Travelling these 12 amazing places can let you experience the most interesting ways to spend a memorable holiday in Udupi. Check them out and get ready to explore this beautiful place in Karnataka.
The nerve centre of coastal Karnataka that evolved from being strongly rooted in Brahminism and vegetarianism, alongside pulling influences from Malnad (western ghats) regions of Shimoga and Chikmaglur, Udupi as we know it today is a fine brew of tradition, teaching, trade & tourism.
Sandwiched between north and south Canara districts on the coastline restricting the Arabian Sea, Udupi is also home to a large population of Tulu language speakers (Tuluva).
Even if Udupi could easily be a year-round destination, the coastal geography renders a wet and humid condition for most parts of the year except the summer months when there is no alternative to tolerating an extra dose of sweltering heat.
Pray at Sri Krishna Matha
Among the most significant sites of pilgrimage in Karnataka, for which it is also called as ‘Mathura of South India’, Sri Krishna Matha of Udupi is a highly auspicious temple of Lord Krishna (in child form). Founded by Sri Madhwacharya (in the 13th century), the temple functions like an ashram, whose management is successively taken up in order by the eight mathas (monasteries) associated with the temple called Ashta Mathagalu who follow stringent customs and religious practices.
What’s different about worshipping at this temple is that the idol in the sanctum facing the west, is not viewed directly through a door but instead through a Navagraha Kitiki (silver-plated 9-holed window). The temple is flanked by a holy water tank Madhwapushkarini near its southern entrance.
Devotees wearing traditional and modest clothing only are allowed inside the temple.
The temple offers daily annaprasadam to the devotees for lunch every day.
Chandramouleshwar temple and Ananteshwar temple are other important temples within the same complex.
Visit Manipal, the University town
A beautiful university township at par with global standards and steeped in academic excellence, Manipal is known for imparting and being equipped with international-grade educational facilities. Anyone who steps into this modern campus town can immediately feel the rhythmic pulse of its witty students who come from all over India and also many foreign nations. Besides being abuzz with students & professors of the constituent institutions, there are some places that are open to the general public too –
- Smriti Bhavan – A must-visit as it is the former residence of the visionary and founder of Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Dr. TMA Pai. The house turned into a museum (free entry) is a nostalgic journey into his life and inspirations who transformed Manipal from literally nothing to a world-class centre for higher studies; all the while being a simplistic man himself. In fact not just Manipal, he established several other schools and institutes in Udupi and Dakshin Kannada districts.
- The Museum of Anatomy and Physiology (MAP) – One of the largest in Asia, is a storehouse of over 3000 anatomical specimens of humans and animals.
- The Museum of Culinary Arts – Holds an incredible collection of vintage cookware from 19th-century India; it is the brainchild of none other than celebrity chef Vikas Khanna who is an alumnus of Manipal.
- Hasta Shilpa Heritage Village Museum – A ‘time-travel’ into Karnataka’s heritage; the museum has got mini models of structures and shrines that represent vernacular designs of Malnad, North & South Canara, and North Karnataka regions.
- TMA Pai Planetarium – Operated on a not-for-profit basis and managed by the Manipal Centre for Natural Sciences, there are alternate shows in Kannada and English.
- Hebbar Gallery and Art Centre – A display of the artworks and creative expressions of art educationist Krishna Hebbar
- Manipal End-Point Park – As the name suggests, the park located at an elevated ‘end’ of Manipal is frequented by joggers and hikers. The well-maintained greenery draws a lot of people for it also offers a good scenic treat to the eyes of the river and valley below.
- Manipal Lake Boating – With over 60 acres of water spread, boating in the lake is enjoyed by students, locals and tourists alike.
In all, there are a number of plazas, arcades, cineplexes, restaurants and cafes, mainly to pamper students who live in Manipal, but they also equally cater to other visitors.
Go up the Lighthouse at Kapu (Kaup) Beach
The most loved beach of Udupi, caught on the fancies for one thing – the lighthouse!
Built in 1901 by the East India Company, going up the spiral staircase of the 27m tall lighthouse proves to be a de-stressor by promising unfiltered views of the vast Arabian Sea, casually hitting upon craggy rocks on the broad sandy beach.
But beware! The sea waves are quite rough and so not at all advisable to go swimming in the Kaup waters.
Go ferrying to St. Mary’s Island
Known as ‘Coconut Island’, located 4 miles offshore of Malpe, St. Mary’s island is one of the four clusters of islands that were formed as a result of volcanic activity in Madagascar millions and millions of years ago when both these land masses were seemingly joined (scientifically proven owing to similar columnar basaltic rock formations found in both places). Another peculiar aspect of one part of the island is the ‘Shell Beach’, filled with tons of colourful seashells.
The island is so strange that got listed as one of the National Geoheritage Monuments of India, once used to be a hidden treasure of Udupi, but is now increasingly becoming tourist-friendly. Especially now that everyone knows Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese explorer actually landed here first before proceeding towards Calicut.
Despite not having much to do in the hot isle, people still visit for photogenic views, spotting resident birds, beachcombing while savouring some snacks and juices available in a few stalls and lazing under the cool shade of coconut trees. The only way to get here is by boat/ferry {Rs. 400/person, 20-30 mins ride} that shuttles to and fro from Malpe between 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Barring those days (during monsoons) when weather calamities are foreseen, St. Mary’s island is open to public rest of the year. [Single-use plastics are strictly prohibited on the island]
Take a ‘Sea Walk’ at Malpe Beach
A salient port and fishing harbour on the coast of Karnataka, taking a walk down the stretch of Malpe during the golden hours of sunset with calming waves and swaying palms, is the perfect way to set a relaxation mode on. The more gentle waters here unlike Kapu Beach permit sporting activities like banana rides, surfing, parasailing and zorbing. The presence of beach-side resorts and seafood cafes account for Malpe being a far more crowded beach at any time.
Additionally do not forget the new ‘sea-walk’, a path specially made into the sea guided by water on both sides, the end-point of which gives an eyeshot of the entire Malpe beach and St. Mary’s island.
Pay a visit to the Coin Museum
Yes, a museum, out of the common, the Corporation Bank Heritage Museum shelters ‘coins’. Truly wealth, the collection dating back from 400 BC gives a vivid knowledge about the history of currency handling and banking in India. The ‘Financial Temple’ that resulted after remodelling the Corporation Bank’s founder’s house, is a priceless exhibit of about 1400 coins, all thanks to the collective effort made by Mr Radhakrishna Kumble (a numismatist and employee at the bank), who lent 25 years of his invaluable coin collection for display at the museum.
{no entry fee, free to visit from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.}
Participate in the culture
The ‘City of Temples’ that upholds tradition and culture to the hilt, ceremoniously celebrates numerous festivals in spectacular style be it Krishna Janmashtami, Hanuman Jayanthi, Navaratri, Diwali, Madhwa Jayanthi, Rathotsavam etc.
Paryaya Utsav is an intense crowd-puller festival that takes place once in two years, where people turn up in large numbers to witness the temple management headed by a seer being handed over from one ashta matha to the next. Paryaya rule has been going on for more than 500 years.
Another signature art form of the coastal city worthy of note is Yakshagana, a theatrical dance-drama performance synced with loud drumming and in bold costumes. These shows elaborately stage sequences from epics like Mahabharata or Ramayana. It is usually a late evening or night-long event in open-air theatres.
Visit Pajaka Kshetra, birthplace of Madhwacharya
An extremely important place for all followers of Madhwacharya, a 13th-century saint who was a proponent of Dwaita Vedanta philosophy (concept of dualism which suggests that God and individual souls exist as independent entities) and founder of Sri Krishna Mutt. The holy place located 13 km away (can be reached by an autorickshaw) from Udupi is said to have been established by Lord Parashuram himself.
For a tourist, intriguing things to note in this quaint village are the ancestral home (birthplace) of Sri Madhwa, the impression of his feet (padagalu) near his house, an ancient temple of Goddess Durga, and a banyan tree planted by him.
Enjoy nature at Agumbe
‘Cherapunji of South India’ (60 km from Udupi) in Theerthahalli, a rainforest region in Malenadu that receives ample rainfall, gained prominence with the TV series ‘Malgudi Days’ that was largely shot here. The hillocky area eagerly calls upon all the trekking mavens with its natural pockets bursting with bubbling cascades, babbling streams, thick forests and rich bio-diversity (esp. snake species). Although, Agumbe looks best in the monsoons, it is wise to avoid the rainy season to steer away from dangers of reptiles, slips or mishaps.
Make a trip to Kollur Mookambika Temple
Established by Adi Shankaracharya, the time-honoured temple of Mookambika (Goddess Parvathy) in Kollur, at the foothills of Kodachadri, (75 km, one and half hours drive by bus/car) mostly resembles Kerala architecture in style.
Visitors are strictly expected to wear traditional clothing and behave utmost respectfully.
The annual Car Festival (Rathothsavam/Varshika Uthsavam) usually celebrated March-April is the most significant festival conducted here.
Drive to Kundapur town
At 36 km north of Udupi on the coastline, Kundapur has earned its share of touristic fame through certain points of interest in the otherwise simple town such as Kodi Beach, Anegudde Vinayaka Temple, Mahalasa Narayani Temple, Uppinakudru (salt island), and further beyond 23 km is the Maravanthe beach which is one of the uniquely positioned narrow stretch of beach highway in India with sea and river on either side (Arabian Sea on one side and Souparnika river on the other).
A little secret for the filmophiles – this is the place where Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone’s family hails from!!!
Relish Udupi cuisine
Tickling your taste buds to local foods is mandatory for any well-rounded travel experience. Typically South Indian, Udupi menu is predominantly vegetarian fares alongside coastal non-vegetarian dishes.
Depending on locally grown vegetables, fruits, and grains, Udupi dose, pumpkin sambar, pepper saaru, sweet buns (flour & banana), and jackfruit halwa are treats that are a must-try!
How to reach UDUPI:
By Road: There are frequent buses to Udupi from Mangalore city. The journey takes about an hour to cover a distance of 56 km, or a bit longer if roads may be damaged due to rain and/or if caught in traffic. Otherwise, hiring a cab is an alternate option.
By Train: Udupi Railway Station easily connects to Mangalore Central Railway Station {southwards}, and other smaller stations like Kundapur and Bhatkal, which can further connect up to Karwar {northwards}.
By Air: Mangalore International Airport is the nearest. Further, take a cab or bus from Mangalore to reach Udupi city.
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