Temple City Udupi: 10 Best Places To Explore In 2020

Udupi

Udupi otherwise spelt Udipi and also known as Odipu, is a city in the Indian state of Karnataka. It is one of the most famous attractions in Karnataka.

People from all over come to visit the temples at this place as Udupi is known as the ‘temple city’. From temples to beaches these places fulfil being a travel and holy destination.

Udupi is turning into a major town and is one of the few places you must visit for its serene beaches and festivals you have been searching for. 

How To Reach Udupi – Flight, Train or Bus

By Flight:

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Udupi does not have an airport. The nearest airport is Bajpe Airport.

48 km from Bajpe Airport (IXE), Mangalore, Karnataka and 230 km away from Hubli Airport (HBX), Hubli,  Karnataka.

You can take a taxi, bus or any other mode of transportation to reach from the airport comfortably.

By Train:

You can easily get regular trains to Udupi from other major cities of the country. Railway Station: Udupi (UD). Konkan Railway network is the main railway which connects the city with many other cities and states.

One can also take a train to Mangalore, Mumbai, Bangalore, Mysore and other nearby places. It solves each and every problem of the tourists about how to reach Udupi.

By Bus:

People can get bus service, taxi, cab to reach the city. Roads are linked to major cities which can be covered with the availability of various luxurious buses and passenger buses.

Auto-rickshaws are also available to roam around the city. Mangalore (40 km), Jog Falls (191 km), Coorg (208 km) and Madikeri (192 km) are well connected to Udupi.

Tourist Places to visit in Udupi

1. St. Mary’s island

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The land where Vasco De Gama set his first foot, the land whose geological importance is immense and whose beauty is spectacular, is St. Mary’s Island, Karnataka. It is also known as coconut island, off the coast of the Arabian Sea.

You can reach this island by ferry service. Ferry service opens at about 9 am and closes at 5 pm and per person fee is Rs 100. To reach St. Mary’s Island, you have to take a 20 min ferry ride from Malpe Beach.

Malpe is 4 km from Udupi town and 58 km to the North of Mangalore.

2. Krishna temple

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Udupi Sri Krishna Temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to god Krishna and Dvaita Matha. The matha area resembles a living ashram, a holy place for daily devotion and living.

The idol of Krishna is adorned with jewels and a golden chariot. What makes the temple unique, is its worshipping pattern. The prayers and process of the whole worship take place only through a silver-plated window with nine holes called the Navagraha Kitiki.

Surrounding Sri Krishna Temple are several temples namely the Udupi Anantheshwara Temple which is over a 1,000 years old.

Hours: 4.30 am – 9.30 pm

3. Malpe Beach

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Located at the mouth of the Malpe River about six kilometres to the west of Udupi, it is an important port and a major fishing harbour on the Karnataka coast.

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The town of Malpe is associated largely with settlements of the Mogaveera fisherman community.

A perfect spot for a carefree getaway, Malpe beach with its blue expanse of sky and the palm trees dotting the shoreline, is a popular tourist spot.

From Mangaluru to Malpe Beach, the distance is 60 km and takes about 1 hrs on road and 6 km from Udupi.

4. Kaup Beach

A must-visit beach in the area, this might just be one of the most beautiful destinations of the town. Also find here a lighthouse, twinkling at a height of 100 ft and is located 12 km from the city. Many films have been shot at this location.

Kaup has three Marigudi which attracts devotees from far away places. The sea is much more rougher and intimidating compared to the gentler Malpe beach. It is about 15 km from the university town of Manipal. The beach also sports a shack and a bar with seating in the open sky.

5. Mookambika Temple

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Mookambika Temple is dedicated to Aadiprakarshakti who is believed to embody the powers of three goddesses, Goddess Saraswati, Goddess Mahakali and Maha Lakshmi.

The sanctum sanctorum houses a Linga represents Purusha as well as Shakti and is called the Udbhavlinga. It is believed to be 1200 years old and is 42 km from the city. 

Hours: 5:00 AM – 1:30 PM and 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Duration: 1 hour

6. Kudlu Falls

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Also known as Sita Falls, Kudlu Falls is famous for its picturesque beauty. The waterfall cascades down the Western Ghats from a height of 150 feet in the midst of a dense green cover of the hilly terrain.

It requires a moderate level of trekking through the green zone to reach the enchanting waterfall.

The attraction is, thus, a favourite amongst trekkers and nature lovers. Around 47 km from the city. To reach Kudlu Teertha, one has to first go to Hebri, which is 30 km from Udupi & connected by Bus.

From Hebri, hire a private vehicle and reach the nearest road point to the falls which is located at Sita River. Cross the river and trek for 4 Kms in the jungle to reach the falls. The trek level is moderate and not suggested to visit with kids.

7. Jomlu Teerth

Located in the Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary, Jomlu Teerth is a waterfall formed by the mesmerising River Sita which is 1km from the city. The fall cascades down a rocky terrain from a height of 20 feet in the middle of the dense natural reserve.

The music made by the gushing water body and the birds singing their hearts away is sure to captivate one and all. This is a great picnic spot especially popular among family tourists to spend a few hours. There are several places to swim near the falls which are absolutely safe.

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8. Kodi Beach

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Surrounded by water on three sides, Kodi Beach is a perfect attraction for beach lovers. River Suvarna enters the gorgeous Arabian Sea at this beach and, therefore, it is also known as the Delta Beach.

It has a small port for fisheries and is famous for toddy and freshly prepared seafood. The long, narrow beach at Kodi Bengre village featuring a lighthouse, fishing, surfing & more.

9. Barkur

Barkur is one of the best places to visit in Udupi in 1 day if you love to explore quaint villages. Famed as the village of temples, Barkur is a great spot to add to your list if you want your vacation to be all about witnessing the beauty of the ancient temples located in the city!

10. Coin Museum Corp Bank – For Coin Collectors

Famed as the Corporation Bank Heritage Museum is one of the best places to visit in Udupi. If you are passionate about collecting coins and history then this is one of the Udupi tourist attractions that deserve a spot on your itinerary.

These coins and notes are from 400 bc and this museum will also give you details about the important historical events in Udupi.

Timings: 10 am to 5 pm. (Closed on Sundays)

Best Time To Visit Udupi 

The climate is hot in summers and pleasant in winter. During summers (from March to May) the temperature reaches up to 38 °C (100 °F) and in winters (from December to February) it is usually between 32 and 20 °C (90 and 68 °F).

The best time to visit is during Winters from October to March because of its pleasant climate. 

Interesting Facts About Udupi:

  • The urban focus of Udupi which came into existence in 1935, is an open Square surrounded by temples and mutts.
  • The third-largest city in Karnataka, it forms the district headquarters of Udupi district.
  • The most spoken language in Udupi town is Tulu. Kundagannada, Konkani and Beary are also spoken.
  • Bhuta Kola, Aati kalenja, Karangolu, and Nagaradhane are some cultural traditions of Udupi.
  • The residents celebrate festivals such as Makara Sankranti, Krishna Janmashtami, Navaratri, Deepavali, Eid al-Adha, Eid al-Fitr and Christmas. Folk arts like Yakshagana are also popular.

Things To do In Udupi

1.Shopping

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Ratha Beedi is a popular market near the Krishna Market where one can shop for local spices, vessels, earthenware and handicrafts. One may also go to the City Centre Mall here.

While in Udupi, get your hands on the Kanjiwaram Silk Saris and local style jewellery that the town is known for.

2.Trekking

If the mountains are what you are after, turn east to Karkala, where Agumbe and other places provide some excellent trekking opportunities.

3. See if you can catch a performance of Yakshagana, a Bhoota Kola or a Naga Mandala. The latter two are essentially religious rituals, but a sight to watch. The Yakshagana is a genre of dance-drama that is native to the Karavali region.

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The performances are advertised only in local Kannada newspapers, so it might be somewhat difficult to catch them. Also, to fully appreciate Yakshagana, you need to understand Kannada or Tulu.

4.White water rafting at Jomlu Theertha 

Belve Village, Brahmavar-Hebri Rd. Roughly 35 km from Brahmavar, a white water rafting location. A dangerous place for swimming. Best time of visit is from July to late January. 

5.Stay at a Houseboat

The trip takes you to Paradise Lagoon. Package includes all meals. It is not clear if packages of shorter duration are available – call to ask. The resort also offers normal rooms and has some options for water sports as well. ₹14,000 for 2 nights, 3 days.

6.Surfing 

Udupi has some great beaches, but thankfully, they aren’t big water sports destinations like Goa, though there are some options. If you are the adventurous sort, you can head south to Mulki, where the Ashram surf retreat combines surfing with spiritualism.

FAQs About Udupi:

1.Why is Udupi famous?

Udupi is one of the top tourist attractions in Karnataka. It is notable for the Krishna Temple. It lends its name to the popular Udupi cuisine. It is also known as Lord Parashurama Kshetra and is famous for Kanakana Kindi.

2. What is famous in Udupi for shopping?

Udupi is also reputed to be a storehouse of traditional clothing and textiles. Kanjeevaram, Dharmavaram and Banaras silk sarees can be found at reasonable rates. Other traditional and modern garments and various types of jewellery are particularly famous among female shoppers.

3. What’s the diet around Udupi?

Your trip to Udupi is incomplete if you have not tasted the authentic Udupi cuisine. Udupi cuisine comprises of dishes made from grains, beans vegetables and fruits. It adheres to the ‘Satvik tradition’ of the vegetarian diet.

4. Is Udupi worth visiting?

If you are looking for a short trip, Udupi is a great option. This colourful yet secluded place has a character as varied as human emotions. Udupi hotels reflect the rich cultural tradition of this temple town.

5. Which hotels are the best ones to stay in Udupi?

  • White Lotus Hotel
  • Samanvay Boutique Hotel
  • The ocean Pearl
  • Krishna Kausthubha
  • Sattva Camps (Tent stays)
  • Fortune Inn Valley View

6. Best Restaurants in Udupi?

  • Saffron Vegetarian Restaurant
  • Woodlands Restaurant
  • Kediyoor Gazebo 
  • Gokula Krishna Veg 
  • Thimmappa Fish Hotel

7. Car rentals in Udupi?

Tourist can hire ola cab, Meru cab, savaari taxi service to travel in and around Udupi.

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