Mookambika Temple is located in Kollur, Karnataka, nestled in the Western Ghats. It is a famous pilgrimage site dedicated to Goddess Mookambika and attracts devotees from across South India. Bangalore, the capital city of Karnataka, is a common starting point for travelers heading to this spiritual destination.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Bangalore to Mookambika Temple. You will learn about trains, buses, driving routes, and flights, along with useful tips to make your journey smooth and comfortable.

Getting from Bangalore to Mookambika Temple – Main Options

Train

Train travel is a popular and economical choice for reaching Kollur from Bangalore. It offers a comfortable journey with scenic views, though some last-mile travel is needed from the nearest station.

• The closest railway stations to Mookambika Temple are Kundapura and Bhatkal, about 40-50 km away, connected by regular trains from Bangalore City Railway Station (SBC).

• Train journey time ranges from 8 to 10 hours depending on the train, with fares typically between ₹300 and ₹700 for sleeper and AC classes.

• Trains run daily but book tickets early via IRCTC, especially during festivals like Navaratri when pilgrimage traffic peaks.

• From Kundapura or Bhatkal station, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Kollur, which takes around 1.5 to 2 hours on hilly roads.

• Train travel is comfortable but expect some crowding during weekends and holidays; carry water and snacks as station amenities are basic.

Bus

Buses are a convenient and affordable way to reach Kollur directly from Bangalore. Various state-run and private operators offer multiple daily services.

• KSRTC and private buses depart from Bangalore’s Majestic Bus Station to Kollur, covering approximately 400 km in 9 to 11 hours.

• Bus fares range from ₹400 to ₹900 depending on the type (non-AC, AC sleeper, or Volvo), with night buses available for overnight travel.

• Frequent buses run throughout the day, but booking in advance during festival seasons is recommended to avoid full occupancy.

• The route follows NH 75 and NH 66, passing through scenic Western Ghats with stops at Shimoga and Kundapura for refreshments and rest.

• Road conditions are generally good, but monsoon rains may cause delays due to slippery and foggy conditions on ghat sections.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Bangalore to Mookambika Temple offers flexibility and the chance to explore en route. The journey covers around 400 km and takes about 8 to 9 hours by car.

• The recommended route is via NH 75 to Shimoga, then NH 66 to Kundapura, and finally SH 52 to Kollur, passing through well-maintained highways and scenic ghats.

• Toll plazas are present on NH 75 and NH 66, so keep cash or FASTag ready; toll charges may total around ₹300 to ₹500 one way.

• Plan stops at popular towns like Shimoga and Kundapura for meals and fuel; local eateries offer authentic South Indian cuisine.

• Driving during early morning hours helps avoid Bangalore city traffic and reach Kollur before evening.

• Monsoon season requires extra caution due to slippery roads and possible landslides; check weather updates before starting.

Flight

There is no direct flight to Kollur, but flying to nearby Mangalore International Airport is an option for faster travel, followed by road transport.

• Flights from Bangalore’s Kempegowda International Airport to Mangalore take about 1 hour, with multiple daily flights by airlines like IndiGo and AirAsia.

• From Mangalore Airport, Kollur is approximately 140 km away, reachable by taxi or bus in 3.5 to 4 hours via NH 66.

• Taxi fares from Mangalore to Kollur range from ₹2,500 to ₹3,500 depending on vehicle type; shared buses are cheaper but less frequent.

• Flight fares vary from ₹1,500 to ₹4,000 one way, depending on booking time and season.

• This option is suitable if you want to save time on the long road journey but expect additional travel from Mangalore to Kollur.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

If you are traveling from Bangalore to Mookambika Temple for the first time, this step-by-step plan will help you organize your trip smoothly.

• Book your train or bus tickets online well in advance through IRCTC or KSRTC portals to secure seats, especially during festival seasons when demand is high.

• If traveling by train, choose a train that arrives at Kundapura or Bhatkal in daylight to avoid last-mile travel in the dark; arrange a taxi or pre-book a cab from the station.

• For bus travelers, select a bus that departs Bangalore in the evening or early morning to reach Kollur comfortably during daytime.

• If driving, check your vehicle’s condition, carry a physical map or GPS device, and start early to avoid city traffic and reach Kollur before sunset.

• Carry sufficient water, light snacks, and a power bank for your phone, as connectivity may be limited in ghats and rural areas.

• Upon arrival in Kollur, use local auto-rickshaws or taxis to reach the temple; prepaid taxi counters and app-based cabs like Ola or Uber may not be available in remote areas.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry a copy of your ID and booking confirmations for trains or buses, as officials may check during travel or at boarding points.

• Drink only bottled water and avoid street food unless you are sure of its hygiene to prevent stomach issues common during travel.

• Use official websites or trusted apps like IRCTC and KSRTC for bookings to avoid scams or fake tickets.

• Local transport in Kollur is limited; negotiate taxi fares beforehand or ask your hotel for reliable transport options to the temple.

• Pack light but include rain gear during monsoon months (June to September) as sudden showers are frequent in the Western Ghats.

• Keep your valuables secure and avoid traveling alone at night, especially in isolated areas along the route.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Mookambika Temple from Bangalore is during the cooler months from October to March. The weather is pleasant, and roads are safer for travel.

Avoid traveling during peak monsoon months (June to September) when heavy rains can cause delays and slippery roads in the ghats. Also, festival seasons like Navaratri see heavy crowds and booked accommodations.

• Peak traffic occurs during Navaratri and other major festivals; book transport and stay well in advance.

• Monsoon rains may cause landslides or roadblocks on NH 66 and SH 52, so check weather and road conditions before departure.

• Early morning departures from Bangalore help avoid city traffic and reach Kollur by afternoon.

• Winter mornings can be foggy on highways near Shimoga; drive carefully and use fog lamps if available.

Arrival at Mookambika Temple & What to Expect

When you arrive at Kollur, the town is small and primarily focused on pilgrimage tourism. The temple is within walking distance from the main bus stand and taxi drop-off points.

Local transport options include auto-rickshaws and shared jeeps, but many visitors prefer to walk to the temple due to short distances. Accommodation options range from budget lodges to dharamshalas near the temple.

Prepaid taxi counters are rare, so agree on fares before starting your journey from the station or bus stand. App-based cabs like Ola and Uber are generally not available in Kollur, so plan accordingly.

Conclusion

Traveling from Bangalore to Mookambika Temple is straightforward with multiple options to suit different budgets and preferences. Train and bus services offer affordable and frequent connections, while driving gives you flexibility and scenic views. Flying to Mangalore and then taking road transport is a faster but costlier alternative.

Plan your trip by booking tickets early, especially during festivals, and prepare for the hilly terrain and weather conditions. With proper planning and local knowledge, you can enjoy a smooth and fulfilling pilgrimage to the revered Mookambika Temple from Bangalore.