Udupi, also famous as the temple city, is a quaint town of Karnataka, which is often frequented by pilgrims. Lending its name to one of the Indian cuisines, Udupi cuisine today is synonymous to vegetarian food all around the globe. Though the town is famous as a pilgrim city, there are other interesting places to visit in Udupi too. It being along the coast of India, Udupi has some serene beaches, islands, and other attractions. Read on, to know the main tourist attractions in Udupi.
23 Best Places To Visit In Udupi In 2023
Here are the top 23 places to visit in Udupi that you should not miss on your trip. The land of temples has an even more depth of places and attractions that need your attention. You can expect to have a good traveling experience on your trip. Keep scrolling down and read along!
- St. Mary’s Island – A Seashell Heaven
- Malpe Beach – An Unexplored Territory
- Kaup Beach – A Hidden Udupi Gem
- Jumadi Islands – Get Ultimate Leisure
- Udupi Sri Krishna Matha – Feel A Positive Energy
- Barkur – Explore This Quaint Village
- Anegudde Vinayaka Temple – Where Ancient Legends Lie
- Padubidri Beach – Bask In The Sun
- City Centre – A Shopping Hub For You
- Udupi Anantheshwara Temple – A Prime Spot For Locals
- Coin Museum Corp Bank – For Coin Collectors
- Mattu Beach – Take A Relaxing Break
- Pajaka – With Great Historical Importance
- Kodi Beach – Best For Beach Games
- Mangrove Plantations – A Natural Hotspot
- Sita River – Rafting On Raging Waters
- Manipal Lake – A Serene Side Of Town
- Jomlu Theertha Waterfall – Get Refreshing Vibes
- Pithrody Udyavara Beach – A Pristine Land
- Mookambika Temple – Learn The History
- Kudlu Falls – Witness The Beauty
- Chandramouleshwara Temple – Say Your Prayers
1. St. Mary’s Island – A Seashell Heaven
Famous as the Coconut Island, St. Mary’s Island is a set of four islands in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Malpe. It is one of the best tourist attractions in Udupi, Karnataka. The western coast of these islands are known to be a seashell heaven and one can find seashells of various shapes and sizes along the pretty coast of St. Mary’s Island. One can reach the islands through ferry service which is available at Malpe fishing harbor.
Location: Coast of Malpe, Udupi, Karnataka
Famous for: Serene ambiance
Things to do: Spend leisure time, watch sunrise & sunset, click pictures, try local seafood
Price: No entry fee
Must Read: 7 Must-Try Udupi Cafes Where You Can Satisfy Your Foodgasm
2. Malpe Beach – An Unexplored Territory
If you are a beach bum, then you are definitely going to love Malpe beach. It is counted as one of the finest beaches in Karnataka and is still an unexplored beach to quite an extent. So, if you are looking for offbeat places to visit in Udupi, then this is a great beach to go to.
It is a great holiday destination, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. As it is unexplored territory, the beach is clean and pristine. Enjoy watching a sunset with your partner here. You can also explore the Daria Bahadurgad fort located on this beach.
Location: Udupi, Karnataka
Famous for: Enticing beauty
Things to do: Watch sunset, nature walks, leisure
Price: No entry fee
3. Kaup Beach – A Hidden Udupi Gem
Kaup is another of the hidden places in Udupi that you can visit on your trip. It is one of the offbeat tourist places around Udupi. It is a mere 10 km away from the main city and one catch the Mangalore Udupi buses to reach here. It is an endless stretch of sand where one can laze all day long. The views of the Arabian Sea are gorgeous from the shore. There is a lighthouse too here, and one can buy tickets to enter it. Head here early as the lighthouse opens till 6 in the evening only.
Location: Kapu, Udupi, Karnataka
Famous for: Refreshing sights
Things to do: Watch sunset, nature walks, leisure
Price: No entry fee
Suggested Read: 25 Stunning Places To Visit In Summer In Karnataka For A Relaxing Retreat
Planning your holiday but confused about where to go? These travel stories help you find your best trip ever!
4. Jumadi Islands – Get Ultimate Leisure
Vacations are all about relaxing and unwinding, and there is no better place to do this than at Jumadi Islands in Udupi. This is a preserved island where one can enjoy the scenic beauty of South India. Coconut trees and emerald waters add to the beauty of this picturesque island. It is a quaint place to experience the best of nature in Udupi. The island also has a private beach of its own, making one’s experience complete and enjoyable.
Location: Kukkede Ramamandir Road, Haradi, Bramavara, Karnataka 576213
Famous for: Secluded getaway
Things to do: Watch sunset, nature walks, leisure
Price: No entry fee
5. Udupi Sri Krishna Matha – Feel A Positive Energy
Udupi Sri Krishna Matha is a Hindu temple visited by worshipers from all around the country. Founded in the 13th century, this is one of the oldest Udupi temples standing till date. It has tranquil environs, and one can feel a positive energy here. The temple opens at 5-30 in the morning, and there is lunch offered here during noon. Plan your visit in between these two, for the best temple experience. Close to this main temple, there are several other temples in the area that one can visit here.
Location: Temple Car St, Sri Krishna Temple Complex, Thenkpete, Maruthi Veethika, Udupi, Karnataka 576101
Famous for: Religious site
Things to do: Prayers
Price: No entry fee
Suggested Read: 15 Top Hill Stations In Karnataka To Rejuvenate Yourself
6. Barkur – Explore This Quaint Village
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!
Location: Brahmavara, Udupi, Karnataka
Famous for: Temples and architecture
Things to do: Explore the quaint village, visit temples
Price: No entry fee
7. Anegudde Vinayaka Temple – Where Ancient Legends Lie
Image Source
The next one on our list of places to visit in Udupi distrit, Anegudde Vinayaka Temple is located in the famous village called Anegudde. Dedicated to Lord Vinayaka, Anegudde Vinayaka Temple attracts a lot of tourists every year. If you want to listen to the ancient legends related to this village you must visit it!
Location: Vokwadi Road, Kumbashi Proper, Karnataka 576257
Famous for: Religious site
Things to do: Prayers
Price: No entry fee
Suggested Read: Top 10 Hill Stations Near Udupi For A Refreshing Vacay In Coastal India
8. Padubidri Beach – Bask In The Sun
Looking for the most popular places to visit in Udupi city? Here is the perfect one for you. Visit the serene Padubidri Beach on your vacation and get ready to bask in the sun and relax your soul and body while enjoying the mesmerizing view!
Location: Padubidri, Udupi, Karnataka
Famous for: Mesmerizing views
Things to do: Spend leisure time, nature walk
Price: No entry fee
9. City Centre – A Shopping Hub For You
Thinking about shopping in Udupi district? Head to the City Centre Shopping Mall and shop to your heart’s content. Buy souvenirs, apparel, shoes and play arcade games. In short, plan a day full of happenings. And definitely try the popular restaurants situated in the city centre as they serve delicious food!
Location: Near District Bus Terminus Opp Jamia Masjid, Maruthi Veethika, Udupi, Karnataka 576101
Famous for: Shopping
Things to do: Shopping, taste local food, catch the vibe of the area
Price: No entry fee
Suggested Read: 6 Awe-Striking Waterfalls Near Belgaum That Are Quite Popular Around Karnataka
10. Udupi Anantheshwara Temple – A Prime Spot For Locals
Udupi is a land of temples and one of the most frequented one is the Udupi Anantheshwara Temple. Parasurama is the main deity worshiped in this temple and he is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. A lot of locals visit this temple, and you can easily get to know about the story related to it from the locals. Include this temple in your list of places to see in Udupi.
Location: Udupi, Karnataka
Famous for: Religious site
Things to do: Prayer
Price: No entry fee
11. 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.
Location: Corporation Bank Road, Thenkpete, Maruthi Veethika, Udupi, Karnataka 576101
Timings: 10 am to 5 pm. (Closed on Sundays)
Famous for: Enormous collections
Things to do: Explore museum
Price: INR 50
Suggested Read: 13 Picnic Spots Near Mysore Will Help You Discover The Rich Flora & Fauna Of Karnataka
12. Mattu Beach – Take A Relaxing Break
A serene beach with crystal clear water, Mattu Beach is one of the most beautiful tourist spots in Udupi. Taking a break from a busy day and relaxing at this beach is totally worth it. Peaceful surroundings, scintillating sunset, and sunrise and a relaxing swim await you at this beach. Do take your polaroids as you can take a lot of pictures of this gorgeous beach.
Location: Udupi, Karnataka 574118
Famous for: Sunrise and sunset scenes
Things to do: Relax, walk, photography
Price: No entry fee
13. Pajaka – With Great Historical Importance
Another one on our list of places to visit in Udupi, Pajaka is a quaint village that is of great historical importance. Sri Madhvacharya, the philosopher of Dvaita was born in this village. Some of the places that you can explore in this village are the ancestral home of Sri Madhvacharya, Aksharabhyasa, Dhanus Theertha, and Gada Theertha.
Location: Pajaka, Udupi, Karnataka
Famous for: Serene hamlet
Things to do: Sightseeing
Price: No entry fee
Suggested Read: 20 Places To Visit Near Mysore For A Great Vacation In Karnataka
14. Kodi Beach – Best For Beach Games
Visit Kodi Beach to witness the confluence of a river with the Arabian Sea. On this list of places to visit in Udupi in one day, Kodi beach is the most interesting one. To add the fun element in your vacation then you must stop by this beach to sit and relax or to play beach games. You can play volleyball or go for a swim. One of the best things to do in Udupi is going for a family picnic with snacks and drinks while your kids make sandcastles.
Location: Udupi, Karnataka
Famous for: Scenic beauty
Things to do: Bathe, enjoy local vibe, taste authentic recipes from nearby restaurants
Price: No entry fee
15. Mangrove Plantations – A Natural Hotspot
Image Credits: Bishnu Sarangi for Pixabay
If you are looking for natural hotspots in Udupi, then visit the mangrove plantations and experience the beautiful and eco sensitive regions of coastal Udupi. There is a whole area of mangrove plantations around the riverines of gangolli, kodi and swarna. You must definitely visit the Parampalli located near the Kodihole river with acres of Mangrove Forest. As a wildlife photographer and nature seeker, you’ll love it and probably consider this one of the best places to visit in Udupi.
Location: Parampalli, Udupi, Karnataka 576104
Famous for: Mangrove plantations
Things to do: Sightseeing, photography, nature walk
Price: NA
Suggested Read: 18 Places To Visit In Bidar To Admire The Beauty Of Karnataka
16. Sita River – Rafting On Raging Waters
Another one of the popular Udupi tourist places is the Sita River or Seetha River. Why, you ask? So, here’s the thing, Sita River is one of the best spots for enjoying water sports in Udupi. The raging waters of the river are perfect for rafting over a long stretch. You will pass some amazing views on your way to the rafting destination. You can opt to stay at the jungle camps and lodges for the different experience you need.
Rafting Time: 2 hours
Price: Varies (INR 2,000 on average)
Famous for: Rafting
Things to do: Rafting
Price: INR 700 per person onwards
17. Manipal Lake – A Serene Side Of Town
Image Credits: Anshuman Kumar for Wikimedia
The Manipal Lake is a small lake but a preferable scenic spot for the locals and of the good places to visit in Udupi. It is located in the middle of the town offering boating facilities for the tourists. It is also a popular spot for the students studying at the university. It is also one of the romantic places in Udupi to take a stroll and enjoy some tasty street food with your partner.
Location: Manipal Lake, Udupi, Karnataka 576104
Timings: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm
Entry fee: INR 10
Famous for: Tranquility
Things to do: Boating, relaxing, photography
Price: INR 30
Suggested Read: 21 Historical Places In Karnataka Every History Buff Should Visit
18. Jomlu Theertha Waterfall – Get Refreshing Vibes
One of the top waterfalls in Udupi, the Jomlu Theertha Waterfall is a beautiful creation of the Sita River located near Belve village. Amidst the picturesque waterfall, you can find an ideal picnic spot. The clean water, cool breeze and chirping birds completely overcast the surroundings. Refresh yourself by taking a bath and enjoy one of the best tourist places in Udupi.
Location: Nadpal, Karnataka 576112
Famous for: Waterfall
Things to do: Nature walks, bathe, picnic, photography
Price: No entry fee
19. Pithrody Udyavara Beach – A Pristine Land
The Pithrody Udyavara Beach is one of the must visit Udupi tourist places due to the unique landscape it offers. It is a beach that lies between a river and the mighty Arabian sea. You will find the beach in a small town of Udyavara which can be explored while you drive. Another great reason to visit the beach is due to the untouched nature of the beach.
Location: Udyavara, Udupi, Karnataka 576101
Famous for: Spectacular beach
Things to do: Water sports adventure
Price: No entry fee
Suggested Read: 10 Light-On-Pocket Coorg Hotels That Are Worth Every Dime You Spend
20. Mookambika Temple – Learn The History
Image Credit: Rojypala for Wikipedia
This temple worships Aadiprakarshakti which is known to one power of three goddesses – Saraswati, Maha Lakshmi, and Mahakali. Inside the temple there is a sanctum sanctorum which has a Linga which represents the Purusha and Shakti.
Location: Udupi
Famous for: Prayer
Things to do: Seek blessings, know the local culture
Price: No entry fee
21. Kudlu Falls – Witness The Beauty
Image Credit: Vinayaraj for Wikipedia
Kudlu Falls is also called Sita Falls which is known for its picturesque beauty. This waterfall flows down towards the Western Ghats from a height of 150 feet amidst the dense forest. The waterfall is one of the best places to visit in Udupi during monsoon and requires moderate trekking to reach and enjoy the enchanting beauty of the after reaching there.
Location: Nadpal, Karnataka 576112
Famous for: Waterfall
Things to do: Picnic, trek, nature walks
Price: NA
Suggested Read: 10 Awesome Places To Visit Near Coorg On Your Next Holiday To Karnataka
22. Chandramouleshwara Temple – Say Your Prayers
Image Credit: Manjunath Doddamani Gajendragad for Wikipedia
This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva which is 900 years old and visited by many devotees throughout the year. Usually, this temple is visited before the Krishna temple which is located right next to this temple. It is believed that the temple is older than the Krishna Mutt and offers a peaceful ambiance to enjoy a relaxing time.
Location: Pune-Bangalore Highway NH4
Famous for: Shiva Temple
Things to do: Prayer, visiting nearby markets, taste local food
Price: No entry fee
23. Daria Bahadurgad Fort – Architectural Marvel
Daria Bahadurgad fort was established by Basavappa Naik near Malpe Beach. The fort is nearly 2 kilometers from Malpe, and exhibits the ruins of the bygone era. The fort offers mesmerizing vistas of the surrounding region. You can plan a visit during sunset if you wish to capture the best of this site.
Location: Laccadive Sea
Famous for: Architectural Marvel
Things to do: Explore fort, nature walks, trekking
Price: NA
Suggested Read: 8 Best National Parks In Karnataka For The Wildlife Enthusiasts To Explore
Best Time To Visit Udupi
If you are planning a trip to Udupi, then monsoons and winters are a great time to head here. Summers are too hot and unbearable so skip the months of March to May. Monsoons begin in June and last till September. The land gets green, and the scenic beauty increases manifold during the monsoons, making it a good time to visit Udupi. While winters are the best here as the weather is pleasant and it makes Udupi sightseeing easy, both exploring and touring the place.
Further Read: Karnataka Cuisine: 22 Popular Karnataka Dishes For A Flavorful Culinary Journey
Udupi is a quaint town in South India. Famous as the pilgrim city, it has quite a lot of temples that one can visit. But not far from the city centre are some amazing and offbeat places to visit in Udupi. There are islands, and pristine beaches that one can stay at all day long. If you can watch the waves all day long, then these beaches are the place for your next vacation. Plan a trip to South India soon, and have an amazing time exploring Udupi.
For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Udupi
Which is the cleanest beach in Udupi?
St. Mary’s Island Beach is considered to be the cleanest beach in Udupi. The water is crystal-clear that the blue sky can be reflected in it.
What are the top attractions to visit in Udupi?
Some of the top Udupi tourist places include Sri Krishna Matha, Anantheswara, Corporation Bank Heritage Museum, Udupi Tourism and St. Mary’s Island.
How do I plan a trip to Udupi?
The popular places to visit in Udupi that you can add to your itinerary in your next vacation are as follows:
1. Explore Kapu
2. Tantalize your taste buds with Udupi Cuisine
3. Discover Maple Beach
4. Visit St. Mary’s Island
5. Visit different wildlife sanctuaries
What is famous in Udupi for shopping?
Udupi is indeed a shopaholic’s paradise, especially for the ones who love jewellery and sarees. You can shop for jewellery and Dharmavaram, Kanjeevaram, and Banarasi silk sarees. Out of many, the best markets where you can enjoy retail therapy are Ratha Beedi Market and Abharan.
What is the popular dish of Udupi?
One of the most popular dishes of Udupi is Masala Dosa. Other than this, delicacies like Rasam, Bisi Bele Bhath, Ghorikai Uppakari, Paal Payasam, Murukku, etc are equally loved by locals as well as tourists.
How to cover Udupi in 2 days?
This coastal town has a myriad of tourist spots where you can enjoy unlimited entertainment. You can begin your tour while visiting Kapu village where there’s Kapu Beach to relax. Next, head to Malpe Beach to enjoy serene vistas and various water activities. Make sure to spend some hours soaking up the serene vibes. Apart from this, St Mary's Island is a great place to seek solace in the lap of nature. To add a touch of adventure to your vacation, make sure to visit wildlife sanctuaries.
What is the best time to visit Udupi?
If you wish to witness the best of this quaint city, it’s best to plan a trip during the winter months which is from December to February. The temperature during these months varies from 10°C to 32°C and you will definitely enjoy the perks of delightful weather.
What is the distance between Malpe Beach and Udupi?
Malpe Beach is located at a distance of 6 km from Udupi. You can easily commute by taxi between the two points.
How many days are enough for a vacation in Udupi?
If you are an explorer and don’t want to miss any prominent tourist sites and exciting activities, it’s recommended to plan a trip of 2-3 days. This would cover all the best attractions and you will have enough time to unwind and recharge yourself.
Looking To Book An International Holiday?
People Also Read:
Places To Visit In Hampi Places To Visit In Bikaner Places To Visit In Siliguri
