Here’s a detailed guide to the Mala Ghat (also known as Mala Ghat section ), one of the lesser-known but beautiful ghats in Karnataka’s Western Ghats region:
🏞️ Mala Ghat Overview
Location: Lies in Udupi district , KarnatakaConnects: The coastal town of Karkala with Thirthahalli / Agumbe side (in Shivamogga district) Route: Via Mala , a small village nestled in the Western Ghats Road: Part of the Karkala – Mala – Balehonnur / Thirthahalli route
📍 Where Is Mala Ghat Located?
Feature Details Start Point Karkala (Udupi district) or Bajagoli Midpoint Mala village (from which the ghat gets its name)End Point Connects toward Balehonnur / Sringeri / Thirthahalli (Chikkamagaluru district) Highway Local state and district roads — not a national highway
🚗 How to Reach Mala Ghat
✅ From Udupi / Karkala
Route: Udupi → Manipal → Karkala → Bajagoli → Mala → Kigga / BalehonnurDistance:
Udupi to Mala: ~60 kmKarkala to Mala: ~25 km
Travel Time: 1.5–2.5 hours depending on the route
✅ From Sringeri / Balehonnur / Thirthahalli
Approach the ghat from the Malenadu side (east)
Mala acts as a pass connecting this region to the coast
🌄 Features of Mala Ghat
Feature Description Scenic Beauty Dense rainforests, narrow winding roads, and occasional waterfalls Villages Along the Ghat Mala, Gardadi, Durga, and others Elevation Change Sharp ascent from the coastal plains into the Malenadu hills Road Type 2-lane rural road; narrow and winding in the ghat section Best Season October to February (monsoon makes it risky)
🌿 Nature and Ecology
Part of the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot
Thick evergreen forests, jackfruit and arecanut plantations
Wildlife such as Malabar squirrels, langurs, snakes, and native birds can be spotted
⚠️ Caution and Travel Tips
Concern Tip Monsoon travel Avoid June–September — landslides, waterlogging, and poor visibility are common Vehicle Small cars and bikes can pass easily; heavy vehicles should avoid Fuel Nearest pumps are in Karkala or Sringeri – fill before you climb Phone Signal Weak or no signal in interior forest stretches Food & Stay Basic food available in Mala; better options in Karkala or Sringeri
🧭 Nearby Places to Visit
Place Description Karkala Historical Jain town with Gomateshwara statue Durga village Near Mala; famous for scenic views and greenery Agumbe ~35 km away; known for rainforest and king cobra Sringeri Temple town on the eastern side of the Western Ghats Kuduremukha Trekking and nature destination nearby, to the north
📌 Summary Table
Feature Info District Udupi Region Connects Coast ↔ Malenadu Road Type Narrow, winding rural ghat road Ideal for Offbeat travelers, bikers, nature lovers Main Caution Avoid during heavy rain (June–Sept)
