Karkala, located 50 km from Mangalore and 20 km north of Moodabidire, is a major pilgrim center for Jains and Hindus. This historical town dates back to10th century, derived its name from the Kannada word 'karikallu' (means black stones) which was later changed to karkal and to karkala. Many temples, churches, mosques and about 18 Jain shrines are located in and around Karkala. Some of the places of worship located here includes Jama Masjid at Salmaar, Attur Church of St. Lawrence, Anantha Padmanabha temple devoted to Lord Vishnu, Chaturmukha Basti and Neminath Basti at Hiriangadi, assumed to be built in the 16th century etc. Lord Vankatramana templealso known as the Padu Tirupathi Sreenivasa temple is believed to be more than 550 years old.

Karkala is renowned for the 42 feet tall statue of Bahubali (Gommateshwara) carved out of a single block of granite rock. It is the second tallest statue in Karnataka which is situated 1km from the center of the town. This naked figure of the lord can be reached by a flight of rock-cut steps and is among the four giant monoliths found in Karnataka (the others being at Shravanabelagola, Venur and Dharmasthala).

A ceremony named Mahamasthakabhishekam is held here once in twelve years, where the Gommateshwara statue is bathed and anointed with milk, water and saffron paste and scattered with sandal wood powder, turmeric and vermilion. Thousands of Jain devotees congregate to perform this ritual. 

Aparts from these, the scenic attractions located here are the Anekere Lake and Ramasamudra pond.