Located at a distance of 110 KM's from Udupi, Dharmasthala is one of the most visited pilgrimage centers in Karnataka.Dharmasthala is host to well known Shiva temple known popularly known as "Manjunatha".Dharmasthala is located on the banks of river Nethravati.Lush green forests and western ghats surrounding the temple makes this place unique.

Worshipped by millions Dharmasthala Manjunatheswhara is known to be as sacred as Lord Venkateshwara of Tirupati.There is a famous saying in Kannada which is "Duddu bidada Venkataramana...Maatu bidada Manjunatha" the first in reference to Lord Venkateshwara of Tirupati, second in reference to Lord Manjunatha of Dharmasthala. Apart from the temple the 39 feet tall statue of Bhagvan Bahubali, installed on the top of the hill adds to the attraction.

The temple is maintained by the famous "Heggade" family, which has been worshipping the Lord for several decades.Currently Shri Veerendra Heggade looks after the day-to-day operations of the temple. With the donations received for the temple Heggade also has been doing lot of social work and running some of the well known educational institutes all over Karnataka.

Other attractions at Dharmasthala includes the following...

To reach Dharmasthala from Udupi you will have to travel via Karkala,Guruvainakere,Beltangadi.If you are starting from Mangalore or Bangalore you will have to take the national highway between Bangalore-Mangalore.A visit to the temple on Monday is considered to be very auspicious.