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Udupi in Karnataka is the land of eternal bliss thanks to the Western Ghats on one side and the Arabian Sea on the other. The town is famous for its Krishna temple which is visited by a large number of devotees throughout the year. It is a picturesque town where tourists can head out to explore unseen places.
What makes Udupi even more famous are its mouth-watering local dishes. Tourists coming here can head to the many restaurants here that serve lip-smacking vegetarian food. The dishes are said to be cuisine of the Madhawa community living here.
There are many places you can head to here, of which the many temples are a must-visit. The beaches are perfect places to head to for relaxing and rejuvenating yourself. Tourists who visit this town are said to attain mental relaxation and spiritual calmness.
Chandramouleshwara Temple
One of the places to visit in Udupi is the Chandramouleshwara Temple, which is believed to have been built during the Chalukya dynasty some 900 years back. The temple is famous for its two enormous Shivlingas. There are many inscriptions on the walls of the temple and you will also see images of dancing Ganesha and Jaalandhra here. Devotees come here to find solace and worship the lord. Tourists coming here can marvel at the architectural brilliance of this temple.
Photo Courtesy: Vaikoovery
Kapu Beach
A major tourist place in Udupi is the Kapu Beach, which is known for its serene surroundings and soothing climate. Tourists coming here can enjoy a dip in the cool waters or just lay on the sand for a sunbath. It is an ideal spot for going on a picnic with your family as well.
Photo Courtesy: Bishu Naik
Krishna Temple
A major tourist place in Udupi is the Krishna Temple, which is visited by thousands of devotees throughout the year. The uniqueness of this temple is that you can enjoy a glimpse of the Lord through nine holes in a window. It is believed that those who do so will prosper. The Lord is decorated differently everyday and is bathed in milk before the decorations are laid out. The temple is believed to be over 1,500 years old and is one of the ancient temples in South India. Tourists coming here will be amazed by the large crowd thronging the temple. It is a major spiritual hub in Udupi.
Photo Courtesy: Vaikoovery
Kunjarugiri Durgadevi Temple
Another place to visit in Udupi is the Kunjarugiri Durgadevi Temple, which is believed to have been built by Lord Parashurama. The temple is located on a hill which resembles an elephant and thus the name. The word 'Kunjara' in Kannada means elephant. Tourists coming here are left speechless by the beautiful view they get to see of the region. It is also an ideal place to meditate and be one with the soul.
Photo Courtesy: Arun Prabhu
Maha Ganapathi Temple
Another tourist place in Udupi is the Maha Ganapathi Temple at Padubidri. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The idol here is 2.5 ft tall and is carved out of a single block of stone. Devotees come here to pay respects to the Lord. Tourists coming here can marvel at the beauty of the temple and explore the surrounding regions.
Photo Courtesy: Native Planet
Malpe Beach
Another place to visit in Udupi is the Malpe Beach, which is a famous fishing zone. Tourists can laze in the sandy beaches or head out in a boat and go fishing. It is the best place to lay back and relax under the sun with the cool air from the sea breezing through.
Photo Courtesy:Phaneesh N
Pajaka
Another tourist place to visit in Udupi is Pajaka, which is believed to be the birth place of Sri Madhavacharya who was a Dvaita philosopher. The major attraction here is the ancestral home of the philosopher. There is also a temple dedicated to him here. Tourists come here to learn more about this holy man and to explore his ancestral house. Followers of Sri Madhavacharya come here to the temple and offer their respects here.
Photo Courtesy: Native Planet
Saligrama Narasimha Temple
The Saligrama Narasimha Temple is a huge temple dedicated to Lord Narasimha. The temple is believed to be over 1,000 years old, and also the idol here is said to have been placed by Narad Maharishi. Devotees come here from far and wide to pay their respects to the god. Tourists coming here can visit the temple and know more about the origin and history of this temple.
Photo Courtesy: Native Planet
St. Mary's Islands
The St. Mary's Islands also known as the Coconut Islands are a group of four islands off the coast of Malpe. It is believed that Vasco Da Gama landed here during one of his voyages from Portugal. These islands are known for its scenic beauty and tourists can hire a boat to travel here. It is a perfect getaway for a picnic or for spending some quality time with your loved one.
Photo Courtesy: Arun Prabhu
Vinayaka Temple
Another place to visit in Udupi is the Vinayaka Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Vinayaka. It is believed that this entire region was created by Lord Parashurama and hence this region is considered very scared. The idol of the Lord is covered in silver coating and is in a standing posture. Devotees come here to worship the Lord and also marvel this holy region. Tourists coming here can visit the temple and also explore the beautiful surroundings of this landscape.
Photo Courtesy: Native Planet
How to Reach Udupi
By Air: Mangalore airport is the nearest airport to Udupi and is at a distance of 50 km from Udupi. It is well-connected with all the major states in India.
By Train: Udupi station in the Konkan Railway has direct trains to cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Rajkot and Ahmedabad.
By Road: Adjacent to Udupi are the NH-66 and NH-17 highways, making Udupi easily accessible by roads. The state highways connecting Karkala and Dharmastala, Shimoga and Srinari keep Udupi connected to destinations within the state. Buses are available for local transport.
Photo Courtesy: Paul Mannix
