Karikanammana Betta

There are numerous famous & hidden hill stations in Kanrnataka offering serene environs, captivating views and salubrious weather. Karikan hill also one of them but was not much popular, crowded or polluted, where situated very closed to Arebian Sea. At Karikan Betta there is an old temple dedicated to Devi (Paramesvari). Sage Shridhar Svami is said to have visited this place and established this temple on 1878 AC. There is no wonder that a Spiritual tradition maintains that Karikan with all its beauty fell from the clouds as a gift from the gods.

I stayed twice in this holy premise and it was a great feeling to stay in such calm and serene place. In Monsoon time the whole area covered by thick mist and running clouds and it’s a different feeling to walk early morning in Monsoon time. I got a real-time comparison of two contrasting weather conditions. The narrow roads of the Ghat slither up and down the hill side and offer some magnificent vistas. The Holy temple, the lush green hills, the varied flora and fauna, the majestic view of the vast valleys, the admiring cool air and shimmering Arabian Sea all this illuminating our soul and body.

The naturally formed Idol Lord Paramesvari is the main deity of this Temple and also we can see one tiger and few other idols here. The temple is located on one of the highest peaks off NH17, about 12kms from NH. In fact the hill is visible clearly from the highway. The temple must be about a hundred feet from the summit of this peak. It was silent and we could hear flowing water from the jungle below. Be it a tranquil mountain hideaway, exhilarating religious setting and an unusual spot be sure that this place gives you much needed break.