Here’s a detailed guide to the top 5 best places for shopping in Udupi, providing all the essential information for new tourists and city visitors:
1. Saanvi Super Market
- Location: 17/4, Kuntikana, Udupi
- Best for: Groceries, household items, and local goods
- Highlights:
- Saanvi Super Market is a well-known, all-in-one grocery store catering to both locals and tourists. It offers a wide variety of products, including fresh vegetables, dairy items, snacks, toiletries, and household essentials.
- The store is popular for its range of organic and eco-friendly products, making it a great choice for health-conscious shoppers.
- It’s a convenient stop for tourists looking to purchase essentials during their stay or take home local snacks and delicacies.
- What to Buy:
- Fresh vegetables and fruits
- Organic food products and groceries
- Local snacks like ‘Mangalore Buns’ and ‘Kundapura Rotti’
- Household items, toiletries, and personal care products
- Eco-friendly products like reusable bags, organic cleaning agents, and more
2. Kadiyali Market
- Location: Kadiyali, Udupi
- Best for: Fresh local produce, spices, and groceries
- Highlights:
- Known for its bustling atmosphere, Kadiyali Market is the go-to place for fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, and local products.
- The market also offers a variety of spices, local snacks, and organic food products.
- It is ideal for those looking to take home a piece of Udupi’s local flavors and culinary traditions.
- What to Buy:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Local snacks like ‘Chakkuli’ and ‘Kundapura rotti’
- Spices such as cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon
- Organic honey and traditional herbs
3. Sri Krishna Temple Complex Market
- Location: Sri Krishna Temple, Udupi
- Best for: Religious items, cultural souvenirs
- Highlights:
- Located within the temple complex, this market is perfect for those interested in buying religious items, such as idols of deities, temple bells, prayer beads, and incense.
- You’ll also find cultural souvenirs like traditional Karnataka handicrafts and religious books.
- The market is very close to the Sri Krishna Temple, making it a must-visit for tourists.
- What to Buy:
- Religious idols and figurines
- Temple bells and prayer items (incense sticks, lamps)
- Cultural artifacts like wooden carvings, silverware, and paintings
4. Manipal Market
- Location: Manipal, Udupi (Near the Manipal University)
- Best for: Clothing, accessories, electronics, and souvenirs
- Highlights:
- Manipal Market is a popular shopping destination for both locals and tourists, offering a wide variety of goods ranging from clothing and accessories to electronics.
- It is especially popular with students from the nearby university, making it a vibrant area to shop for casual and trendy clothing, as well as accessories.
- This market also has a good selection of small electronics, gadgets, and souvenirs.
- What to Buy:
- Trendy clothing (Western and traditional)
- Accessories like bags, wallets, and jewelry
- Small electronics, gadgets, and mobile accessories
- Souvenirs like t-shirts, keychains, and other memorabilia
5. Super Market, Udupi
- Location: Opposite Udupi Bus Stand, Udupi
- Best for: Everyday essentials, local snacks, and souvenirs
- Highlights:
- Located conveniently near the Udupi Bus Stand, this market is one of the most popular shopping destinations for both locals and tourists alike.
- It offers a wide range of daily essentials such as groceries, toiletries, and cleaning products, making it a convenient place for tourists to stock up on essentials.
- Apart from basic groceries, the market is also known for its selection of local snacks and traditional Udupi sweets, which make for great souvenirs.
- The market is busy and vibrant, giving visitors a true taste of the local shopping culture in Udupi.
- What to Buy:
- Local snacks like ‘Kundapura Rotti’ and ‘Chakkuli’
- Traditional sweets like ‘Mysore Pak’ and ‘Kobbari Mithai’
- Spices and condiments commonly used in Udupi cuisine
- Fresh vegetables and fruits
- Basic grocery and household items
Tips for Shopping in Udupi:
- Bargaining: Bargaining is common, especially in local markets like Malpe Beach and Kadiyali, so don’t hesitate to negotiate prices.
- Best Time to Visit: Visit these markets during the morning for the freshest produce and best deals.
- Local Currency: Make sure to carry cash, as many small vendors in Udupi may not accept cards.
- Souvenir Shops: Look for shops that sell authentic handcrafted goods, as they offer a piece of local culture to take back home.
By shopping at these top 5 places in Udupi, tourists will experience the true essence of local culture, produce, and craftsmanship.