Nellitheertha Cave is located in Nellitheertha in the state of Karnataka in India.The cave of Nellitheertha is about 200 meters long.The cave has the huge entrance but one needs to reach the interior of the cave on knees only.The cave is closed for the period of six month between October to April in a year.The visit to the cave is considered as highly spiritual and sacred by the pilgrims coming to this place.

Nellitheertha Cave is one of the holy destination in the state of Karnataka visited by hundred of tourists every year.The Cave has the pond which is considered as extremely sacred and the pilgrims gather here to take the holy bath in its water.The name Nellitheertha is made up of two words – Nelli means amla and theertha means the holy water.As the cave remains open to the tourists for the period of six months only rest of the six months in the cave are meant for the Rishis and Gods to perform their tasks.It is the rejuvenation period for the cave when its water gets freshen up and the animals inside the cave enjoy their life without any disturbance.It is believed that the mud inside the cave has the great healing powers.On the visit to the cave the devotees carry the mud from here to their homes and keep it for years.

The temple inside the cave has links to Jain influence.The interesting part here is the presence of a natural cave inside which there is the Temple of Lord Shiva.In this the lingam of the Lord Shiva has been made as Ardhnareshwara.Just near the temple there is a beautiful lake which gives a beautiful scenic beauty to the place.

The entrance to the cave is wide and has a lot of space in width but one has to crawl to enter the cave.After about 300-400mts of crawl there is abeautiful lake. There is lot of mud inside the cave which is supposed to have healing qualities. Right next to the first cave there is a small path which leads to the second cave.Its a rough terrain as those who have ventured inside talk of extreme walk.

Inside the cave drops of water in the form of gooseberries amla keep raining. Some even say that the lake besides the temple is made up of these drops only!And so is its name Nelli- Amla Theertha - Holy water.

The cave is open for only six months Oct - Apr as the other six months when it is closed for the world it is open for Rishis Saints ann animals like snake and bats. Causing harm to these animals in any form in and around the cave is strictly forbidden.

History :-

The cave temple of Nellitheertha dates back to year 1487.The cave of Nellitheertha is even believed to be used by the Sage Jabali to perform penance to appease Lord Durga Parameshwari.He wants that the Lord Durga should kill the demon Arunsura.On his sacrifices Lord Durga killed Arunsura at Kateel which is the famous temple town near Nellitheertha cave.

Tourist Attractions :-

1.Naggapa Kere Kanheri Caves :-
This pond also called as the Snake Pond is in the North Side of the temple.It has a religious significance in addition to this it is a beautiful place to sit by.All the devotees and those who want to visit this cave have to take a dip in this lake without miss.

2.Arasule Mancha :-
The Kings Throne it is situated near the main entrance.It has long history with the King of the Land being seated on this thorne while performing the pujas.

How To Reach :-

Nearest Airport :- Mangalore

Nearest Railhead :- Mangalore

By Road :-
Nellitheertha can be approached by several routes.

1.From Mangalore via Gurupura Kaikamba and Yedapadavu on Moodbidri road.

2.Reach Bajpe from Mangalore and take the route to Kathelsaar.Continue on the same road to reach Nellitheertha.

3.Take a deviation at B C Road to reach Nellitheertha via Polali and Kaikamba.