Mookambika Temple is a famous Hindu pilgrimage site located in Kollur, Karnataka, nestled in the Western Ghats. It attracts devotees from all over India, especially from South India, due to its spiritual significance and scenic surroundings.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Mookambika Temple using different modes of transport. You will get practical advice on trains, buses, cars, and flights to plan your trip confidently and comfortably.

Getting from Major Cities to Mookambika Temple – Main Options

Train

Train travel is popular for pilgrims coming from cities like Bangalore, Mangalore, and Chennai. It offers a comfortable and affordable way to reach nearby stations close to Kollur.

• The nearest railway station to Mookambika Temple is Kundapura, about 40 km away, well connected by trains from Bangalore, Mangalore, and Udupi. Trains run daily with fares ranging from ₹150 to ₹600 depending on class.

• From Kundapura station, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Kollur, which takes around 1 to 1.5 hours. Shared autos and private cabs are available but may be limited in frequency.

• Train travel is comfortable but can be crowded during festival seasons like Navaratri and Makara Sankranti, so booking tickets early through IRCTC is recommended.

• Stations like Udupi and Bhatkal are also options but are farther from Kollur, requiring longer road travel. These stations have fewer direct trains from major cities.

• Monsoon season may cause occasional delays on Konkan Railway routes, so check train status before travel during June to September.

Bus

Buses are a common choice for pilgrims traveling from nearby cities and towns. Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and private operators run frequent services to Kollur.

• KSRTC runs direct buses to Kollur from Udupi, Mangalore, and Bangalore, with journey times ranging from 2 to 8 hours depending on the origin. Fares typically range between ₹150 and ₹500.

• Private buses offer sleeper and semi-sleeper options, especially from Bangalore and Mangalore, providing overnight travel convenience.

• Bus stops in Kollur are close to the temple, making last-mile connectivity easy. However, buses can get crowded during weekends and festival days.

• The route via NH66 and SH52 passes through scenic Western Ghats but can be narrow and winding, so travel times may increase during monsoon due to slippery roads.

• Booking tickets online on KSRTC website or using apps like RedBus helps secure seats during peak pilgrimage seasons.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving to Mookambika Temple offers flexibility and comfort, especially if you want to explore nearby attractions or travel with family. The roads are mostly well-maintained but can be challenging in monsoon.

• From Bangalore, the distance to Kollur is about 400 km via NH75 and NH66, taking roughly 8 to 10 hours depending on traffic and stops. Toll plazas are present on NH75 and NH66.

• From Mangalore, Kollur is approximately 120 km away, reachable in 3 to 4 hours via NH66 and SH52, passing through scenic ghats and small towns.

• Self-drive allows you to stop at popular spots like Maravanthe Beach and Murudeshwar Temple en route, enhancing your travel experience.

• During monsoon, roads can be slippery and foggy in the Western Ghats, so drive carefully and avoid night driving if possible.

• Fuel stations and eateries are available along the highways, but plan refueling and breaks in larger towns like Udupi or Kundapura for convenience.

Flight

The nearest airports to Mookambika Temple are in Mangalore and Goa, suitable for travelers coming from distant cities. Flights reduce travel time but require road transport from the airport to Kollur.

• Mangalore International Airport is about 130 km from Kollur, connected by NH66. Taxi or bus travel from the airport takes around 3 to 4 hours.

• Goa’s Dabolim Airport is approximately 200 km away, with longer road travel times of 5 to 6 hours, suitable if combining Goa sightseeing with the pilgrimage.

• Frequent flights operate to Mangalore from Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai, and Hyderabad, with fares ranging widely based on season and booking time.

• Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are available at Mangalore Airport, but fares to Kollur can be high due to distance and limited shared options.

• Booking flights and airport transfers in advance is advisable, especially during festival seasons when demand increases sharply.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers to Mookambika Temple, helping you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or bus tickets early through IRCTC or KSRTC online portals to secure confirmed seats, especially during festivals when demand is high.

• If traveling by train, plan your arrival at Kundapura or Udupi station during daylight hours to avoid difficulties finding transport to Kollur at night.

• Arrange local transport from the railway station or airport in advance via trusted taxi services or hotel pickups to ensure safe and reliable last-mile connectivity.

• Carry light luggage and comfortable footwear as you may need to walk short distances inside the temple complex and nearby areas.

• Check weather forecasts before departure, especially during monsoon, to prepare for possible travel delays or road closures.

• Keep some local currency handy for small expenses like auto-rickshaw fares, temple offerings, and snacks, as digital payments may not be accepted everywhere.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry a water bottle and avoid drinking tap water; buy bottled water from trusted shops to prevent stomach issues during your pilgrimage.

• Wear modest and comfortable clothing suitable for temple visits and Indian weather; avoid heavy jewelry or valuables to reduce theft risk.

• Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber where available to avoid overcharging by local drivers unfamiliar with standard fares.

• Book accommodation in advance in Kollur or nearby towns during peak seasons to avoid last-minute hassles and inflated prices.

• Be cautious during monsoon months as landslides and roadblocks can occur; follow local news and travel advisories before starting your journey.

• Carry a printed copy of your ticket and ID proofs as many transport services in India require physical verification during travel.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Mookambika Temple is during the cooler months from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for travel. Avoid the heavy monsoon months from June to September due to slippery roads and possible travel disruptions.

Festival periods like Navaratri and Makara Sankranti attract large crowds, so plan your visit either just before or after these dates for a less crowded experience.

• Avoid traveling during peak festival days to escape heavy traffic jams and accommodation shortages in Kollur.

• Monsoon rains can cause delays on Konkan Railway and highways; check weather updates and train/bus status before departure.

• Early morning departures help avoid city traffic and ensure you reach Kollur with daylight remaining for temple darshan.

• Winter mornings can be foggy in the Western Ghats, so allow extra travel time and drive cautiously if self-driving.

Arrival at Mookambika Temple & What to Expect

When you arrive at Kollur, the temple is within walking distance from the main bus stand and taxi drop-off points. The area around the temple is pedestrian-friendly but can get crowded during peak hours.

Local transport options include auto-rickshaws and shared jeeps, but many pilgrims prefer walking to soak in the spiritual atmosphere. Nearby towns like Kundapura and Udupi offer more accommodation and dining options if Kollur is fully booked.

Prepaid taxi counters and app-based cabs are limited in Kollur, so it is best to arrange your return transport in advance or rely on local buses for onward travel.

Conclusion

Traveling to Mookambika Temple is a rewarding experience that combines spirituality with the beauty of Karnataka’s Western Ghats. Train travel to Kundapura followed by a short taxi ride is one of the most efficient and comfortable options for most pilgrims.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and arranging local transport will help you avoid common travel hassles. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a smooth and memorable pilgrimage to this revered temple.