Where the Western Ghats slope into the Arabian Sea, Coastal Karnataka has long traded spices, stories, and faith. Its port city, Mangaluru (Mangalore), was shaped by Alupa kings, Portuguese traders, and the Tuluva dynasty; today it’s a lively gateway to cashew factories, temple streets, and surf-soft beaches. Nearby Udupi—seat of the Sri Krishna Matha founded by the philosopher-saint Madhvacharya—remains one of India’s great centers of devotion and vegetarian cuisine.

Expect a mosaic of sacred sites: granite Jain basadis in Moodbidri and Karkala, gilded gopurams at Kudroli, the riverside serenity of Kollur Mookambika, and the island hop to St. Mary’s, famed for basalt columns and shells. Evenings lean coastal—sunsets at Tannirbhavi, Malpe, and Kaup Lighthouse—paired with plates of kori rotti, ghee roast, and fiery fish fry.

Practical notes: Most temples request modest dress and may close mid-day; carry a light shawl and plan darshan mornings or evenings. October–March is most pleasant; monsoon months (June–September) are breathtaking but wet. Getting here is easy: fly into Mangaluru International (IXE), ride coastal trains, or hire a car for day trips through coconut groves and river-crossed estuaries.

Mangalore (Mangaluru)

Mangaluru is equal parts working port and temple town, where Yakshagana folk theatre still animates village nights and fishermen launch at dawn from Bunder. Its trio of major shrines—Kadri Manjunatha, Mangaladevi, and Kudroli Sri Gokarnanatheshwara—frame a day of history and color, while Pilikula’s Artisan Village preserves Tuluva crafts and a slice of rural life.

• Top sights: Kadri Manjunath Temple’s ancient bronze idols; fresco-filled St. Aloysius Chapel; Kudroli Temple’s evening aarti; Tannirbhavi Beach and Sulthan Battery watchtower; Pilikula Nisargadhama’s lake and heritage village.
• Eat & drink: Machali (signature fish thali, bangda fry), Giri Manja’s (homestyle fish curry), Hotel Narayana (no-frills fish fry at Bunder), New Taj Mahal Café (Mangalore buns, neer dosa), Diesel Café (all-day coffee, waffles), Pabba’s Ideal Ice Cream (legendary Gadbad sundae).
• Where to stay: Search stays on Hotels.com (Mangalore) or browse apartments and homes on VRBO (Mangalore). Look for The Gateway Hotel Old Port Road (IHCL), The Ocean Pearl, or Goldfinch for central, comfortable bases.
• Getting in: Compare flights to IXE on Trip.com (flights) or Kiwi.com. Coastal trains run along NH66—check schedules on Trip.com (trains).

Day 1: Arrive, Temple Origins, and a Sunset Beach

Morning: Travel to Mangaluru. Flights from Bengaluru take ~55 minutes; from Mumbai ~1 hour 20 minutes. If you prefer rail, the Konkan corridor is scenic—Mangaluru Junction connects widely. Consider a pre-booked pickup for a smooth start via Private Transfer from Mangalore (IXE) Airport to Mangalore City.

Afternoon: Check in, then pay respects at the 9th-century Mangaladevi Temple—the city’s namesake. Stop by New Taj Mahal Café for filter coffee, Mangalore buns, and neer dosa. If time allows, admire St. Aloysius Chapel’s frescoes (typically open in the afternoon; modest attire required).

Evening: Drive to Tannirbhavi Beach for a golden-hour stroll; pop up to Sulthan Battery (Tipu Sultan-era watchtower) for estuary views. Dinner at Machali—order the day’s catch thali and prawns ghee roast. Dessert at Pabba’s Ideal Ice Cream for the iconic Gadbad.

Day 2: Full-Day Mangaluru Heritage and Coastal Life (Guided)

Let a local expert knit the city together for you on this private day out:

Mangaluru Shore Excursion - Full Day Private Mangaluru Guided City Tour

Expect stops at a cashew factory, Kadri Manjunath Temple, Sri Gokarnanatheshwara (Kudroli), St. Aloysius Chapel, and Pilikula’s Artisan Village with time to browse local markets. It’s a comfortable overview with a private guide and vehicle.

Prefer dining suggestions during the tour? Aim for a coastal lunch at Saanidhya (classic vegetarian meals) or Giri Manja’s (simple, superb fish curry) depending on your route. Evening free—consider a relaxed dinner at Pallkhi (North Indian and coastal specialties) before turning in.

Day 3: Jain Heritage—Moodbidri & Karkala (with Lunch)

Spend a contemplative day tracing Jain stonework and lore in the hills north of town:

Excursion To Karkala And Moodabidri From Mangalore with Lunch

The Saavira Kambada Basadi (Thousand Pillars Temple) in Moodbidri is a masterpiece of carved granite; Karkala’s 15th-century Bahubali (Gomateshwara) monolith stands watch over town. Lunch is included. Return to Mangalore by early evening.

Back in the city, catch a breezy walk along the riverfront or Old Port area. Dinner at Hotel Narayana for crisp fish fry, or Ocean Pearl’s vegetarian restaurant for a lighter finish.

Day 4: Kerala Crossover—Bekal Fort and Backwaters

Cross into northern Kerala for coastal history and tranquil waterways:

Houseboat Cruise in Bekal from Mangalore

This day tour typically includes the serene Ananthapura Lake Temple, a photo-rich wander through 17th-century Bekal Fort (sea-sprayed ramparts and bastions), and a gentle houseboat glide on the Valiyaparamba backwaters with Kerala fare on board. Door-to-door transport keeps it easy (Mangalore–Bekal is ~1.5–2 hours each way).

Evening back in Mangalore, unwind over a dosa supper at Sagar Ratna (at The Ocean Pearl) or a late coffee at Diesel Café.

Udupi

Udupi is a pilgrim town wrapped in temple streets, fragrant with sandalwood and ghee. The Sri Krishna Matha anchors spiritual life here, maintained by eight ashta mathas with a 700-year rotation ceremony (Paryaya). Just offshore, St. Mary’s Island flashes hexagonal basalt rocks and shell-strewn sands—an otherworldly coastal surprise.

• Top sights: Sri Krishna Temple and Car Street; Malpe Beach and St. Mary’s Island boat; Kaup Lighthouse views; Manipal’s End Point Park; quick getaways to Kollur Mookambika and Murudeshwar’s towering Shiva statue.
• Eat & drink: Mitra Samaj (masala dosa, temple-town tiffin), Woodlands (veg thali), Diana Udupi (snacks and “Gadbad” ice cream), Paradise Isle’s Sea Front Restaurant (seafood by the surf), Dollops (old-school café in Manipal), Crumbz (bakes and coffee).
• Where to stay: Compare stays on Hotels.com (Udupi) or browse homes on VRBO (Udupi). Shortlist Samanvay Udupi (excellent veg dining on-site), Paradise Isle Beach Resort (walk to Malpe), or Fortune Inn Valley View in Manipal (greens, pool, proximity to cafés).
• Getting there from Mangalore: 60 km by NH66—1.5 hours by car (INR ~2,000–3,000 for a one-way cab), or ~1–1.5 hours by train from Mangaluru Central/MAJN to Udupi station; check Trip.com (trains).

Day 5: Transfer to Udupi, Sri Krishna Temple, and Malpe Sunset

Morning: Depart Mangalore after breakfast; reach Udupi by late morning. Check into Samanvay Udupi for a calm, central base or go beachfront at Paradise Isle. Snack break at Mitra Samaj—fresh masala dosa, goli baje, and filter coffee.

Afternoon: Darshan at Sri Krishna Temple; walk the matha corridors and browse brassware and sandalwood in the Car Street lanes. For lunch, Woodlands serves an excellent South Indian thali—unlimited rice, sambar, rasam, and sides.

Evening: Head to Malpe Beach for camelback rides and parasailing (seasonal). If the last boats to St. Mary’s Island have departed, plan the island for tomorrow; instead, watch the sun slide into the Arabian Sea. Dinner at Paradise Isle’s Sea Front Restaurant—try tawa fish and neer dosa.

Day 6: Kollur Mookambika & Murudeshwar Day Trip

Morning: Start early for the ghats: Udupi to Kollur is ~2 hours via NH66 and SH52. Offer prayers at Mookambika Temple; the wooded setting is serene. Breakfast or tiffin at a simple veg joint near the temple—look for fresh idli/vada counters.

Afternoon: Continue 1.5 hours to Murudeshwar. Climb the gopuram for panoramic shots of the colossal Shiva statue and waves. Lunch at Naveen Beach Restaurant (sea breeze, coastal curries). On the return, pause along Maravanthe Beach where the highway threads between river and sea—a famed photo stop.

Evening: Back in Udupi (2.5 hours). Celebrate with a classic vegetarian dinner at Swaadisht (at Samanvay) or head to Diana Udupi for snacks and another round of Gadbad.

Day 7: St. Mary’s Island, Kaup Lighthouse, and Departure

Morning: If seas are calm (typically Oct–May), catch the first boat from Malpe to St. Mary’s Island (allow ~3 hours round trip; expect a modest boat fee). Wander shell beaches and columnar basalt and carry water/sunscreen—there’s minimal shade.

Afternoon: Stop at Kaup (Kapu) Lighthouse for sweeping coast views. Quick lunch at Gazebo (Hotel Kediyoor) or Woodlands back in town. Transfer to IXE for an afternoon flight—search routes on Trip.com (flights) or Kiwi.com. A taxi from Udupi to IXE takes ~1.5–2 hours.

Evening: If staying one more night, consider Manipal’s End Point Park for a river-valley sunset and coffee at Dollops or Crumbz. Otherwise, pack coastal memories—and a box of cashews!

Optional add-ons and practical tips

• Temple etiquette: Shoulders and knees covered; remove footwear; some inner sanctums may restrict non-Hindus—ask attendants politely.
• Local transport: Auto-rickshaws are plentiful for short hops (INR ~80–150). For day trips, hire a car/driver (INR ~4,500–6,500 depending on distance).
• Festivals: Kudroli Dasara (Mangaluru) lights the city in October; Udupi’s Paryaya (biennial) rotates temple administration with grand processions.

Lodging at a glance (overnights): Days 1–4 in Mangalore—browse Hotels.com or VRBO; Days 5–7 in Udupi—compare on Hotels.com or VRBO.

Summary: In one week, you’ll trace temple bells from Mangaladevi to Udupi Krishna, step among thousand pillars at Moodbidri, cruise Bekal’s backwaters, and watch the sun sink from Malpe and Kaup. It’s a compact, culture-rich Coastal Karnataka itinerary—balanced with seafood feasts, island walks, and the easy rhythm of the Arabian Sea.