Places to Visit in Udupi: 12 Best Attractions, Timings & Itineraries
Temples, a Blue Flag beach, a basalt-column island and rainforest day trips, with current timings, distances and ferry seasons for 2026.
Quick Answer: Best Places to Visit in Udupi
The best places to visit in Udupi are the Sri Krishna Matha, Malpe Beach, St. Mary’s Island, Kapu Beach and Lighthouse, Padubidri Blue Flag Beach and Manipal’s Hasta Shilpa Heritage Village. Add Kollur Mookambika Temple, Maravanthe, Agumbe and Kudlu Theertha Falls if you have a second or third day. Visit between October and March, start at the temple early in the morning and keep the evening free for a sunset at Kapu or Malpe.
Whichever type of trip you want, these Udupi tourist places combine easily, because most of the town sights sit within 6 to 15 km of each other.
Timings, fares and rules in this guide were cross-checked against Karnataka Tourism, Udupi district tourism pages and recent local reports in October 2026. They change often, so confirm on the day of your visit.
Top Places to Visit in Udupi at a Glance
Use this table to shortlist places before you read the detailed guide below. Distances are approximate and measured by road from Udupi town.
| Place | Best for | Time needed | From Udupi town | Best time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sri Krishna Matha | Pilgrimage, culture | 1.5 to 2 hrs | In town | Early morning, weekdays |
| Anantheshwara and Chandramouleshwara | Ancient Shiva temples | 30 to 45 min | In town (Car Street) | Morning |
| Malpe Beach and Sea Walk | Sunsets, water sports | 2 to 3 hrs | About 6 km | Oct to Mar, evening |
| St. Mary’s Island | Geology, photography | About 3 hrs with ferry | Ferry from Malpe | Oct to May, morning |
| Kapu Beach and Lighthouse | Sunset, history | 1.5 to 2 hrs | About 15 km | 4 to 6 pm |
| Padubidri Blue Flag Beach | Clean, supervised beach | 2 hrs | About 20 to 26 km | Daytime, Oct to Mar |
| Manipal: Hasta Shilpa and End Point | Heritage, evening walk | 2 to 3 hrs | About 5 to 7 km | Afternoon, evening |
| Anegudde Vinayaka Temple | Ganesha pilgrimage | About 1 hr | About 30 km | Morning |
| Maravanthe Beach | Scenic coastal drive | 1 hr stop | About 50 km | Sunset |
| Kollur Mookambika Temple | Pilgrimage day trip | Full day | About 75 km | Morning |
| Agumbe | Rainforest, sunset | Full day | About 55 km | Oct to Jan |
| Kudlu Theertha Falls | Forest trek | Half to full day | About 54 km | Nov to Jan, if open |
Table of Contents: Udupi Travel Guide
- Top places to visit in Udupi at a glance
- 12 best places to visit in Udupi
- Things to do in Udupi: 1, 2 and 3 day itineraries
- Best time to visit Udupi
- Udupi beaches compared
- What to eat in Udupi
- Where to stay in Udupi
- How to reach Udupi and get around
- Practical tips and mistakes to avoid
- Nearby trips from Udupi
- Udupi map
- Udupi travel FAQs
12 Best Places to Visit in Udupi (With Timings and Tips)
Udupi packs temples, beaches and Western Ghats scenery into a small area. The twelve places to visit in Udupi below are listed in the order most visitors see them: the temple town first, then the coast, then the longer day trips. Each card gives the practical details that general guides often skip.
1. Sri Krishna Matha
Darshan: roughly 4:30 or 5 am to 9 pm (varies) | Time needed: 1.5 to 2 hrs | Location: Car Street, town centre
Founded by the Dvaita philosopher Madhvacharya in the 13th century, the Sri Krishna Matha is the spiritual centre of Udupi. The idol of child Krishna (Balakrishna) is not seen face to face. Devotees look at it through a small silver-plated window called the Navagraha Kitiki or Kanakana Kindi. Local tradition links the window to the poet-saint Kanaka Dasa, who was turned away at the entrance and is said to have received darshan when the idol turned to face him.
Eight monasteries (Puthige, Palimaru, Adamaru, Shiroor, Pejavara, Sode, Kaniyooru and Krishnapura) take turns running the temple through the Paryaya. The current two-year term, held by the Shiroor Matha, began on 18 January 2026, and the next handover is in January 2028.
Plan it: Go on a weekday morning for shorter queues. A stricter dress code has been reported since January 2026, with men asked to keep the upper body bare inside the inner areas and women asked to wear a saree or salwar kameez. Ask at the entrance and dress accordingly. Footwear stays outside, and pooja timings change on festival days.
2. Anantheshwara and Chandramouleshwara Temples
Time needed: 30 to 45 min | Location: Car Street, beside the Matha | Best time: morning
Directly opposite the Krishna Matha, the Anantheshwara Temple is a Shiva shrine that sources describe as more than a thousand years old, with some dating it to around the 8th century. Chandramouleshwara, another old Shiva temple, stands about 100 metres away on Car Street. Both use the sloped, tiled roofs typical of coastal Karnataka, built for heavy monsoon rain.
Plan it: Devotees traditionally visit Chandramouleshwara first, Anantheshwara second and the Krishna Matha last. Both are quieter than the Matha, which makes them a calm start to the morning.
3. Malpe Beach and Sea Walk
Distance: about 6 km | Time needed: 2 to 3 hrs | Best time: October to March, evening
Malpe is a working fishing harbour with a long stretch of golden sand between the port and the mouth of the Udyavara River. The sea walk, a stone walkway that extends into the sea, is the easiest way to watch the sunset and the fishing boats. Parasailing, jet skiing and banana boat rides run in season, subject to weather and operator discretion.
Plan it: Under harbour rules, water sports and island trips are generally suspended for the monsoon, usually from mid-May to mid-September, and the break has been extended in rough years. Swim only in marked zones and follow lifeguard instructions. Malpe is also the jetty for St. Mary’s Island.
4. St. Mary's Island
Ferry: from Malpe, about 30 to 45 min each way | Time needed: about 3 hrs | Season: roughly October to May
St. Mary’s Island is a group of four small islands (Coconut, North, South and Daryabahadurgarh) known for hexagonal columns of basalt formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago. The formations are recognised as a geological monument, and the islands are said to have been named by Vasco da Gama in 1498. There are no permanent residents and very few facilities.
Plan it: Ferries are seasonal and depend on sea conditions. Karnataka Tourism says services typically run from October to May, and Lonely Planet reports no boats between June and mid-October. Recent reports put return fares at around Rs 250 to Rs 300, higher on weekends and festivals, with about an hour on the island. The first boat usually leaves around 9:30 am and the last returns around 5:30 pm, and boats sometimes wait for enough passengers. Carry water, cash and sturdy sandals, and avoid climbing the slippery rocks.
5. Kapu Beach and Lighthouse
Lighthouse: 4 to 6 pm | Distance: about 15 km | Time needed: 1.5 to 2 hrs
Kapu (Kaup) is the most photographed beach near Udupi. A 27-metre lighthouse built in 1901 stands on a rock at the northern end of the beach and still guides ships in the Arabian Sea. Climbing the narrow spiral staircase gives a wide view of the coast, and the lighthouse is lit up after dark.
Plan it: The lighthouse is usually open only from 5.15 pm to 6.30 pm, with a small ticket fee Rs 12 per Adult. so arrive by 3:45 pm. It may close on rainy days. The beach gets crowded on weekend evenings. A shallow stretch of river near the lighthouse is suitable for children to wade in, but stay out of the open sea.
6. Padubidri Blue Flag Beach
Distance: about 20 to 26 km | Time needed: 2 hrs | Hours: about 9 am to 6 pm (check before you go)
Padubidri is one of the first eight beaches in India to receive the international Blue Flag certification, awarded in October 2020 for cleanliness, safety and environmental management. The Blue Flag stretch has watch towers, changing rooms, clean restrooms, a cycling track and supervised swimming zones.
Plan it: The Blue Flag section is separate from the town’s main beach, so follow the signs. Reports say it is open roughly 9 am to 6 pm with an entry charge, so check before you go. It is a good choice for families who want facilities and lifeguards.
7. Manipal: Hasta Shilpa Heritage Village and End Point
Distance: about 5 to 7 km | Time needed: 2 to 3 hrs | Best time: afternoon and evening
Manipal is a university town, and most of its sights sit within a 5 to 7 km radius. Hasta Shilpa Heritage Village is an open-air museum of about 18 heritage buildings relocated and restored from different regions, with guided tours of around 90 minutes. End Point Park offers a view over the Swarna River and is popular for evening walks. The Museum of Anatomy and Pathology is a draw for medical and biology students.
Plan it: Combine Manipal with a late-afternoon visit, then return to town for dinner. It is also the best rainy-season substitute for the island trip. Check museum timings in advance, since smaller museums often close on certain days.
8. Anegudde Vinayaka Temple, Kumbhashi
Distance: about 30 km | Time needed: about 1 hr | Best time: morning
Anegudde (Kumbhashi) is a well-known Ganesha temple about 30 km north of Udupi, set in green surroundings near Kundapura. It is usually visited on the coastal temple circuit that links Udupi, Kumbhashi, Kollur and Murudeshwar.
Plan it: Pair it with Kollur or Maravanthe on a day trip north, and check darshan timings locally, since pooja schedules vary.
9. Maravanthe Beach
Distance: about 50 km | Time needed: 1 hr stop | Best time: sunset
At Maravanthe, the national highway runs in a narrow strip between the Arabian Sea on one side and the Souparnika River on the other. It is one of the most scenic drives in coastal Karnataka and a good place to pull over for photos, especially near sunset.
Plan it: Treat it as a stop on the way to Kollur or Murudeshwar rather than a full-day destination. Currents can be strong near river mouths and open beaches, so stay in safe areas and avoid swimming unless lifeguards are present.
10. Kollur Mookambika Temple
Distance: about 75 km | Darshan: 5 am to 9 pm | Time needed: full day
Kollur sits on the banks of the Souparnika River at the foot of the Kodachadri hills, and the Mookambika Temple is counted among the seven Mukti Sthalas of Karnataka. Tradition links the temple to Adi Shankaracharya, and its gold-plated pinnacle and copper roof are easy to spot. Devotees travel from across South India, especially on festival days.
Plan it: The drive from Udupi takes roughly two hours. The nearest railway station is Mookambika Road (Byndoor), around 28 to 30 km away. Kodachadri is about 38 km from Kollur and Murudeshwar about 61 km, so you can extend this into a longer coastal circuit.
11. Agumbe
Distance: about 55 km | Time needed: full day | Best time: October to January
Agumbe, known as the Cherrapunji of the South for its heavy rainfall, is a Western Ghats village famous for its sunsets and rainforest. The Agumbe Rainforest Research Station and the Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary are nearby, and the ghat road has a series of hairpin bends.
Plan it: October to January is the most comfortable window. During the monsoon expect very heavy rain, slippery roads and leeches. Drive carefully on the ghat section, and reach the sunset point early, as it gets crowded.
12. Kudlu Theertha Falls
Distance: about 54 km | Trek: roughly 3 to 4 km | Best time: November to January, if open
Kudlu Theertha (also spelt Koodlu Theertha) drops into a clear pool inside the Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary. The trail from the Hebri side winds through forest, bamboo groves and streams, and the falls are considered sacred by locals.
Plan it: Access is often restricted, so check with the forest department or locals before you set out. Reports put the best period at roughly December and January. The path crosses streams, so wear shoes with grip and avoid the falls after heavy rain. Start in the morning and leave enough time for the return trek.
Things to Do in Udupi: Itineraries for 1, 2 and 3 Days
These plans for the best places to visit in Udupi are built around real opening hours, so the lighthouse, the ferry and the temple do not clash. Pick the tab that matches your time.
Places to visit in Udupi in one day:
- 5:30 to 7:30 am: Chandramouleshwara, Anantheshwara, then darshan at the Krishna Matha.
- 8:00 am: Breakfast on Car Street (masala dosa, goli baje, idli).
- 9:30 am: Drive to Malpe and take the ferry to St. Mary’s Island if it is running (October to May).
- 1:00 pm: Lunch at Malpe (fresh seafood) or back in town (vegetarian thali).
- 3:45 pm: Arrive at Kapu Beach and climb the lighthouse between 4 and 6 pm.
- 6:00 pm: Sunset on the beach, then dinner in town.
Between June and mid-October, replace the island with Manipal’s Hasta Shilpa Heritage Village and End Point.
Day 1: Follow the one-day plan above.
Day 2, north of Udupi:
- Leave by 6 am for Kollur Mookambika Temple (darshan from 5 am).
- Have lunch near Kollur, then stop at Anegudde (Kumbhashi) on the way back.
- End the day with sunset at Maravanthe Beach.
Alternative Day 2: Manipal’s Hasta Shilpa Heritage Village and End Point in the morning, then Padubidri Blue Flag Beach in the afternoon.
Days 1 and 2: Follow the two-day plan above.
Day 3, Western Ghats:
- Leave by 6 am via Hebri for Agumbe and the Someshwara sanctuary.
- Trek to Kudlu Theertha Falls only if the forest department has opened it (best around December and January).
- Watch the sunset at Agumbe and return to Udupi in the evening.
Rainy-season alternative: Spend the day around Manipal, then visit Padubidri if the weather is clear. Avoid the ghat road after heavy rain.
Which Udupi Tourist Places Suit Your Trip?
- Pilgrims: Krishna Matha, Anantheshwara, Anegudde and Kollur Mookambika.
- Families with children: Padubidri Blue Flag Beach, Malpe sea walk and Hasta Shilpa Heritage Village.
- Couples and photographers: Kapu lighthouse at sunset, St. Mary’s Island and Maravanthe.
- Trekkers and nature lovers: Agumbe, Kudlu Theertha Falls and the Someshwara sanctuary.
Best Time to Visit Udupi (Month by Month)
The best time to visit Udupi is October to March, when the weather is pleasant, the sea is calmer and ferries and water sports run. Here is what to expect through the year.
| Period | Conditions | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| October to November | Pleasant after the rains, ferries restart | Beaches, island trip, start of Mattu Gulla season | Festival crowds |
| December to February | Coolest and driest | Everything, including Agumbe and Kudlu Theertha | Crowded weekends and holidays |
| March to May | Hot and humid | Early-morning temples, indoor sights in Manipal | Water sports usually end around mid-May |
| June to mid-October | Heavy monsoon | Waterfalls, rain drives, temple visits | No St. Mary’s boats, rough sea, leeches, slippery ghat roads |
Paryaya festival: Held in the early hours of 18 January in even-numbered years, when the temple administration changes hands. The current term began in January 2026 and the next is in January 2028. Expect large crowds and full hotels in the weeks around it.
Udupi Beaches Compared: Which One Should You Visit?
Many of the best places to visit in Udupi are on the coast, and each beach does something different. Use this comparison to pick the one that fits your day.
| Beach | Best for | From Udupi | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malpe | Water sports, sea walk, island ferry | About 6 km | Activities are seasonal |
| Kapu | Sunset and the lighthouse | About 15 km | Lighthouse open 4 to 6 pm |
| Padubidri (Blue Flag) | Families, clean facilities | About 20 to 26 km | Reported daytime hours and entry charge |
| Maravanthe | Scenic drive, sunset photos | About 50 km | Strong currents, not for swimming |
What to Eat in Udupi: Dishes, Local Specialities and Where to Try Them
Udupi cuisine is the vegetarian temple-kitchen tradition that spread across India as the ‘Udupi restaurant’. Around the Krishna Matha the food is largely vegetarian, while Malpe and the coastal restaurants serve fresh seafood.
Mattu Gulla: Udupi's GI-Tagged Brinjal
Mattu Gulla is a round, light-green brinjal grown in and around Mattu village, between the Udyavar and Pangala rivers. It received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2011 and is reported to be the only brinjal used in the Krishna temple kitchen. The season runs roughly from October to May, and local legend links the vegetable to the saint Vadiraja. Try it in gulla sambar in the cooler months.
Dishes to Try
- Masala dosa, idli and vada with sambar and coconut chutney, the classic Udupi breakfast.
- Gulla sambar made with Mattu Gulla.
- Kotte kadubu and moode idli: idlis steamed in leaves, a coastal Karnataka speciality.
- Goli baje: soft fried snack served with chutney, ideal with tea.
- Neer dosa and kori rotti: coastal favourites, often served with chicken or fish curry at non-vegetarian restaurants.
Where to Eat
- Mitra Samaj (Car Street): a pure vegetarian restaurant often credited with the masala dosa legend. Reported to be cash only.
- Woodlands (near the Matha): vegetarian dosas, thalis and snacks.
- Hotel Diana: traditional vegetarian fare, commonly recommended by travel guides.
- Kediyoor Gazebo and Thimmappa Fish Hotel: non-vegetarian and seafood options.
Opening hours and payment methods change, so check before you go. Small eateries may accept only cash.
Where to Stay in Udupi
Pick the area that fits your plans rather than a specific property.
- Near the Krishna Matha (Car Street): best for pilgrims, since the temples are within walking distance.
- Malpe: best for beach stays, sunsets and early ferries to St. Mary’s Island.
- Manipal: a lively student town with cafes, restaurants and easy access to the museums.
- Kaup and Padubidri: quieter coastal stays away from the town.
Book early for Paryaya in January of even-numbered years, long weekends and the October to February season.
How to Reach Udupi and Get Around
- By air: Mangaluru International Airport (IXE) is about 57 km away. Taxis and buses connect it to Udupi.
- By rail: Udupi station at Indrali is on the Konkan Railway, with services to Mangaluru, Bengaluru and Chennai. For Kollur, the nearest station is Mookambika Road (Byndoor).
- By road: NH66 runs along the coast. Mangaluru is roughly 1.5 hours away, Goa about 5 to 6 hours, and Bengaluru around 8 to 9 hours. KSRTC and private buses connect Udupi to Bengaluru.
Getting around: Auto-rickshaws cover the town, and city and private buses run to Malpe. Hire a taxi or self-drive for Kapu, Padubidri, Kollur and the Western Ghats. Manipal is about 7 km from the railway station.
Practical Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Check the ferry season first. Do not build your day around St. Mary’s Island between June and mid-October.
- Reach Kapu by 3:45 pm. The lighthouse is usually open only from 4 to 6 pm.
- Dress for the temple. A stricter dress code has been reported at the Krishna Matha since January 2026.
- Carry cash. Ferry tickets, parking and small eateries often do not take cards.
- Stay out of the sea in the monsoon and outside marked swimming zones at any time.
- Visit temples on weekday mornings. Weekends, festivals and the Paryaya period draw big crowds.
- Do not combine Kollur and Agumbe in one day. They lie in opposite directions from Udupi.
- Confirm Kudlu Theertha access with the forest department before you drive out.
Nearby Trips and Onward Journeys from Udupi
- Mangaluru (Mangalore): temples, beaches and Mangalorean seafood, about 1.5 hours south.
- Murudeshwar and Gokarna: coastal temples and quiet beaches further up the coast.
- Sringeri and Chikkamagaluru: temple towns and coffee country inland.
- Jog Falls and Shivamogga: waterfalls and rainforest, best after the monsoon.
- Bengaluru (Bangalore): the capital, a long overnight drive or train ride away.
Udupi Map
Udupi Travel FAQs
What are the best places to visit in Udupi?
The best places to visit in Udupi are the Sri Krishna Matha, Malpe Beach, St. Mary’s Island, Kapu Beach and Lighthouse, Padubidri Blue Flag Beach and Manipal’s Hasta Shilpa Heritage Village. For day trips, add Kollur Mookambika Temple, Maravanthe, Agumbe and Kudlu Theertha Falls.
How many days are enough for Udupi?
One day covers the temples, Malpe and Kapu. Two days let you add Kollur and Maravanthe, or Manipal and Padubidri. Three days add Agumbe and the Western Ghats.
What is the best time to visit Udupi?
October to March is the best time, with pleasant weather, calmer seas and running ferries. From June to mid-October the monsoon suspends St. Mary’s Island boats and water sports.
Is St. Mary's Island open all year?
No. Ferries from Malpe are seasonal and depend on sea conditions. Karnataka Tourism says they typically run from October to May, and other sources report no boats from June to mid-October.
What are the Udupi Krishna temple timings and dress code?
The temple is reported to open at around 4:30 or 5 am and close at around 9 to 9:30 pm, with pooja timings varying. Since January 2026, a stricter dress code has been reported: men keep the upper body bare in inner areas and women wear a saree or salwar kameez. Check at the entrance.
What time does Kapu lighthouse open?
Kapu lighthouse is usually open to visitors from 4 pm to 6 pm daily, with a small ticket fee. It can close in bad weather, so arrive by about 3:45 pm.
Which is the best beach in Udupi?
Malpe is best for water sports and the sea walk, Kapu for sunset and the lighthouse, and Padubidri for a clean, supervised Blue Flag beach. Maravanthe is best for its coastal drive.
How far is Udupi from Mangalore and Bengaluru?
Udupi is roughly 55 to 60 km from Mangaluru, about 1.5 hours by road, and Mangaluru airport is about 57 km away. Bengaluru is around 400 km, about 8 to 9 hours by road. See our guide to places to visit in Mangalore to plan a combined trip.
What is Udupi famous for?
Udupi is famous for the Sri Krishna Matha, for the vegetarian cuisine that spread worldwide as the Udupi restaurant, for beaches such as Malpe and Kapu, and for St. Mary’s Island.
What is the Paryaya festival?
Paryaya is the biennial ceremony in which the administration of the Krishna Matha passes among the eight mathas. It takes place in the early hours of 18 January in even-numbered years. The current term began in January 2026, and the next is in January 2028.
Plan Your Udupi Trip
The best places to visit in Udupi reward an early start: temple at dawn, the coast by noon and the lighthouse at sunset. Heading on to the next city? Continue with these guides.