Udupi Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, and where to stay in Udupi, along with safety tips, food recommendations, and cultural insights in this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Udupi

Udupi, located in the southern Indian state of Karnataka, is a picturesque coastal town renowned for its Hindu temples, stunning beaches, and cultural importance. It is situated in the Karavali region of Karnataka and is considered to be one of the seven pilgrim centers in the state. The town is known to have some of the most beautiful temples and has a rich history and culture. Udupi is renowned for its cuisine and Udupi restaurants are popular all over India for their vegetarian cuisine.

List of Places to Visit in Udupi

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Sri Krishna Matha

One of the most important cultural landmarks of Udupi, Sri Krishna Matha, is a temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. It was established by Saint Madhwacharya in the 13th century and is a must-visit for tourists. It has a distinct South Indian style of architecture and is also famous for its eight mutts or monasteries. The main attraction is the idol of Lord Krishna, and aarti ceremonies are held multiple times daily.

Udupi Anantheshwara Temple

Anantheshwara Temple is another prominent temple in Udupi and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple’s architecture is a fusion of Dravidian and Hoysala styles and dates back several centuries. The temple is famous for its intricate carvings and sculptures, and the annual ‘Shivaratri’ festival attracts many devotees.

Chandramouleshwara Temple

Chandramouleshwara Temple is a popular destination among history enthusiasts. This ancient temple dates back to the 9th-10th century AD and is located in the heart of Udupi. It has a beautiful architecture style and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple complex also houses several carved stones or ‘Shila’ with inscriptions in Sanskrit.

Natural Attractions of Udupi: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Malpe Beach

Malpe Beach is a beautiful beach located near the Udupi town center. It is a favorite destination among locals and tourists alike and is known for its serene environment and stunning sunsets. It is an ideal spot to enjoy some water sports like boating, fishing, or jet skiing.

St. Mary’s Island

St. Mary’s Island is an alluring destination and is a few kilometers from Udupi. It is a beautiful island known for its volcanic rock formations and clear blue waters. Tourists can take a boat ride from Malpe Beach to the island and spend some relaxing hours on the beach.

Kaup Beach

Kaup Beach is a charming destination to visit in Udupi. The beach has a lighthouse, which provides a panoramic view of the seashore. The beach is ideal for swimming and having some leisurely time with family and friends.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Udupi

Tourists who enjoy biking and hiking can also explore the scenic trails of Udupi. Hiking trips can be organized to the Western Ghats and tourists can experience the natural habitat and wildlife. Biking trips to nearby destinations like Karkala, Manchenabele, and Mallya Residency, are also popular among tourists.

Best Things to Do in Udupi: Activities and Tours

Tasting Local Cuisine

Udupi is renowned for its diverse culinary culture. The town is popular among vegetarians, and Udupi restaurants serve some of the best vegetarian dishes. Tourists can try some of the famous dishes like Masala Dosa, Idli, Vada, and Sambar. Also, a visit to the popular Udupi restaurants like the Woodlands or Mitra Samaj is a must.

Visiting the Malpe Fish Market

Malpe Fish Market is a fascinating destination for seafood lovers. It is an ideal place to learn more about the local fishing culture, and tourists can enjoy eating freshly caught seafood from the nearby harbor.

Visiting the Local Handicraft Markets

Tourists can also visit the local handicraft markets of Udupi and buy traditional handicrafts like Kasuti embroidery, wooden artifacts, and leather goods.

Week-Long Itinerary for Udupi

Day 1: Visit Sri Krishna Matha and explore the nearby markets

Day 2: Visit the Anantheshwara Temple and take a boat ride to St. Mary’s Island

Day 3: Relax on the beaches of Malpe and Kaup

Day 4: Enjoy a scenic bike ride to nearby destinations

Day 5: Visit the Chandramouleshwara Temple and explore the local handicraft markets

Day 6: Take a day trip to Karkala and visit the ancient sites of the town

Day 7: Enjoy tasting the local Udupi cuisine and the vibrant nightlife of Udupi.

Food and Drink Scene of Udupi

Udupi’s cuisine is a unique combination of South Indian and Konkan styles. It is entirely vegetarian and is known for its healthy and tasty dishes. Here are some must-try dishes when in Udupi:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Masala Dosa: Thin crepes made from rice and lentil batter, served with potato masala filling, and various chutneys.
  • Idli: fluffy dumplings made from fermented rice and lentil batter, steamed, and served with sambar and coconut chutney.
  • Vada: crunchy fritters prepared from lentil or Urad Dal batter, fried and served along with sambar or coconut chutney.
  • Puri Bhaji: Deep-fried dough puffs served with creamy potato curry and chutneys.
  • Neer Dosa: Thin, soft dosa made from rice batter served with chutneys.
  • Rasam: a fragrant and spicy soup prepared with tamarind juice and tomato and garnished with coriander and curry leaves.

Local Beverages

Udupi is popular for its filter coffee or ‘Kaapi.’ It is a must-try beverage when in the town. Also, tourists can enjoy drinking some authentic South Indian beverages like buttermilk, tender coconut water, and Kokum Juice.

Where to Stay in Udupi: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Udupi has a wide range of accommodation options that cater to tourists of all kinds. From luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses, the options are endless. Some popular accommodation options in Udupi are:

  • Paradise Isle Beach Resort
  • Hotel Sri Krishna Residency
  • Krishna Inn
  • Hema Guest House
  • Hotel Karthik

What to Buy in Udupi: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Tourists can buy some traditional handicrafts as souvenirs after their visit to Udupi. Some popular items to purchase are:

  • Kasuti Embroidery cloths
  • Wooden Toys
  • Leather goods
  • Sandalwood products
  • Handloom saris and shawls

Local Culture and Customs of Udupi

Udupi has a vibrant culture with a rich history. The town is renowned for its unique style of architecture, Kasuti embroidery, and Udupi cuisine. The town celebrates several festivals and fairs throughout the year. Tourists visiting Udupi from foreign countries are advised to dress modestly and respect the Hindu traditions and customs.

Best Time to Visit Udupi

The best time to visit Udupi is between October and February when the weather is mild and pleasant. The monsoon season from June to September is when the town experiences heavy rainfall, and it is not advisable to visit during this time.

Do’s and Don’ts of Udupi

Do:

  • Dress modestly and respect the culture and customs of the town.
  • Enjoy the local cuisine and delicacies in Udupi.
  • Take your shoes off when visiting temples and other religious places.
  • Learn about the history and culture of the town.

Don’t:

  • Do not litter in public spaces.
  • Do not use single-use plastic items like bottles and shopping bags.
  • Do not miss out on trying the local cuisine and delicacies.

Safety and Health

Safety in Udupi

Udupi is a safe town to visit, but tourists must take care of their belongings in crowded places like markets and bus stands. They must be cautious while visiting the beaches, and it is not advisable to venture out into the sea without a guide. It is better to carry photocopies of important documents while visiting new places.

Health in Udupi

Udupi has good medical facilities, with several hospitals and clinics. Still, tourists must carry their basic first aid kit while visiting new places. They must also carry insect repellents while visiting beaches and forests to avoid mosquito bites.

Getting to Udupi: Transportation Options and Logistics

Udupi is well-connected to all major cities of India through an extensive network of railways, roadways, and airways.

Airports Near Udupi

The nearest airport to Udupi is the Mangalore International Airport, which is around 60 kilometers away from the town. It has frequent flights from India and major cities around the world.

Bus Stations Near Udupi

Udupi has a well-connected network of buses that run between major cities of India. The Udupi Bus stand is located in the town center and operates both state-owned and private buses.

Other Options

Tourists can also take a taxi or rent a car from the nearest cities like Mangalore or Bangalore to reach Udupi. They can also travel by train and get down at the Udupi railway station, which is around 4 kilometers from the town center.

How to Get Around in Udupi

Tourists can take auto-rickshaws, taxis or travel on local buses to get around the town. Bikes and scooters are also available for rent. Cycling is another popular way of exploring the town and its serene countryside.

Where to Go Next from Udupi: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Nearby destinations like Manipal, Mangalore, Karkala, and Jog Falls are popular excursions from Udupi.

Conclusion

Udupi is a charming and culturally rich town that attracts tourists from all over India and the world. It is popular for its temples, beaches, and cuisine. This comprehensive travel guide covers all the essential information that tourists need for their visit to Udupi, including places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and how to get around. Tourists must follow the do’s and don’ts of the town and respect the local customs and traditions while visiting. Udupi is a must-visit destination and promises to offer a unique and unforgettable experience for tourists.

Krishna Mutt at Udupi Krishna Mutt at Udupi Map of Udupi Krishna temple complex Map of Udupi Krishna temple complex Kanaka's window, Udupi Krishna temple Kanaka's window, Udupi Krishna temple Merchants at the temple. Shopping at Ratha Beedi Merchants at the temple. Shopping at Ratha Beedi Volcanic rocks at St Mary's Island Volcanic rocks at St Mary's Island Manipal town, Udupi Manipal town, Udupi Kaup Beach, Udupi Kaup Beach, Udupi Temple elephant at Udupi Temple elephant at Udupi