Mattur, a village in Karnataka’s Shimoga district, is India’s only Sanskrit-speaking village. Known for its Vedic lifestyle, temples, gurukuls, and cultural heritage, it offers visitors a unique experience of ancient traditions and Sanskrit learning opportunities
Karnataka is truly a paradise for nature lovers. From the misty hills of Coorg to the ancient temples of Hampi, every destination carries a touch of magic. Forests, waterfalls, coffee estates, heritage sites - it has it all. But if you really want to explore Karnataka's cultural richness, then the quaint village of Mattur must be on your travel itinerary. Tucked away in the Shimoga district, approximately 300 km from the state capital, Bangalore, and situated on the banks of the River Tunga, this offbeat destination is the only village in India where everyone speaks Sanskrit.
Also Read: "Whistling Village" Of India With Tunes As Residents' Names Wins Hearts Online
Content creator Saurabh Rajwani posted a video on Instagram, sharing details about Mattur. As per the snippets embedded in the clip, every shop, temple wall and street sign is written in Sanskrit, the root of many Indian languages. FYI: Sanskrit, often referred to as devabhasha, aka the language of the Gods, was the main language used by scholars in ancient India. Mattur adopted this language between 1981-1982 and has carried forward this legacy ever since. The agrarian hamlet reprtedly earned the moniker of the first Sanskrit village in the country in 1983.
The children of Mattur start learning the Veda soon after turning 10, following a thread ceremony. Sanskrit is also a part of their school curriculum. The villagers largely lead a Vedic lifestyle and cultivate areca nuts and paddy. Besides Sanskrit, they also speak Sankethis, a rare dialect that blends Sanskrit, Tamil, Kannada and Telugu.
Also Read: 52 Villages Worldwide Recognised By The UN As "Best Tourism Villages" For 2025
Things To Do In Mattur:
1. Watch Agnihotras:
Since the villagers practice a Vedic lifestyle, you can find priests performing agnihotras or havans by the banks of the River Tunga during sunrise and sunset. Witnessing them chant Sanskrit mantras is a magical experience in itself.
2. Explore Temples:
The temples in this village boast age-old scriptures, motifs and unique architecture that fill you with serenity. Some must-visit shrines include the Narasimha Temple, Rama Temple, Hanuman Temple and Shiva Temple.
3. Visit Gurukuls:
Mattur's gurukuls are schools where children study the Vedas and learn Sanskrit. They also house small libraries filled with scriptures, journals and books written in Sanskrit. These gurukuls offer deeper insight into the villagers' way of life.
4. Relax Near Mattur Lake:
For a peaceful day in the hamlet, spend time by Mattur Lake, surrounded by lush greenery. You can also enjoy bird-watching and feel at one with nature.
5. Spend Time At Sakrebailu Elephant Camp:
Watch majestic elephants in their natural habitat and feed them under the guidance of caretakers. This camp is a must-visit for animal lovers.
Can You Learn Sanskrit In Mattur?
You can interact with the locals and learn Sanskrit. However, it is recommended to be familiar with a few common Sanskrit phrases before visiting Mattur. One can enrol into a course in one of the traditional schools to learn the landuage or attend a wrokshop.
Also Read: This Pristine Meghalaya Village Delighted Sachin Tendulkar - What You Should Know
Best Time To Visit Mattur
The best time to visit Mattur is between October and May, when temperatures are pleasant, hovering around 25 to 30 degrees.
How To Reach Mattur
By Air: Mangalore Airport, located approximately 195 km from Mattur, is the nearest. After landing, you can easily book a cab to reach the village.
By Rail: The Shimoga Railway Station is the closest railhead, situated about 8 km from Mattur. Buses or auto-rickshaws are available from here.
By Road: Travellers coming by road can first reach Mangalore and then head towards Shimoga on NH169. From there, take a detour onto NH69 to reach the village.
