Varanga is a small village around 40km from Udupi, nestled at the foot of the Western Ghats. It’s on the route between Hebri and Karkala, and also close to Agumbe.
First Impressions
Varanga is known for its Jain Basadi, which is uniquely located in the middle of a lake. This spot had been on my bucket list for some time, but I missed it during previous trips to Udupi. This time, I finally managed to visit.
It was raining as we drove from Udupi, but the skies cleared just as we reached Varanga. A tall, monolithic stone pillar greeted us—simple, yet captivating. It was a weekday, yet a few vehicles were already parked nearby.
The Lake and Jain Basadi
The ground in front of us was flooded and we had to take a short detour to get to the lake. The view was stunning. The lake, with hills rising behind and the Basadi perched right in the center, looked picture perfect.
Small boats ferried visitors to the temple. Most were Jain pilgrims, as Varanga is an important Jain center. The Basadi itself dates back to the 12th century, though its exterior has a more modern look today.
More Jain Heritage
Beyond the lake Basadi, Varanga has other Jain sites. There’s a Jain Matha (monastery) and a guest house. The most beautiful spot is the Shree Neminatha Swamy Jain Basadi—a stone shrine with a slanted roof, characteristic of old temples from the coastal and Malenadu regions of Karnataka. This temple dates back to the 9th century.
Tips for Visitors
Varanga is a peaceful place to spend some time and absorb local history. The lake Basadi is open from 8:30AM to 6 PM, with a lunch break from 1PM to 3:30 PM.
Snack Stop in Hebri
On our way back, we stopped in Hebri at Bhattru Hotel, a small place famous for its food. We wondered if it would live up to its reputation—and it did! The food was truly delicious.
If you’re near Udupi and enjoy history and or scenary, Varanga is well worth a visit.
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