Kumbala Sree Gopalakrishna Temple

About Kumbala Sree Gopalakrishna Temple

Kumbala Sri Gopalakrishna Temple is loacted at Kumbala, 12 km from kasargod District, Kerala.It is one of the oldest temples in Kerala and the presidingdeity here is God Gopalakrishna. He is worshipped at the Kumbala SreeGopalakrishna Temple with dedication and affection. The temple located in the GSB colony about 2 km from kumbla railway bridge and near to the kumbla river. The deities are installed on a three step simhasana or throne. The principal deity Veera Vittala is on the first step of the simhasana. On the second step is the idols of Sri Rama with Sita and Lakshman. On the third step are the Utsav murthies of Veera Vittala, Sree Devi and Bhoomi devi. There is an idol of Ganapati outside the srikovil.This temple arranges for an annual festival which lasts for 7 days. The temple is a centre for the performance of a nightly folk opera known as Yakshagana. The temple of Ananthapura is located just few kilometers from here. Numerous temples are situated near the Kumbala Sri Gopalakrishna Temple.The colourful festival at Kumbla temple which lasts for five days every year, commences with the Dhwajaarohanam on the Makara Sankramana day. People in thousands from all over the region attend these festivities.

Annual Festival isheld during January. Devotees of Sri Gopalakrishna, caught in theecstasy of the occasion, celebrate the festival with a colorful displayif fireworks. It is a very famous festival of the Kumbala SriGopalakrishna Temple and is visited by people from across the country.The important festivals are the Foundation Day (Punarprathistha Divas), Magha Shudha Trayodashi, Gokulashtami Shravan Bahula Ashtami (Janmashtami) & Gita Jayanti (November/ December).There are also other temples, They are Adoor Mahalingeshwara Temple, Anantheshwara Temple. Mallikarjuna Temple and Thalaklayi Subramaniya Temple.

Interesting things to Visit

Bekal Fort:

Located 16 km south of Kasargod is Bekal Fort, the largest and best preserved fort in the entire Kerala. This enormous and circular structure is built with large block of laterite and its outer wall rises majestically from the sea to a height of 39 m. The fort is believed to have been built by a local Chieftain, Shivappa Nayak in the mid 16th century. The fort was occupied later on by the British after the defeat of Tipu Sultan.

Chandragiri Fort:

The Chandragiri Fort, on the banks of the Chandragiri River, is just 10 kms from Bekal. This 17th century fort is also a contribution of the Chieftain, Shivappa Nayak who had built it to defend the kingdom against the Vijayanagar rulers.It is an excellent sun set point.

Bekal hole Aqua park:

The direction north to the Bekal Fort is the Aqua Park. The Bekal Hole Aqua Park is just one kilometer away from the Bekal Fort. The Aqua Park is well known for its kind in north Malabar. The Aqua Park is unique and enjoyable as visitors can enjoy driving the water rides such as pedal boats and water cycles. Along with pedal boats, visitors can also enjoy their ride with several different light weighted canoes.

Ananthapura temple:

The Ananthapura temple is just five kilometers away from Kumbla. The Ananthapura temple is very familiar, as it is the only lake temple that has the Moolasthana of the Anantha Padmanabha Swami. The other major attraction of the Ananthapura temple is they can be visited by any group of visitors irrespective to caste, creed and religion. The house of worship is surrounded by a porch along the outside of a building called Chuttambalam. The temple has a small pond where water will stays with respect to seasonal changes.

Ajanur:

Just 5 km away from Kanhangad town known as Madiyam Kovilakam Temple - dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali. The ancient temple has intricate wood carvings on Palazhimadhanam, Sitaswayamvaram and Dakshayagam. During the annual nine day festival of ‘pattutsavam’, various cultural and religious programmes are held.

Adoor Temple:

This temple is located in wooded surroundings on the southern banks of the River Payaswini, this ancient Siva Temple contains a Sanskrit inscription in Kannada script which has been ascribed to the Western Chalukya King Kirthivarman II (745 - 755 AD).

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Bekal police station
Bekal, Kerala.

Police station Kanhangad
Kanhangad, Kasaragod
Kerala.

Nearest Hospital:

SIMS
Anandashram Road
Mavungal,Kanhangad
Kerala 671531

Care & Cure Hospital
Kanhangad
Kasaragod, Kerala.

Malik Deenar Charitable Hospital
Kasaragod, Kerala.

Government Hospital
Kanhangad Kasaragod
Kerala.

Location info

• Address: Kumbala, Kasargod District, Kerala, India

• District: Kasargod district

• Nearest City: Kanhangad, kudlu, mangalorea, Kasargod Town and Thiruvallam

• Best time to visit: November to March.

History of Kumbala Sree Gopalakrishna Temple

It is the family temple of Bhakta family and was established about 400 years ago by Late Shri Thimmappa Bhakta and later the Punar Pratishtha by Shri Gurudatt Bhakta. The main deity is Shri Santhanagopalakrishna. The deity is seen here holding a baby in the hands as if to be handed over to the devotee. Many believe that the deity can bless devotees with no issues for long, after marriage, to have children.Bhakta families migrated from Goa in 1560 A.D. on account of the Portuguese persecution and settled down in Kumbla, a trade and commerce centre with port facilities those days. Somewhere in 1600, when many family members of the Bhakta family were childless, they approached the oracle in Sri Anantheswar Temple in Manjeshwar and they were directed to install an idol of Shri Santhanagopalakrishna in the residential premises. Thus about 400 years ago the idol was installed as family deity by Shri Thimmappa Bhakta. On account of economic reasons, many members of the family migrated to different places in search of livelihood and nobody thought of erecting a temple for their guardian deity. However in the year 1997 Shri Gurudatt D. Bhakta of Mapusa Goa one of the descendants took initiative in reconstructing a new temple on the original site. Accordingly a shrine was erected and the deities were reinstalled by him on 19th February 1997 with the daily viniyoga sevas and annual celebration by a Registered Trust.

Things to do at Kumbala Sree Gopalakrishna Temple

Watch the Kumbala river, Diety of Sri Gopalakrishna Temple,Sri Rama with Sita and Lakshman, Yakshagana, others festivals like (Punarprathistha Divas, Magha Shudha Trayodashi, Gokulashtami Shravan Bahula Ashtami and Gita Jayanti. And also wath the temples nearby like Adoor Mahalingeshwara Temple, Anantheshwara Temple. Mallikarjuna Temple and Thalaklayi Subramaniya Temple.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Kerala. 4G is reliable in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and along the coastal belt. Coverage may be weaker in remote sections of the Western Ghats, deep forest reserves, and certain backwater stretches. Most hotels, houseboats, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Kerala cuisine — fish curry, appam with stew, puttu, and Kerala sadhya — is widely available and famously delicious.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Accommodation is available in the nearest town or city. Options range from homestays to luxury resorts. Kerala’s homestay network is excellent and offers authentic local experiences.

Climate & weather

Kerala has a tropical monsoon climate with warm, humid conditions year-round. The best time to visit is November to February, when temperatures are a pleasant 22°C–30°C with low humidity and clear skies. March–May is hot and humid (up to 36°C). The southwest monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rainfall — the landscape transforms into lush green and this is the best time for Ayurvedic treatments. The northeast monsoon (October–November) brings shorter showers. Hill stations (Munnar, Wayanad) remain cooler year-round.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available in the nearest town or on the approach road — check locally for the closest option.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not currently available for this site. Contact the venue directly or check with your accommodation for the latest accessibility details.

Rules & restrictions

Standard visitor rules apply. Check locally for any specific restrictions at this site.

Best photography spots

The best photography spots are typically during the golden hours (early morning and late afternoon). Scout the location first to identify the best angles, and consider the direction of light at different times of day.

Best time to visit Kumbala Sree Gopalakrishna Temple

Kumbala Sree Gopalakrishna Temple takes place according to the Malayalam calendar. The best time to witness this festival is during its scheduled dates, which vary annually. Most Kerala festivals occur between November and May (the dry season). Check the official dates from Kerala Tourism before planning your visit.

How to reach Kumbala Sree Gopalakrishna Temple

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK) (approximately 0 km). Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam Junction / Ernakulam Town Railway Station. The destination is well-connected by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and private taxis from major towns.

Timings & opening hours

Festival timings vary by event. Most temple festivals start in the morning with flag-hoisting ceremonies and continue through the evening with processions, cultural programs, and fireworks. Night processions typically start around 8:00 PM–9:00 PM and continue past midnight.

Entry fee & tickets

Most festival events are free to attend and watch. Processions and temple grounds can be accessed without charge. Special seating for fireworks viewing may cost INR 100–500. Some cultural performances during festivals may have ticketed entry.

Duration needed

Major festivals last 8–10 days. Visitors typically spend 2–3 hours per day watching key events. The main procession day requires 4–6 hours.

Safety tips

Very large crowds gather at Kumbala Sree Gopalakrishna Temple — keep your belongings secure and watch for pickpockets. Arrive early for a good viewing position of processions. Follow the instructions of festival volunteers and police. Keep children close and establish a meeting point in case of separation. Carry water and stay hydrated. Avoid bringing large bags or valuables to crowded festival grounds.

Things to carry

Comfortable shoes for walking and standing (crowds can be very large, seating may not be available), drinking water in a reusable bottle, a hat or cap, sunscreen and umbrella for day events, a light snack, earplugs (processions can be very loud with drums and fireworks), a camera (zoom lens recommended for procession shots), a power bank, and a small bag that can be secured against pickpockets.

Nearby visiting places

Fort Kochi, Mattancherry Palace, Cherai Beach, Bolghatty Island, Marine Drive, Chinese Fishing Nets, Hill Palace Museum, Kerala Kathakali Centre, St. Francis Church

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK) (approximately 0 km). Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam Junction / Ernakulam Town Railway Station. The destination is well-connected by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and private taxis from major towns.

Frequently asked questions

When does this festival take place? — Most Kerala festivals follow the Malayalam calendar (Kollavarsham). Dates vary annually — check the Kerala Tourism website or local sources for exact dates for your travel period. Is the festival free to attend? — Yes, all processions and public events are free. Special seating areas for fireworks or cultural programmes may have ticketed entry. How crowded is it? — Very crowded during major festivals. Large events like Thrissur Pooram attract hundreds of thousands of people. Arrive early, keep belongings secure, and establish meeting points. What should I wear? — Comfortable clothing suitable for standing in crowds. Modest dress is appreciated. Wear comfortable shoes.

Quick facts

• Type: Tourist Attraction
• State: Kerala
• Category: Fairs And Festivals

Visitor information

Please check locally for current visitor information.