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Udupi

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Udupi is a coastal town in the western ghats region of Karnataka state, in Southern India. .

[edit] Understand

Udupi is a very old temple city that is famous for its Krishna temple, established by Madhvacharya, the founder of the Dvaita philosophy. It had a nascent career as a financial hub till the 60s, with many banks being established here, but most of them got nationalized. Manipal within Udupi city is an important educational and medical centre in Karnataka. Its the second largest city in Coastal Karnataka after Mangalore Udupi City at present has Manipal, Malpe and surrounding areas as its suburbs.

[edit] Climate

The weather is fairly equable throughout the year, due to the nearby Arabian sea. Temperature ranges from 30 to 35 degrees centigrade in day time and is around 25 degrees during the night. Humidity is normally high most of the time.

The rainy season is from April to September. At this time the monsoon shows its true colours in this area. Within seconds, you can find yourself soaked in rain water.

[edit] Get in

Udupi is around 406 km from Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka.

[edit] By plane

Prepaid taxis (non air-conditioned) can be booked from the counter located inside the arrival terminal at Rs. 780.00 (as on 14-Jun-2008). They take approximately 1.5 hours to reach.

[edit] By train

  • Udupi is a major station on the Konkan railway route. There are connections with Mumbai and Mangalore. Major trains including Rajadhani Express stop at Udupi Railway Station. A night train is available from Mangalore to Bangalore.

[edit] By car

  • Udupi is located right on National Highway NH17 connecting Cochin with Mumbai. For a city-weary person, a journey on this highway will really lighten up the spirits.
  • From Bangalore, you first need to come to Mangalore via another national highway which mostly passes through zig-zag roads of hilly terrain.

[edit] By bus

  • Different type of buses regularly travel from major southern cities to Udupi. You may choose from Volvo (AC buses), Airbuses or KSRTC buses depending on your budget.

[edit] Get around

Buses, cabs and autorickshaws are ways to get around the city.

Udupi has excellent city bus services run by various private companies. Buses generally start and end at the main bus stand, but stop at various locations throughout the city.

Hired cabs are available, though they can't be hailed off the street. Autorickshaws can be, and are generally a cheap mode to travel.

Walking around the city when the weather is good is safe, and a good experience.

[edit][add listing] See

Udupi has some nice beaches, lush greenery, the quaint charm of a small town and many temples.

  • Udupi Sri Krishna temple. 800 years old, established by the Dvaita sage Madhvacharya  edit

There are various Devi temples around Udupi. They are

  • Shri Janardana and Mahakali Temple, Ambalpady.  edit
  • Shri Mahishamardhini Temple, Kadiyali.  edit
  • Shri Panchadurgaparameshwari Temple, Indrali.  edit
  • Shri Jayadurgaparameshwari Temple, Kannarpady.  edit
  • Venkatarman Temple, Tenkapet (0.5 km south of Sri Krishna Math). The temple was established on 1896 by Sri Sri Varadendra Teertha Swamiji of Sri Kashi Mathn Samsthan, Varanasi.  edit

You can also visit the birth place of the great Dwaita philosopher, Madhwacharya at Pajaka which is approximately 10 km from Udupi.

Visit Manipal(The Educational City of South India)its hardly 5 km from Udupi.

  • Malpe beach. Watch the sunset in Malpe beach where you can take fantastic pictures of sunset in the background of St Marys island etc.  edit

[edit][add listing] Do

St. Mary's island which has rock formations created by a uniquely artistic mixture of volcanic lava flow and sea wave action.

The last boat to that island is around 4:30 pm and from that island is 6:00 pm. The boat leaves only if there are around 30 visitors. Waiting time is about 30 minutes for a bus load of tourists to arrive before the boat leaves. It is best to do this in the evening.

[edit][add listing] Buy

Udupi is famous for traditional jewellery. Famous jewellers are:

You can also buy traditional packaged food here. The 'Wheat Halwa', Banana Halwa that is made up of Ghee and the 'Banana Chips' of this place are well-known. Mango pickles from here are great as well. Purchase these items from any local store. Enquire in any of these local stores for other local coastal delicacies.

  • Diana Stores. This ia good place to buy packaged food stuff  edit

For your general purchases:

  • Sampoorna Departmental Store, car street.  edit
  • Little Pai Super store, near Gitanjali theatre.  edit
  • Big Bazaar, near Taluk office. The store is 40,000 sq ft in area and is equpped with escalators. It has brought a new dimension for shopping to citizens of Udupi.  edit

[edit][add listing] Eat

  • Mitra Samaja, Near the Krishna temple, within the temple complex. . Over fifty years old, it is a local institution. You can sample authentic Udupi dishes like 'Goli Bhaje, 'Dosa' ,'Idli' and 'Medu Wada' with 'Sambar' and authentic Coconut Chutney.  edit

  • Diana, Diana Circle opposite the Fish Market. An institution for 'fast food" Indian-style; the 'Channa Pathora', 'Banana Bonda' and 'Veg Noodles' are favourites. The Veg cutlets here also are yummy.In the weekends, this restaurant is packed with college students. Being situated at a busy junction affords good view of the bustle outside, especially when seen from the first floor section. Not to forget the famous "Gadbad" ice cream served at Diana's.  edit
  • Woodlands, near Adamaru matha choultry. is a south indian vegeterian restaurant serving good food.It also serves north Indian style vegeterian food.  edit
  • Hotel Kushi. Located at Santhekatte around 5 km from Udupi on N.H. 17, near to Robosoft Technologies, is a local and one of the most famous restaurant and an ice cream parlour. You can sample authentic Udupi dishes like 'Goli Bhaje, 'Masala Dosa' ,'Idli Vada Sambar' with the special Coconut Chutney. You can also try the Grape juice and the lassi which is very famous. This small eatery, has served the people for around 20 years.  edit
  • Amanthrana. is a famous multicusine vegetarian restaurant near Gitanjali theatre.  edit
  • Campus Veg treat, within Summer Park hotel complex near Gitanjali theatre. is a multicuisine vegtetarian restaurant which opened recently. Try Mushroom Handi Biryani over there.  edit
  • Thamboolam. is a famous non vegetarian restaurant located near Kalpana theatre.  edit
  • 7 Bees, K. M. Marg. is a famous fast food restaurant.  edit
  • You can have the taste of "Charmuri Upkari" one of the famous taste of Udupi from different small mobile shops at Rathabeedi.
  • Parivar and Sri Venkateshwara Sweets and Condiments located in Sanskrit College Road are famous for sweets, bakery products and chat items.

[edit][add listing] Drink

It is fair to say that Udupi, being a temple town, is not a great place to have alcoholic drinks, and this sleepy town is not known for a vibrant night life.

  • At Mitra Samaja, you can try authentic filter coffee (coffee brewed from beans grown in South India, boiled with milk and sugar).If you want a cold drink, try "Badam Milk" (milkshake flavoured with almond and sugar).
  • You can try different on the spot prepared flavoured soft drinks at Madhavendra Juice Centre which is located in Car street on Tenkapet Road.
  • You can always try the famous Ginger soda which is available at all local shops.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

  • Hotel Udupi Residency, Near service Bus Stand, ☎ 91-820-2530005. checkin: Any time; checkout: 24 Hours. Udupi Residency is centrally air-conditioned, and all 33 rooms have a full range of amenities, from attached baths, air-conditioning and dining facilities to cable television and Internet access Rs. 800/-.  edit
  • Hotel Kidiyoor, Near Bus stop. checkin: 24 hrs. 850.  edit
  • Hoode Kemmanu Houseboats. just 13 km from Lord Krishna Temple.  edit
  • Mango Suites Century (The Smart Executive HOTEL), GB Panth Road (off Udupi District Bus Stand), ☎ 0918202593311, [1]. checkin: 12 noon; checkout: 12 noon. USD 25.  edit
  • Rukmini Residency, (off Udupi District Bus Stand), [2]. checkin: Any time; checkout: 24 hours. INR 800.  edit

[edit] Get out

Religious Places around Udupi

  • Gomteshwar jain temple (50 km away)
  • Bahubali jain temple
  • Parshwanath jain temple with thousand pillars (80 km away)
  • Murudeshwar mahadev temple (150 km)
  • The small village of Barkur has many temples and is an architectural delight, situated near Brahmavar

Major beaches

  • Malpe (9 km). Here you will get the Passenger boats to St.Mary's Island.
  • Kaup (30 km). Also houses a functional light house.
  • Murudeshwar beach (150 km). Shiva temple on beach and a fishing hub.
  • Gokarna Beach (250 km towards Goa)

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