13 Best Places to Visit in Udupi: Top Attractions & Sightseeing (2026)

Udupi district is globally famous for its pristine beaches and sacred temples. However, its inner hinterlands hold some of Karnataka's most captivating natural treasures.

Nestled along the foothills of the Western Ghats are roaring seasonal waterfalls and serene rainforest cascades. Spanning across the Suvarna and Sita river backwaters are historic suspension footbridges built to connect remote river islands.

Whether you are seeking monsoon nature treks, peaceful backwater kayaking, or picturesque suspension bridge walks, this guide details the best waterfalls and hanging bridges in Udupi district.

Udupi Waterfalls & Hanging Bridges: At a Glance

Top Waterfalls in Udupi District

1. Arbi Falls (Manipal)

Arbi Falls is a charming, seasonal waterfall located inside Dasharatha Nagar in Manipal. It sits just 7 kilometers from Udupi town center.

Rainfall fills a natural stream that flows over smooth granite rocks. The cascade surrounded by green foliage creates a tranquil natural swimming pool.

A short 10-minute forest walk leads to the falls. It is very popular among university students and local families during the peak monsoon season.

• Location: Dasharatha Nagar, Manipal, Udupi District.
• Trek Difficulty: Easy (500 meters walk from vehicle parking).
• Entry Fee: Free entry.
• Ideal For: Quick morning trips, monsoon photography, and shallow wading.

2. Koodlu Theertha Falls (Kudlu Falls)

Koodlu Theertha Falls is a breathtaking 126-foot waterfall located near Hebri. It originates deep within the Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary in the Western Ghats.

Water plunges from a towering cliff into a sacred natural pool. Local folklore considers the pool holy, believing sages meditated here in ancient times.

Reaching the waterfall requires a 3 to 4 kilometer forest trek. Visitors walk past ancient trees, freshwater streams, and lush bamboo thickets.

• Location: Near Hebri / Someshwara Wildlife Reserve (42 km from Udupi).
• Trek Difficulty: Moderate (3.5 km trail through rainforest terrain).
• Forest Department Entry: Nominally charged at the forest check post.
• Best Time: August to December when forest trails are accessible.

3. Jattu Falls

Jattu Falls is a serene, hidden cascade tucked away in the dense foothills of the Someshwara range near Hebri.

It remains uncrowded even during monsoon weekends. Clean mountain streams rush over layered rock formations surrounded by dense rainforest canopy.

The natural pool at the base is shallow during post-monsoon months. It offers a refreshing dip after a peaceful forest walk.

• Location: Near Hebri foothill zone (~38 km from Udupi).
• Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (1.5 km trail).
• Highlights: Uncrowded nature trails, birdwatching, and pristine water streams.

4. Belkal Theertha Falls

Belkal Theertha Falls is a dramatic 300-foot plunge waterfall situated deep inside the Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary near Kollur and Jadkal.

The waterfall comes alive exclusively during heavy monsoon rains. Water cascades down a vertical rock face surrounded by dense tropical evergreen forests.

The trek passes through protected wildlife habitat. Visitors should obtain local guidance or Forest Department check-post permits before heading out.

• Location: Jadkal, near Kollur (~60 km from Udupi).
• Trek Difficulty: Strenuous (5 km uphill jungle trek).
• Best Months: August to November.

Best Season for Waterfall Visiting

Famous Hanging Bridges (Suspension Bridges) of Udupi

1. Kemmannu Hanging Bridge (Thimannakudru)

The Kemmannu Hanging Bridge is an iconic 340-foot wooden and steel cable suspension bridge. It was built in 1991 to connect the isolated island of Thimannakudru to mainland Kemmannu over the Suvarna River backwaters.

Surrounded by tall coconut groves and glassy backwater channels, it has become a major destination for adventure sports and photography.

Visitors can enjoy backwater kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and motorboat tours right next to the bridge structure.

• Location: Thimannakudru, Kemmannu (~10 km from Udupi center).
• Key Activities: Backwater kayaking, photo shoots, and sunset river views.
• Entry Fee: Free pedestrian access.
• Nearby Transport: Accessible via auto-rickshaw, rental scooter, or local buses from Santhekatte.

2. Heroor Hanging Bridge

The Heroor Hanging Bridge crosses the Sita River near Brahmavar. It was constructed to assist local villagers crossing river channels during high monsoon tides.

This narrow cable bridge sways gently as you walk across. It offers views of calm river stretches, traditional wooden fishing boats, and mangrove riverbanks.

Unlike commercial spots, Heroor remains a peaceful rural location. It is perfect for evening walks and landscape photography.

• Location: Heroor Village, near Brahmavar (~18 km north of Udupi).
• Highlights: Sita River backwater views, quiet countryside setting, and sunset vistas.
• Best Time to Visit: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM.

3. Kemthoor Hanging Bridge

The Kemthoor Hanging Bridge spans a quiet tributary of the river system in the Udupi suburban region.

Built as a pedestrian footbridge for river island residents, it offers a window into authentic coastal backwater life.

Visitors can walk across to observe paddy fields, coconut farms, and traditional ancestral homes scattered across the river islands.

• Location: Kemthoor, near Udupi outskirts (~12 km from city center).
• Attractions: Quiet backwater surroundings and traditional rural architecture.

Engineering & Cultural Importance of Hanging Bridges

Connecting Isolated River Island Communities

The coastal plains of Udupi are crisscrossed by the Suvarna, Sita, and Swarna rivers. Before bridge construction, island residents (living on Kudrus) relied solely on small wooden rowboats.

During heavy monsoon storms, river crossing was dangerous for school children and daily workers. Cable suspension footbridges solved this challenge affordably without disturbing river ecosystems.

Eco-Friendly Infrastructure

Suspension footbridges require no large concrete pillars in the middle of riverbeds. This preserves natural water flow, protects fish breeding grounds, and allows small boats to pass underneath safely.

Recommended Nature Itineraries

1-Day Waterfalls & Backwaters Plan

1. 7:30 AM: Drive from Udupi to Hebri and trek to Koodlu Theertha Falls.
2. 11:30 AM: Enjoy a refreshing dip in the forest stream.
3. 1:00 PM: Enjoy traditional South Canara meal at Hebri town.
4. 3:30 PM: Drive toward Kemmannu Hanging Bridge.
5. 4:30 PM: Go backwater kayaking on the Suvarna River.
6. 6:00 PM: Watch the sunset from the hanging bridge or nearby Delta Beach.

1-Day Waterfall & Heritage Express

1. 8:00 AM: Visit Arbi Falls in Manipal for a quick morning nature hike.
2. 10:00 AM: Explore the Heritage Village Museum in Manipal.
3. 1:00 PM: Seafood lunch in Udupi city center.
4. 3:30 PM: Drive to Heroor Hanging Bridge over the Sita River.
5. 5:30 PM: End your day with a beach sunset at Delta Beach or Malpe Sea Walk.

Practical Travel Tips for Visitors

Getting Around Udupi Hinterlands

• Rental Scooters & Bikes: Renting a motorcycle or scooter in Udupi or Manipal is the most flexible way to visit rural waterfalls and hanging bridges.
• Local Bus Transport: Buses run frequently to Hebri, Brahmavar, and Kemmannu from Udupi Service Bus Stand. Last buses return around 8:00 PM.
• Auto-Rickshaws: Rickshaws are convenient for short trips to Arbi Falls, Kemmannu, or Kemthoor. Agree on fares beforehand for round trips.

Essential Gear to Carry

• Footwear: Rubber-soled hiking shoes or water sandals with strong grip.
• Monsoon Protection: Waterproof bags, umbrellas, and light raincoats.
• Insect & Leech Care: Salt packets, hand sanitizer, or neem oil for leech protection during jungle treks.
• Hydration & Snacks: Carry reusable water bottles. Food shops are sparse near deep forest falls.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)