6 Must Visit Tourist Places In Udupi

Formerly part of the Dakshina Kannada district in Karnataka, India, Udupi is a small coastal city located about 56 km from Mangalore and about 400 km from Bangalore. Like the Dakshina Kannada district, Udupi belongs to Tulunadu or Tulunaad, which basically means land of the speakers of Tulu, a Dravidian language. The city gets its name from the Sanskrit word udupa which means ‘moon’, and is famous for its temples (so much so that it is known for its status as a temple town), cuisine, beaches and culture. There are several places to visit in Udupi, most of which are centres of religion and spirituality, although there are recreational places for other visitors. There are also several attractions in Udupi, and apart from visiting tourist destinations, you can also eat at some of the most iconic eateries in the city.

# Udupi Sri Krishna Temple

Of all the places to visit in Udupi, Sri Krishna Temple (or Matha), dedicated to Lord Krishna is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India for Hindus. This 13th-century CE temple, founded by Vaishnavite seer and Hindu philosopher Saint Jagadguru Sri Madhvacharya, is located in Thenkpete, Maruthi Veethika, about 1.3 km from Udupi and 60 km from Mangalore. The best time to visit the Udupi Sri Krishna Temple is during Krishna Janmashtami which usually falls in August or September.

The main deity of the temple is Balkrishna, which Krishna’s child form. The Sri Krishna temple opens at 4 AM and visitors are allowed inside between 5 AM and 9.30 PM. All year round, thousands of devotees from all over the country visit this temple, which is world renowned for its religious customs, traditions, and as the upholder of the Tatvavaada philosophy or Dvaita, advocated by Madhvacharya.

# Malpe Beach

This beach by the Arabian Sea is a beautiful and popular destination among tourists for its water sports, pristine shoreline, beautiful sunsets, and St Mary’s Island that is just off its shore. Fondly known as Malapu, Malpe Beach lies 5.7 km from Udupi and is home to the Mogaveera folk, which is a community of fishermen. Like any other beach, Malpe Beach is a fun place to hang out with your family and friends. There are various water activities that one can partake at Malpe beach like surfing, jet-skiing, parasailing, banana boat rides, and speed boat rides which makes it one of the best places to visit in Udupi. You can also opt for adventure sports like white river rafting, kayaking, rock climbing and trekking.

What makes Malpe Beach one of the best places to visit in Udupi is the main attraction of the beach, St Mary’s Island which is just a short ferry ride away, about 6.5 km from the shore. According to legend, this uninhabited island in the Arabian Sea is where Vasco da Gama landed when he came from Portugal. This cluster of four islands (Coconut Island, North Island, Darya Bahadurgarh Island and South Island) is said to have been formed by the sub-volcanic activity of Madagascar (in Africa), and even though there is not much to do there, the island’s beautiful waters, rock formations and the coconut trees will make you want to stay forever.

# Corporation Bank Heritage Museum

Another of the many tourist places to visit in Udupi is the Corporation Bank Heritage Museum which is housed in a 125-year-old building that used to be the home of the bank’s founder, Haji Abdullah Saheb. One of the most unique places to visit in Udupi, the museum is dedicated to all things financial and its displays include ancient and rare items like coins, stamps, notes, and even barter items of trade. The oldest coins in the museum, located in Thenkpete, Maruthi Veethika, date back to 55 BCE.

Some of the collection comes from dynasties like the Mauryas, Satavahanas, Kushans, Guptas, the western Kshatrapas, and even from Portuguese India, British India, and Republic India.

# Ananteshwar Temple

Like the Sri Krishna Matha, the Ananteshwar Temple is one of the most popular religious places to visit in Udupi and one of the oldest shrines in the Tulunadu region. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is enclosed by hills on three sides and the river Manjeshwar on the fourth side and is said to have been built by the Alupa dynasty in the 8th century CE.

Located in the locality of Thenkpete, Maruthi Veethika is about 1.5 km from the Manjeshwar railway station, and the temple is part of a complex that houses a total of three deities, Sri Iswar (Shiva), Sri Ananta, and Bhadra Narasimha (an avatar of Vishnu). It has been an important pilgrimage centre for the followers of Vishnu since the 12th century CE.

# Jomlu Theertha

Located in the dense forests of the Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary, the Jomlu Theertha is about 40 km from Udupi city, although it falls within the Udupi district of which Udupi city is the headquarters. Formed by the Sita river, the Jomlu Theertha is a 20-metre high waterfall and is one of many places to visit in Udupi for families and youngsters who want to experience the beauty of nature. Jomlu Theertha is ideal for family picnics and general fun by the waterside. This is the second waterfall created by the river; Koodlu Theertha Falls in the Hassan district being the first.

The best time to visit the waterfalls is after the monsoon season, from November to April. This is when temperatures are pleasant and optimal for sightseeing. Even though it is not advisable for people to visit the falls during the monsoons, there are many adventurous folk who come here at this time. Caution must be exercised as the waterfalls are filled with leeches and the rocks become slippery, making it dangerous for visitors, especially during monsoons. In case you want to swim in the river or bathe under the waterfalls, it is advisable to visit the Jomlu Theertha after the monsoons.

# Jumadi Islands

Tucked away in the backwaters of the river Swarna (or Suvarna), the Jumadi Islands is a vacation destination for those wanting to experience nature in all its beauty. Unlike the other places to visit in Udupi, this is a preserved island where visitors can relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery, coconut trees, and emerald waters. Located near Kukkede Ramamandir Road in Bramavara, nearly 18 km from Udupi, the Jumadi Islands has a private beach where visitors can sunbathe, swim, read a book, enjoy, or even go skinny dipping without any worries. The island also has a homestay called Vamoose Jumadi Homestay, where you can stay and spend a few days with your family and friends. There are only two rooms available which can be booked online.