Udupi Tourism | How to Plan a Trip to Udupi

Udupi is an important pilgrimage spot in Karnataka. It is famous for the 12th-century saint Madhava who was born here and later built 8 sanyasi mutts in this place and made his birthplace a pilgrim site. Udupi is also known as Shiva Belli or Shivali. Udupi is home to the renowned Manipal University and India’s first-ever private medical college, the Kasturba Medical College. It is a must-visit for its exceptional beauty, evident through its shores, rivers, sea, hills, museums, temples, heritage villages, planetariums, and gardens.

A tour to Udupi Karnataka is quite popular among the Hindu pilgrims of South India. The Parya festival at Udupi is colorful and brings several tourists and devotees from all over the country. This festival is held once every two years.

Read the complete Udupi tourism guide and plan your trip to Karnataka.

Places to visit in Udupi

While Udupi is renowned as a pilgrimage destination, it also offers a range of other appealing attractions to explore. The city boasts tranquil beaches, islands, and other points of interest that line India’s coastline. If you’re planning a trip to Udupi, check out these top places for an enjoyable experience. Continue reading to discover more!

• St. Mary’s Island
• Malpe Beach
• Kaup Beach
• Jumadi Islands
• Udupi Sri Krishna Matha
• Manipal Lake
• Jomlu Theertha Waterfall
• Pithrody Udyavara Beach

Things to do in Udupi 

With pristine beaches, ancient temples, and lush greenery, there are a lot of things to do in Udupi. Whether you are a nature lover, a history buff, or a religious tourist, you will find something to keep you entertained.

• See the serene side of town at Manipal Lake.
• Get refreshing vibes at Jomlu Theertha Waterfall.
• Explore the pristine land at Pithrody Udyavara Beach.
• Learn the history of Mookambika Temple.
• Witness the beauty at Kudlu Falls.

Best time to visit Udupi 

The best time to visit Udupi is during the Winter, from October to March, because of its unabated heat during the summer. The winters are pleasant here, while the temperatures soar up to 40 degrees during the summers. However, evenings are relatively cooler in Udupi. Conversely, the Monsoon is a suitable time for traveling to Udupi and the nearby places because the temple town has lush green surroundings after the rains. 

How to reach Udupi 

You can reach Udupi by air, rail, or road. Mangalore Airport is one of the closest airports to Udupi, from where direct or indirect flights are available from major cities in India. The Konkan Railway Network is the central railway that connects the town with several other Indian cities and states. You can also hire a bus or taxi service to reach Udupi. Roads are smooth and connected to important cities.

Accommodation in Udupi

Udupi tours are undertaken by a large number of tourists and pilgrims throughout the year. This considerable tourist inflow has resulted in the set up of many hotels and other forms of accommodation. Some of the best hotels in Udupi are Paradise Isle Beach Resort, The Ocean Pearl, Paradise Lagoon, Hotel Tranquil Manipal, and many more are available. You can choose the type of hotel according to your budget and preferences.

Where to eat in Udupi 

Food on the trip is considered an essential part of the trip. The Udupi will never disappoint you, as the traditional Udupi cuisine provides a unique flavor to the cuisine of Karnataka. While in Udupi, you must savor authentic food for the best experience. The famous foods of Udupi are Upma, a wide variety of dosas, Bisi bele bath, Idlis, Rasam, Goli baje, Payasa, Kheer, and more. Woodlands, Thamboolam, and Mitra Samaja, are the most popular restaurants in Udupi.

How to get around Udupi 

The easiest way to travel within the city is by auto-rickshaws. Remember to fix the price before sitting down or ask the driver to go by the meter. Apart from this, local bus services in Udupi are also popular.

Travel tips

• Pack comfortable footwear for exploring the picturesque trails and lush greenery of Udupi’s countryside.
• Engage with the friendly locals to learn more about Udupi’s rich history, culture, and traditions, ensuring a more immersive and memorable trip.
• Plan your visit during the Udupi Paryaya festival, which takes place every two years, to witness the grand celebration and cultural extravaganza.