Best Ways to Travel from Bangalore to Kollur Mookambika Temple

Kollur Mookambika Temple is one of Karnataka's most revered pilgrimage sites, attracting devotees year-round for darshan and the peaceful atmosphere of the Western Ghats. From Bengaluru, thousands travel every month in search of blessings and a refreshing break. If you're planning a Bangalore to Kollur Mookambika Temple trip, this guide makes choices simple. We compare distance, time, cost, and comfort across road, train, bus, and air combinations, so you know exactly what to expect. You'll also find route options, nearby stations and airports, plus last-mile tips and safety. Read on to choose the best way based on your budget, schedule, and who's travelling with you.

Distance and Connectivity Between Bangalore and Kollur

Kollur is well connected from Bengaluru by road (NH75/NH66), rail via Udupi–Kundapura–Byndoor, and air via Mangaluru. Roads are most dependable year-round; ghats can become slow in the peak monsoon, but remain motorable with caution. Rail/air require short last-mile cabs or buses, yet schedules are frequent for pilgrims.

Distance Overview

Approx. Distance: 430–450 km from Bangalore. Travel time: 8–10 hours, depending on the mode of transport.

Major Routes from Bangalore to Kollur

NH75 via Hassan–Chikkamagaluru–Sringeri route. NH66 coastal route (via Udupi). Pros & cons NH75 is quicker and very scenic through ghats; NH66 is longer, smoother, with beach detours and more food stops. Plan buffers during holiday seasons and periods of heavy rain.

Travelling by Road – The Scenic Journey

A road trip from Bengaluru to Kollur is the most flexible and popular way to visit the Mookambika Temple, allowing you to start early, take breaks as needed, and enjoy the scenic Western Ghats. Highways are largely smooth; plan to cross ghat sections in daylight, especially during the monsoon. With FASTag, reliable fuel stops, and offline maps, driving is straightforward for families and groups.

By Car/Private Vehicle

• Travel time: 8–9 hours.
• Benefits: maximum flexibility, custom stopovers, family-friendly pacing and luggage control.
• Popular stopovers: Hassan, Agumbe, Sringeri, Udupi (meals, fuel, restrooms, viewpoints).

By Cab/Taxi Services

• Availability of outstation cabs: sedans, SUVs, tempo travellers from major Bengaluru operators.
• Approximate one-way cost range: ₹8,000–₹10,500 (sedan), ₹11,000–₹15,000 (SUV) + tolls/driver allowance; round-trip packages available.
• Comfort level: high door-to-door pickup, fixed fares, safer night arrivals; ideal for seniors, kids, or groups preferring not to self-drive.

Travelling by Bus – Affordable and Convenient

Buses are the most budget-friendly option for travelling from Bangalore to Kollur, with nightly departures that save on hotel stays. They're convenient for solo travellers and groups who prefer reserved seats, onboard amenities, and fixed schedules. Overnight services reach Kollur by morning, ideal for same-day darshan and check-ins.

KSRTC Buses

Government-run KSRTC offers Express, Rajahamsa, Non-AC/AC Sleeper and Semi-Sleeper services. Common Bengaluru boarding points: Majestic (Kempegowda Bus Station), Shantinagar, and Navarang/Rajajinagar, depending on the route. Reliable schedules, regulated fares, and decent punctuality; tickets via the official KSRTC portal/app or counters.

Private Buses

Private operators run Volvo/AC Seater, AC Sleeper, and Multi-Axle coaches. Easy online booking on RedBus, AbhiBus, and operator websites; select boarding points across the city (Silk Board, Madiwala, Yeshwanthpur, Hebbal). Average journey time: 9–10 hours, with late-evening/overnight departures popular for restful travel and early arrival near Kollur. Confirm drop-off points (Kollur/Byndoor) for smooth last-mile transfers.

Travelling by Train – Closest Railway Stations

There is no direct train to Kollur; pilgrims travel to nearby coastal stations and complete the final leg of their journey by road. This suits travellers who prefer sleeper berths, predictable timings, and regular departures from Bengaluru.

Nearest Railway Stations

Byndoor (28 km), Kundapura (40 km), and Udupi (80 km) from Kollur; taxis and local buses operate from all three.

Train Connectivity from Bangalore

West Coast/Konkan line trains via Mangaluru link Bengaluru with Byndoor, Kundapura, and Udupi (e.g., Karwar or Mangaluru expresses). From the station, use taxis, autos, or KSRTC/private buses to reach Kollur, a journey that takes 60–120 minutes, depending on the stop and traffic. Early-morning arrivals align well with temple darshan and check-in.

Travelling by Air – Fastest but Indirect Option

Kollur doesn’t have an airport, so flyers connect via Mangaluru International Airport (IXE) and complete the last leg by road. This is the quickest option for pilgrims short on time or visitors first flying into Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), Bengaluru, then taking a domestic hop to Mangaluru.

Nearest Airports

Mangaluru International Airport (140 km from Kollur): Best gateway; frequent flights from Bengaluru, Mumbai, and other metros.

Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru: Ideal if you’re arriving in Bangalore first; connect to Mangaluru, then proceed by road.

Last-Mile Connectivity

From Mangaluru Airport, prepaid taxis, app cabs, and outstation sedans/SUVs are readily available. KSRTC/private buses are an economical alternative for travel from Mangaluru city.

Expect 3–4 hours by road to Kollur, depending on traffic and ghat conditions. Start early or after lunch to avoid night driving on bends, especially during the monsoon months.

Best Travel Option for Different Travellers

Choosing the right mode from Bangalore to Kollur Mookambika Temple depends on comfort, time, and budget. If you value door-to-door convenience and scenic flexibility, road travel is the winner. If you want to save money and sleep on the way, buses are an ideal option. When time is tight, pairing a flight to Mangaluru with a short road trip is the fastest option.

For Families & the Elderly

Hire a comfortable cab/SUV or drive your own car. You can plan meal/restroom stops, manage luggage easily, and reach Kollur in daylight. Start early to cross ghats before dark; pick wider-seat cabs for seniors.

For Budget Travellers

Choose an overnight KSRTC or private AC sleeper. It's the most economical option from Bangalore to Kollur, with a morning arrival for same-day darshan. Book trusted operators and preferred boarding points.

For Pilgrims on Short Trips

Fly BLR → IXE (Mangaluru), then take a prepaid cab (3–4 hrs). This minimises fatigue and maximises temple time.

Travel Tips for Bangalore to Kollur Trip

• Best time: Travel post-monsoon (Oct–Feb) or in shoulder months; avoid peak heavy rains as ghat roads can be slippery.
• Clothing/gear: Carry light woollens, rain jackets, and non-slip footwear for misty ghats and temple mornings.
• Stay: Pre-book accommodation near the temple, especially on weekends, festivals, and school holidays.
• Safety: Keep emergency contacts handy (local police, hospital, breakdown assistance) and share your itinerary.
• Start early: Leave Bengaluru before dawn to beat city traffic and cross ghat sections in daylight.
• Logistics: Maintain a FASTag balance, carry some cash (for rural stops), refuel at major towns, and download offline maps for navigation.

Conclusion

Reaching Kollur Mookambika Temple from Bangalore is straightforward, with well-connected roads, rail (nearby stations), and air (via Mangaluru) options, all of which are reliable and offer last-mile connectivity. Choose a private car or cab for comfort and flexible stopovers, an overnight KSRTC/private sleeper for budget convenience, or a quick BLR→IXE flight plus a 3–4 hour drive when time is tight. Plan around the weather, start early for ghats, and pre-book stays near the shrine. With a bit of prep, your journey blends spiritual purpose with a scenic Western Ghats experience.

FAQs

1. How far is Kollur Mookambika Temple from Bangalore?

It’s roughly 430–450 km depending on the route. By road, expect 8–9 hours in normal conditions (longer in monsoon or holiday traffic). Buses take approximately 9–10 hours overnight; train and road combinations vary based on your arrival station.

2. Which is the best route to reach Kollur by road?

Most drivers prefer NH75 → Hassan → Chikkamagaluru → Sringeri/Agumbe → Kollur for a shorter time and lush ghats. The NH66 via Udupi option is longer but smoother with coastal detours and more food/stay choices. Start early to cross ghats in daylight.

3. Is there a direct train from Bangalore to Kollur?

No. Use nearby stations—Byndoor (28 km), Kundapura (40 km), or Udupi (80 km)—then take a taxi, auto, or KSRTC/local bus to Kollur. Overnight trains toward the Konkan/West Coast line are popular with pilgrims.

4. Which airport is closest to Kollur Mookambika Temple?

Mangaluru International Airport (IXE), about 140 km away. From IXE, continue by taxi or bus to Kollur, a 3–4 hour journey depending on traffic and ghat conditions.

5. How much does a cab cost from Bangalore to Kollur?

Typical one-way fares: ₹8,000–₹10,500 (sedan) and ₹11,000–₹15,000 (SUV) plus tolls/driver allowance. Prices vary by operator, season, and pickup point. Round-trip tickets with a day's wait may be offered as packages confirm inclusions in advance.