take it slowly. The temperate coastal months are most pleasant. Karkala pairs naturally with Moodabidri's basadis and the wider Dakshina Kannada Jain and coastal circuit.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: → Shravanabelagola
Climb to the Bahubali monolith.
Day 2: → Moodabidri → Karkala
Thousand-Pillar Basadi and the Karkala Gommateshwara.
Day 3: → Venur → return
Venur shrine, then return.
Vehicles for this yatra
Recommended for this circuit — we finalise by your group size and luggage.
Satvik / pure-veg stopover friendlyTemple-timing & dress-code aware driversAll-inclusive tolls, parking & permitsRegional-language drivers (Tamil / Kannada / Telugu / Hindi)
Frequently asked questions
Which temples does the Karnataka Jain Circuit cover?
The Karnataka Jain Circuit covers Shravanabelagola (Bahubali), Moodabidri Thousand Pillar Basadi, Karkala Gommateshwara, Venur, driven from Bengaluru / Mangaluru over 3 Days / 2 Nights.
How do I travel for the Karnataka Jain Circuit?
This is a direct road trip — a SARA CAB chauffeur-driven vehicle departs from Bengaluru and runs the entire circuit.
Which vehicle is best for the Karnataka Jain Circuit?
We recommend Sedan (Swift Dzire / Etios), Ertiga / Carens, Innova Crysta / Hycross, chosen by your group size and luggage.
How much does the Karnataka Jain Circuit cost?
This circuit is quoted on request — airfare, season and permits vary — so share your dates and group size for an exact, all-inclusive quote.
Fare on request
Quote on request
Share your dates & group for an exact, all-inclusive quote.
Get your yatra fare
Pick your dates and vehicle for an exact cab fare.
Booking just the cab? Taxi service in Bengaluru.