Karkala (Kannada) Karkol(Konkani) Karla(Tulu) is a town and the headquarters of Karkala Taluk in the Udupi district of Karnataka, India. Located about 380 km from Bangalore, Karkala is a town of historical importance and a famous pilgrim centre for Jains. it lies near the Western Ghats.
Karkala, historically known as Pandyanagari or city of Pandya, was ruled in early 14th century by the chief having name Veera Pandya of Bhairarasa family, hailed from Humcha in Shimoga district. but afterwards it was changed to Karikallu because of black stones. Over time, the name changed to Karkal and then to Karkala.
Coordinates: 13.2N 74.983E
District(s) Udupi
Division Mysore Division
State Karnataka
Settled 1912
Nearest Port city Mangalore
Population : 25,118 (2001)
Official languages Tulu, Kannada, Konkani
Time zone IST (UTC+5:30)
Area : 23.06 square kilometres (8.90 sq mi)
Town Municipal Council WebSite : karkalatown.gov.in