Green screens have long been a staple in movies, especially for big action or fantasy sequences. But now many filmmakers are using real locations instead of relying on CGI. Kantara: Chapter 1, an epic
mythological action film, is a perfect example of this.
Most of the movie was shot in Kundapura, a coastal town, which helped recreate the pre-colonial era of the Kadamba dynasty. Choosing real locations gave the film an authentic vibe. For anyone who enjoyed the film, a visit to Kundapura is like stepping into the world of Kantara, with beaches, temples and rivers waiting to be explored.
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What Makes Kundapura Special?
Kundapura is about 36 km north of Udupi city along the Konkan coast and is known for its scenic rivers, temples and golden beaches. The town has its own unique Kannada dialect and serves as a hub for nearby villages.
Beaches of Kundapura
Kundapura has some beautiful beaches where you can just relax and enjoy the view:
Maravanthe Beach: This one’s quite unique as the Souparnika River flows on one side and the Arabian Sea on the other. It is perfect for a walk, taking photos or enjoying a small picnic. And the best part is that it is usually not crowded.
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Kodi Beach (Delta Beach): Here, the Suvarna River meets the sea. Kodi Beach is great for sunsets, boat rides to Rock Island and trying some delicious seafood.
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Trasi Beach: About 12 km north of town, this small 1 km beach near Turtle Bay is perfect for swimming, snorkeling or just a relaxing picnic.
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Best Time To Visit Kundapura Beaches
October to March when the weather is pleasant. For safety, stick to swimming at Kodi or Maravanthe beaches in waist-deep water and always check with locals about conditions as the sea can change quickly.
Temples Around Kundapura
The area is also known for its historic temples that combine spirituality with scenic surroundings:
Kollur Mookambika Temple: A major Shakti Peetha at the Kodachadri foothills which is popular during Navaratri as it is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati.
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Anegudde Vinayaka Temple: A hilltop Ganesha shrine known for Abhisheka rituals and prasadam on Sundays.
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Shankaranarayana Temple: Famous for its self-manifested Udbhava Linga, it is one of Parashurama’s sacred seven sites.
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Kamalashile Brahmi Durgaparameshwari Temple: A cave temple surrounded by rivers that is admired for its spiritual energy and natural beauty.
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Kundapura for Kantara Fans
For fans of Kantara, several spots in Kundapura will feel familiar:
Sri Keshavanatheshwara Temple in Moodagallu village: An ancient Shiva cave temple featured in key mystical sequences of the movie.
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Sri Kramadhara Temple in Keradi: Inspired cultural rituals in the film and hosted several important scenes.
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Best Time For Kantara-Themed Trip
A Kantara-themed trip is best from October to February when the weather is pleasant and local festivals are on. You can combine a visit to Moodagallu Temple with nearby Thombattu Falls which is another filming location. Hiring a local taxi from Kundapura and checking festival dates will make the visit easy and more enjoyable.
