Air: Mangalore is the nearest domestic Airport, which is about 70 km away and Bangalore is the nearest international Airport, which is 370 km away. Cab costs about Rs 1500 from Mangalore and Rs 7000 from Bangalore. Mangalore air terminal is connected to Bangalore and Chennai. Bangalore airport is well connected to almost all airports in India. International flights to major foreign cities are also operated from Bangalore.
Rail: Nearest railhead to Karkala is Indrali station in Udupi. Prepaid taxi services are available from railway station to Karkala. This station is connected to Mangalore Junction.
Road: The public transport buses from Bangalore and Mangalore passes through Karkala and hence Karkala is connected to all major cities in Karnataka by buses. Special luxurious buses ply from Karkala to Bangalore (370 km), Chennai (700 km) and Hyderabad (670 km). These buses charge about Rs 3 to Rs 4 per kilometer.
Kambala Water Buffalo Races: Kambala Water Buffalo Races is a unique adventurous sport of Karkala region. When the fields are flush with water, this is the one sight not to be missed for any of the travelers. Karkala-Moodabidri’s renowned Kambala water buffalo races are held during the period November through February.
As per the historical evidence, the beginning of the race is supposed to be way back to more than 1000 years. This is an event held during post cultivation, when farmers offer tribute to the Gods for shielding their crops from ruins and in turn this marks the beginning of the next crops season started by sowing the seeds.
Lot of celebrations, cultural activities and games adds to the festive atmosphere in Kambala Water Buffalo Races. In this race, buffaloes paired, are racing through the fertile paddy fields, in tune with the strike of musical drums. One will be surprised to see how fast a modest buffalo, but healthy, can run. The festival is accompanied by much drinking and merry making.