Temple Description

Kateel, also known as Kateelu, is a revered temple town located in the Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka, India. Nestled on the banks of the Nandini River, Kateel is recognized as one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites in India. It lies approximately 20.6 kilometers from Mangalore and is situated on the route to Udupi, between Kinnigoli and Mangalore International Airport.

The name “Kateel” derives from the Tulu words “Kati,” meaning “center,” and “Ila,” meaning “land.” The town is positioned centrally between Kanakagiri, the river’s source, and Pavanje, where the river meets the sea.

Kateel is accessible via Mangalore International Airport, located about 16 kilometers away, and the nearest railway station in Mangalore, which is 18.8 kilometers away. The town is well-connected by public transport to other significant religious destinations, such as Udupi, Subrahmanya, and Dharmasthala.

A major attraction in Kateel is the Shri Durga Parameshwari Temple, situated on an islet in the Nandini River. Surrounded by lush greenery and scenic views, the temple is a popular pilgrimage site where thousands of devotees visit daily to receive blessings from Goddess Durga Parameshwari.