Plan A Trip To Varanga, Karnataka
Varanga is a picturesque village located in the Udupi district of the Indian state of Karnataka. It is renowned for its historical and cultural significance, as well as its natural beauty.
Major attractions in Varanga
Jain Temples: Varanga is known for its ancient Jain temples, particularly the Kere Basadi and Neminatha Basadi. These temples are constructed in the Dravidian architectural style and are dedicated to Jain Tirthankaras. The Kere Basadi is particularly famous for being situated on a small island in the middle of a lake, which adds to the serene and scenic atmosphere of the place.
Thousand Pillar Temple: The Kere Basadi is also known as the Thousand Pillar Temple due to its intricately carved pillars. The temple’s architecture and craftsmanship are remarkable, and it stands as a testament to the rich heritage of the region.
Natural Beauty: Varanga is surrounded by lush greenery and has a serene and tranquil environment. The village is set amidst idyllic landscapes, with paddy fields, coconut groves, and pristine lakes adding to its charm.
Basadis: Apart from the aforementioned Basadis, Varanga has several other Jain Basadis with stunning architectural details and carvings that reflect the region’s rich cultural and religious history.
Local Culture: The village has a strong Jain community that has preserved and propagated the traditions and rituals of Jainism for generations. Visitors can witness various Jain customs and rituals during their visit.
Accessibility: Varanga is easily accessible from the city of Udupi, which is a well-known tourist destination in Karnataka. It is located about 35 kilometers from Udupi and can be reached by road.
Tourism: Varanga is a relatively off-the-beaten-path destination, which makes it an ideal place for those looking to explore a less crowded and more serene side of Karnataka. The village offers an opportunity to experience rural life and the cultural richness of the region.
When visiting Varanga, it’s important to be respectful of the local culture and the religious significance of the temples. As with any place of worship, appropriate attire and behavior are expected when visiting the Jain temples in Varanga.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Varanga is during the winter months (November to February) when the weather is pleasant and conducive to outdoor exploration.
How to reach Varanga?
Varanga is a village located in the Udupi district of Karnataka, India. To reach Varanga, you can use a combination of road and rail transport, as there are no airports in the immediate vicinity. Here’s how you can reach Varanga:
By Road:
From Udupi: Udupi is the nearest major city and transportation hub to Varanga, located about 35 kilometers away. You can reach Udupi by bus, private car, or taxi. Udupi is well-connected to other major cities in Karnataka and neighboring states.
From Mangalore: Mangalore, a major coastal city in Karnataka, is also relatively close to Varanga. It’s approximately 90 kilometers away. You can travel to Varanga from Mangalore by road, and the journey offers scenic views of the Western Ghats.
From Other Cities: If you are traveling from cities like Bangalore or Mysore, you can take a bus to Udupi or Mangalore and then proceed to Varanga. There are also long-distance buses that connect various cities in Karnataka to Udupi and Mangalore.
By Rail:
The nearest railway station to Varanga is the Udupi Railway Station, which is well-connected to major cities in Karnataka and other parts of India. You can take a train to Udupi and then continue your journey to Varanga by road.
By Air:
The nearest airport to Varanga is the Mangalore International Airport (Bajpe Airport), which is about 80 kilometers away. If you are traveling from a distant location, you can book a flight to Mangalore and then proceed to Varanga by road.
Once you reach Udupi or Mangalore, you can hire a local taxi or take a bus to Varanga. The road journey from either of these cities to Varanga is relatively short and allows you to enjoy the scenic beauty of the region. It’s recommended to check the local transportation options and schedules, as well as the road conditions, when planning your trip to Varanga.