8 Reasons to Visit the Small Coastal Town Of Udupi

Udupi is a small coastal town in southwest Karnataka. Surrounded by the Arabian Sea, Udupi is famous for its sandy beaches, ancient temples and lush green forests. The small town attracts thousands of tourists from different parts of the country throughout the year. Udupi is also home to the famous Hare Krishna temple built in the 13th century. Hindu pilgrims from all over the country visit Udupi to witness the statue of Lord Krishna housed inside the temple. The ancient Anantheshwara temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva is another popular pilgrimage site in the coastal town of Udupi.

According to legend, the temple was built by Bheem in one day and one night. The temple was later renovated during the reign of the Alupa dynasty in the 8th century C.E. With so many popular tourist attractions, it is no wonder Udupi is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Karnataka. Bedazzling tourists with its unique culture, cuisine, and architecture, there’s a lot to experience here. Here are our recommendations for the best places to see in Udupi: -

St. Mary's Island

A group of four islands, namely Coconut Island, North Island, South Island and Daryabahadurgarh Island – Mary Island is one of the most popular sightseeing places in Udupi. Tourists can look forward to witnessing the formation of crystalline rocks formed here due to the separation of Madagascar Island from India. The island is located 4 miles off the coast of Karnataka and showcases breathtaking natural beauty that captivates the hearts and minds of its visitors.

Krishna Temple

It is one of the most popular Udupi attractions in Karnataka. The temple exhibits an idol of the lord adorned with golden jewellery and upon a chariot. The temple premise is also used for celebrating Hindu festivals like Ramanavami, Deepavali, Krishnashtami, and Hanuman Jayanti. The temple is more than 1000 years old and is considered to be one of the most important temples in Karnataka. The ancient temple showcases the architectural excellence of ancient builders and is quite popular among devotees as well as tourists.

Kudlu Falls

The waterfall cascades down from a height of 150 feet from the Western Ghats. Surrounded by lush green mountains, the waterfall showcases awe-inspiring natural beauty. Tourists have to take a small trek through the mountainous terrain to reach this picturesque waterfall. Kudu Falls is popularly known as Sita Falls among the locals in Udupi. It is one of the most-visited Udupi tourist attractions among nature lovers and adventure sports enthusiasts. The picturesque waterfall provides ample opportunity to capture awesome moments on camera which is why it is a hot spot for nature photographers.

Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary

This wildlife sanctuary is located in the Western Ghats of Udupi. The Someshwara wildlife sanctuary is home to a wide variety of rare animals such as Jackal, wild boar, spotted deer, gaur, wild dogs, monkeys, langurs, Hornbills, squirrels, and macaques. Visitors can also look forward to enjoying the mesmerizing sight of picturesque waterfalls in the area, including Jogi Gundi waterfalls, Onake Abbi Falls, Barkana Falls, and Koodlu Theertha Falls. The wildlife sanctuary is named after Lord Someshwara and a temple dedicated to the deity is also located within the sanctuary. Devotees can also pay homage to Lord Someshwara by visiting the temple. Make sure you visit the wildlife sanctuary as part of your Udupi sightseeing tour.

Sea Walk Malpe

This long stretch of road has the Arabian Sea on one side and the Swarna river on the other. Tourists can enjoy the breathtaking views by sitting on the benches placed alongside the path. The pathway also showcases stone sculptures that depict local fishermen as a form of appreciation for their contributions. Letting you experience the true beauty of this coastal town in Karnataka, Sea Walk Malpe is one of the best places to visit near Udupi.

Kemmannu Hanging Bridge

The bridge was built to connect the two points of the Swarna river. However, it has become a hotspot for adventure sports enthusiasts who visit the bridge to participate in river rafting, kayaking and boating. Surrounded by lush greenery, Kemmannu Hanging Bridge is an ideal destination for tourists looking for a place to escape the city hustle. When it comes to the things to do in Udupi, this place has the lion’s share of it.

St. Lawrence Church

St. Lawrence Church, also known as Attur Church, is a Roman Catholic Church built in 1759. The glass walls inside the church are decorated with paintings which depict important events in the life of Christ. The church is a marvel of architectural genius that attracts thousands of devotees from different parts of the country. The church is also famous for the Attur Festival celebrations that take place in the church every year. Make sure St. Lawrence Church is on top of your Udupi sightseeing itinerary.

Maple Beach

This is one of the best beaches in Udupi. There are plenty of food stalls selling some local snacks to keep you going. Sit and relax on the shore and watch the tide or take a long walk - unwind the way you want to. Being one of the most popular attractions near Udupi, the beach is preferred by a lot of tourists.

If you are planning to visit Udupi, then we have the perfect Udupi tour package for you at Veena World. Make your vacay a memorable affair!