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3 Days in Udupi

Planning 3 days in Udupi? This 3-day Udupi itinerary blends spiritual heritage at Sri Krishna Matha with coastal beauty—Malpe Beach, St. Mary's Island's basalt columns, Kapu's lighthouse, and Maravanthe's road-between-sea—all at a relaxed pace, grounded in Udupi's real history and cuisine. It includes a detailed day-wise schedule, activities, meal suggestions, transportation tips and an estimated budget to help you plan your trip with less guesswork.

Day 1

Begin with the spiritual heart of Udupi—Sri Krishna Matha, founded by Madhvacharya. Witness the unique Kanakana Kindi darshan, explore the temple's rituals and the ashta mathas, then stroll through the bustling market. In the afternoon, relax at Malpe Beach and watch the fishing harbor come alive at sunset.

Activities

Morning darshan at Sri Krishna Matha (view through Kanakana Kindi)
Explore the eight mathas and temple tank
Lunch at a traditional Udupi restaurant (Woodlands or Mitra Samaj)
Evening at Malpe Beach and fishing harbor

Meals

•Breakfast: Idli-vada-sambar at Udupi Sri Krishna Bhavan
•Lunch: Full Udupi thali at Woodlands Restaurant
•Dinner: Neer dosa and vegetable sagu at Mitra Samaj

Day 2

Take a morning boat from Malpe to St. Mary's Island, marveling at the hexagonal basalt columns and the legend of Vasco da Gama. Return for a seafood lunch at Malpe. In the afternoon, drive to Kapu Beach and climb the historic lighthouse for panoramic views, then enjoy a quiet evening on the sands.

Activities

Boat ride to St. Mary's Island (depart from Malpe jetty)
Walk among the basalt columns and relax on the beach
Seafood lunch at a Malpe beach shack
Visit Kapu Lighthouse and beach at sunset

Meals

•Breakfast: Pongal and chutney at hotel
•Lunch: Fresh catch at Malpe's Machali (fish) restaurant
•Dinner: Roti and veg curry at a local eatery in Udupi

Day 3

Dedicate this day to the revered Kollur Mookambika Temple, a 45-minute drive from Udupi, set amid the Western Ghats. After darshan, return via Maravanthe Beach—where the highway runs between the sea and a river—and stop at Kundapura for a relaxed lunch and a short exploration of its temple heritage.

Activities

Morning darshan at Kollur Mookambika Temple
Drive along the scenic Maravanthe Beach (NH-66)
Lunch and brief walk in Kundapura
Optional visit to Kundapura's ancient temples (e.g., Sri Mahalingeshwara)

Meals

•Breakfast: Upma and filter coffee at hotel
•Lunch: Kundapura-style fish curry and rice at a local restaurant
•Dinner: Light meal at Udupi (puliyogare or curd rice)

Detailed Timeline

Day 1

8 activities

Morning

07:00 AM

Morning darshan at Sri Krishna Matha

Arrive early to avoid crowds (temple opens around 6:30 AM). The main sanctum is not entered; you view the idol through the silver-plated Kanakana Kindi window, a unique feature. Expect to wait 20-30 minutes. Dress modestly; remove footwear. No photography inside. Entry is free, but donations are accepted. The atmosphere is serene with chanting and the sound of temple bells.

09:00 AM

Explore the Ashta Mathas and temple complex

Walk around the eight mathas (monastic institutions) that administer the temple on a two-year Paryaya rotation. Each matha has its own small shrine and history. You can also see the temple tank (Madhva Sarovar) and the spot where Madhvacharya is said to have meditated. A guide is not necessary, but a local explanation adds depth. Allow 1-1.5 hours.

10:30 AM

Breakfast at Udupi Sri Krishna Bhavan

This classic eatery serves authentic Udupi breakfast. Try the crispy ghee roast dosa, idli with sambar, and strong filter coffee. A full breakfast costs ₹100-150 per person. The place is busy but efficient. You'll taste the legacy of Udupi cuisine that spread worldwide.

11:30 AM

Leisure walk through Udupi market

Stroll through the bustling market near the temple, where you can buy traditional silk, brass lamps, and local snacks like 'Kotte Kadubu' (steamed dumplings). The market is colorful and gives a glimpse of local life. Bargaining is common. Keep an eye on your belongings.

Afternoon

01:00 PM

Lunch at Woodlands Restaurant

A legendary Udupi restaurant serving a traditional vegetarian thali on a banana leaf. The meal includes rice, sambar, rasam, curries, and a sweet (payasa). Cost around ₹250-300 per person. The service is quick, and the taste is authentic. Try their special 'Mysore masala dosa' as a side.

03:00 PM

Drive to Malpe Beach (5 km)

Take an auto-rickshaw (₹100-150) or local bus (₹15) to Malpe. The beach is wide and clean, with a working fishing harbor at one end. You can watch the colorful boats return with the day's catch. There are basic changing rooms and lifeguards. Relax under a palm tree or take a dip in the Arabian Sea.

05:00 PM

Sunset at Malpe Beach and harbor walk

Walk along the shore as the sun sets. The harbor area is lively with fishermen mending nets. You might see dolphins occasionally. For a small fee (₹20), you can walk to the end of the pier. The view of the St. Mary's Island silhouette is lovely. Enjoy a fresh coconut water (₹40) from a vendor.

Evening

07:00 PM

Dinner at Mitra Samaj

Return to Udupi town for dinner at Mitra Samaj, another iconic restaurant. Try their neer dosa with vegetable sagu, and finish with a piece of 'Mysore pak' (sweet). Budget ₹200-300 per person. The place is vegetarian and family-friendly. After dinner, take a short walk back to your hotel.

Day 2

9 activities

Morning

07:00 AM

Breakfast and departure to Malpe jetty

Have a light breakfast at your hotel or a nearby café. Reach Malpe jetty by 8 AM to catch the first boat to St. Mary's Island. Boats typically run from 9 AM to 4 PM, weather permitting. The jetty is at the northern end of Malpe Beach. Carry sunscreen, water, and a hat.

08:30 AM

Boat ride to St. Mary's Island

The boat ride takes about 20-30 minutes. The island is famous for its hexagonal basalt columns, formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago. Local lore links it to Vasco da Gama's 1498 landing. The boat fare is around ₹300-500 per person round trip. Boats are open-air, so expect to get a little wet. The ride is scenic.

09:30 AM

Explore the basalt columns and beach

Upon arrival, you'll see the striking columnar rock formations that look like a natural fortress. Walk along the designated paths—there is a small fee for the environmental entry (₹50). The beach is pristine with clear water. Spend time photographing the unique geology. There are no food stalls on the island, so carry snacks and water.

11:30 AM

Return boat ride to Malpe

Catch a return boat (they leave every hour or when full). The ride back offers a different perspective of the coast. If you're lucky, you might spot dolphins. Once back, you can use the public toilets at the jetty. Plan to be back by noon.

Afternoon

12:30 PM

Seafood lunch at Malpe

At Malpe, choose a beach shack like 'Machali' or 'Malpe Beach Restaurant' for fresh catch. Try the kingfish (seer) fry, fish curry, and neer dosa. A full meal costs ₹400-600 per person. The atmosphere is casual with sea views. If you prefer vegetarian, there are options too.

02:00 PM

Drive to Kapu Beach (about 20 km south)

Hire a taxi or take a local bus from Malpe to Kapu (also called Kaup). The drive along the coast takes about 40 minutes. Kapu Beach is known for its lighthouse and tranquil setting. The road passes through small villages and coconut groves. A taxi costs around ₹800-1000 for the round trip, or you can take a bus to Udupi and then a local bus.

03:30 PM

Climb Kapu Lighthouse

The lighthouse is open to visitors (entry fee ₹20). Climb the spiral staircase to the top for a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea and the coastline. The climb is not too strenuous, but the top is narrow. The view is worth it—you can see the waves crashing against the rocks. The lighthouse is operational, so be respectful.

05:00 PM

Relax on Kapu Beach

After descending, spend time on the beach. It's less crowded than Malpe. You can walk along the shore, collect seashells, or simply sit and watch the fishermen. There are no major facilities, so bring your own water. The sunset here is beautiful. As evening approaches, the lighthouse beams begin to flash.

Evening

07:00 PM

Return to Udupi and dinner

Head back to Udupi (about 30 minutes by taxi). For dinner, try a local eatery like 'Janardhana' or 'Kamat' for a light meal of puliyogare (tamarind rice) or curd rice with pickle. Budget ₹150-200. If you still have energy, take a walk around the temple area, which is illuminated in the evening.

Day 3

9 activities

Morning

06:30 AM

Early breakfast and departure to Kollur

Have an early breakfast at your hotel (some start at 6 AM). Kollur Mookambika Temple is about 80 km away, a 2-hour drive through the Western Ghats. Hire a taxi for the day (₹2500-3000) or take a bus from Udupi (₹80). The road is winding but scenic. Leave by 7 AM to reach before the temple gets crowded.

08:30 AM

Darshan at Kollur Mookambika Temple

The temple is dedicated to Goddess Mookambika, an incarnation of Parvati. It's set on the banks of the Souparnika River. The main deity is a swayambhu (self-manifested) linga with a golden line. The temple has a rich history and is a major pilgrimage site. Darshan is free, but special entry tickets (₹100-200) allow faster access. Dress modestly.

10:30 AM

Explore the temple surroundings and river

Walk around the temple complex and the nearby river. You can take a dip in the Souparnika River (designated bathing area) or visit the small shrines around. There are also stalls selling local handicrafts and prasad. The atmosphere is peaceful, surrounded by forested hills. Spend a relaxing hour here.

11:30 AM

Drive to Maravanthe Beach

From Kollur, drive back towards the coast, about 45 minutes to Maravanthe. This beach is unique because NH-66 runs between the Arabian Sea on one side and the Souparnika River on the other. The view is spectacular. You can stop at a designated viewpoint or pull over carefully. The road is busy, so be cautious.

Afternoon

12:30 PM

Lunch at Maravanthe or Kundapura

Continue a few kilometers to Kundapura town for lunch. Kundapura is known for its coastal cuisine, especially fish curries. Try 'Kundapura chicken' (if you eat non-veg) or fish curry with red rice at a local restaurant like 'Sharavathi' or 'Naveen'. Budget ₹300-400 per person. The food is spicy and flavorful.

02:00 PM

Explore Kundapura town

Kundapura has a historic charm with old temples and a mix of cultures. Visit the Sri Mahalingeshwara Temple, an ancient Shiva temple with intricate woodwork. Also, the town has a small fort and a church reflecting Portuguese influence. Walk through the main market area. Allow 1-2 hours. The town is not touristy, so you'll get a local experience.

04:00 PM

Return drive to Udupi via Maravanthe

Drive back to Udupi (about 1.5 hours). If you missed the Maravanthe view earlier, stop now. There are several spots to take photos of the road flanked by sea and river. The late afternoon light is beautiful. Your driver can stop as needed. Keep some time for rest.

Evening

06:00 PM

Evening at Udupi: last-minute shopping or temple visit

Return to Udupi. If you wish, revisit Sri Krishna Matha for the evening aarti (around 7 PM) or buy souvenirs like 'Udupi sambar powder' or 'Mysore pak'. The temple is beautifully lit in the evening. Alternatively, relax at your hotel. This is a good time to reflect on your trip.

08:00 PM

Farewell dinner

For your last dinner, choose a place like 'Kamat' or 'Udupi Grand' for a mix of North and South Indian dishes. Try the 'Ghee Roast' dosa and 'Rava Kesari' for dessert. Budget ₹300-400 per person. After dinner, pack and prepare for your departure the next day.

Food Recommendations

Woodlands Restaurant

Traditional Udupi vegetarian thali

Must Try: Mysore Masala Dosa, full thali with payasa

₹200-300 per person

Mitra Samaj

Authentic Udupi breakfast and snacks

Must Try: Neer dosa with vegetable sagu, Mysore pak

₹150-250 per person

Malpe Beach Shacks (e.g., Machali)

Fresh seafood (non-veg)

Must Try: Kingfish fry, fish curry with neer dosa

₹400-600 per person

Transportation Tips

Auto-rickshaws are common in Udupi town; agree on a fare before the ride (e.g., ₹100-150 to Malpe).
Local buses connect Udupi to Malpe, Kapu, and Kundapura for a few rupees, but they are crowded; taxis are more comfortable.
For Kollur and Maravanthe, hire a full-day taxi (₹2500-3000) or take an early bus to Kollur and return by another bus.
The nearest airports are Mangalore (60 km) and the nearest major railhead is Udupi station itself; from the station, auto to town is ₹50-70.