What to expect
Highlights
- The Panchalingeshwara and Kalikamba temples.
- Medieval Tulu-capital ruins and inscriptions.
- A quiet, off-the-trail heritage town.
Barkur
Barkur, north of Udupi, was once a medieval capital of the Tulu country under the Alupa dynasty and a flourishing town, and it still holds a remarkable concentration of old temples and ruins.
Practical guide
Plan Barkur
Typeheritage
Nearest baseKundapura
Best timeOctober to February
Time needed1 to 1
EntryFree
Nearest town/baseKundapura
DistrictUdupi
Place typeheritage
Time needed1 to 1.5 hours.
Barkur, north of Udupi, was once a medieval capital of the Tulu country under the Alupa dynasty and a flourishing town, and it still holds a remarkable concentration of old temples and ruins.
The Panchalingeshwara and Kalikamba temples and scattered shrines and inscriptions make it a quiet heritage stop for those interested in coastal Karnataka’s history.
Visiting
Barkur — at a glance
TimingsDaylight (temple hours vary)
Best timeOctober to February; morning light
Entry: Free
Getting here
How to reach Barkur
~16 km north of Udupi off NH-66; bus/taxi
Living village temples — footwear off, dress modestly, treat the ruins with care.
Getting there
How to visit
- ~16 km north of Udupi off NH-66; reach it by bus or taxi.
- Living temples with few tourist facilities — footwear off at the shrines, dress modestly, and carry water.
Distance by road
- Mangaluru60 km
- Shivamogga145 km
- Chikkamagaluru145 km
- Karwar175 km
- Bengaluru400 km
Road km to Udupi; ghat roads and traffic vary — allow extra.
Timing
Best time
October to February; morning light for the temples.
Weather in BarkurSeasonal guide
Live forecast loads in your browser.
Visitor notes
- Living village temples — footwear off, dress modestly, and treat the ruins with care.
Safety
Good to know
On the map
Where Barkur is
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What’s near Barkur
Good to know
Barkur — frequently asked
When is the best time to visit Barkur?
October to February; morning light for the temples.
What are the entry fee and timings at Barkur?
Entry: Free. Timings: Daylight (temple hours vary). Fees and timings are indicative — confirm on site before you travel.
How do I reach Barkur?
~16 km north of Udupi off NH-66; reach it by bus or taxi. Living temples with few tourist facilities — footwear off at the shrines, dress modestly, and carry water.
How much time do I need for Barkur?
1 to 1.5 hours.
What else is near Barkur?
Nearby you can pair Manipal End Point (11.4 km), St Mary's Islands (12.8 km), Malpe Beach (12.9 km), Sri Krishna Matha, Udupi (14.0 km).
Read next
More stories, legends & guides from Udupi
Image credits
- Barkur:Abhijith sadanand, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0