Udupi Itinerary: 1, 2 and 3 Day Trip Plans with Timings and Costs
Planning a trip to Udupi? Two days is the sweet spot: one day for Krishna Matha, Malpe and St. Mary's Island, and one for the southern coast and a Kaup lighthouse sunset. Here are practical 1, 2 and 3 day Udupi trip plans with real distances, timings, budgets and local tips.
Udupi Trip Plan at a Glance
Udupi is compact. The temple town, Malpe Beach and Manipal sit within about 8 km of each other, while the best beaches, waterfalls and heritage sites lie 15 to 50 km away along NH 66 and the inland roads. That geography shapes every Udupi itinerary below, so pick the length that suits your time.
| Plan | Best for | What you cover | Pace and driving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 day | Stopovers and weekend visitors | Sri Krishna Matha, Malpe Beach, St. Mary's Island, Kaup lighthouse sunset | Full day, about 40 km of driving |
| 2 days (recommended) | First-time visitors, families, couples | Day 1: temple town, Malpe and St. Mary's. Day 2: Padubidri, Uchila temple and Kaup sunset | Relaxed, about 25 km and 65 km of driving |
| 3 days | Photographers, history lovers, slow travellers | The 2 day plan plus Karkala and Varanga, or Manipal and Arbi Falls, or the northern coast | Day 3 adds 30 to 110 km |
| 4 to 5 days | Pilgrims and road-trippers | Add Kollur Mookambika, Kamalashile, Koodlutheertha Falls, Mangaluru or Murudeshwar | Day trips of 50 to 100 km each way |
How Many Days Do You Need in Udupi?
Udupi rewards a slower pace. Temple rituals begin before sunrise, the best beach light arrives late in the afternoon, and the St. Mary's Island ferry needs a flexible window, so a single day is a sprint. With two days you can keep mornings for temples and food, afternoons for the sea and evenings for sunsets. A third day lets you add one different flavour of Udupi: Jain heritage in Karkala, an easy museum and waterfall day in Manipal, or a long drive up the northern coast.
Not sure which Udupi trip plan is yours? Match your travel style:
Families with kids and seniors
Choose the 2 day plan, skip the Kaup lighthouse climb if stairs are hard, and hire an auto or taxi so nobody carries bags between stops. Malpe Beach, Hasta Shilpa and the Padubidri walkways suit all ages.
Couples
Spend sunsets at Kaup lighthouse and Padubidri, add a backwater boat ride, and stay near Malpe or Kaup for quiet evenings after the day trips.
Pilgrims
Begin with Krishna Matha and the Ashta Mathas, then add Uchila Mahalakshmi, Anegudde Vinayaka, Kamalashile and Kollur Mookambika across three to four days.
Photographers
Shoot Car Street at 6:30 AM, hanging bridges and Delta Beach in soft morning light, and Kaup lighthouse or Maravanthe as the sun goes down.
Solo and budget travellers
City buses reach Malpe and Manipal cheaply, so hire a taxi or auto only for the far-off day. Udupi's vegetarian meals are good value and homestays keep costs down.
Udupi Distances and Drive Times from the City Centre
Use this table to link stops sensibly. Everything in the temple town is walkable; the beaches and day trips need a vehicle.
| Place | Direction | Distance | Drive time | Plan to spend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sri Krishna Matha and Car Street | Centre | 0 km | On foot | 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Manipal (Hasta Shilpa, museums, lake) | East | about 6 km | 15 to 20 min | 2 to 3 hours |
| Malpe Beach | West | about 8 km | 20 min | 1.5 hours |
| St. Mary's Island (ferry from Malpe) | Offshore | about 6 km by sea from Malpe | Malpe plus ferry | 2 to 2.5 hours |
| Kaup Beach and Lighthouse | South | about 13 km | 25 min | 1.5 hours |
| Delta Beach (Kodi Bengre) | North | about 15 km | 30 min | 1 hour |
| Padubidri Blue Flag Beach | South | about 26 km | 40 min | 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Karkala | East | about 37 km | 55 min | 3 to 4 hours |
| Varanga Kere Basadi | East | about 38 km | 1 hour | 1.5 hours |
| Kundapura and Kodi | North | about 36 km | 50 min | 2 to 3 hours |
| Maravanthe Beach | North | about 51 km | 1 hr 10 min | 1 hour |
| Koodlutheertha Falls | Northeast, near Hebri | about 50 km | 1.5 to 2 hours | Half day with trek |
| Kollur Mookambika Temple | Northeast | about 80 km | about 2 hours | Half day |
| Mangaluru | South | about 58 km | 1.5 hours | Full-day trip |
Distances are approximate road distances from the city centre. Traffic and NH 66 work zones can add time, so keep a 20 percent buffer.
1 Day in Udupi: Temple, Beach, Island and Sunset
If you only have one day in Udupi, this plan fits the essentials into a relaxed loop: temple at dawn, Malpe and St. Mary's Island through the day, and the Kaup lighthouse at sunset. About 40 km of driving in total.
Sri Krishna Matha and Car Street
Start where Udupi starts. Mornings are cooler, queues are shorter and Car Street is at its most atmospheric. Look up at the Kanaka Gopura, walk the courtyard, and ask for the Kanakana Kindi, the small silver-plated window with nine openings through which devotees view the Krishna idol. Dress modestly and plan about 90 minutes. The matha also serves a free meal to pilgrims later in the day.
Read the Krishna Matha guide →
Udupi breakfast on Car Street
Udupi gave India its restaurant style, so breakfast here is a pleasure: crisp masala dosa, soft neer dosa, idli-vada with coconut chutney and sambar, and filter coffee. Eat close to the temple and keep room for lunch. Our Udupi Food Guide lists the dishes worth ordering.
Malpe Beach and the Sea Walk
Drive 8 km west to Malpe, a working fishing harbour with a golden beach and a rocky sea walk. Jet skis, banana boats and parasailing run through the day, and the morning crowd is thin. Keep swimming to the shallows and obey flag warnings.
Read the Malpe Beach guide →
Ferry to St. Mary's Island
Boats leave from the Malpe fishing jetty for the island, famous for its hexagonal basalt rock columns, which are believed to be tens of millions of years old. Ferries usually run from about September to May and pause in the monsoon. There is no overnight stay and very little shade, so carry water and a hat, and confirm the return boat time before you step off.
Ferry timings and tickets →
Lunch, then a short rest
Eat a fresh fish thali at Malpe, or head back to Udupi for a vegetarian meal. Either way, rest briefly out of the midday heat before the evening leg.
Drive south to Kaup
Take NH 66 south, about 10 to 13 km. The beach is at its best after 4 PM when the sun softens.
Kaup Beach
Walk the golden sand between granite boulders, the river estuary and coconut groves. This is a quieter, more scenic stretch than Malpe, ideal for an unhurried stroll.
Kaup Lighthouse and sunset
The black-and-white striped lighthouse stands on granite rocks and offers the best view along this coast. The climb opens for only a short evening window and can close in bad weather, so check current timing in our Kaup Beach guide. Sunset falls between about 6:00 and 6:45 PM depending on the season.
Dinner in Udupi
Finish with an Udupi thali or fresh seafood and a scoop of Gadbad ice cream, the layered local dessert.
2 Days in Udupi: The Recommended Itinerary
This is the plan we recommend to first-time visitors. It is unhurried and family-friendly, and it times each beach stop for the best light.
- Day 1: Sri Krishna Matha, Ashta Mathas, Anantheshwara and Chandramouleshwara temples, Kadiyali Mahishamardini temple, Udupi lunch, Malpe Beach, St. Mary's Island and a Malpe sunset.
- Day 2: Padubidri Blue Flag Beach, Uchila Mahalakshmi Temple, a midday rest, then Kaup Beach and the lighthouse at sunset.
Temple town, Malpe and St. Mary's Island
Sri Krishna Matha darshan
Arrive for early darshan and walk the courtyard before the crowds build. Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered, and check current timings and rules in the Sri Krishna Matha guide.
Breakfast and the Ashta Mathas on Car Street
After breakfast, stroll Car Street, where Udupi's eight monasteries, the Ashta Mathas, stand. They take turns running the Krishna Matha through the two-yearly Paryaya handover, one of the region's biggest events. See our Udupi festivals guide for the calendar.
Anantheshwara and Chandramouleshwara temples
Two ancient Shiva temples stand beside the Krishna Matha. Anantheshwara is believed to predate the Krishna Matha itself and makes a quick 30 to 45 minute stop with its calm, old-stone atmosphere.
Kadiyali Mahishamardini Temple
A short drive of about 1.2 km takes you to one of Udupi's oldest temples, dedicated to Goddess Durga as Mahishamardini. It adds a Shakta counterpoint to the Vaishnava Krishna Matha.
Temple timings and history →
Traditional Udupi lunch
Order a full vegetarian meal served on a banana leaf or steel thali. The Udupi Food Guide covers what to eat and where.
Malpe Beach and water sports
Drive 8 km to Malpe. Browse the fishing harbour, walk the sea walk and try a water sport if you like. Weekend evenings are the busiest, so weekdays feel calmer.
Water sports prices and tips →
St. Mary's Island ferry
Take an early-afternoon boat so you are back before the last return trip, which is usually before 5:30 PM. Confirm timings at the jetty, since they change with the season and the sea.
St. Mary's Island guide →
Malpe sunset and seafood dinner
Watch the light drop over the harbour, then eat fresh fish at Malpe or return to Udupi for dinner.
The southern coast: Padubidri, Uchila and Kaup
Breakfast, then Padubidri Blue Flag Beach
Leave after breakfast and drive about 26 km south on NH 66. Padubidri is a certified Blue Flag beach, with well-kept walkways, wooden swings, a calm backwater beside the sea and tidy visitor facilities. Go in the morning, since shade is limited and the light is kinder.
Entry fee and timings →
Uchila Mahalakshmi Temple
A short drive away on NH 66, Uchila Mahalakshmi Temple dates to 1957 and is known for its free daily annadana and the Uchila Dasara festival. Join the meal respectfully if the timing suits you.
Darshan timings and annadana →
Lunch and a midday rest
Eat on the way back, then rest at your hotel. The 1 to 3 PM sun is harsh on this coast, and a break keeps the sunset session fresh.
Kaup Beach, lighthouse and sunset
Walk the sands, then climb the lighthouse when it opens for the evening window. This is the best sunset on the Udupi coast, with a view of fishing boats and the estuary from above.
Lighthouse timings and tickets →
Farewell dinner in Udupi
Celebrate with a coastal fish curry meal or your favourite Udupi vegetarian restaurant.
3 Days in Udupi: Add One Great Day Trip
Take the 2 day plan above, then choose one of three Day 3 styles: Jain heritage, an easy Manipal nature day, or the northern coast. Each fits a hired taxi or auto within a standard 150 km full-day rate.
Option A: Karkala and Varanga, the heritage day
Best for history lovers and photographers. About 100 km in total.
- 7:30 AM: Leave Udupi for Karkala, about 37 km and 55 minutes.
- 8:30 AM: Climb to the 42-foot Gommateshwara (Bahubali) statue, installed in 1432 on a granite hill. Its Mahamastakabhisheka is due in 2027.
- 10:00 AM: Visit the Chaturmukha Basadi and the other Jain basadis around Karkala.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch in Karkala.
- 1:30 PM: Varanga Kere Basadi, a Jain temple in a lake, reached by a short boat ride.
- 3:30 PM: Stop at the Attur church if time allows, then return to Udupi, about 38 km from Varanga.
Karkala travel guide · Gommateshwara statue timings · Varanga Jain Temple
Option B: Manipal, Arbi Falls and an easy sunset
Best for families and anyone wanting a light day. About 30 km in total.
- 9:30 AM: Hasta Shilpa Heritage Village in Manipal, an open-air museum of traditional coastal houses and artefacts.
- 11:30 AM: Museum of Anatomy and Pathology, a distinctive Manipal stop for curious visitors.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at one of Manipal's cafes.
- 3:00 PM: Arbi Falls near Badagabettu, a small seasonal waterfall about 7 km from Udupi, best soon after the rains. Follow safety signs.
- 5:30 PM: Sunset at Malpe Beach, about 8 km away.
Option C: The northern coast and backwaters
Best for road-trippers who love scenery. About 110 km in total.
- 7:00 AM: Delta Beach at Kodi Bengre, about 15 km north, where the Suvarna River meets the sea.
- 8:30 AM: Heroor Hanging Bridge near Brahmavar, a steel-cable footbridge of about 130 metres over the Madisalu River.
- 10:30 AM: Anegudde Sri Vinayaka Temple at Kumbhashi, open daily from 6:00 AM to 8:30 PM, with a free Mahaprasada lunch.
- 1:30 PM: Kundapura and Kodi Beach for backwater views and coastal food.
- 4:30 PM: Maravanthe Beach, where NH 66 runs between the sea and the Souparnika river. Stay for sunset, then return to Udupi.
Delta Beach · Heroor Hanging Bridge · Anegudde Temple · Maravanthe Beach · Kundapura
Extending to 4 or 5 days
- Kollur Mookambika (about 80 km): A major pilgrimage in the Western Ghats foothills, easily paired with Kamalashile Temple on the way. See the Kollur temple guide.
- Koodlutheertha Falls (about 50 km): A jungle trek to a waterfall of roughly 300 feet. Start early, and avoid it in heavy rain. Trek guide.
- Kemthoor Hanging Bridge: A quiet swing over the Swarna River, an easy swap for any morning. See details.
- Mangaluru, Murudeshwar and Gokarna: Longer coastal Karnataka trips that work best as separate hops by road or Konkan Railway.
Udupi in the Monsoon: Rainy Day Itinerary
From June to September the coast is lush and quiet, but the St. Mary's Island ferry and water sports usually pause, and the sea is unsafe for swimming. Build the trip around temples, museums and heritage sites instead.
Morning: temples
Sri Krishna Matha, the Ashta Mathas and Anantheshwara are all covered or compact, and rain keeps the crowds thin.
Late morning: Manipal indoors
Hasta Shilpa Heritage Village and the Museum of Anatomy and Pathology are good wet-weather stops.
Lunch: hot Udupi meals
Rain is made for ghee-rich thalis, hot dosas and filter coffee. See the Food Guide.
Afternoon: Karkala basadis
The Jain basadis of Karkala and Varanga look dramatic in the rain, and you can shelter inside.
Udupi Trip Cost and Budget
Udupi is easy on the wallet. These are indicative 2026 planning figures, not quotes, so confirm prices locally.
| Item | Approximate cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Auto with driver, full day (9 AM to 7 PM) | ₹2,400 | Our local rate for sightseeing. Auto rental details |
| Taxi with driver, full-day sightseeing | from ₹3,500 (150 km) | Fuel included, 5-seater, 7-seater and Traveller options. Taxi rental details |
| City bus to Malpe or Manipal | a few tens of rupees | Frequent buses, but slower and less flexible |
| Vegetarian meal | ₹150 to ₹300 | Thali or dosa plus coffee |
| Seafood meal at Malpe | ₹300 to ₹700 | Depends on the catch |
| St. Mary's ferry and water sports | Check at the jetty | Prices change by season |
| Stay per night | ₹1,200 to ₹4,000 and up | See verified Udupi homestays |
Sample daily budgets per person: about ₹1,200 to ₹1,800 for a bus-and-budget-stay trip, and about ₹3,000 to ₹4,500 when you share a taxi among three or four people and stay in a mid-range homestay.
Best Time to Visit Udupi
October to March: best
Warm days at roughly 20 to 33 degrees Celsius, clear skies and open water sports. Showers can linger into October. Book weekends and January festivals early.
April to May: hot and humid
Plan mornings and evenings only, keep the middle of the day for rest, and carry plenty of water.
June to September: monsoon
Green, dramatic and quiet. Waterfalls peak, but the ferry and water sports usually pause. Use the rainy day plan.
Festival timing: The Paryaya handover happens every two years in January, the Sankranti chariot festival follows in mid-January, and Janmashtami with Vittal Pindi falls in August or September. Details are in the Udupi festivals guide. Karkala's Mahamastakabhisheka is expected in 2027.
Getting Around Udupi and Where to Stay
You can reach the temples on foot, but the beaches and day trips are far easier with a vehicle. Here are your options.
Hire an auto or taxi with a driver
The easiest way to follow any plan here. Local drivers wait at each stop, help with photos and know when the ferry and lighthouse open. Rates are in the budget table above.
City buses
Buses link Udupi with Malpe and Manipal frequently and cheaply. Use them for the nearby stops, not the far beaches.
Your own car
NH 66 makes self-drive simple. Park away from Car Street and walk, since parking near the temple is tight.
Train and flight
Udupi has a Konkan Railway station, and the nearest airport is Mangaluru, about 59 km and around 1.5 hours away by road. See our full guide to reaching Udupi by train, bus, flight and road.
Want a local driver for your Udupi itinerary?
Experienced local drivers who speak English, Hindi, Kannada and Tulu, with fuel included. Tell us your dates and which plan you like, and we will line up the route.
Call +91 76760 32942WhatsApp to bookWhere to stay in Udupi
| Base | Best for | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Udupi town | Pilgrims, food lovers | Walk to Krishna Matha and the best vegetarian restaurants |
| Malpe | Beach lovers, early ferry riders | Steps from the beach and the St. Mary's jetty |
| Manipal | Cafes, a modern feel | Cafes, museums and quick access to Hasta Shilpa and the Museum of Anatomy and Pathology |
| Kaup and Padubidri | Couples, quiet escapes | Peaceful coast with sunsets on your doorstep |
Browse verified coastal and heritage stays on our Udupi homestays page.
Eat Your Way Through the Itinerary
Food is half the reason to visit. Udupi's temple kitchens gave India its restaurant style, and the Malpe coast adds seafood. Weave these into your days:
Several temples, including Sri Krishna Matha, Uchila Mahalakshmi and Anegudde Vinayaka, serve free meals to devotees. Join respectfully, follow the queue and do not waste food. Read our full Udupi Food Guide for dishes and places to eat.
Practical Tips for Your Udupi Trip
- Dress for temples: cover shoulders and knees, and expect to remove footwear. Follow photography signs near sanctums.
- Check the day's timings: the St. Mary's ferry and the Kaup lighthouse climb both depend on season, tide and weather.
- Carry cash and water: small stalls and ferry counters prefer cash, and network can be patchy on the coast.
- Protect yourself from the sun: little shade at St. Mary's Island, Padubidri and Kaup. Bring a hat and sunscreen.
- Respect sea warnings: currents are strong at Malpe and Kaup. Never swim in the monsoon or where flags warn you off.
- Add a buffer: NH 66 works can slow drives, so allow 20 percent extra time.
- Beat the crowds: weekend evenings at Malpe and festival days at Krishna Matha are busiest. Go early.
- Pack light rain gear: showers can linger into October, and the monsoon arrives in June.
Plan Each Stop in Detail
Every place in this Udupi itinerary has its own guide with timings, entry fees and how to reach.
More guides: all Udupi attractions · Udupi beaches · Udupi temples · festivals · Kundapura
Udupi Itinerary FAQs
How many days are enough for Udupi?
Two days is enough for the main sights: Day 1 for Sri Krishna Matha, Malpe Beach and St. Mary's Island, and Day 2 for Padubidri, Uchila Mahalakshmi Temple and Kaup lighthouse. Add a third day for Karkala and Varanga, Manipal, or the northern coast.
What is the best one day itinerary for Udupi?
Start with Sri Krishna Matha around 6:30 AM, have breakfast on Car Street, drive 8 km to Malpe Beach, take the ferry to St. Mary's Island, have lunch, then finish at Kaup Beach and the lighthouse for sunset.
Can I visit Udupi on a day trip from Mangaluru?
Yes. Udupi is about 58 km from Mangaluru, roughly 1.5 hours by road. Leave early and focus on Sri Krishna Matha, Malpe Beach and Kaup, which lies on the way back along NH 66.
Do I need a car in Udupi?
Not strictly. City buses connect Udupi with Malpe and Manipal, but beaches like Kaup and Padubidri and the day-trip sights are far easier with a hired auto or taxi, which also lets you stop for photos and meals when you like.
What is the best time to visit Udupi for beaches and St. Mary's Island?
October to March has the most comfortable weather and running ferries. April and May are hot and humid, and during the monsoon from June to September the ferry and water sports usually pause and the sea is unsafe for swimming.
How far are Malpe, Kaup and Manipal from Udupi?
Manipal is about 6 km, Malpe about 8 km and Kaup about 13 km from the city centre. Padubidri is about 26 km and Karkala about 37 km away.
Is there an entry fee at Sri Krishna Matha?
General darshan is free, and special sevas are paid. Dress modestly, and check current timings and rules in our Sri Krishna Matha guide before you go.
Is Udupi suitable for families, couples and solo travellers?
Yes. Udupi is a calm, family-oriented temple town with clean vegetarian food, and its beaches, museums and heritage sites suit all ages. As on any coast, follow lifeguard and flag warnings and avoid sea swimming in the monsoon.
What should I eat in Udupi?
Try neer dosa, masala dosa, Mangaluru buns, kori rotti, golibaje, Gadbad ice cream and fresh seafood near Malpe. Our Udupi Food Guide lists dishes and where to eat.
Where should I stay in Udupi?
Stay in Udupi town for temples and food, near Malpe for the beach, in Manipal for cafes and a modern feel, or around Kaup and Padubidri for quiet. Browse verified stays on our homestays page.
Written and reviewed by the Explore Udupi Team, October 2026. Timings, fares and ferry schedules change, so confirm locally and tell us about any corrections through our contact page. Photographs are © Explore Udupi and free to use with credit under our image licensing terms.