Karkala

Karkala [kaːrkəɭɐ] is a town and the headquarters of Karkala taluk in the Udupi district of Karnataka, India. Located about 380 km from Bangalore, it lies near the Western Ghats.

The town was called Pandya Nagari (ಪಾಂಡ್ಯ ನಗರಿ) during the period of Jain rule, and later became known as Karikallu (ಕರಿಕಲ್ಲು), then Karkal (ಕಾರ್ಕಲ್) and finally to Karkala (ಕಾರ್ಕಳ).

Karkala has a number of natural and historical landmarks. It is located at the bottom of Western Ghats covered with greenery around the year. It is one of the major junction for the religious tourists. It is located strategically on the way to Sringeri, Kalasa, Hornadu, Udupi, Kolluru Mookambika and Dharmasthala.

History and origin

Karkala dates back to the beginning of the 10th century.

Etymology

Black granite is abundant in the area, and is in wide use in the local architecture. The name of the town is derived from kari-kal, meaning black stone in Tulu. Some assert that the original name was 'Kari Kola' meaning 'elephant lake' which is the existing 'Anekere'. Tulu-speaking people call the town Karla. Muslims, and Kannadigas call it Karkala, and the Roman Catholics call it Karkol. Its alternative name, Jain Tirtha, is the result of 300 years of Jain rule. It was called Karkal by the English; later, it was called Karkala in Kannada. Karkala is on the top of a granite bed that is about 300–500 ft thick.