Udupi (often misspelled “Udapi”) is a storied temple town on India’s Arabian Sea coast, where devotional chants from the 13th‑century Sri Krishna Matha mingle with the scent of ghee and coconut. A cradle of the world‑famous “Udupi cuisine,” it’s also your gateway to palm‑lined beaches, ferry rides to fossil-rich St. Mary’s Island, and flamboyant Yakshagana theater.

Beyond temples and thalis, Udupi opens onto Malpe’s broad sands, Kapu’s wave-battered lighthouse, and serene backwaters at Delta Beach. Nearby Manipal layers in surprising culture—an exquisite open‑air heritage museum, a renowned anatomy collection, and a sunset cliff walk. Seafood shacks, filter‑coffee institutions, and old‑school ice‑cream parlors complete the picture.

Practical notes: Temples require modest attire (knees/shoulders covered) and footwear must be left at the entrance. St. Mary’s Island boats typically run Oct–May and may pause during the monsoon (roughly June–Aug). Carry some cash for ferries, small eateries, and tip jars; autos and taxis accept digital payments intermittently.

Udupi

Udupi is equal parts sacred town and sea breeze holiday. The temple quarter around Car Street radiates with stone shrines, brass lamps, and the aroma of sandalwood. Ten minutes away, Malpe unfurls a long sandy arc, while Kapu’s lighthouse frames golden-hour views over the surf.

• Top sights: Sri Krishna Matha, Anantheshwara & Chandramouleshwara Temples, Malpe Beach & Sea Walk, St. Mary’s Island, Kapu (Kaup) Lighthouse, Delta Beach/Kodi Bengre backwaters, Padubidri Blue Flag Beach.
• Don’t miss: A classic Udupi breakfast (idli, masala dosa, filter coffee), a ferry to St. Mary’s Island for otherworldly rock formations, and sunset from Kapu Lighthouse.
• Local flavors: Udupi vegetarian thali, neer dosa with chicken ghee roast (Mangalorean style), goli baje fritters, gadbad ice cream sundaes.

Where to stay: For beach vibes, base near Malpe; for temple ambience, stay around Car Street; for nightlife and modern cafes, consider Manipal (15–20 minutes away).

• Browse Udupi vacation rentals on VRBO
• Find Udupi hotels on Hotels.com

Getting there (and around): Fly into Mangaluru (IXE), then drive 60–75 minutes to Udupi. Trains on the Konkan Railway also stop at Udupi; overnight buses from Bengaluru are frequent.

• Check flights on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Typical nonstop Bengaluru–Mangaluru: ~1 hr; ~$40–90 one way.
• Search India trains on Trip.com. Mangaluru–Udupi: ~1–1.5 hrs; from ₹40–100 (unreserved/second class). KSR Bengaluru–Udupi overnight trains: ~10–12 hrs.
• Airport taxi IXE→Udupi: ~₹1,800–2,800. Auto-rickshaws for short hops; scooter rentals ~₹400–600/day.

Day 1: Arrival, Temple Quarter, and Classic Udupi Flavors

Morning: Travel day. Fly into Mangaluru (IXE) or arrive by train. If you land before noon, grab a snack—banana buns or goli baje—at a station canteen or airport café.

Afternoon: Check into your stay (Hotels.com or VRBO). Stroll Car Street’s temple circuit: Sri Krishna Matha for darshan through the famed “Kanakana Kindi” window, then the older Anantheshwara and Chandramouleshwara temples. Dress modestly; leave footwear at the racks.

Evening: Dinner at Mitra Samaj (idli–vada, masala dosa, and a simple South Indian thali) or Woodlands (crispy ghee roast, kumbala curry, filter coffee). Cap the night with a “gadbad” sundae at Hotel Diana—layers of ice cream, nuts, and jelly born on this coast. If a Yakshagana performance is scheduled (season varies), ask your hotel to check tickets for a spirited introduction to coastal folk theatre.

Day 2: Malpe Beach, St. Mary’s Island, and Kapu Lighthouse Sunset

Morning: Start with a South Indian breakfast—try neer dosa or set dosa—then head to Malpe Jetty for the ferry to St. Mary’s Island. Boats usually run 9:30 am–5:30 pm outside monsoon; round-trip fares hover around ₹400–600. On the island, wander hexagonal basalt columns, snorkel shallows when conditions permit, and photograph seashell-strewn coves.

Afternoon: Back at Malpe, walk the Sea Walk breakwater (small entry fee), and lounge on the beach. For lunch, The Ocean View at Paradise Isle serves fresh pomfret tawa fry, prawn gassi, and veg thalis with a sea breeze. Watersports (banana boat, jet ski, parasail) are offered seasonally—confirm prices on the sand before you suit up.

Evening: Drive 20 minutes south to Kapu (Kaup) Beach. Climb the black‑and‑white lighthouse during opening windows (usually late afternoon; expect ~₹10–20 entry, camera fee extra) for a fiery sunset over the Arabian Sea. Head back to Udupi for dinner at Saffron/Spice Lounge (Samanvay Hotel) for coastal curries and tandoor, or cross to Manipal for The Fisherman’s Wharf (Goan‑coastal plates and mocktails).

Day 3: Manipal Culture, Coffee, and the Backwaters of Delta Beach

Morning: Explore Manipal’s cultural side. Book a guided slot at Hasta Shilpa Heritage Village Museum—beautifully relocated traditional homes showcasing coastal architecture and craft (closed certain days; guided timings vary). Follow with the Museum of Anatomy & Pathology at KMC—one of Asia’s largest, a fascinating peek into medical history (nominal entry; check hours).

Afternoon: Brunch or lunch at Diesel Café (signature waffles, eggs royale, cold‑brew; solid veggie options). Walk it off at End Point Park, a breezy cliffside promenade above the Swarna River valley with wide views and a calm vibe. Coffee stop at a local roastery café in Manipal if you need a top‑up.

Evening: Cruise out to Udyavara’s Delta Beach/Kodi Bengre where river meets sea; watch fishermen glide past in the backwaters and sink your toes into silky sand. Stay for twilight hues, then return for dinner: try Kundapura-style kori rotti and chicken ghee roast at a coastal specialty restaurant in town, or keep it classic with a pure‑veg Udupi thali and bisi bele bath before an early night.

Day 4: Mangalore Highlights (Half‑Day) and Departure

Morning: If you’re eager to sample nearby Mangalore, join this guided half‑day city tour (pickup available; adjust timing so you’re back for your onward travel):

Shore Excursion: Half-Day Guided Mangalore Tour with Transport

Expect a mix of temples (Kadri Manjunath, Gokarnanatheshwara), St. Aloysius Chapel frescoes, markets, and coastal culture. It’s a smart sampler if you want a taste of “Kodial” (local name for Mangalore) without navigating traffic yourself.

Afternoon: Return to Udupi (or head straight to IXE) for departure. If time allows, a quick lunch near Car Street—Mitra Samaj or Woodlands—or in Mangalore try a famed seafood joint for bangda (mackerel) fry and kori sukka. Transfer to Mangaluru airport (~1–1.5 hrs) or Udupi railway station for your onward train (Trip.com trains).

Evening: If you have a late departure, squeeze in Padubidri Blue Flag Beach for clean facilities, lifeguards, and a gentle stroll. Pick up cashew sweets, Mangalore buns, and local coffee for the road.

Good to know: Monsoon seas can be rough; island ferries and watersports pause if conditions are unsafe. Carry a light scarf for temples, reef-safe sunscreen for the beaches, and sandals you don’t mind slipping off often.

Optional add‑on (for a future trip): History lovers can plan a separate 2–3 day excursion to Hampi’s UNESCO ruins when time permits—an epic contrast to the coast.

With devotion, dunes, and delicious plates, Udupi wraps up coastal Karnataka in a small, satisfying parcel. From temple bells to lighthouse sunsets and island picnics, this 4‑day plan gives you a balanced, relaxed rhythm—and plenty of reasons to return for a longer stay.