Kambala – The buffalo race
Kambala race is annual buffalo race held in costal Karnataka every year. While most of these race falls in Avibhajitha Dakshina Kannada (Mangalore and Udupi), there are one or two race that happens in Bengaluru and Shivamogga too.
Buffaloes are raced in pair, held together with ploughs and ropes. These buffaloes are grown with the intention of racing. Supreme court of India has specified regulations, so that these buffaloes are unharmed.
Kambala has 6 categories.
1 and 2. Negilu Hiriya and Negilu Kiriya(Plough): This introductory category for buffalo races uses lighter ploughs to tie the animals together. Think of it as a gentle start for young buffaloes! In Tulu it is Naayer malla and elliya.
3 and 4. Hagga (Rope) Hiriya and Hagga Kiriya: Jockeys hold on tight as they race their buffaloes side-by-side, connected only by a simple rope. No fancy saddles here, just pure grit and determination! In Tulu it is Balluda malla and elliya.
5. Adda Halage (Standing on Plank): In this exciting twist, the jockeys don’t chase after the buffaloes – they stand on a horizontal plank that the animals drag through the mud! It’s a test of balance and bravery as the buffaloes pull the plank, and the higher the water splashes from the track, the better! In Tulu it is Adda palai.
6. Kane Halage (Splashing Plank): This unique category features a wooden plank with holes attached to the buffaloes. As the animals race through the mud, water gushes out of the holes, creating a spectacular water show. The jockey who gets the highest splash wins the race! In Tulu it is Kane palai. The height expected in the race would be to 6.5 feet to 7.5 feet.
Kambala race has been the center of attraction for photographers and tourists, on their visit to Mangalore or Udupi. Here Travebrate has listed out the upcoming Kambala events in Dakshina Kannada for the year of 2024 and 2025.
Kambala Dates
| Date | Location |
| Palace Grounds, Bengaluru (To be re planned) | |
| 9 November, 2024 | Panapila, Mangalore (Near Karkala)(Junior) |
| Pilikula, Mangalore (To be re planned) | |
| 23 November, 2024 | Kodange (Hokkadigoli) |
| 30 November, 2024 | Kakkepadavu |
| 7 December, 2024 | Hokkadigoli, near Venoor, Mangalore |
| 14 December, 2024 | Baradi beedu, Karkala, Udupi |
| 21 December, 2024 | Mulki Arasu, Mangalore |
| 28 December, 2024 | Mangalore Bangrakooluru |
| 29 December, 2024 | Ballamanja |
| 4 January, 2025 | Miyaru, Karkala, Udupi |
| 11 January, 2025 | Naringana , Bantwala(Near Deralakatte) |
| 18 January, 2025 | Adve Nandikooru, Padubidri, Udupi |
| 25 January, 2025 | Moodubidre, Mangalore |
| 1 February, 2025 | Aikala, Kinnigoli, Mangalore |
| 8 February, 2025 | Jeppu(Jeppina Mogaru), Mangalore |
| 15 February, 2025 | Thiruvailguttu |
| 22 February, 2025 | Katapadi, Udupi |
| 1 March, 2025 | Putturu, Mangalore |
| 8 March, 2025 | Bantwala, Mangalore |
| 15 March, 2025 | Bangadi, Belthangady, Mangalore |
| 22 March, 2025 | Ubar Kambala, Uppinangadi, Mangalore |
| 29 March, 2025 | Venoor, Karkala, Udupi |
| 5 April, 2025 | Balkunje, Mangalore |
| 12 April, 2025 | Gurupura, Mangalore |
| 19 Apr, 2025 | Shivamogga |
How Travebrate can assist in planning your Kambala itinerary?
1. Dynamic Schedule Tracking: Kambala schedules are subject to change due to various factors. Travebrate excels at keeping track of these updates, ensuring you’re always informed about any alterations.
2. Local Insights: As natives of this region, we intimately understand the culture and stories behind Kambalas. Our knowledge allows us to curate an authentic experience for you.
3. Temple Festivals: During Kambala season, several temple festivals take place in Mangalore and Udupi. We’ll incorporate these vibrant celebrations into your itinerary.
4. Yakshagana Shows: If you’re interested in traditional art forms, we’ll include Yakshagana performances happening during your visit.
5. Knowledge about Venues of Kambala: Our experience helps us identify which Kambalas are likely to be crowded and which ones offer a more serene experience.
6. Respecting Local Traditions: Kambala, Yakshagana, and daiva kola hold cultural significance. We’ll guide you on the right way to show respect, ensuring a meaningful interaction with local customs.
Want us to Plan?
Want us to plan your trip with exciting experiences like above attached? Send us an email, to get your trip itinerary planned.
Travebrate, just plans your trip with itinerary and doesn’t book any hotels or rooms.
Where is Kambala happening this year? https://travebrate.com/where-is-kambala-happening-this-year/
Can share the exact location and tickets or any more info. So i can plan correctly
Hello, We have sent an email to your personal id. Kindly refer the same.
Sir need to stall registration at gurupura how to contact
Hello Nagraj,
We have responded to you through email.
Hi ,can I also please get the exact location ,details and any more information of the kambala races in the month of February and March of 2024 please.
Responded over email.
Hello, even I would like to know what fact venue and ticket information please
Hi Milind, We have shared details. Please check your email.
Sir, which is the popular Kambala ( in January/ February 2023 )
How long are these events and what time do they start ?
Events will run through out the day usually from 9-6, and competition would run under many categories.
Hi Can you please share the details of Kambala for 4th, 11th and 18th March with all the address on nitin.mulky@gmail.com. Thanks
We have responded Nitin.
Kindly share the timing and exact location of the Paivalike Kambala on the 25th March 2023. Thank you
Hi Bharat Ram, We have shared details. Please check your email.
Hi can you please help and share the details about kambala festival in 23rd dec and 6th jan. And its locations.
Hello Krishnendh,
We have responded to your question over email.
Could you share the exact location details of where Kambala is happening in Surathkal and Panapila
Hi Radhika, We have shared details. Please check your email.
Hi Can You Please Share The Details Of Kambala For 8th April With All The Address On andyjadhav@gmail.com Thanks
Hi Anand, We have shared details. Please check your email.
Can I get a good room stays near the kambala place. I am planning to come for November 11th race to gurupura. Where can I stay? Can you recommend any. I want to shoot the kambala. Can I get pre kambala shots also?
Hello!! Could you please share more info on the venue, timings and ticket price of Bangalore Kambala to be held on 25th of November.
Hello Sonia,
We have responded over email.
Thanks!
Hi, where exactly is the bangrakooluru kamabala? Is it in Mangalore city? I can’t find tje location.
Can you also send information on tickets for 30th December?
Thank you.
What is the timings for Mulki Kambala being held today ?
I am planning to visit Mangaluru Udupi and murudeshwar on Jan 26,Jan 27 and Jan 28 respectively.Also planning to visit botha kola and kambala race
Could you please curate a plan
Hello team,
Can you please send me the address for Kambala happening in vamanjur and Katpadi please to my email id.
For 17th and 24 Feb 2024