Moodabidri
Being situated about 34 km northeast from Mangalore, Moodabidri (commonly known as Mudbidri, Moodbidri, or Bedre) is one of the main attractions for the tourists indeed. There are many temples to visit in Moodabidri and one of the important places to visit in Mangalore indeed.
Moodabidri is also famous for Moodabidri Kambala. Kambala is the annual festival. That involves the traditional and famous buffalo race among the farmer community.
Moodabidri Kambala:
Kambala is the famous buffalo race in Moodabidri. local Tuluva landlords and households sponsored it. The season of Kambala starts in the month of November till the end of March. It is organized by the Kambala Association.
In modern Kambala there is a race between two pairs of buffaloes. The winner's award was with gold or silver medals. Earlier Kambala winning buffaloes award were with coconuts and bananas as the prize. The tour packages for Mangalore encompass a visit to Moodabidri.
Thousand Pillars Temple:
Saavedra Kambada Temple, the famous Jain temple, known for its 1000 pillars. It is also known as the “Chandranatha” temple to honor the great Tirthankara Chandraprabha. They worship an idol of Chandraprabha in the shrine.
It was built by Devaraya Wodeyar, the local chieftain in 1430. Later some additional work was done in 1962. I must say it's one of the holy places to visit in Mangalore.
Horanadu Annapoorneshwari Temple:
The temple is around 6 km from Moodabidri. At the entrance there is a 62 feet tall Hanuman Statue. The main deity is Goddess Annapoorneshwari. The temple offers lunch to all devotees who come there.
Besides that the famous Mahamangal Aarti is for three times a day at 9:00 a.m.. 2:00 p.m. and 9: 00 p.m. The afternoon meal is between 12:00 pm and 2:30 pm. And the dinner is served between 5:00 pm and 9:00 pm daily.