Temples, churches, waterfalls and the Western Ghats

The temple is served by Madhwa Brahmin priests while its administration is run by Jain descendants — a true reflection of spirituality beyond caste and religion. It is also the abode of Lord Dharma’s four guardian spirits: Kanyakumari, Kalarkayi, Kalarahu and Kumaraswamy.

Major festivals include Laksha Deepotsava (the Festival of Lights) and the Pattanaje Jatre, along with Diwali, Navaratri and Ganesha Chaturthi.

Complete your visit with a climb up Badinede Betta hill, or see swords, old cameras, armour and vintage cars at the Manjusha Museum near the temple.

Tips for visitors

• Men must remove shirts and vests and may not wear half pants; ladies may not wear nighties.
• Children below two years are not allowed into the sanctum sanctorum.
• Watch your belongings — there are many monkeys around the premises.

Built in 2003 and established by the spiritual leader and yoga guru Nithyananda Swami, the temple houses 36 idols across two floors, with finely carved marble shrines of Lord Rama, Lakshmana and Goddess Sita.

Rama Navami is celebrated grandly every year with the seven-day Rama Bhajana Saptaha, when devotees chant the Rama Taraka Mantra around the Nanda Deepa.

Tips for visitors

• No pets are allowed on the temple premises.
• Dress decently, keeping in mind the dignity of the temple.

Nestled between hills, Kukke is one of the seven holy places created by Saint Parashurama. Legend says the divine serpent Vasuki took refuge here while being hunted by Garuda, so the temple is believed to bring relief from Naga doshas. The ritual dance Nagamandala is also performed here.

Ashlesha Bali and Sarpa Dosha Parihara are the most popular poojas, and can be booked online.

Nearby, Kumara Parvatha is a popular trekking destination, and Bisle Ghat is about 20 km away.

Also known as Matsya Theertha, the river here is home to large numbers of mahseer (‘Peruvelu’ in Tulu). After the daily poojas, Naivedyam is offered to the fish, and devotees believe worshipping here and feeding the fish cures skin diseases.

Two rocks in the river — Huli Kallu (tiger rock) and Dana Kallu (cow rock) — are said to be a tiger and a cow that God turned to stone to prevent violence. They are worshipped during the annual festival.

Visitors love feeding the fish rice, beaten rice and puffed rice while taking in the peaceful natural setting.

This historic Roman Catholic church is the spiritual home of over 610 families — more than 2,800 members.

The parish has started several institutions, including Holy Redeemer English Medium School, the Church Higher Primary School (Kannada medium) and the Holy Redeemer Auditorium.

Until 1886 the area was part of Agrar Church, whose priest visited once a year. After local Catholics sought a chapel, the area was placed under the parish priest of Gaddai (Belthangady), who said mass here in a shed in 1887.

Mr Francis D’Souza Prabhu of Kolkebail endowed his vast property to the new parish, and Fr Rosario D’Souza became the first parish priest on 16 March 1889. Fr Jacob Sequeira built the church, which Bishop Pagani blessed in 1893.

A newer church and presbytery were begun under Fr Denis D’Souza and blessed by Bishop Victor Fernandes on 7 May 1940. The parish has both Konkani- and Tulu-speaking Catholic families.

‘Arbi’ means waterfall in Tulu. The trail from Rani Jhari passes through thick evergreen forest and opens into rolling grasslands, making it one of the region’s most rewarding treks.

The Ballalarayana Durga – Bandaje route has no very hard sections, but the trail rolls continuously, so come prepared.

Tips for visitors

• Monsoon makes the mud and gravel very slippery — wear good footwear and avoid days with heavy rain.
• Take care on the steeper grassland sections after Ballalarayana Durga fort; trekking poles help.
• The rocky edge at the top of the falls is the most dangerous point — be extremely careful.

The riverbank is also known for its nature-cure hospital, where treatment follows the Pancha Bhoota system of the five elements.

Nestled in the lush Western Ghats, Kuthluru blends breathtaking natural beauty, rich culture, warm hospitality and sustainable rural tourism. The recognition honours its people’s dedication to preserving their heritage and environment.

If you are looking for a peaceful getaway, Kuthluru deserves a place on your travel list. Please travel responsibly and support the local community.