Location: In the close proximity to the Shri Madhava Sarovara
Sri Krishna Temple of Udupi, also reckoned as the ‘Sri Krishna Matha’ (monastery) is a sacred Vaishnavite shrine of international repute that was established by Shri Madhavacharya; the proponent of Dvaita in 13th century AD. As per the prevailing legend when Sri Madhavacharya rescued a ship from a ferocious sea storm near the Malpe Seashore, the indebted sailors presented him with two idols; a Lord Krishna idol and a Lord Balarama idol. Madhavacharya enshrined the Sri Balarama idol at the Vadabhandeshwara Temple of Malpe while the Sri Krishna idol was brought to Udupi and consecrated at the Udupi Krishna Temple. Sri Madhavacharya also founded eight Krishna Mathas (Ashta Mathas) viz. Pejavara, Puttige, Palimaru, Adamaru, Sodhe, Kaniyooru, Shirur and Krishnapura. These Mathas manage the daily Pujas as well as the administration of the Krishna Temple one after another. The administrative responsibilities are transferred from one Matha to another at the time of the Paryaya Festival which is celebrated once in two years. Other festivals like Ratha Saptami, Madhava Navami, Sri Krishna Janmashtami, Navaratri, Madhava Jayanti, Diwali, Geeta Jayanti, etc are also celebrated at the Udupi Krishna Temple with immense fervor and grandeur. Lord Sri Krishna is worshipped in the child form at the Udupi Krishna Temple and unlike other Indian temples; the idol of the presiding deity doesn’t face the entrance of the shrine. It faces a nine holed window known as the ‘Kanakana Kindi’ placed at the back of the Matha and the Bal Krishna is worshipped through this Kanakana Kindi only. As the legend goes, Lord Krishna appeased by the dedication of his ardent devotee Kanakadasa; who was prohibited entry inside the temple due to his low birth, turned towards the Kanakana Kindi and blessed him with the holy Darshana. The Krishna Matha of Udupi stationed in the close proximity to the Shri Madhava Sarovara receives heavy influx of devotees all through the year.

Location: At the center of the Udupi Temple Square near the Car Street of the city close to the hallowed Chandramaulishvara Temple
The Ananteshvara Temple positioned at the center of the Udupi Temple Square near the Car Street of the city close to the hallowed Chandramaulishvara Temple is one of the ancient shrines of this sacrosanct civic that is dedicated to the God of sustenance; Lord Vishnu. Believed to have established by one of the devotees of Lord Parashurama; the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the Ananteshvara Temple aside from its boundless religious magnitude is exceedingly applauded for its unique structural framework that reveals the architectural ingenuity achieved during the yesteryears. The main sanctum sanctorum of the temple where Lord Vishnu is seated is flanked by a Sabha Mandap that is festooned by a series of elaborately carved columns. This columned hall as well as the sanctum is enclosed by a walled corridor that is roofed with slanting stone slabs. The wooden panel at the back manifests a Shiva Lingam surrounded by seraphic guardians, celestial elephants, peacocks and beautiful lotuses. A stone altar embellished with intricately carved sculptures is installed right outside the eastern entrance of the Ananteshvara Temple.

Location: Close to the Ananteshvara Temple near the Car Street
The Chandramaulishvara Temple of Udupi situated close to the Ananteshvara Temple near the Car Street is yet another primordial Hindu shrine that is dedicated to the God of Destruction; Lord Shiva. The Sanskrit term ‘Chandramaulishvara’ means the ‘Lord of the Moon’ i.e. Lord Shiva. As per the Hindu Mythology, Lord Moon is married to the 27 daughters of King Daksha Prajapati (27 constellations like Rohini, Bharani, Kritika, Vishakha). As the legend goes, Lord Moon always favored Rohini and neglected his other wives. The 26 dejected daughters of King Daksha complained to their father about the biased behavior of their husband. The enraged Daksha cursed Moon that he would lose his bright luster. The repentant Moon God along with his 27 wives consecrated a Shiva Lingam and worshipped Lord Shiva in order to regain his original luminousness. Lord Shiva pleased with Moon God’s penance appeared before him here and restored his previous shine. It is believed that the Shiva Lingam of the Chandramaulishvara Temple of Udupi is the very same Lingam that was installed and worshipped by the Lord Moon. Even the word ‘Udupi’ means ‘the Land of the Lord of the Stars (Moon)’. The Chandramaulishvara Temple of Udupi is a square shaped shrine that is topped with a pyramidal roof. Numerous shops selling various religious items and other trinkets surround the Chandramaulishvara Temple of Udupi.

Location: Just 12 kilometers from the downtown Udupi
The Pajaka Kshetra located just 12 kilometers from the downtown Udupi is the blessed vicinity where Sri Madhavacharya; the advocate of the Dvaita Doctrine was born in 1238 AD. Greatly frequented by the tourists of Udupi, the Pajaka Kshetra preserves a number of archaeological evidences associated with the life of Sri Madhavacharya as well as the epoch he existed in. The ancestral home and the birthplace of Madhavacharya houses an impression of his lotus feet which is flanked by an idol of this great philosopher installed by Sri Vadiraja Swami. Some of the noteworthy destinations of Pajaka include the site where the Aksharabhyasa (starting of the studies) of Madhavacharya was performed, the spot where Sri Madhava; the incarnation of Vayu picked up two colossal stones and put them upon two pots, a banyan tree believed to have planted by him and a water pond blessed by Sri Madhava Himself. It is supposed that a holy dip into the Madhava Pond washes off all your sins. A Madhava Mandir is also situated close to the birthplace of Shri Madhavacharya where many religious activities are held by the devotees of Shri Madhava. A Vedic Pathshala is also run at Pajaka where students are taught Vedas and other Sanskrit Literature. The Pajaka Kshetra Complex as well as the Pathshala are administered by the Kaniyooru Matha of Udupi. The Kunjaragiri Durga Temple also located round the corner is yet another must visit destination around Udupi. The hill atop which the Kunjaragiri Durga Temple is placed offers the most mesmerizing spectacles of surrounding landscape and the divine Udupi City.

Location: At the ‘Shri Kshetra Hosakatte’ approximately 32 kilometers away from Udupi on the western banks of the river Seetha
Shri Bramalingeshwara Temple located at the ‘Shri Kshetra Hosakatte’ approximately 32 kilometers away from Udupi on the western banks of the river Seetha is a sanctified abode of the 8th incarnation of Lord Vishnu; Lord Shri Krishna that is exceedingly venerated amongst the Hindus in general and the Vaishnavites in particular. Greatly sought after by the visitors of Udupi, the Bramalingeshwara Temple; the blessed land of Lord Krishna boasts of its antiquity of over 800 years. Apart from its presiding deity, the Bramalingeshwara Temple also enshrines other Kshetra deities within its hallowed premises. Presently, the Bramalingeshwara Temple of Hosakatte is undergoing a grand scale renovation and the devotees are appealed to contribute in it.

Location: Found adjacent the boundary of the Udupi and Kundapura Talukas roughly 30 kilometers to the northeast of Udupi
Guddattu Shri Vinayaka Temple to be found adjacent the boundary of the Udupi and Kundapura Talukas roughly 30 kilometers to the northeast of Udupi is an ancient place of worship dedicated to Lord Ganesha that aside from its immense religious weight also prides on its glorious legacy of past 700 years. Erected adjoining a massive granite boulder resembling the shape of a sleeping elephant, the Guddattu Shri Vinayaka Temple enshrines a three foot tall idol of Lord Vinayaka naturally emerged out of a big rock. Placed inside a tiny natural cave, this stone idol of Lord Ganesha depicts this Remover of Obstacles in a seated position. The trunk of the Ganesha Statue is turned towards His right hand and the shape of the eyes as well as legs is visible quite clearly. The black and grey stone icon of Ganesha is most of the times submerged under the water oozing inside the cave. Apart from the daily worships, the two special pujas offered at the Guddattu Shri Vinayaka Temple include Ayarkoda (Ayurkoda) and Akki Kadubu Seve. Ayurkoda means the Abhisheka performed with one thousand pots of water. At the time of Akki Kadubu Seve, a food item called ‘Kadubu’ is prepared out of about 480 kg rice and 240 kg Uddu and offered to the presiding deity; Lord Ganapati. Also commended for the natural pulchritude of the surroundings, the Guddattu Shri Vinayaka Temple can be reached from Udupi via Brahmavar, Barkur and Shiriyara.

Location: About 37 km from Udupi is a small town of the Udupi District
Karkala, located about 37 km from Udupi is a small town of the Udupi District that apart from its remarkable historical background is also hailed all over the map for its unparalleled religious and spiritual grandeur. Renowned far and wide as a leading Jain pilgrim destination, Karkala beckons thousands of Jain devotees as well as hordes of other tourists all through the year. Jainism is extensively practiced in Karkala and the civic accommodates around 18 Jain Basadis such as Chaturmukha Thirthankara Basadi, Anekere Padmavathi Basadi, Hiriyangaddi Neminatha Basadi, etc. within its periphery. The 42 feet tall monolithic statue of Bahubali chiseled out of single stone is the most frequented attraction of Karkala. Lord Bahubali, also worshipped as Arihant Gomateshwara, was the second of the 100 sons of Rishabha Dev Ji; the first Thirthankara of Jainism. Placed just 1 kilometer away from the heart of the town, the Bahubali Statue of Karkala happens to be the 2nd tallest effigy in the entire Karnataka State. This sacred statue was installed at Karkala on 13th February 1432 under the patronage of King Veerapandya Bhairava Raja; the erstwhile ruler of the Karkala Kingdom. The Mahamastakabhisheka ceremony is performed at Karkala once in every 12 years when thousands of Jain devotees congregate here and Lord Bahubali is immersed with milk, water, saffron, sandalwood paste, turmeric and vermilion. The latest Mahamastakabhisheka Ceremony was performed in February 2002.

Location: About 53 kilometers to the southeast of Udupi
Moodabidri, also known as ‘Moodbiri’, ‘Mudbidri’ and ‘Bedra’ is a modest township of the Dakshina Kannada District that is situated about 53 kilometers to the southeast of Udupi and can be approached from Udupi via NH 66 and SH 70. Between 14th and 16th century AD Moodabidri flourished as a foremost center of Jain religion, art, culture and architecture when the 18 Jain Temples of Moodabidri celebrated far and wide as the ‘Basadis’ were constructed. The most famous amongst the 18 Basadis are; Guru Basadi and Tribhuvana Tilaka Chudamani Basadi. The Guru Basadi estimated to be the earliest existing Basadi of Moodabidri is dedicated to the 23rd Thirthankara of Jainism; Lord Parshwanatha. The sanctum of the Guru Basadi enshrines a 3.5 meters tall stone idol of Lord Parshwanatha. Moreover, the Dhavala Texts; the rare palm leaf manuscripts of Jainism dated 12th century AD were also discovered inside the Guru Basadi. The Tribhuvana Tilaka Chudamani Basadi, also known as the ‘Savirakambada Basadi’ meaning the ‘Thousand Pillars Temple’ is an astonishing piece of architecture that was built in mid 15th century AD. Exceptionally popular for its marvelous stone sculptures of Lord Chandranatha, Supaarshwa, Chandraprabha, and its Mahadwar, Chitradevi, Bhairadevi, Namaskaara, Teerthankara and Garbhagruha, the three storied edifice of the Savirakambada Basadi is supported by ornately carved pillars; each of them being different in its pattern and designs. Manastambha that stands right in front of the temple is a 15 meters tall pillar that is chiseled out of one single stone. Also reckoned as the ‘Jain Kashi’ of south, Moodabidri is one of the most frequented religious destinations in the vicinity of Udupi.

Location: On the southern banks of the river Swarna and sited just 9 kilometers to the north of Udupi
Kallianpur; nestled on the southern banks of the river Swarna and sited just 9 kilometers to the north of Udupi is a small hamlet of the Udupi District that has earned worldwide fame due to its celebrated Milagres Church; one of the contemporary churches of the Milagres Church of Mangalore. Reckoned as ‘Igreja Nossa Senhora do Milagres’ in Portuguese, the Milagres Church of Kallianpur is a Roman Catholic Church that is dedicated to Mother Mary; Our Lady of Miracles. Established as per the treaty signed between the Portuguese and Queen Keladi Chennamma of Bednore, this tabernacle dating 1678 AD was destroyed by Tippu Sultan in 1784 AD. However, the church was reconstructed in 1806 subsequent to the return of the captives from Srirangapatna and the present day structure of the Milagres Church of Kallianpur dates back to the year 1941. Today, the Kallianpur Parish manages over 400 families and runs 2 schools and a college.

Location: Within the MGM College Campus
Rashtrakavi Govinda Pai, also known as Manjeshwar Govinda Pai was a prolific Kannada poet and writer who was the first wordsmith to receive the title ‘Rashtrakavi’ from the then Madras Government. Some of the most noteworthy works of the Rashtrakavi include Golgotha, Vaisakhi, Hebberalu, etc. Rashtrakavi Govinda Pai could fluently speak, read and write about 25 different languages and he also translated quite a lot of Japanese works into Kannada. The Rashtrakavi Govinda Pai Research Center of Udupi located within the MGM College Campus was established in the year 1965 by compiling over 5000 books from the personal collection of this Poet Laureate. Presently working as a centre for the post doctoral research, the Rashtrakavi Govinda Pai Research Center of Udupi guides the students in language, literature, art, culture, and many other domains. The research center conducts workshops, national & international seminars, extension lectures, etc on the regular basis. Innumerable books pertaining to the art and culture of the region are also published by the Rashtrakavi Govinda Pai Research Center. The Tulu Lexicon in 6 volumes available at this research center is one of the pioneering accomplishments of the country in the area of a minority spoken language. The Rashtrakavi Govinda Pai Research Center and Reference Library are open between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm from Monday to Friday and between 9:00 am and 1:00 pm on Saturday.

Location: Just 7 kilometers to the west of the Udupi Town
The Malpe Beach comprising the westbound circumference of Malpe and sited just 7 kilometers to the west of the Udupi Town is one of the most frequented and intensely cherished seashores of Karnataka that is predominantly credited for its untainted natural pizzazz and its balanced cosmic equilibrium. Though haunted by thousands of tourists all through the year, the Malpe Beach has still retained its intact virgin beauty and has managed to be far afield from the modern torrents of commercialization. The endless coastline of Malpe wearing the ochroid robe of creamy golden sand glimmering under the flares of sunshine is garlanded by the long chaplets of dancing palm trees on one side while the titanic stretch of cerulean blue sea adorns the opposite rim of this glamorous seaboard. The enchanting beach of Malpe is flanked by a cluster of four rocky islands distinguished for their extraordinary geological attribute of volcanic rock formation. At the Malpe Beach tourists can bathe in the sea, enjoy boating, fishing and angling, sail a ferryboat, take a leisurely walk along the spectacular beach, watch the fishermen at work or just recline under the azure sky basking in the juvenile rays of the sun. The soothing shade of the palms and the fresh & cool sea breeze will undoubtedly wash off all your worldly tensions here. Moreover, the tourists can also visit the Malpe harbor where ships are built.

Location: Lies about 13 kilometers to the south of Udupi along the Udupi - Mangalore National Highway 66
Kaup, also locally known as ‘Kapu’ is a small coastal village of Udupi District which lies about 13 kilometers to the south of Udupi along the Udupi - Mangalore National Highway 66. Greatly acclaimed amongst the sightseers and devotees for its three Mariamma Temples and the historical fort established by Tippu Sultan, the Kaup Village is chiefly reckoned for its Kaup Beach and the lofty lighthouse erected here. Though less explored as compared to the other beaches of Karnataka, the Kaup Beach is a must visit destination around Udupi. The conspicuously rocky coastline of Kaup renders the sea significantly rough and boisterous as against the calm and gentle sea of Malpe. A trip to Kaup will certainly acquaint you with the intimidating power of the Arabian Sea. The key attraction of the Kaup Beach is its staggering lighthouse dated back to 1901 AD. This 27.12 meters tall Lighthouse haughtily standing upright offers utterly stupendous panoramas of the surroundings. The Lighthouse is open for visitors from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm every day. The Kaup Beach overloaded with infinite natural bloom has served as a backdrop to a number of films.

Location: In the Arabian Sea to the west of the Malpe Coast
St. Mary’s Islands, also reckoned by the monikers ‘Coconut Island’ and ‘Thonse Paar’ are a cluster of four minuscule islands namely Coconut Island, North Island, Daria Bahadurgarh Island and South Island positioned in the Arabian Sea to the west of the Malpe Coast. Principally commended for their unique geological characteristic of columnar basaltic lava formations, the St. Mary’s Islands are listed amongst the 26 Geological Monuments of India by the ‘Geological Survey of India’. The northernmost island of this ‘Island Cluster’ is profuse with hexagonal basaltic rock formations which happen to be only one of their kinds in the whole of India. This atoll measuring 500 meters in its length and 100 meters in its width is enveloped in the thick cover of coconut groves which yields this isle its sobriquet; the ‘Coconut Island’. As per the prevailing local conviction Vasco da Gama before reaching Kozhikode had landed here and christened the islands after Mother Mary exclaiming ‘O Padrão de Santa Maria’.
The St. Mary’s Islands are not inhabited by human beings but they provide home to several exclusive bird species videlicet Brahminy Kites, Sandpipers, Grey Egrets, Great White Egrets, Green Bee Eaters, Gulls, Crows and so on. The western coasts of the islands are blanketed with long stretches of bountiful seashells of assorted shapes and sizes. The islands are not bequeathed with sand beaches but the tourists can repose on the park benches and pavilions installed along the shoreline at a number of vantage points. St. Mary’s Islands comprise one of the most sought after picnic spots around Malpe which are teeming with both locals and tourists explicitly in the evenings. Watching the enticing pageantry of light in the western firmament at the time of sunset is absolutely a coaxing experience. The most ideal season for visiting these islands is December to March. St. Mary’s Islands are reachable from the mainland Malpe via ferryboat.

Location: At the footings of the Western Ghats approximately 48 kilometers to the northeast of Udupi on the Mangalore- Karkala-Agumbe Road
The Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary situated at the footings of the Western Ghats approximately 48 kilometers to the northeast of Udupi on the Mangalore- Karkala-Agumbe Road is a famous nature preserve of the state of Karnataka that was declared a wildlife sanctuary on 5th June 1974. Spread over an extensive area of 88.4 square kilometers, the Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary enveloped under the verdurous blanket of evergreen and semi-evergreen forests shelters innumerable endangered species of flora and fauna within its protected premises. The mammals residing in the Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary include Tiger, Leopard, Jungle Cat, Palm Civet, Wild Dog, Jackal, Wild Pig, Porcupine, Lion Tailed Macaque, Common Langur, Bonnet Macaque, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Sambar, Gaur, and so on while this conservation area harbors Malabar Trogon, Great Indian Hornbill, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Malabar Whistling Thrush, Ceylon Frogmouth and numerous other species of avifauna within its secured haven. The reptiles dwelling in the Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary include Python, King Cobra, Monitor Lizard and many others. The most ideal time for paying a visit to the Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary is from October to April. Tourists are permitted entrance inside the sanctuary between 6:00 am and 6:00 pm all days of week.

Location: About 37 kilometers to the north of Udupi in the Udupi District
Kundapura; located about 37 kilometers to the north of Udupi in the Udupi District is one of the most angelic coastal towns of Karnataka that is reckoned all over the map for its abundant backwaters and its multitudinous religious destinations. Bounded by the Panchagangavali River to its north, the Kalaghar River to its east and the Kodi Backwaters as well as the fathomless Arabian Sea towards its west, the Kundapura is accessible only from its southern side. The town Kundapura derives its appellation from the name of the Kundeshvara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva which was established by the erstwhile king of Kundapura; Maharaja Kundavarma. The term ‘Kundapura’ can be split into two words ‘Kunda’ and ‘Pura’ wherein Kunda means pillar and Pura means a town. Kundapura, along with its neighboring Basrur Harbor flourished during the ancient times as a thriving port city from where excellent quality rice used to be exported to Persia, Arabia and Zanzibar. Apart from the vestiges of the historical Kundapura Port and the sacred Kundeshvara Mahadev Temple, Kundapura is also acclaimed for its numerous religious destinations including Anegudde Vinayaka Temple, Shri Mookambika Devi Temple, Mekekattu Nadhikeshwara Temple, Guddattu Vinayaka Temple, Herikudru Island, Kodi Beach, and so on.

Location: About 55 kilometers to the northeast of Udupi
Agumbe, a dandy little township of the Thirthahalli Taluk which falls under the Malnad Region of the state of Karnataka is one of the wettest locations of the Indian terra firma that receives about 7640 mm of the annual precipitation; second only to Cherrapunji. Parked about 55 kilometers to the northeast of Udupi and perched at the elevation of 826 meters above the sea level, Agumbe the ‘Cherrapunji of the South’ receives exceptionally heavy rainfall, the highest ever being 4508 mm which was gathered in August 1946 in a single month. The forests of Agumbe are now proclaimed the ‘World Heritage Site’. The Agumbe Rainforest Research Station of Agumbe happens to be the only permanent Rainforest Research Station of India. Some of the must visit tourist attractions near Agumbe include Barkana Falls, Kunchikal Falls, Onake Abbi Falls, Koodlu Theertha Falls, Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary, Jogigundi, Sunset Point, Agumbe Medicinal Plants Conservation Area, etc. Agumbe provides a safe shelter to assorted wildlife species such as King Cobra, Flying Lizard, Tiger, Leopard, Lion Tailed Macaque, Indian Gaur, Sambhar, Hornbills, Dhole, Cane Turtles, Atlas Moth and many other birds and amphibians. The well known TV Series ‘Malgudi Days’ plotted on the novel by R K Narayan was filmed at Agumbe.

Location: At the distance of about 13 kilometers to the north of Udupi
Brahmavar, also spelt as ‘Brahmavara’ and previously known by the name ‘Ajapura’ is a tiny ‘main road town’ of the state of Karnataka that is nestled at the distance of about 13 kilometers to the north of Udupi. Celebrated far and wide as a pivot of Karnataki culture and heritage, Brahmavar is essentially exalted for its propitious temples, the chief of them being the Mahalingeshwara Temple, the Gopinatha Temple, the Janardhana Shrine, Saint Mary’s Syrian Church, Holy Family Church, Shanaishwara Temple, Muduganapathi Temple, Lakshmi Venkataramana Temple, etc. The 9th century Mahalingeshwara Temple built in the Hoysala style of architecture is thronged by the devotees expressly on the occasion of its annual chariot drawing festival. Apart from its immense religious magnitude, Brahmavar is also noted amongst the tourists for its enticing backwaters and the exciting boating facilities available here.

Location: Reposed on the banks of river Seeta approximately 18 kilometers to the north of Udupi
Barkur reposed on the banks of river Seeta approximately 18 kilometers to the north of Udupi is a cluster of 3 villages namely Hanehalli, Hosala and Kachoor that is greatly applauded amongst the tourists for its numerous fascinating sightseeing places including temples, archeological vestiges and its eco tourism destinations. Some of the must visit tourist attractions of Barkur include Panchalingeshwara Temple, Someshwara Temple, Mahalingeshwara Temple, Somanatha Temple, Banashankari, Batte Vinayaka Temple, Bairavaganapati Temple, Gopalakrishna Temple, Hattara Narayana Temple, Manigara Keri, Balagara Keri, Mahalakshmi Temple, etc. The archaeological remnants of Simhasanagudde Fort & Palace, Vijayanagara Fort, Padarasabavi Well, the ruins of the Hinguladevi Temple, Nandana Kote, Katthale Basadi, etc and the beautiful Island of Bennekudru draw thousands of visitors all over the year.

Location: Just 7 kilometers from the downtown Udupi
Manipal; the suburb of the Udupi City and placed just 7 kilometers from the downtown Udupi is a University Town that has attained international fame as a home to the ‘Manipal University’ that handles over 20,000 students from more than 50 countries. The Manipal University has its branches in Bangalore, Mangalore, Jaipur, Dubai, Malaysia and Antigua. This Deemed University offers numerous undergraduate, postgraduate, super specialty and doctorate courses in various subjects such as Medicine & Surgery, Pharmacy, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Engineering, Architecture, Printing & Media Technology, Languages, Journalism & Communication, Hotel Management, Culinary Arts, etc.