Udupi is one of the most beautiful coastal cities in the Indian state of Karnataka. This city is lined by the spectacular beaches like Maple Beach, Kapu Beach, Mattu Beach, and Pathrody Udyavar Beach. The city has numerous museums that preserve the rich heritage of the country. There are also several prominent Hindu temples worth exploring in this stunning city. Be it a nature getaway, history tour or an exploratory visit here, Udupi has so much to offer to its visitors. When planning a trip to this amazing city, check out our list of the best things to do in Udupi, Karnataka.
1. Learn about the art of Yakshagana
Posted by Yakshagana Kendra Udupi on Thursday, 19 July 2018
Yakshagana Kendra in Udupi is a prominent cultural arm of the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial College and is one place where you can witness the traditional Indian education system of “gurukula” even today. Young learners are taught the art of Yakshagana (Badagutittu) dance and music in this institution. Learn about the history of this amazing performing art and this 42-year-old center at the Yakshagana Kendra. You can also catch a live show during your visit.
Yakshagana Kendra Udupi
Address: Hayagreeva Nagar, Udupi, Karnataka 576104
Website: Yakshagana Kendra Udupi
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
2. Check out the scenic shores of Malpe Beach
Spanning for a distance of 6 kilometers (3.7 miles), Maple beach is a natural port and a prominent fishing hub in the Karnataka coast. You can interact with the locals of Maple town - the Mogaveera fishing community and learn about the life and works on the beach. This beach is also a great spot to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Arabian sea. You can enjoy a wide range of water activities like ringo ride, banana ride, speed boating, jetski bike, parasailing, kayaking and more.
Malpe Beach
Address: Maple Beach, Maple town, Udupi
3. Enjoy the sunset at Mattu Beach
Mattu Beach is a calm and less-crowded beach near Udupi. Mattu offers a secluded beach experience where you can simply take a walk on the sand as the water kisses you every few seconds, or rest under an umbrella watching the sunrise and sunset. This beach is a quiet getaway sans any eateries and shops that you would normally find in most popular Indian beaches. You can also visit the Mattu Nagabrahma Temple located at a short distance from this beach
Mattu Beach
Address: Mattu Beach, Udupi, Karnataka 574118
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4. Stand between a river and an ocean at Pithrody Udyavar Beach
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
With the Udyavara River on one side and the expansive Arabian Sea on the other Pithrodhy Udyavara Beach is a thin strip of private beach haven waiting for you to relax under the breathtaking sunset views. You can also enjoy fishing and anchoring on the Udyavara River. You can reach this beach by taking a short boat ride. This is another peaceful spot to enjoy the golden sand beaches and the glowing waters of the Arabian Sea.
Pithrody Udyavar Beach
Address: Karnataka 574118
Opening hours: 5am - 9pm (daily)
5. Visit the Corporation Bank Heritage Museum
The Coin Museum Corp Bank in Udupi is the major source of collection of Coins and Stamps in India. Visit the Coin Museum while you stay at Country Inn & Suites. #coinmuseum #countryinnmanipal
Posted by Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Manipal on Monday, 1 August 2016
Corporation Bank first took its humble beginning in the state of Karnataka. The Corporation Bank Heritage Museum was opened on the memory of its founder Haji Abdullah Haji Kasim Saheb Bahadur in his house in Udupi. This museum exhibits a stunning coin collection of about 1300 coins belonging to the Maurya, Gupta, Mughal, Vijaya Nagara, Kshatrap, Maratha, Satavahana, British East India empires. Explore this fabulous museum in Udupi.
Corporation Bank Heritage Museum
Address: Corporation Bank Road, Thenkpete, Maruthi Veethika, Udupi, Karnataka 576101
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed on Sun)
Price: Free
6. Offer prayers at Sri Indrani Panchadurga Parameshwari Temple
Located on a hilltop Sri Indrani Panchadurga Parameshwari Temple is a less popular but peaceful temple to visit in Udupi. The temple steps offer a mild trekking experience to its visitors. This 11th-century Hindu shrine of Goddess Durga is a pleasant delight. There is a lake near this temple that offers a spectacular view.
Sri Indrani Panchadurga Parameshwari Temple
Address: Rudra Priya Nagar, Udupi, Karnataka 576104
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 6am - 8pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
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7. Swing by Museum of Anatomy & Pathology
Museum of Anatomy and Pathology in Manipal showcases specimens of human and animal skeletons and organs. You will be able to witness specimens of diseased organs in this museum. This is an amazing place to visit for aspiring medical students and researchers. You will be able to witness exhibits of how the human body works. This museum offers an amazing learning opportunity to its visitors.
Museum of Anatomy & Pathology
Address: Manipal Dr, Madhav Nagar, Manipal, Karnataka 576104
Website: Museum of Anatomy & Pathology
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)
8. Awe at the hand-carved structures of Hasta Shilpa Heritage Village
Hasta Shilpa Heritage Village is an open-air heritage museum in Manipal that showcases traditional houses and hand-carved artifacts. These carved structures depict the historic art of the country and the detail in these works will simply mesmerize you. Witness the stunning beauty and amazing quality of Indian art and craftsmanship in the carved structures of this heritage village. It is notable that all the intricate structures displayed in this museum are created using hand tools.
Hasta Shilpa Heritage Village
Address: Hasta Shilpa Heritage Village, Opp: Hotel Lake View, Near Christ Church, Alevoor road, Udupi District, Manipal, Karnataka 576104
Website: Hasta Shilpa Heritage Village
Opening hours:Tue - Sun: 10am - 5:30pm (closed on Mon)
9. Know about the life and works of Dr. TMA Pai
Dr. Tonse Madhav Ananth Pai ( Dr. T.M.A. Pai) was the first person to start a self-financed medical institution in India. He was the backbone behind the development of the Manipal education district. He has donned the role of a banker, philanthropist, doctor, and educationist to serve the nation and its people. To cherish his life and works, the city of Manipal opened Smrithi Bhavan at his former residence. This place serves as a museum educating people on the life and philanthropic efforts of Dr. TMA Pai.
Smirthi Bhavan
Address: Madhav Nagar, Eshwar Nagar, Manipal, Karnataka 576104
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9:30am - 6pm (closed on Sun)
10. Take a nature walk at Lake Manipal walking trail
Lake Manipal is one of the most scenic places to visit near Udupi. The Manipal town has been named thus because of the presence of this expansive lake at the center of the place. There is a walking trail spanning 1.24 mi (2 km) around this lake where you can enjoy breathtaking water views. It is also a popular picnic spot among the locals. If you are looking for a calm morning walk or an evening leisure time to enjoy the sunset views, this lake is a great spot to rest. You can also witness the many migrating birds on the small island-like creation at the center of the lake during specific seasons.
Lake Manipal walking trail
Address: Manipal Lake, Karnataka 576104
Opening hours: 7am - 7pm (daily)
Explore the beaches and museums around Udupi
Udupi is a beautiful city surrounded by beautiful beaches, historic places and is close to the amazing town of Manipal. This city offers a wide range of options to explore. It is indeed a great spot to visit for a calm and serene vacation. The city is also popular for its delicious cuisine that tantalizes your taste buds.
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