Udupi can be described as ethereal, grassy, and delightful. It is famous for its Hindu Temple, particularly the 13th century Shri Krishna Temple. Udupi is situated in a stunning location, nestled between the misty Western Ghats and the picturesque Arabian Sea, making it one of the most beautiful places in Karnataka. While it is well known for its temples, there is much more to Udupi. The city boasts of stunning beaches, beautiful architecture, wood, artifacts, stone carving, and the popular theatre art genre known as Yakshagana.
Tourist attractions of Udupi
- Sri Krishna Temple
- Ambalpady
- Malpe Beach
- Shiriyara
- St. Mary’s Islands
Karnataka has numerous must-visit places that offer diverse experiences of its glorious past, natural wonders, scenic beauty, thrilling activities, spiritual ambiance, and more. These destinations promise to make your Karnataka tour remarkable, and you can choose from among them.
1. Sri Krishna Temple
The Udupi Shri Krishna Matha holds significant religious importance for Hindus and is counted among the top pilgrimage sites in India. It is a well-known center for the Dvaita Vedanta Hindu philosophy, which asserts that the Supreme Soul, Lord Vishnu, and individual souls have distinct existential realities.
Quick Facts Udupi Shri Krishna Matha
- Main Deity: Lord Balkrishna (child form of Lord Krishna)
- Best Time to Visit: During the Krishnashthami (Janmashthami) in August-September
- Temple Timings
- Opening: 4 am
- Visiting time: 5 am to 9.30 pm
- First Seva: Udayastamana Seva: 5 am
- Final Seva: Ekantha Seva: 8.45 pm
An Overview of the Temple
The holy Shri Krishna Matha, devoted to Lord Krishna, is situated in the town of Udupi, Karnataka, about 60 km north of Mangalore. This temple is regarded as one of the most sacred pilgrimage destinations in South India.
The temple attracts thousands of devotees from various parts of the country throughout the year. The temple’s ambiance is akin to a holy ashram and is globally renowned for its religious customs, traditions, and the propagation of Tatvavaada or Dvaita philosophy. Additionally, it is the center of Daasa Sahitya.
Festivals Celebrated
Some of the main utsavas or ceremonies here are:
- Saptotsava
- Vasantotsava
- Krishna Leelotsava
- Laksha Deepotsava
Udupi Shri Krishna Matha: The History
The temple was founded in the 13th century by the Vaishnavite saint and founder of the Dvaiti school of Vedanta, Shri Madhvacharya. It is believed that the saint found the idol of Lord Krishna buried in a large stone ball of sandalwood. There’s an interesting story associated with the discovery of Lord Krishna’s idol that sits at the temple.
How to Reach Udupi Shri Krishna Matha
By Rail
Udupi is the railway station close to the temple. You can also consider the Mangalore Railway Station. Buses and taxis are also available from here.
By Air
Mangalore is the nearest airport to Udupi. One may catch direct flights from Bangalore to Mangalore, from where one can hire a taxi to Udupi.
By Road
The KSRTC, as well as the private buses, ply frequently between Mangalore and Udupi. You can hire private taxis or cabs to reach here.
2. Ambalpady
The Ambalpady Mahakali Temple in Karnataka is situated a mere 2 to 3 km away from Udupi. The temple features a 6 ft tall statue of Goddess Mahakali, and its name is derived from the words “Amba,” meaning mother, and “Pady,” indicating the top of a hill.
The temple’s Oracle event, held every Friday evening, is another popular attraction where the goddess communicates with devotees through a person known as Pathri. The event is known to address personal problems of pilgrims and provide them with necessary solutions.
Tourists are encouraged to explore the Lakshmi Janardhan Temple, dedicated to Lord Mahavishnu, which is located close to the Mahakali Janardhan Temple. Additionally, several significant poojas like Theertha Snana, Rakshayantra, Kunkumarachane, and Mahapooja occur at the Ambalpady Temple.
The Ambalpady Mahakali Janardhan Temple can be reached by buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws from Udupi railway station. Visitors can choose from numerous lodges in Udupi for their stay.
3. Malpe Beach
Malpe is a calm beach town near the temple town of Udupi in Coastal Karnataka. Malpe is known for its fishing harbor, St Mary’s Island and beaches.
Reasons to Visit Malpe:
- Malpe Beach: The beach is a virgin beach, located at a distance about 6 kms from Udupi. It is an important port and a fishing harbour in the state of Karnataka. The endless stretch of golden sand, graciously swaying palm trees, clear blue sky and the gentle murmur of the sea, set the perfect mood for an idyllic holiday. Be sure to visit the Balarama Temple and Malpe’s oldest tile factory, set up by the Basel Mission.
- St Mary’s Island, Malpe: St Mary’s Island is a popular picnic spot, a short boat ride away from Malpe harbour.
- Kadike Beach: A lesser-known beach north of Malpe Beach
- Padukere Beach: Another beach south of Malpe
- Sea walk Malpe: A small stretch of walkway formed over rocks placed to facilitate entry and exit of boats into Malpe Harbor.
- Temples: Malpe is known for Vadabhandeshwara Balarama temple
- Water sports: Water sports at the beach includes parasailing and banana boat rides but subject to favourable weather and operator discretion.
- Industries: Malpe is known for shipbuilding, fisheries, tile making and coconut processing industries
Places to visit near Malpe Beach:
Visitors can head to Udupi to visit Sri Krishna Temple (5 kms) or Kapu beach and lighthouse (20 kms from Malpe) to spend the rest of the day. Mangaluru city (60 kms) offers more beaches, temples and attractions for an extended weekend trip.
How to reach Malpe: Malpe is 410 kms from Bengaluru and 60 kms from Mangaluru. Udupi is the nearest railway station. Regular buses are available to reach Udupi from all parts of Karnataka and from Udupi. The beach can be reached by hiring auto or taxi.
Places to stay near Malpe: Few resorts are available near the beach. Nearby town of Udupi offers multiple budget and luxury stay options. KSTDC manages Paradise Isle Beach Resort in Malpe. Houseboat stay is also possible at Kodi Bengre, 12 kms from Malpe.
4. St. Mary’s Islands
Located around 15 km away from Udupi Railway Station, and approximately 65 km from Mangalore and 100 km from Murudeshwar, St. Mary’s Island is a cluster of charming small islands located to the north of Malpe Beach near Udupi. This place is considered one of the top tourist destinations to explore as part of Udupi Packages.
St. Mary’s Island, situated off the coast of Udupi, is a picturesque island with white sand beaches, unique rock formations, and diverse wildlife, making it a popular tourist destination. According to historical records, it is believed that Vasco da Gama visited this island before reaching Kappad Beach while searching for a sea route to India. The island is made up of four smaller islands known as Coconut Island, North Island, South Island, and Daryabahadurgarh Island. The basalt rock formations on the island were formed when Madagascar Island separated from India, and they provide a striking backdrop to the beaches. Visitors can watch the sunset from the crystal-like rocks, which is a mesmerizing experience. To reach the island, one must take a 30-minute boat ride from Malpe Beach, which is about 4 miles from the island. There are no overnight accommodations on the island, and ferry timings are from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM (closed from June to September). The entry fee is Rs. 250 for individuals, Rs. 200 for cameras, and Rs. 250-300 for the ferry
