Karnataka · India
Udupi
A coastal temple town that gave the world Udupi cuisine — the revered Sri Krishna Matha, golden Malpe beaches, the rock islands of St Mary's, and legendary vegetarian food.
Udupi is temple-and-coast Karnataka: the Krishna Matha and its Paryaya festivals, Malpe and St Mary's islands, the birthplace of the masala dosa, and pure-veg Udupi meals.
Plan your trip
Udupi Tour Itineraries
Timed, walkable day plans — plus the best season to go.
Where to shoot
Udupi Photo Spots
Entry Nominal (lighthouse)
Kaup Beach & Lighthouse
- Best timeLate afternoon for the lighthouse climb; sunset, when the sky glows behind the lighthouse and the rocks.
- ColorsWhiteRedAqua
High crowdEntry Free
Malpe Beach
- Best timeSunset, when the sand turns golden and the sky glows over the sea; early morning for the fishing boats at the harbour.
- ColorsWhiteCoralAqua
Medium crowdEntry Free
Manipal End Point
- Best timeLate afternoon to sunset, when warm light falls across the river valley and the fields.
- ColorsWhiteCoralGreen
High crowdEntry Free
Sri Krishna Matha
- Best timeEarly morning, when Car Street is quiet and the light falls softly on the chariots; evening, when lamps light up the temple square.
- ColorsSaffronWhiteGold
Medium crowdEntry Boat fare
St Mary's Islands
- Best timeMorning, on an early boat, for softer light on the rock columns and fewer people on the shore.
- ColorsWhiteCoralCobalt
For the feed
Trending Wear in Udupi
Modern, Instagram-friendly looks
Rooted in the city
Udupi Traditional Wear
Local, cultural, handcrafted outfits
Before you go
Temples in Udupi
Darshan hours, dress codes and what gets refused at the gate
Taste the city
Food to Eat in Udupi
Trusted tables
Where to Eat in Udupi
About Udupi
Udupi is a temple town on the coast of Karnataka, about 60 km north of Mangaluru. Life here still turns around the Sri Krishna Matha, founded in the 13th century by the philosopher Madhvacharya, and around Car Street, the square that circles it. Eight monasteries, the Ashta Mathas, take turns to run the temple for two years each, and the handover, called Paryaya, is the biggest day in the town's calendar.
Udupi is also where the Udupi style of vegetarian cooking comes from, the food behind thousands of "Udupi hotels" across India. Give a morning to the temple and a masala dosa on Car Street, an afternoon at Malpe Beach and the boat to St Mary's Islands, and an evening at Kaup lighthouse or Manipal End Point for the sunset. Between mid-May and mid-September the sea is closed to boats and swimmers, so plan beach days for the dry months.
Questions
Udupi — FAQ
What is Udupi famous for?
Udupi is famous for the Sri Krishna Matha, where Krishna is seen through a small silver window, and for Udupi cuisine, including the masala dosa. It is also known for Malpe Beach, the basalt rocks of St Mary's Islands and the Kaup lighthouse.
How many days are enough for Udupi?
2 days covers the Krishna Matha and Car Street, Malpe Beach, St Mary's Islands and Kaup. Add a third day for Manipal and a slower look at the town's food.
What is the best time to visit Udupi?
October to February is the most comfortable time, with dry, warm days and calm seas. March to May is hot and humid, and the monsoon from June to September brings very heavy rain and closes the sea to boats. See the best time to visit Udupi for a month-by-month guide.
How do I reach Udupi?
The nearest airport is Mangaluru, about 60 km south by road. Udupi railway station is on the Konkan Railway, with trains to Mumbai, Goa, Mangaluru and Kerala. Buses run often from Mangaluru and Bengaluru.
Is Udupi the same as Manipal?
No, but they sit side by side. Manipal is a university town about 5 km from the centre of Udupi, known for its colleges, cafés and the End Point viewpoint. Most visitors see both in the same trip.