A place you won’t usually find on the bucket list of many travelers and a place that is somewhat different from the fast-paced cosmopolitan cities of Karnataka is the little town of Udupi. Considered as the birthplace of our beloved “Masala Dosa”, this town is a perfect retreat from the hectic schedules and never-ending deadlines. An absolute paradise for nature and culture lovers, Udupi is also blessed with some very beautiful temples that has earned it a title of the most important pilgrimage site of South India. So pack your backs and take your camera, you are up for an experience you won’t forget.
Places To Visit in Udupi
Shri Krishna Temple
Udupi is home to the Shri Krishna temple that is renowned for having the most beautiful idol of Lord Krishna in India. This place is thronged with thousands of devotees and tourists throughout the year because of its uniqueness and legend. Offering anyone who visits it a sublime experience, this temple has earned a name for itself.
If you want to seek the blessing of the lord while sitting in an enchanting ambience created by the bells hung at the entrance and the thousands of earthen lamps lit inside the sanctum, this temple is the perfect destination for you. Here Lord Krishna is depicted as a small boy( Balakrishna). This makes it an important pilgrimage site for the Hindus so much so that Udupi is also regarded as the second ‘Mathura’ of India(Birth-town of Lord Krishna).
The uniqueness of the temple:-
The idol of Lord Krishna faces the west. It is a rare sight to catch because as per the norm deities are placed facing east.
If you want to pay homage to the deity you have to do it through a silver-plated window having 9 holes or Navagraha Kritik. No one is allowed to witness the deity directly. This provides the visitors with a rare experience.
Another rare experience that you would encounter on your visit is.
Legend of the temple:
A popular legend that entices many who visit the temple is of Kanaka Kindi or the Window of Kanakadasa. In the 16th century, an ardent devotee named Kanaka was denied the darshan of the Lord because he came from the lower strata of the society. Resilient in his worship and devotion, he started praying at the back of the temple, catching glimpses of the lord through a crack in the wall of the temple. Overwhelmed by the sincerity of his worship, Lord Krishna created a hole in the wall and turned his face toward his devotee thus giving him darshan.
Timings: 4:00 am-9:00 pm
Nirmalya Visarjan Pooja: 5:30 am
Time required: 2 to 3 hours
Dress Code: Traditional wear. No modern clothes are allowed in the temple.
Kollur MookambikaTemple
Situated in the beautiful town of Kollur on the foothills of Kodachadri Hills amidst the green canopy of Western Ghats is Mookambika Temple. The presiding deity here is Aadiprakarshkti. It is believed that she embodies the power of three goddesses, Goddess Saraswati, Goddess Mahakali and Goddess Lakshmi which imparts a great value to this temple. Visiting the deity in the serene atmosphere of the flora and fauna, the cool winds of the ghats and the soothing melody of nature, creates this visit a very memorable one. I am sure your heart will cherish it and want to come back for it.
Timings: 5:00 am to 1:30
Dress Code: Men have to remove their shirts when entering the shrine; Women need to wear traditional clothing while entering the shrine. No modern outfits
Maple Beach
The hidden treasure of Udipi is Maple Beach. The experience of visiting this beach cannot be put into words. You need to lay your feet on this golden stretch of land to know what I am talking about. The white sand, graciously swaying palm trees, clear blue sky and the gentle murmur of the sea set the mood for a perfect idyllic holiday.
When the sun sets, the view of the place is surreal and a dream of every photographer. But the beach also has something for the people who love the adrenaline rush. River rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, trekking and parasailing are some water sports offered by the place. So a visit to maple beach is a perfect package for your perfect holiday.
Saint Mary Island
A land of spectacular beauty and immense geological importance, Saint Mary Island is a popular tourist destination of udupi off the coast of Maple beach. A thirty-minute boat ride in the Arabian Sea is worth the while.
Blessed with beautiful beaches, crystalline monoliths, and a quaint atmosphere, the island is a hidden treasure in the trove of Udupi. The destination is a perfect picnic spot that you can visit with your family. Laden with eye soothing picturesque greenery, the place will surely dominate your camera rolls.
Timing: Ferry from Maple beach 9:30 am to 5:30
Time required: 3 to 4 hrs
Entry Fee: INR 250
Camera fee: INR 200
Ferry Ride: 200 to 250 per person.
Coin Museum
This coin museum in Udupi is a huge crowd puller and never fails to enchant its visitors with its exotic collection of coins. Known to have over 1400 coins of both pre-modern and modern eras, the coin museum is a feather in the heritage of Udupi.
If you have a taste for ancient history or you yourself are a coin collector, this place will surely be a paradise for you. Come to this place especially with children because they could learn a great deal about the banking system of India that is presented beautifully in the museum. It would make an impression on their curious minds.
Things to do in Udupi:
Attend the Spring Zouk Festival
After taking the spiritual tour of this holy city of Rameshwaram, Ariyaman beach is the perfect destination to visit with your friends and loved ones and enjoy a relaxing evening while watching the setting sun over the horizon. But this is not all, this beach has much more to offer you to make this memorable. A children’s park, a museum, and an aquarium will definitely make your children not leave this place. While for the thrill seekers we have parasailing also available for you as well.
Foods to try
Masala Dosa
The birthplace of masala dosa is udupi. So it goes without saying that it is a must try when you are in town. You cannot miss out on this absolute pride of South India and contribution to the world. The authentic taste and wholesome flavour would linger with you for quite some time.
Neer Dosa
A dosa for the fitness enthusiasts, it is made out of coconut and jaggery. Being as light as water, this dosa is subtle in taste and a refreshing snack.
Shopping
Though udupi is a small town, a plethora of products can be found here. It is famous for its aromatic massage oils, spices and traditional wears like kanjeevaram, Dharmavaram and Banarasi Sarees can be found of finest qualities. Being known for its cuisine, you can find local delicacies like wheat halwa, banana halwa, banana chips and mango pickles on every nook and corner of udupi. Don’t forget to take some back home with you as they will surely win hearts with their flavour and aroma
Udupi is a must-visit location in the months of October to March. Come here with your family or your friends and unwind from the daily mundane life. Create some memories and experience one of the most beautiful places India is blessed with. Truly! You would be mesmerized by the incredibleness of your country. Bon Voyage!
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