If you’re planning a trip to Udupi and looking for the most incredible places to go, your search stops here. We will talk about all of the places you should visit in Udupi and have the time of your life.
Let’s begin with Udupi. Udupi is a coastal district in Karnataka known for its Sri Krishna temple, beaches, educational institutions, financial establishments, and delectable cuisine. It has recently become a popular tourist destination.
Since Udupi is a seaside district, we recommend visiting when the weather is calm, and the ocean is quiet. Try avoiding summer and peak monsoon season as it is a coastal region.
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St: Mary Island
One of Udupi’s most popular tourist destinations is St: Mary’s island. The island is around 8 kilometres from Udupi and can be reached either on a cruise or a speed boat trip from Malpe beach. It’s a great destination to visit if you’re looking for something different to do on a day trip from Udupi. The blue ocean, beautiful beach, and crystal clear water are the first things you’ll notice when you arrive on the island. As you go about, you’ll see hundreds of coconut trees, which add to the visual attractiveness of the area. If possible, visit the island between 3 and 4 p.m. to catch a glimpse of the stunning sunset on your way back to Maple Beach.
2. Udupi Sri Krishna Temple
The Sri Krishna temple is a prominent pilgrimage place in south India and is one of its most distinguishing aspects. People come from all over the world to see Lord Krishna through the Navagraha Kitiki. If you’ve heard of the legend of Kanakadasa, you’ll understand why people worship Lord Krishna through the window here.
There are eight mathas on the premises, including Krishna matha, collectively known as Astha Mathas. You can take your time and freely visit other temples on the property as well.
3. Kodi Bengre Beach
If you’re looking for some sun, sand, seafood, and surfing, head to Kodi Bengre Beach, also known as the delta point. Kodi Bengre, a fishing town 17 kilometres from Udupi, is a lesser-known beach where the Suvarna river meets the Arabian Sea.
The journey to Kodi Bengre is pleasurable in itself. On either side of us, we’ll travel through a lovely stretch of tall coconut trees. You’ll see the river on one side, and on the other, you can see the sea. You can see the lovely beach with white sand and clear sea once you arrive at Kodi Bengre.
Food is a must-try at Kodi Bengre. Locals and visitors alike recommend this destination. A must-try dish here is kori roti with chicken curry, fish fry, and fresh toddy. You’ll be able to order a variety of deliciously prepared fresh fish as well.
4. Malpe Beach
Malpe Beach is one of Udupi’s most popular beaches. It is a significant port and fishing harbour located 6 kilometres from Udupi. The long expanse of golden sand, palm trees, clear blue sky, and a bustling beach creates the ideal atmosphere for a day with your loved ones.
If you’re looking for water sports, you’ll be delighted to find a wide range of options here. You can do things like speed boating, parasailing, banana riding, and jet skiing. The sea walk is another fantastic attraction at Malpe Beach. This 450-foot long sea walk was inaugurated in 2018 as the state’s first sea walk.
5. Kapu Beach
Kapu beach is 12 kilometres south of Udupi. Kapu Beach is well-known for its beautiful scenery and relaxing ambience. The refreshing breeze on the white sand beach is just what you need to clear your mind and unwind. The shore is completely covered in green plants and shrubs, making it one of the best places for families and friends to relax.
On the beach, there is a 130-foot high lighthouse that adds to the attractiveness of the area. It is open to the public. The view from the top of the lighthouse is incredible. There are also various shacks and cafes on the beach that serve local cuisine.
6. Maravanthe beach
Maravanthe is a beach in coastal Karnataka that is situated between the Arabian Sea and the Souparnika River. This one-of-a-kind mix of sea and river on each roadway side is considered the only one in India.
With the infinite shore, golden sand, palm trees, and mesmeric sky, Maravanthe is a popular tourist attraction. The beach is only 55 kilometres from Udupi and is easily accessible through NH-66.
7. Hasta Shilpa Heritage village
Hasta Shilpa is an open-air museum dedicated to preserving traditional homes and antiquities in Karnataka’s coastal region. The museum is 6 acres, with approximately 30 historic structures open to the public for viewing. It gives a fascinating glimpse into the state’s history and architecture.
You can go on your own or hire a guide to show you around the museum.
8. Jumadi Islands
The Jumadi Islands in Udupi are the perfect place to relax and unwind. This is a well-preserved island where one may enjoy the picturesque splendour of South India, with coconut trees and clear waterways. It’s a fantastic site to enjoy the greatest of nature at its best.
There is also a private beach on the island, giving for a more full and delightful experience.
9. Barkur
10. Anegudde Vinayakka Temple
Anegudde Vinayaka Temple is located in the village of Anegudde, 25 kilometres from Udupi, and is devoted to Lord Vinayaka. The temple attracts a large number of tourists each year, and you should go there if you wish to hear the ancient legends associated with it. It’s also one of the area’s most well-known pilgrimages.
The biggest festival at Anegudde temple is Ganesh Chaturthi. Sankashta Chaturthi is also observed with tremendous zeal in this city. Every lunar month, on the Chaturthi day, special poojas are held at the temple.
11. Udupi Anantheshwara Temple
The Udupi Anatheshwara temple is one of the most famous temples in Udupi. The temple, established in the eighth century, is one of the oldest in the city as well. The primary god here is Parashurama, who is Lord Vishnu’s incarnation.
Many locals frequently visit this temple, so you can readily learn about its history from them. The Anantheshwara Temple is also linked to Madhvacharya, the Dvaita philosopher, and is an ideal location for those seeking calmness. You can also visit the temple during the early hours of the morning to meditate.
12. Corporation Bank Heritage Museum
If you’re interested in history or coins, this is the one to add to your list. The museum’s collection of coins and notes spans various dynasties dating back to 400 B.C. Approximately 140 coins are displayed in the gallery, with a current market value of over 4 million Indian rupees.
Visitors will also get to understand a comprehensive overview of India’s historical background since 1906. The current museum was once the residence of the corporation bank’s founder, which was remodelled into a financial temple.
13. Pajaka
The ancestral home of Sri Madhvacharya is one of the attractions you can see in this picturesque town of considerable historical value. The Kshetra has a number of facts and structures linked with Madhvacharya that worshippers and tourists can visit.
Sri Hrushikesha, a devotee of Sri Madhvacharya, wrote a biographical poem called Sampraday Paddhati about the location, which is considered immensely sacred.
14. Mattu Beach
Mattu Beach is a tranquil beach that promises a serene and enjoyable vacation that will wash away all of your worries. This delightful getaway is around 10 kilometres from Udupi and provides crystal blue water, spectacular sunrise and sunset experience.
If you are willing to stay after the sunsets, you will be able to see bioluminescence, also known as Sea Sparkles, at this beach. The boundless dark sky with innumerable stars and the beautiful sea glistening at your feet makes for a fantastic place to sit and unwind or have a romantic date night.
15. Kere Basadi
Kera Basadi is a lovely Jain temple in the middle of a lake, 34 kilometres from Udupi, 72 kilometres from Mangalore, and 22 kilometres from Karkala. To go to this temple, you’ll need to take a boat. In the temple, there are four idols facing four directions: north, south, west, and east. It also has four entrances, one from each of the four directions.
A separate “Pradakshina Patha” and “Garbhagudi” from the 12th century can also be found outside. The Jain Matha and Neminatha Basadi, a 2000-year-old temple, are also worth visiting here.
16. Gomateshwara Statue
The Gomateshwara Statue is located on a rocky hillock named Bahubali Betta near Karkala, 37 kilometres from Udupi and 50 kilometres from Mangalore. It is the second tallest statue in the state, at 42 feet tall and carved out of a single stone.
Hundreds of thousands of Jain devotees gather every twelve years to see the Mahamastakabhisheka, a ceremony in which the Gomateshwara statue is bathed and anointed with milk, water, and saffron paste, then sprinkled with sandalwood powder, turmeric, and vermilion.
17. St: Lawrence Church
The St. Lawrence Church, located 41 kilometres from Udupi, is one of the most beautiful churches in the state. It is a Roman Catholic church established in 1759, making it a significant structure with a long history. This church is widely regarded as having the power to intercede with God and is said to be a place of miracles, attracting pilgrims from all across India and locals of the Udupi area.
There is no charge to enter, and anyone is welcome to look around and admire the wonderfully painted columns, murals, and vast aisle.
18. Gangolli Beach
This location has been famous since the 16th century and served as Tipu Sultan’s main commercial port. The unique aspect of the Gangolli beach is its location, which is bordered to the east by the river Panchagangavali and to the west by the Arabian Sea. Kubja, Kedaka, Varahi, Souparnika, and Chakra are the five rivers that meet her. The sight of the rivers merging and becoming one is mesmerising. If you visit the area, you must try to see the sunset at this beach.
19. Malyadi Bird Sanctuary
It is a blessing for bird lovers, situated at a distance of 24 Km from Udupi. There have been numerous sightings of birds like whistling Teals, Purple Moorhen, White Ibis, Comb duck, Cormorants and darters.
This property, which spans 1.5 square kilometres, is a decommissioned clay quarry. The number of birds visiting this location has risen dramatically in recent years, making it a popular destination for many bird watchers.
20. Chaturmukha Basadi
This Jain temple, located 37 kilometres from Udupi on the slopes of a rocky hill in the Karkala area, is one of the most impressive architectural treasures in the state. It stands on an elevated platform and is made entirely of stone. Chandranath is the temple’s main deity, and it was built in 1589.
It has four identical entrances, one on each side. The main hall, called Garbhagriha, is accessible from all four entrances. The idols of “Yakshi Padmavati” and the 24th Jaina Tirthankara are enclosed in Garbhagriha.
21. Agumbe
Agumbe is a small hill town in the Shimoga district of Karnataka, 55 kilometres from Udupi. This picturesque village is located in the Western Ghats at approximately 2100 feet above sea level, with some remaining rainforest. Agumbe comes alive with multiple waterfalls during the rainy season, and it’s also an excellent place to go trekking.
Some of the famous locations in Agume include the Barkana Falls, Kunchikal Falls, Onake Abbi Falls, Koodlu Theertha Falls, Narasimha Parvatha hike, and Kudremukh National Park. When visiting Agume, we recommend making a multi-day itinerary.
22. Sri Ananthashayana Temple
Sri Ananthashayana Temple is a historic temple in Karkala, 37 kilometres from Udupi. Lord Vishnu is honoured at this temple. Lord Vishnu’s majestic statue is fashioned out of a single black stone, with Lord Brahma emerging from Vishnu’s navel and Sridevi and Bhudevi standing at his feet. The temple also includes several other magnificent and exquisite Basadi sculptures, which the Archaeological Survey of India preserves.
Both Sri Venkata Ramana temple and Chaturmukha Basadi are 1 km away from the temple. It’s a must-see temple in Udupi as everyone who has visited the temple agrees it to be the most beautiful and sacred temple in the city.
23. Mookambika Temple
The Kollur Mookambika Temple may be unfamiliar to only a few. It is only 73 kilometres from Udupi and is situated in the valley of the Kodachadri Mountain Peak, on the banks of the river Souparnika. It is close to the well-known Murudeshwar temple, making it one of Karnataka’s most famous pilgrimage destinations.
Lord Parvathi is the focus of this temple. Adi Shankaracharya is credited with the consecration of the Goddess’s Panchaloha idol. Mookambika Devi is the embodiment of Shakti, Saraswathi, and Mahalakshmi. In the temple, Lord Shiva is also worshipped.
24. Padubidri Beach
The Padubidri Beach is an ideal weekend getaway destination for the young and daring. This beach is roughly 26 kilometres from Udupi and is a nice and tranquil area to sit and enjoy with your loved ones. There are also fantastic food outlets where you may sample Kannada delicacies.
Evenings at the beach are equally spectacular, as the adjacent lighthouses of Suratkal and Kapu begin to shine as the sun sets.
25. City Center Shopping
If you don’t want to leave Udupi without buying something for your friends and family or for yourself, head to the city centre mall. This shopping centre is in the middle of the city and has a number of showrooms, restaurants, and other service outlets. This is an ideal location for playing games and purchasing souvenirs in one convenient place. Due to its position, it is also very accessible.26. Achakanya Falls
The Sharavathi river has gifted us with this gorgeous waterfall, 65 kilometres from Udupi and 4 kilometres from Ambutheertha. The waterfall is relatively small, with water falling in two steps from a distance of 20 feet. In addition, the area around the falls offers a breathtaking natural vista.
The trek to the falls is also thrilling and daring, as it is a short 1km hike through the forests on a rocky track.
27. Jomlu Theertha Falls
Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary is where you’ll find this waterfall. Jomlu Teerth, a waterfall formed by the mesmerising River Sita, is located 32 kilometres from Agumbe and 35 kilometres from Udupi. In the centre of the dense nature reserve, the fall slides over a rocky landscape from a height of 20 feet. The sound of the gushing river and the birds singing will enchant everyone.
28. Daria Bahadurgad Fort
The fort was built by Basavappa Naik of Bidanur and is now mostly in ruins yet offers a magnificent view. It is about 2 kilometres from Malpe beach and is situated on one of the four gorgeous islands off the coast of Malpe.
While touring the fort, you may also learn about the production of tiles on this island, which is host to the Mangalorean tile manufacturers.
29. Sita River
How can you leave Udupi without going river rafting? The Sita River is one of the most popular river rafting destinations in the city. The river’s furious rapids are ideal for an adventurous rafting experience. Along the banks, you’ll see some spectacular sights.
You can also stay at the jungle campgrounds for a more immersive camping experience. You can also sit and take in the scenery from the rocks if you wish to.
30. Pithrody Udyavara Beach
Owing to its unique landscape, Pithrody Udyavara Beach is one of the calm beaches for tourists to visit in Udupi. It’s a beach that’s sandwiched between a river and the vast Arabian Sea. The beach may be found in the little village of Udyavara, which you can visit while driving.
The beach is also one of Udupi’s less busy beaches, making it an ideal location for you to relax and it’s on the same route to Malpe Beach.