Udupi

Udupi

Udupi is notable for the Krishna Temple and lends its name to the popular Udupi cuisine. It is also known as Lord Parasurama Kshetra, and is famous for Kanakana Kindi. A centre of pilgrimage, Udupi is also known as Rajata Peetha and Shivalli (Shivabelle).

• Udupi Sri Krishna Matha:

It is devoted to Krishna is located in the city of Udupi in Karnataka. The Matha area resembles a living ashram considered as a holy place for daily devotion and living. The Udupi Anantheshwara Temple which is over a 1,000 years old is in the surroundings of Sri Krishna Matha.The Krishna Matha was founded by the Vaishnavite saint Shri Madhwacharya in the 13th century.

It is believed that Madhwacharya found the murti of Sri Krishna in a large ball of gopichandana.The daily offerings to god and administration of the Krishna Mutt are managed by the Ashta Mathas.The Krishna Matha is known throughout the world for its religious customs, traditions, and learning in Dvaita or Tatvavaada philosophy. It is also the centre of Daasa Sahitya, a form of literature that originated in Udupi.Festivals like Makara Sankranthi, Ratha Sapthami, Madhva Navami, Hanuma Jayanthi, Sri Krishna Janmashtami, Navarathi Mahotsava, Madhva Jajanti (Vijaya Dashami), Naraka Chathurdashi, Deepavali, Geetha Jayanthi etc. are celebrated here very grandly every year.

• Kapu Beach:

Kaup or Kapu is a village town located between Udupi and Mangaluru that is predominantly known for one of the most serene and pristine beaches. Owing to the greenery surrounding the beach on all sides, tourists make a bee-line towards this place for a quick weekend trip away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The beach is famously known to house an old lighthouse that was apparently built in the year 1901. The lighthouse is open for visitors during certain periods of time in the course of the day. It offers a delightful view of the entire beach and seashore that will surely take your breath away.

Besides the lighthouse, Kaup also has ruins of Jain Basadis that line across the stretch of sand, and these are definitely worth a visit. Kaup is the base for two Hindu temples dedicated to the Goddess Mariamman. The best time to visit Kaup Beach is from October to December.

The beach also has small shacks and eateries where one can sample a bit of the local cuisine.

• St. Mary’s Islands:

St. Mary’s Islands Rocks

Photo Credit :

It is also known as Coconut Island and Thonsepar, are a set of four small islands in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Malpe. They are known for their distinctive geological formation of columnar basaltic lava.

Scientific studies indicate that the basalt of the St. Mary’s Islands was formed by sub-aerial subvolcanic activity, because at that time Madagascar was attached to India.

The islands form one of the four geological monuments in Karnataka state, one of the 26 Geological Monuments of India declared by the Geological Survey of India in 2001. The monument is considered an important site for “Geo Tourism”.

The only way of getting to the islands is by boat.

• Malpe Beach:

It spread across Swarna Nandi River and Malpe Port is one of the finest beaches in Karnataka. The endless stretch of golden sand, graciously swaying palm trees, the clear blue sky and the clean waters of Arabian Sea all set a perfect mood for an unforgettable holiday.

It is characterized by silver white sand beach and rocky islands, which is still quite secluded and not visited by a lot of tourists. It is a great place for boating and swimming.

October to January is the best time to visit Malpe.

• Anegudde Sri Vinayaka Temple:

It is the abode of the elephant-headed god, Sri Vinayaka. It is one of the best known Ganesha temples and it is one of the seven ‘Mukti Sthalas’ (Parashurama Kshetra)in coastal Karnataka.

Here, Lord Ganapathi is also called, ‘Siddhi Vinakaya’ and ‘Sarva Siddhi Pradaayaka’, the provider of all boons. People come here with all kinds of wishes. The Lord Vinayaka here is said to fulfill all the wishes of his devotees. Anegudde Temple has two guest houses, “Amoda” &”Pramoda” for pilgrims.

On the 4th day after the full moon of every lunar month, special poojas are held at the temple. on the sankasta and the pooja is offered also on ganesha rathosava

• Maravanthe Beach:

The Beach is a beautiful sight on the NH17 towards Udupi. NH-17 runs next to the beach and the Suparnika River flows on the other side of the road, creating a spectacular scenery that is considered the only one of its kind in India. The Suparnika, which almost touches Arabian Sea here, makes a U-turn and goes westward to join the sea after a journey of more than 10 km.

There are places to stay on the highway, but the alternative would be at the nearby town, Kundapura. With a mountainous backdrop of Kodachadri Hills this is a picturesque virgin beach not unspoiled by tourists. The beach is also well lit up at night and the street lights reflect in the waters, making an attractive display. The water at Maravanthe beach is safe for swimming.

At the nearby Gangoli port, tourists can request fishermen and, for a fee, accompany them to the sea the next day, at 4am, and stay fishing with the locals till noon.

• Kudlu Theertha Falls:

It is a picturesque waterfall located amid jungles of Western Ghats in Udupi district and recognized as the first water fall of river Sita. The water falls from a height of 126 feet directly to the pond. It is believed that this pond is holy because many sages performed penance here many years ago.

There is another water fall above Kudlu Theertha called Manga Theertha (Monkey Theertha) because only Monkeys can reach this water fall as the path is very steep inside the forest.

One has to trek a few kilometers to reach Kudlu Theertha falls. Reaching at the banks of River Sita and climb the Burma bridge on the right side to cross the river and a small trek inside the jungle. Crossing the small stream and reach the foothills and from here a little trekking will take you to the beautiful Kudlu Theertha.

• Mattu Beach:

It is known for its pristine and virginal beauty and are visited by those who love solitude. There are not tourist crowded or beach activities on these beach and it’s pristine, clean and scenic.

This beach is also not much known, on the most part and you’ll find yourself pretty much alone there. A tar road is nicely laid in between the river and the beach.

Sea shore looked monotonously same, but the river gives life a new meaning altogether. Rivers are the lifelines of humanity, whereas Seas, a meaning for the lives of these rivers!