How to Reach Mookambika Temple, Kollur – Complete Travel Guide for Devotees

Nestled in the lap of the Western Ghats of Karnataka, Mookambika Temple in Kollur is one of South India’s most powerful and spiritually significant temples. Every year, thousands of devotees visit the temple to seek blessings from Goddess Mookambika, believed to be the combined form of Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati.

Whether you're traveling from within Karnataka or from other states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, or Maharashtra, this detailed guide will help you plan your journey smoothly. Make sure to check the temple timings and any specific entry requirements before planning your visit.

The Mookambika Temple is located in Kollur, a serene town in Udupi district, Karnataka. The temple is surrounded by the Kodachadri Hills and the Souparnika River, offering not just spiritual peace but breathtaking natural beauty as well.

Traveling by road is one of the most scenic and convenient options, especially if you're coming from Udupi, Mangalore, or Bangalore.
From Mangalore (145 km):

• Travel time: 3.5 to 4.5 hours
• Recommended route: Mangalore → Udupi → Kundapura → Byndoor → Kollur
• KSRTC and private buses run regularly from Mangalore to Kollur.
• Taxis and self-drive options are available as well.

From Udupi (80 km):

• Travel time: 2 to 2.5 hours
• Recommended route: Udupi → Kundapura → Kollur
• Buses are frequent and well-connected.
• Great option for day trips or weekend pilgrimages.

From Bangalore (430 km):

• Travel time: 8 to 10 hours
• Overnight KSRTC sleeper buses are available.
• Recommended route: Bangalore → Shimoga → Hosanagara → Kollur

Tip:

• Roads after Hosanagara are slightly hilly. Senior citizens and children prone to motion sickness should be prepared.
• Avoid driving at night during monsoon due to landslide risks
• Bus options are comfortable and cheaper for solo or small group travelers

Traveling by train is a preferred option for long-distance travelers as it's comfortable and scenic, especially along the Konkan coast. While Kollur doesn’t have its own railway station, there are several nearby stations from which you can easily reach the temple. Byndoor (Mookambika Road Station) is the closest railway station to Mookambika Temple which is located at a distance of 28km.

Byndoor (Mookambika Road Station) – 28 km from the temple
This is the nearest railway station to Kollur.

• Station code: BYNR
• Located on the Konkan Railway line, it connects major cities like Mumbai, Goa, Mangalore, and Bangalore.
• Some express trains like Matsyagandha Express and Karwar Express stop here.
• From the station, you can:

1. Hire a prepaid taxi (takes 45–50 minutes)
2. Board a local bus from Byndoor town to Kollur
3. Hire an auto-rickshaw if you're traveling light

Kundapura Railway Station – 40 km from the temple
Kundapura is a good second option, especially for those traveling from Mangalore or southern Karnataka.

• Well-connected with Udupi, Mangalore, Bangalore, and Karwar
• Taxis and frequent KSRTC/private buses are available from Kundapura to Kollur
• Travel time: ~1.5 hours

Udupi Railway Station – 80 km from the temple
This station is ideal for travelers from Bangalore, Mysore, Chennai, or eastern cities.

• Located on the Southern Railway network
• Many express trains from Bangalore and Chennai stop here
• Good road connectivity with Kollur through Kundapura

Nearest Airport: Mangalore International Airport (IXE) – 145 km

• Well connected to Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Dubai, and Qatar
• From the airport:

1. Hire a taxi to Kollur (takes about 4 hours)
2. Or travel to Udupi/Kundapura by bus and switch to local transport

Alternate Airport: Bangalore International Airport (BLR) – 430 km

• Suitable for longer temple circuits (Mysore, Sringeri, Dharmasthala, etc.)
• Overnight train or bus options available from Bangalore to Udupi, Kundapura, or Byndoor

Travel Tip:
Mangalore is best for time-saving trips. Bangalore is better if you’re planning a multi-destination pilgrimage.

To reach Mookambika Temple from Bangalore, you have a few options. Here's a common route:

By Air
Fly from Bangalore to Mangalore International Airport, which is the nearest airport to the temple. From Mangalore, you can either hire a taxi or use public transport to reach the temple.

By Train
You can take a train from Bangalore to Udupi or Mangalore railway station. Udupi is closer to the temple than Mangalore. From either of these stations, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Mookambika Temple.

By Road

• The most common way to reach Mookambika Temple from Bangalore is by road.
• You can drive or hire a cab from Bangalore. The distance is approximately 400-450 km, and it takes around 8-10 hours to reach depending on traffic and road conditions.
• Take the NH75 route from Bangalore to reach Mookambika Temple. The route will take you through cities like Tumkur, Chitradurga, and Shimoga before reaching Kollur, where the temple is located.

By Bus
There are also direct buses from Bangalore to Kollur, which is where Mookambika Temple is located. You can check with Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) for bus timings and availability.

Once you reach Kollur, you can easily find accommodation options near the temple. From there, the temple is usually within walking distance or a short drive away.