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City in Karnataka, India
Photo: Shailum, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Most Indians know of Udupi not as a place, but as a category of restaurants that serve vegetarian food in the South Indian style. However, the town itself is not as well-known as its widespread cuisine. Still fewer know of its reputation as the location of a Krishna temple and a monastery established by the founder of one of the three main philosophical strains of present-day Hinduism.
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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.
Kanaka's Window
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.
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.
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.
Right next to the Krishna temple is this temple dedicated to Shiva, to whom, according to legend, the moon (Chandra) prayed at this spot.
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.
A small cliff that overlooks the Suwarna river. From this point, you can get a beautiful view of the sea as well as the mountains. Very popular with Manipal University students.
The birthplace of Madhvacharya, considered a holy place by believers. Has a temple dedicated to Durga, a memorial dedicated to Madhvacharya and some ponds, bathing in which supposedly cleanses one of all sins.
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.
This is an island at the mouth of a river that is near Udyavar beach. Within 100 meters of the sea, you get an amazing view at the island. Beware of pollution from the nearby fishing mills though.
Madhvacharya decreed that after he passed on, the heads of the eight mutts and their successors would head the main Udupi mutt in rotation for two months each. One of his notable later day successors, Vadiraja of Sode Matha, who lived during the 16th century, changed the tenure from two months to two years. This practice, called Paryaya continues to this day. The handover to the new head of Udupi mutt happens on 18 January on even numbered years, and is an occasion for much celebration and many religious ceremonies.
The trip takes you to Paradise Lagoon. Package includes all meals. It is not clear if packages of shorter duration are available - call to ask. The resort also offers normal rooms, and has some options for water sports as well.
Whitewater rafting during monsoon season. Best time of visit is from July to late January. This rustic resort offers accommodations and activities.
Kaup Beach
Nice, relatively unknown beach. There is a lighthouse from which one can get a nice view. It is 22 km from Manipal, MIT.
A famous fast food restaurant.
Hangout place with a stylish ambience. Indian, Mexican and Italian.
This is a multi-cuisine vegetarian restaurant. Try the Mushroom Handi Biryani.
A 60-year-old institution for 'fast food" Indian-style; the 'Channa Pathora', 'Banana Bonda' and 'Veg Noodles' are favourites. The Veg cutlets here also are yummy. In the weekends, this restaurant is packed with college students. Being situated at a busy junction affords good view of the bustle outside, especially when seen from the first floor section. Not to forget the famous "Gadbad" ice cream served at Diana's.
A small eatery popular with students. Good food at cheap prices. Serves both vegetarian and non-vegetarian items
One of Udupi's most famous vegetarian restaurants, has been in existence for over 20 years. Also has an ice cream parlour. You can sample authentic Udupi dishes like 'Goli Bhaje, 'Masala Dosa' ,'Idli Vada Sambar' with the special Coconut Chutney. You can also try the Grape juice and the lassi which is very famous.
Over fifty years old, it is a local institution. You can sample authentic Udupi dishes like 'Golibaje, 'Dosa' ,'Idli' and 'Medu Wada' with 'Sambar' and Coconut Chutney. Accompany your meal with a hot cup of filter coffee, or a cold glass of badam (almond) milk
Vegetarian restaurant with reasonably priced food. Sweets made of pure ghee.
Famous for sweets made with milk and ghee.
Sanskrit College Road
Famous for sweets, bakery products and chat items.
Vegetarian restaurant famous for North Indian food, but serves South Indian as well
This is one of the few non-vegetarian restaurants in Udupi. Try the kori rotti here.
Another icon of Udupi, this is a vegetarian restaurant best known for South Indian food. Like every other restaurant in Udupi, it also serves North Indian food.
Attill
Opened in 2011. It has received rave reviews for its sea-food and chicken dishes.
This bizarrely named "standing" bar serves cocktails and mocktails in addition to other alcoholic drinks (hence the name) You get your drink and food from over the counter at the roadside restaurant and consume them at one of the tables placed on the pavement. There is no seating. Cheap and very popular with the student crowd.
Down Town Pub
Beautiful place to dine. Has an attached Sports Bar and a lounge. A place with decent crowd where you may party the whole night.
Close to Manipal University. Facilities are good, but the price is way over what you'd expect in Udupi.
Kidiyoor Hotels
Good, basic hotel close to the Sri Krishna temple and city centre.
A good, reasonably priced hotel a short distance from the Sri Krishna temple.
Centrally air-conditioned, all 33 rooms have a full range of amenities, from attached baths, dining facilities, cable television and Internet access
For Kanchipuram, Dharmavaram, Banaras silk sarees.
Good shop for various kinds of dress materials.
Offers a wide variety of jewellery
Jewellery showroom
This is one of the go-to shops for traditional Indian jewellery.
Conveniently located, if you need to buy something in a hurry before setting off in a bus.
This is good place to buy packaged foodstuffs.
A symbol of Udupi's modernization. The store is 40,000 sq ft in area and is equipped with escalators. Very popular and very crowded.
Another of the supermarkets where you can supposedly buy everything. Nilgiri's is an over 100-year old brand, though the store is more recent.
By plane
Mangalore International Airport (IXE) is 59 km from Udupi. The airport is well-connected with major Indian cities and a few Middle-eastern destinations.
By train
By car
Udupi is located right on National Highway NH-66 (formerly NH-17) connecting Kochi with Mumbai. See Karavali#Get in about the lowdown on this route.
By bus
Buses regularly ply from major southern cities and Maharashtra to Udupi. Choose from the Volvos (AC buses), Airbuses or KSRTC buses depending on your budget.
By taxi
Hired cabs are available, though they can't be hailed off the street.
By autorickshaw
Autorickshaws can be found on the street, and are generally a cheap mode to travel.5 km and go up by ₹16 every kilometer after that.
On foot
Walking around the city when the weather is good is a nice experience. There aren't any footpaths, though, so you will have to share the side of the road with autos and bikes.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Mangaluru · International · IXE
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