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Kigga!

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Population

2,000

schedule

Best Time

October to March

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Time Needed

1-2 days minimum

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Currency

Rupee (β‚Ή)

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location_on Karnataka map South India πŸ•‰οΈ Spiritual Temples Pilgrimage Kigga Rishya Shringa Karnataka temples South India pilgrimage Western Ghats

Kigga is a small village nestled in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, primarily known for the Rishya Shringa temple. This temple is dedicated to Sage Rishya Shringa, revered for bringing rain and prosperity. The village offers a serene and spiritual experience away from the bustling city life.

Kigga is worth visiting for its tranquil atmosphere and the unique Rishya Shringa temple. The scenic beauty of the Western Ghats adds to the charm. However, the remoteness of the location can make it challenging to reach, and accommodation options are limited.

Reaching Kigga requires a bus or taxi ride from nearby towns like Sringeri. A day or two is sufficient to explore the temple and surrounding areas. Consider booking accommodation in advance, especially during peak season.

When To Visit

Best Time

October to March

20-30 degrees C

Pleasant and dry weather, ideal for temple visits and exploring the surroundings. The monsoon season is over, and the humidity is low.

Why Visit:

The weather is perfect for outdoor activities and pilgrimage. The temple festivals during this time are a major attraction. The lush greenery after the monsoon enhances the scenic beauty.

Tip: This is the peak season, so expect more crowds and slightly higher prices. Booking accommodation in advance is recommended.

Shoulder Season

April to May

25-35 degrees C

Hot and humid weather, making it less comfortable for outdoor activities. The landscape starts to dry up.

Why Visit:

Fewer crowds and potentially lower prices for accommodation. The temple remains open, and you can still experience the spiritual atmosphere.

Tip: The heat can be intense, so stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day.

Avoid

June to September

20-25 degrees C

Heavy rainfall during the monsoon season, making it difficult to travel and explore. The roads can be slippery and sometimes blocked.

Why Avoid:

The heavy rains can disrupt travel plans and limit outdoor activities. Some smaller roads might be inaccessible.

Note: If you must travel during this time, be prepared for delays and pack rain gear.

Top Sights - Top Attractions!

Rishya Shringa Temple

⏱ 2-3 hours Free

The Rishya Shringa Temple is the main attraction in Kigga, dedicated to Sage Rishya Shringa. The sage is believed to have the power to bring rain and ...

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Sita Laxmana Temple

⏱ 1 hour Free

The Sita Laxmana Temple is a smaller temple dedicated to Sita and Laxmana, characters from the Ramayana. It is located near the main Rishya Shringa Te...

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Sirimane Falls

⏱ 3-4 hours (including travel) β‚Ή10

Sirimane Falls is a beautiful waterfall located a short distance from Kigga. The falls cascade down from a height, creating a refreshing pool at the b...

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Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple

⏱ 4-5 hours (including travel) Free

The Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple is a famous temple dedicated to the goddess of food, Annapoorneshwari. It is located in a scenic valley surrounde...

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Agumbe Rainforest

⏱ Full day Free

Agumbe is known as the 'Cherrapunji of South India' due to its high rainfall. It's a biodiversity hotspot with dense rainforests, waterfalls, and trek...

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Sringeri Sharada Temple

⏱ 3-4 hours (including travel) Free

The Sringeri Sharada Temple is an important Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Sharada, the goddess of learning and wisdom. It is located in the to...

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Kudremukh National Park

⏱ Full day β‚Ή40 (Indians), β‚Ή600 (foreigners)

Kudremukh National Park is a protected area known for its rolling hills, dense forests, and diverse wildlife. It is a popular destination for trekking...

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Things To Do

attractions

Temple Pilgrimage

⏱ 1-2 days πŸ’° Free (donations welcome)

Visit the Rishya Shringa Temple and other nearby temples like Sita Laxmana Temple and Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple. ...

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attractions

Trekking in the Western Ghats

⏱ Half-day to full day πŸ’° β‚Ή500-1500 per person (including guide)

Explore the scenic trails in the Western Ghats surrounding Kigga. Trek to waterfalls, viewpoints, and through lush fores...

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attractions

Photography

⏱ Flexible πŸ’° Free

Capture the beauty of the Western Ghats, the temples, and the local culture. Photograph the lush greenery, waterfalls, a...

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attractions

Nature Walks

⏱ 2-3 hours πŸ’° Free

Explore the natural beauty around Kigga on foot. Discover hidden trails, streams, and scenic spots....

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Cultural Experiences

celebration

Temple Rituals

1-2 hours | Free

Observe the traditional Hindu rituals performed at the Rishya Shringa Temple. Witness the prayers, o...

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celebration

Local Cuisine Tasting

1-2 hours | β‚Ή100-300

Sample the local cuisine of Kigga and the surrounding region. Try traditional dishes made with local...

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celebration

Village Visit

2-3 hours | Free

Take a walk through Kigga village and interact with the local community. Observe their daily life an...

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celebration

Kannada Language Class

1-2 hours | β‚Ή200-500

Learn some basic Kannada phrases to communicate with the locals. Understand the basics of the langua...

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celebration

Traditional Art and Craft Workshop

2-3 hours | β‚Ή300-700

Participate in a workshop to learn about traditional art and craft forms of the region. Try your han...

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celebration

Folk Music and Dance Performance

1-2 hours | β‚Ή100-300

Attend a performance of traditional folk music and dance. Experience the vibrant culture and traditi...

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Eat This!

Must-Try Dishes

Neer Dosa
Neer Dosa

Thin, soft pancakes made from rice batter, often served with chutney.

Bisi Bele Bath
Bisi Bele Bath

A spicy rice dish with lentils and vegetables, a Karnataka specialty.

Mysore Masala Dosa
Mysore Masala Dosa

Crispy dosa filled with a spicy potato mixture.

Filter Coffee
Filter Coffee

Strong and aromatic South Indian coffee.

Where to Eat

Annapoorna Restaurant

Annapoorna Restaurant

β‚Ήβ‚Ή

South Indian

πŸ“ Sringeri

A popular restaurant serving authentic South Indian dishes. Known for its quality and taste.

Bisi Bele Bath

β‚Ή400-600 for two

Hotel Samrat

Hotel Samrat

β‚Ήβ‚Ή

South Indian, North Indian

πŸ“ Sringeri

Offers a variety of South and North Indian dishes. A clean and comfortable dining experience.

Masala Dosa

β‚Ή300-500 for two

Street Food Spots

Sringeri Bus Stand Area

Sringeri Bus Stand Area

πŸ’° Budget: β‚Ή50-100 per person

⚠️ Tips: Check for hygiene and freshness. Try the local tea stalls for a quick refreshment.

🍽️
Discover More on
Foodie Finder: Kigga

More restaurants & dishes from Kigga

Where To Stay ?

Best Neighborhoods

Sringeri

A good option if you want more choices for hotels and restaurants. It's a short drive from Kigga, but offers a more developed tourist infrastructure.

Best For: Travelers seeking a wider range of amenities and services.

Accommodation Options

Budget

πŸ’°

β‚Ή800-1200/night

Hotel Sri Venkateshwara Residency

πŸ“ Sringeri (20km from Kigga)

Simple and clean rooms with basic amenities. A good option for budget travelers.

β‚Ή800-1200/night

Hotel Dwara Palace

πŸ“ Sringeri (20km from Kigga)

Offers comfortable rooms and essential facilities. Conveniently located near the Sringeri temple.

β‚Ή900-1300/night

Mid-Range

🏨

β‚Ή2000-3000/night

Vihangama Holiday Retreat

πŸ“ Near Sringeri (25 km from Kigga)

Provides well-appointed rooms and a peaceful environment. Offers a restaurant and other amenities.

β‚Ή2000-3000/night

The Spectrum Resort

πŸ“ Near Sringeri (22km from Kigga)

Features comfortable rooms and a range of facilities. Ideal for a relaxing stay.

β‚Ή2500-3500/night

Luxury

✨

β‚Ή4000+/night

Coffee County Resort

πŸ“ Near Chikmagalur (80 km from Kigga)

A luxurious resort surrounded by coffee plantations. Offers excellent amenities and a serene atmosphere.

β‚Ή4000+/night

The Serai Chikmagalur

πŸ“ Near Chikmagalur (85 km from Kigga)

An exclusive resort with luxurious villas and world-class amenities. Provides a premium experience.

β‚Ή6000+/night

View all stay & eat options

How To Get There ?

flight

By Air

Airport: Mangalore International Airport (IXE), 130km from city

train

By Train

Stations:

Udupi Railway Station (UDI)

Major station with connections to various cities. Approximately 100 km from Kigga.

Mangalore Central (MAQ)

Another major station with good connectivity. Approximately 130 km from Kigga.

Routes:
  • From Bangalore: 8-10 hours (β‚Ή800-1500)
  • From Mumbai: 16-18 hours (β‚Ή1200-2500)

Booking: IRCTC or 12Go.asia

directions_bus

By Bus

Terminals:
  • Sringeri Bus Stand
Routes:
  • From Bangalore: 7-8 hours (β‚Ή700-1200)
  • From Mangalore: 3-4 hours (β‚Ή500-800)

Note: Buses are a convenient option, but trains offer more comfort for longer journeys.

Getting Around

directions

Local Buses

πŸ’° β‚Ή20-50 per trip

Best for: Budget travelers, short distances between villages

Buses can be crowded, but they are a cheap option. Check the schedules in advance.

directions

Taxis/Auto-rickshaws

πŸ’° β‚Ή500-1500 per day (taxi), β‚Ή50-200 per trip (auto)

Best for: Comfortable and convenient travel, exploring multiple locations

Negotiate the fare before starting the journey. Taxis are better for longer distances.

Practical Tips

checkroom

What To Wear

Dress modestly when visiting temples, covering shoulders and knees. Light cotton clothing is ideal for the weather.

payments

Money

Daily Budget: Budget: β‚Ή1500, Mid: β‚Ή3000, Luxury: β‚Ή5000+

ATMs: ATMs are available in Sringeri, but it's advisable to carry enough cash when visiting Kigga.

Cash vs Card: Cash is preferred in smaller establishments and for local transport. Cards are accepted in larger hotels and restaurants.

Bargaining: Bargaining is expected in local markets and for taxi/auto fares.

health_and_safety

Health

Water: Drink only bottled or purified water to avoid stomach issues.

Food: Eat at reputable restaurants to minimize the risk of food poisoning.

Common Issues: Carry basic medications for common ailments like fever, cold, and diarrhea. Insect repellent is recommended.

sim_card

Communication

SIM Cards: Airtel and Jio offer good network coverage. SIM cards are available at the airport or in major towns.

WiFi: Wi-Fi is available in some hotels and restaurants, but it may not be widely accessible.

translate

Language & Tipping

Language: English proficiency is limited in rural areas. Learning a few basic Kannada phrases can be helpful.

Tipping: Restaurant: 5-10%, drivers: β‚Ή50-100

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