Things to Do in Udupi: Sri Krishna Matha, Malpe & St Mary's Island

Visit Sri Krishna Matha

At Sri Krishna Matha, devotees view the idol of Krishna through the Kanakana Kindi, a small window with nine holes. Tradition says Krishna turned to face the poet-saint Kanakadasa, who was not allowed inside. The matha runs a large kitchen that serves free meals to thousands of visitors daily.

Time needed

1–2 hours

Best time

Early morning

Good to know

Dress codes apply

Walk the Car Street and Ashta Mathas

Around the temple, the Car Street (Ratha Beedi) is lined with the eight mathas, the Anantheshwara and Chandramouleshwara temples and shops selling brass lamps and religious items. Temple cars are pulled here during festivals.

See the Paryaya festival

Every two years, in January, management of the temple passes from one matha to the next in the Paryaya festival, with processions, music and a festive atmosphere across town.

Best time

January of Paryaya years

Relax on Malpe beach

Malpe, about 6 km from Udupi, is a busy fishing harbour and a wide beach with water sports, a sea walk and food stalls. It is the departure point for boats to St Mary's Island.

Best time

Sunset

Good for

Families

Take a boat to St Mary's Island

St Mary's Island, a short boat ride from Malpe, is known for its columnar basalt formations, formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago, and is a National Geological Monument. There is no shade or food on the island; carry water and a hat. Boats run from about October to May, depending on the sea.

Time needed

2–3 hours

Best time

October to May

Good to know

No boats in the monsoon

See the lighthouse at Kaup

Kaup beach, about 12 km south of Udupi, has a lighthouse on the rocks that visitors can often climb for views of the coast, and a clean, quiet beach.

Best time

Late afternoon

Visit Delta beach

Delta beach at Kodi Bengre is where the Swarna and Sita rivers meet the sea, with the river on one side and the ocean on the other.

Drive the Maravanthe coastal road

At Maravanthe, about 50 km north, the highway runs on a narrow strip between the Arabian Sea and the Souparnika river, one of the most scenic drives on the coast.

See the Hasta Shilpa Heritage Village

In Manipal, the Hasta Shilpa Heritage Village is a collection of traditional houses and buildings from across India, rescued and reassembled with their furnishings and crafts. Visits are by appointment or guided tour.

Good for

Architecture lovers

Watch sunset at Manipal End Point

End Point, at the edge of the Manipal plateau, overlooks the Swarna river valley and is a popular sunset spot with students.

Eat an Udupi meal

Udupi cuisine is vegetarian, often without onion and garlic in temple cooking, and uses coconut, jaggery and local vegetables. Try a banana-leaf meal with saaru, huli, pathrode and payasa, as well as masala dosa and goli baje at local restaurants.

Good for

Food lovers

Visit Kollur Mookambika

The Kollur Mookambika Temple, about 80 km north at the foot of the Kodachadri hills, is an important Devi temple visited by pilgrims from across South India.

See Kudlu Falls

Kudlu Falls, near Agumbe in the Western Ghats, is reached by a forest walk and is best after the monsoon. Agumbe, one of the wettest places in South India, is known for king cobras and rainforest.

What are the best things to do in Udupi?

Visit Sri Krishna Matha and the Car Street, relax on Malpe beach, take a boat to St Mary's Island, see Kaup lighthouse and Delta beach, and eat Udupi food.

When do boats run to St Mary's Island?

From about October to May, depending on sea conditions. They stop during the monsoon.

How many days are enough for Udupi?

One to two days.

What is Udupi famous for?

The Sri Krishna Matha, Udupi vegetarian cuisine and masala dosa, and nearby beaches and islands.