Kollur Mookambika Temple is located in the Udupi district of Karnataka, nestled in the Western Ghats. It is a famous pilgrimage site dedicated to Goddess Mookambika, attracting devotees from across India. This temple is well connected by road and rail, making it accessible for travelers from nearby cities and states.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Kollur Mookambika Temple, covering train, bus, and car travel options. You will also find practical travel tips, a step-by-step plan, and advice on what to expect upon arrival to make your journey smooth and comfortable.

Getting from Major Cities to Kollur Mookambika Temple – Main Options

Train

Train travel is a popular choice for pilgrims coming from cities like Mangalore, Bangalore, and Chennai. The nearest railway station is Kundapura, about 28 km from Kollur, with good connectivity and frequent trains.

• Kundapura Railway Station is the closest major station to Kollur, located on the Konkan Railway route, approximately 28 km away, with frequent trains from Mangalore and Mumbai.

• From Kundapura, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Kollur; the road journey takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

• Trains from Bangalore to Kundapura take about 8 to 10 hours, with options like the Matsyagandha Express; booking tickets early on IRCTC is recommended during festival seasons.

• Train services can be crowded during weekends and festivals; it is advisable to book sleeper or AC class tickets in advance to ensure comfort.

• Monsoon season may cause occasional delays on the Konkan Railway due to landslides or heavy rains, so check train status before traveling.

Bus

Buses are a convenient and economical way to reach Kollur from nearby cities like Udupi, Mangalore, and Bangalore. State-run and private buses operate regularly on this route.

• Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) runs frequent buses from Udupi and Mangalore to Kollur, with journey times ranging from 1.5 to 3 hours depending on the starting point.

• Private buses also operate on this route, offering non-AC and AC options; fares typically range from ₹100 to ₹300 depending on the service and distance.

• Buses depart from major bus stands like Udupi KSRTC Bus Stand and Mangalore City Bus Stand; it is advisable to arrive early during peak pilgrimage seasons to secure seats.

• The route passes through National Highway 66 and State Highway 52, with scenic views but winding roads; monsoon rains can make the journey slower and more challenging.

• Rest stops with food and tea stalls are available along the way, especially near Kundapura and Byndoor; carry some snacks for longer trips.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving to Kollur offers flexibility and comfort, especially if you want to explore nearby attractions or travel with family. The roads are well maintained but can be narrow in some hilly stretches.

• Kollur is accessible via National Highway 66 and State Highway 52; the distance from Mangalore is about 110 km and from Bangalore around 400 km, taking approximately 3 to 4 hours and 8 to 9 hours respectively.

• The route from Mangalore to Kollur passes through Kundapura and Byndoor, with toll plazas and well-marked signboards; plan for toll charges and fuel stops accordingly.

• Driving during monsoon requires caution due to slippery roads and occasional landslides in the Western Ghats; check weather forecasts before starting your journey.

• Parking is available near the temple premises, but it can get crowded during festivals; arriving early in the day helps secure a good spot.

• Using GPS navigation apps like Google Maps or MapMyIndia is helpful, but keep a physical map as backup in case of network issues in hilly areas.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

If you are traveling to Kollur Mookambika Temple for the first time, this step-by-step plan will help you organize your trip smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or bus tickets at least a week in advance, especially during Navaratri and other festival seasons, to avoid last-minute unavailability and higher fares.

• Reach the nearest railway station or bus depot early in the morning to avoid rush and secure comfortable seats, as services can get crowded with pilgrims.

• Arrange local transport from Kundapura or nearby towns to Kollur in advance by calling taxi operators or using app-based cabs like Ola or Uber where available.

• Carry light luggage and pack essentials like water bottles, snacks, and rain gear during monsoon, as local shops near the temple may have limited options.

• Upon arrival at Kollur, use prepaid taxi counters or trusted local autos to reach your accommodation safely; avoid unmetered taxis to prevent overcharging.

• Plan your darshan timing early in the day to avoid long queues and enjoy a peaceful visit to the temple, especially during weekends and holidays.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry bottled water and avoid drinking tap water to prevent stomach issues, as hygiene standards vary in rural areas around Kollur.

• Use official or prepaid taxis and avoid accepting rides from strangers to ensure safety, especially if traveling alone or late in the evening.

• Book train and bus tickets online through IRCTC and KSRTC portals to get confirmed seats and avoid last-minute hassles at stations or bus stands.

• Local transport options like auto-rickshaws and shared jeeps are available but may not operate frequently during late hours; plan your return accordingly.

• Pack light and comfortable clothing suitable for the humid climate; carry an umbrella or raincoat during monsoon months from June to September.

• Be prepared for narrow roads and occasional traffic jams near the temple during festival seasons; patience and early planning help manage delays.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Kollur Mookambika Temple is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and dry. Avoid the heavy monsoon months if you prefer smooth travel and less risk of delays.

During festivals like Navaratri and Maha Shivaratri, the temple attracts large crowds, which can affect travel and accommodation availability. Planning your trip outside these peak times ensures a more relaxed experience.

• Avoid traveling during the monsoon season (June to September) as heavy rains can cause landslides and slippery roads in the Western Ghats, leading to delays and safety concerns.

• Peak festival periods like Navaratri (September-October) see a surge in pilgrims, resulting in crowded trains, buses, and temple premises; book tickets and accommodation well in advance.

• Early morning departures from major cities help avoid traffic jams and ensure timely arrival, especially if you want to attend morning prayers at the temple.

• Winter months (December and January) offer cool and comfortable weather, ideal for sightseeing and temple visits without the discomfort of heat or humidity.

Arrival at Kollur & What to Expect

When you arrive at Kollur, you will find a small town with basic facilities catering to pilgrims. The temple is well signposted, and local transport options are available near the main bus stand and railway station.

Most visitors stay in guesthouses or lodges near the temple, which are affordable and convenient. Prepaid taxis and auto-rickshaws are the safest and most reliable ways to reach your accommodation from the bus stand or railway station. App-based cabs may be limited, so confirm availability beforehand.

Conclusion

Traveling to Kollur Mookambika Temple is straightforward with multiple transport options like train, bus, and car. The nearest railway station at Kundapura and regular bus services from Udupi and Mangalore make it accessible for pilgrims. Driving offers flexibility but requires caution during monsoon.

Plan your trip by booking tickets early, especially during festivals, and choose your travel mode based on comfort and convenience. With practical preparation and awareness of local conditions, you can enjoy a smooth and fulfilling pilgrimage to this sacred temple.