Here’s a detailed 3-day travel itinerary for Udupi, Karnataka, along with a table of major attractions, their popularity, average time spent, and entry fees.
Day 1: Spiritual & Cultural Heritage
Morning:
- 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM: Start your day with a visit to the Udupi Sri Krishna Temple, a significant pilgrimage site. Don’t miss the famous Navagraha Kindi (nine-holed window) to view the deity. It’s one of the holiest places in the region.
- 9:15 AM – 10:15 AM: For breakfast, head to Mitra Samaj for traditional Udupi dishes such as idli, vada, and dosa.
Mid-Morning:
- 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Visit Malpe Beach, a popular beach known for its serenity and water sports activities. You can indulge in parasailing or jet skiing.
- 12:15 PM – 1:15 PM: Catch a boat ride from Malpe Beach to St. Mary’s Island. It’s famous for its unique geological formations, sandy beaches, and clear waters.
Lunch:
- 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM: Lunch at Thimappa Fish Hotel to enjoy authentic coastal seafood dishes. Try the fish curry and neer dosa.
Afternoon:
- 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Visit the Corporation Bank Heritage Museum, where you can learn about the banking history of the region and view antique coins.
- 4:15 PM – 5:15 PM: Explore Hasta Shilpa Heritage Village Museum to experience the rich coastal Karnataka architecture. It showcases ancient houses, temples, and artifacts.
Evening:
- 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM: Conclude your day at Kaup Beach (Kapu Beach), a peaceful location to watch the sunset and enjoy the scenic views from the lighthouse.
Day 2: Nature, Temples & Offbeat Exploration
Morning:
- 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM: Head to Mattu Beach to enjoy the clean, less crowded sands and beautiful surroundings. Perfect for a peaceful morning.
- 9:15 AM – 10:15 AM: Explore Pithrody Udyavara Beach, an offbeat destination offering a unique mix of river and sea views. It’s ideal for photography and tranquility.
Mid-Morning:
- 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Visit Kunjarugiri Shree Durga Devi Temple, located atop a hill, offering panoramic views and a sense of serenity. It’s an important spiritual site for the locals.
- 12:15 PM – 1:15 PM: Take a spiritual journey to Paajaka Kshetra, the birthplace of the renowned philosopher Madhvacharya. The temple complex and surrounding gardens offer a tranquil escape.
Lunch:
- 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant serving Udupi delicacies like Neer Dosa and Patrode.
Afternoon:
- 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Visit Manipal Lake for a serene boat ride. The lake is surrounded by lush greenery, making it an excellent spot for a peaceful retreat.
- 4:15 PM – 5:15 PM: Explore Museum of Anatomy & Pathology at Manipal University, which displays various anatomical specimens and exhibits. It’s fascinating for anyone interested in medical science.
Evening:
- 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM: Spend the evening at Udupi’s Beach Park, a perfect place for relaxation and watching the sunset with panoramic views.
Day 3: Exploring More Temples & Offbeat Locations
Morning:
- 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM: Visit the Sri Brahmavar Mahishamardhini Temple, an ancient temple located outside Udupi that offers tranquility and a break from the busy town life. It’s known for its religious significance.
- 9:15 AM – 10:15 AM: Head to Swan Lake near the temple, where you can enjoy a calm boat ride surrounded by lush greenery. The area is often less crowded and perfect for a peaceful retreat.
Mid-Morning:
- 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Take a short detour to Malpe’s Kodi Beach, which is known for its gentle waves and scenic beauty. You can take a dip or relax by the shore.
- 12:15 PM – 1:15 PM: Explore the Moodabidri Jain Temples, located 35 km from Udupi, famous for their intricate wooden carvings and history. The area is peaceful and a perfect place for history and architecture lovers.
Lunch:
- 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM: Head back to Udupi and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Try Bisi Bele Bath, a traditional dish of Karnataka.
Afternoon:
- 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Visit the Chandramouleshwara Temple, a historical temple that has both architectural beauty and a rich mythological background. It’s perfect for history buffs.
- 4:15 PM – 5:15 PM: Explore Kaup Lighthouse for a scenic view of the coastline. Climb to the top to witness a stunning bird’s-eye view of the Arabian Sea and surrounding beaches.
Evening:
- 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM: Wrap up your trip with a visit to Udupi’s Butterfly Park. It’s a wonderful spot for nature lovers and photographers. The park offers a unique experience of observing butterfly species.
Attractions Overview
| Attraction | Popularity | Avg. Time Spent | Entry Fee (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Udupi Sri Krishna Temple | High | 1.5 hours | Free |
| Malpe Beach | High | 1.5 hours | Free |
| St. Mary’s Island | High | 1 hour | ₹300 (boat ride) |
| Corporation Bank Heritage Museum | Medium | 1 hour | Free |
| Hasta Shilpa Heritage Village | Medium | 1 hour | ₹50 |
| Kaup Beach | Medium | 1 hour | Free |
| Mattu Beach | Medium | 1 hour | Free |
| Pithrody Udyavara Beach | Medium | 1 hour | Free |
| Kunjarugiri Shree Durga Devi Temple | Medium | 1 hour | Free |
| Paajaka Kshetra | Medium | 1 hour | Free |
| Manipal Lake | Medium | 1 hour | ₹10 (boating) |
| Museum of Anatomy & Pathology | Medium | 1 hour | ₹20 |
| Sri Brahmavar Mahishamardhini Temple | Low | 1 hour | Free |
| Swan Lake | Low | 1 hour | Free |
| Kodi Beach | Low | 1 hour | Free |
| Moodabidri Jain Temples | Medium | 1.5 hours | ₹20-50 |
| Chandramouleshwara Temple | Low | 1 hour | Free |
| Kaup Lighthouse | Medium | 1 hour | ₹20 |
| Butterfly Park | Low | 1 hour | ₹30 |
Enjoy your time exploring Udupi!