Bangalore to Dharmasthala Taxi

Bangalore to Dharmasthala road trip by private taxi with Bangalore Drive could be your ticket to quality time with family and friends. Road trips provide oneself, the much needed break from the day to day tiresome routine and a road trip with Bangalore to Dharmasthala car rental is here to make it all the more memorable. 

It is advisable to start the journey by early morning, as traffic gets heavier during the course of the day. The most efficient route to Dharmasthala from the city of Bangalore is via NH75 (Bangalore – Mangalore Highway)  and culminating into SH37. This route covers almost 296 kms which can be travelled in approximately 5 hours 45 minutes. The route is: 

Bengaluru – Nelamangala – Kunigal – Channarayapatna – Hassan – Sakleshpur – Gundya – Kokkada – Nidle – Dharmasthala

The drive on NH75 upto Hassan is very smooth. Afterwards, from Hassan to Gundya, the highway is 2 lane and in satisfactory condition. Still one should be careful, while driving on these Ghat Roads. After crossing Nelyadka village, take SH37 to Dharmasthala. On the way you can plan journey breaks at Hassan and Sakleshpur. 

Another alternative route to Dharamasthala is Via NH48, NH 69 and NH 73, covering a distance of approximately 350 kms under 8 hours. The route is:

Bangalore – Nelamangala – Tumkur – Sira – Banawara – Belur – Mudigere – Charmadi – Dharmasthala

Hit the NH48 from Bangalore to the city of Sira, headquarters of Tumakuru district. Further, follow NH 69 along Sira – Huliyar – Banawara. Afterwards take NH 73 to reach Dharamasthala. On this route stop over at Halebid and Belur to treat yourself to the magnificence and  gloriousness of centuries old Hoysala architecture. Few of the must visit architectural wonders in the region are Chennakeshava Temple, Hoysaleshwara Temple and Kedareshwara Temple.

A trip to Dharmasthala offers you a wholesome spiritual experience along with prospects to enjoy the enthralling scenic beauty as well. Major sightseeing places in Dharmasthala that you can plan to visit with Bangalore Drive’s taxi service are:

1. Sri Manjunatheshwara Temple

Famously called Dharmasthala Temple, it is one of the most revered temples in Karnataka. The principal deity, Sri Manjunatheshwara is in the form of a Linga, believed to be almost 800 years old. This temple represents religious tolerance and harmony. A Jain Tirthankara is worshipped beside Lord Manjunatheshwara (Lord Shiva) and Daivas.

Most Fascinating feature of the temple is that the priests are Vaishnavite Brahmins while the administration is under Jains. For centuries, the temple and Dharmasthala Kshethra has been managed by a Jain Family, called Pergades. They are known for their philanthropy and simplicity. Guardian of the temple is called the Heggade. The Heggade represents  Lord Manjunatheshwara and provides justice to those who come to seek it at this holy place.

2. Bahubali Statue

One can visit the enormous monolithic statue of Lord Bahubali atop Ratnagiri Hills with a private taxi from Bangalore Drive. It is one of the important pilgrimages for the Jains. Lord Bahubali personifies strength, will power and intellect. This 39 feet tall  gigantic sculpture, surrounded by beautiful scenic beauty will mesmerise you.

The statue of Lord Bahubali was commissioned by Sri Ratnavarma Heggade in 1973 and was erected in February 1982 under the guidance of Dr D Veerendra Heggade.  This massive statue portrays the time when Lord Bhaubali stood motionless to meditate and to achieve salvation. The carvings of creepers on his arms and legs illustrate the same.

3. Ram Mandir (Ram Kshetra)

Another popular attraction here is Ram Mandir which is located on the banks of Netravati river, at a distance of approximately 4 kms from Sri Manjunatheshwara Temple. This colorful and elegant temple houses idols of Lord Rama, Lord Laksman and Goddess Sita along with the idols of Navgraha.

It boasts of beautiful designs carved by the sculptors of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan. Every year festivities are observed during the time of Ramnavami. One can spend some time in solitude and peace here, as this temple is relatively less crowded. 

4. Netravathi River Barrage

Netravathi River Barrage is a beautiful secluded spot in the city of Dharmasthala that should not be missed during your Bangalore to Dharmasthala trip by cab. With all the greenery around, this barrage makes a perfect place for a leisurely stroll. Nature Care Hospital in the vicinity is known for following an ancient principle for healing called ‘Panch Bhootas/ Tattvas’.

5. Jamalabad Fort

Jamalabad Fort locally known as ‘Jamalagadda’ or ‘Gadaikallu’ is located at Belthangady town in Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka. It is almost 16 kms from Dharamasthala and can be reached by private taxi from Bangalore Drive.

This fort was built by Tipu Sultan in 1794 in the Kudremukh Mountain Ranges and  was named after his mother, Jamalabee. One will have to trudge through approximately 1800 steps to reach the top. Fort is in ruins, though remnants of the fort wall are still visible. Jamalabad Fort is a trekking destination, and one can get a panoramic view of the landscape from the top.

‘Dharmasthala’, as the name suggests, the word “Dharma” means righteousness. It is one of the most godly emotions demonstrated by oneself regardless of one’s religion or ethnicity. It is rightly called ‘abode of dharmas’ and presents an interesting amalgamation of faiths. It is a popular place to visit near Bangalore within 300 km. With a Bangalore to Dharmasthala cab rental, one can reach this place comfortably and spend some time seeking peace and calmness.

Here, one can take pride in the rich heritage of our country at Manjusha Museum. It has a vast collection of Indian stone and metal sculptures, paintings, jewellery pieces, idols and even utilitarian objects used hundreds of years ago. One can even admire the beautiful wooden chariots which were once called, Chariots of Gods.

The Devotees are recommended to visit Annappa Swamy Betta or Badinede Betta. It is one place not to miss on your Dharmasthala trip by private taxi from Bangalore. This temple is dedicated to Sri Annappa Swamy and is home to the shrines of four Dharma Daivas. Entry of Children and women is restricted to this temple. Travellers must visit the centuries old Chandranatha Swamy Basadi which is one of the most revered and celebrated Digambara shrines in southern India.

Nature lovers and trekkers can opt for a thrilling trek to Jamalabad Fort during their Dharmasthala trip with Bangalore Drive. This trek is of ‘medium difficulty level’ and offers a great view of the serene surroundings.

Known as “Silicon Valley” of India, Bangalore is the capital city of Karnataka State. An example of cosmopolitan culture blended with old ways of life, this city is one of the popular tourist destinations in India. It has a lot to offer, be it historical monuments or modern architecture, biological parks or amusement parks, name it and you would have it! 

Few of the major sightseeing places to see in Bangalore are: Bangalore Palace, Tipu Sultan Summer Palace, St. Mary’s Basilica Lalbagh Gardens, Bannerghatta National Park, WonderLa Bangalore amusement park and more.

Bangalore to Dharmasthala trip by taxi from Bangalore Drive gives an opportunity to experience the confluence of faiths, and the rich history of our ancestors amidst picturesque surroundings.

The temple trust runs clean, simple rooms at the Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala guest house – perfect for pilgrims and budget travelers. Need more comfort? Try the SDM Sterling Hotel or Hotel Maya International nearby. For longer stays, the temple’s cottages offer kitchen facilities at reasonable rates.

The temple market street offers religious items and simple souvenirs. Don’t miss the temple’s own store for prasada items and local specialties. For authentic Malnad spices and coffee, try the local agricultural cooperative store. Prices are fixed and fair – no haggling needed.

October to February brings pleasant weather perfect for temple visits – cool mornings and mild afternoons. March and April are warm but manageable. Skip June to September unless you don’t mind navigating monsoon rains. The temple gets busy during Laksha Deepotsava in November-December, so book accommodations ahead.

The temple’s massive dining hall serves free vegetarian meals – a humbling experience worth trying. For local flavors, try Hotel Ayodhya or Sri Krishna Bhavan near the temple. Craving Malnad coffee? The temple’s coffee house serves a perfect cup with traditional snacks.