Stay at a Houseboat

Visit Malpe beach where you can take fantastic pictures of the sunset in the background of St Mary's island. Nice clean beach, not inundated by tourists.

Rock formations created by a mixture of volcanic lava flow and waves. Legend has it that the Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama landed here and claimed the island in the name of Mother Mary. The island also has a beautiful beach which is worth visiting. The first boat is supposed to run at 8:30AM, last boat to that island is around 4:30PM and from that island is 6PM. The boat leaves only if there are around 30 visitors. Waiting time may be about 30 minutes for tourists to arrive before the boat leaves. It is best to do this in the evening or early mornings. If visiting during noon, there is little shade to be found. Food and drinks are sold on the island.

The unusual feature of Udupi's Krishna temple is that the statue faces west, and away from the devotees. To catch a glimpse of the deity, you need to make your way to Kanaka's window. The reason for this, apparently, is that a lower-caste devotee named Kanakadasa was denied entry into the temple, so he tried worshiping from a small window outside it. The Lord was so pleased at his devotion that He turned around to face the window. The window is now named after him, and a massive Gopura (or tower) has since been built over it.

This is a temple dedicated to Parashurama, another incarnation of Vishnu, and according to legend, the creator of the landmass encompassing Udupi, Dakshina Kannada and Kerala. The temple dates back to the 8th century.

A complex of temples and monasteries located near the Madhva Sarovara, or Madhvacharya's pond.
The main temple is constructed in the architectural style typical in Kerala and Dakshina Kannada, with multiple layers around the inner sanctum sanctorum, with no massive sikhara over it as is found elsewhere in South India. There are shrines to subordinate deities including Garuda and Hanuman. On special occasions, the temple area is beautifully decorated with flowers and lamps.
Offerings can be made and "prasadam" can be bought inside. The temple offers free lunch to everyone at three dining halls, or Bhojana Shaalas.

Madhva Sarovara is right next to the temple and is accessible from both inside and outside of it. has a "mantapa" or canopy at its centre, and the pond is often beautifully lit. A bath at the sarovara may or may not be possible. Inquire before taking the plunge.