If you are looking for a place with rich history, beaches, religious sites and culinary delicacies, Udupi is the place to add to your travel bucket list. A vibrant city located in Karnataka, it is most famous for the Udupi Krishna Temple and the festivities associated with the temple. Other places to visit Udupi, also offer a serene and memorable experience.
Are you ready to dive into this charming city filled with spirituality, pristine beaches, historic museums and mouthwatering cuisine? If yes, then here is a complete guide on everything you need to know about Udupi and its famous tourist places.
Best Time to Explore Places to Visit in Udupi
Udupi is a coastal area located 89 ft above sea level and experiences hot summers, mild to heavy monsoons and pleasant winters. The best time to visit Udupi is the winter season (from October to February), when the temperature remains between 20 degrees Celsius to 32 degrees Celsius, offering pleasant weather for sightseeing and beach activities. It is also the festive time of year, which adds a charming vibe to the city. Since it is a peak season, make sure to book your stay well in advance to avoid last-minute inconveniences.
During the summer season (from March to May), the temperature reaches up to 38 degrees Celsius, which can hinder the outdoor activities during the daytime, but since the evenings are a bit cooler, you can enjoy water activities at the beaches, if you are travelling during these months.
Monsoon season (June to September) in Udupi is accompanied by moderate to heavy rainfall, offering relief from the heat and adding a lush green touch to the landscape. This is the perfect time to book a relaxing getaway and enjoy the scenic beauty of the place.
How to Reach Udupi
Udupi, located in Karnataka, is well-connected to the neighbouring cities and states through rail and road networks. There are regular trains and buses to and from Udupi. The Konkan Railway route passes through the city, connecting it with the rest of India. If you are planning to travel via flights, there is no airport in Udupi, but Mangalore International Airport, at 60 kms is the closest to the city. From the airport, you can either book a taxi or take a state or private bus to reach Udupi.
If you have landed at the Mangalore airport and wish to explore the city before proceeding to Udupi, you will find many budget-friendly hotels in Mangalore that offer you a comfortable experience.
Festivals to Attend in Udupi
The city hosts various unique and cultural festivals throughout the year, which attract both national and international tourists. Some of these festivals you can witness while exploring places to visit in Udupi are:
- Yakshagana (November and May): A traditional folk dance, (November and May).
- Huli Vesha (September/ October): A tiger-faced dance during Navratri.
- Nagamandala (July/ August): A popular ritual of worshipping the snake god.
- Paryaya Festival (January): An officiating ceremony where priests from one of the Ashta Mathas hand over their responsibilities to other pontiffs.
- Kambala (November and March): A famed buffalo race event where well-nurtured buffalo race in a slushy field.
So, if you are planning a trip to the city, make sure to attend at least one of the festivals for a unique and memorable experience.
Places to Visit in Udupi
Some of the best places to visit in Udupi offer an eclectic mix of culture, spirituality and natural beauty, making it a great family vacation destination in India. Let’s explore some of the best places to visit in Udupi, which you should not miss:
Udupi Krishna Temple
If you are looking for a Krishna temple to celebrate Janamashtmi, the Udupi Krishna Temple is one of the best places to visit in Udupi. The temple is home to one of the most beautiful Lord Krishna idols, through which he is depicted as a small boy. The idol is only visible through a 9-holed window called the Navagraha Kitiki. “Kanakana Kindi” is another interesting small window through which Lord Krishna is believed to give darshan to his ardent devotee, Saint Kanakadasa.
While visiting the temple during the festivities, you can also witness the Lord’s image being taken on a float in the nearby water tank called Madhwa Sarovara.
Malpe Beach
Located 6 kms away from the city centre, Malpe Beach is one of the best beaches in South India. Surrounded by palm trees on one side and clear blue sky, this endless stretch of golden sand beach is an important port and a fishing harbour in Karnataka. While exploring the beach activities, you can also visit the Balarama Temple and Malpe’s oldest tile factory.
You can book hotels in Manipal that are close by and enjoy a relaxing stay with modern amenities and complimentary services like breakfast, Wifi and toiletries.
Kapu Beach
Located in Kapu village, at 12 kms from Udupi, this long sandy beach offers a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea, lush green surroundings and a tropical climate. A century-old 130 ft. lighthouse on the beach, Goddess Mariamma Temple and Jain Basadis Temple are also popular sites to visit near the beach.
There are numerous hotels nearby offering private cab facilities to let you explore the beaches and other tourist attractions at your leisure.
St Mary’s Island
A 30-minute boat ride from Malpe harbour will take you to a geological treasure and a serene island, St Mary’s Island, located 10 kms away from the city centre. The island holds geological importance for its unique salt rock formations and is declared a National Geological Monument. Also, a cross placed by Vasco Da Gama in 1498 is still present on the island.
Watching a breathtaking sunset while standing on the crystalline rocks is worth every effort to reach the island.
Anantheshwara Temple
A Hindu temple dedicated to Ananteshwara Parashurama, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, is also one of the most famous religious places to visit in Udupi. The deity of the temple is worshipped in the form of a Linga. This ancient temple was built during the reign of the Alupas in the 8th century C.E. and showcases the architectural design of the era.
While visiting the temple, you can also visit the Chandramouleshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Coin Museum
For history enthusiasts, the Corporation Bank Heritage Museum, popularly known as the Coin Museum, is one of the best places to visit in Udupi. Once served as the residence of Haji Abdul Saheb, this 120-year-old building is now home to some of the rare coins dating back to 400 BC.
The museum offers a glimpse into the country’s rich numismatic and banking history, including ancient dynasties such as Maurya, Kushan, Satavahana and Gupta empires.
In addition to mesmerising places to visit in Udupi, the city is also known for its wide range of culinary delicacies. Savour the authentic flavours of Udupi in its tangy patrode, mouth-melting neer dosa, sweet banana buns and more in the restaurants and street stalls.
Are you ready to embark on a journey to this enchanting land of beaches, ancient temples and festivities? Book your stay at nearby hotels from Treebo Club’s website or app for affordable and comfortable accommodation.
