Tourist Attractions at Udupi Karnataka

Udupi, Karnataka is a tourist hub mainly due to its plethora of beautiful temples thus giving it the tag of being a temple town. This article will give you information on the temples of Udupi, Karnataka and other tourist spots in Udupi, Karnataka.

Tourist Spots in Udupi, Karnataka

The primary reason for tourists visiting Udupi, Karnataka is the Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is known as Krishna Mutt. Founded in the 13th Century by Vaishnavite saint Shri Madhvacharya, it is managed in rotation by eight religious organisations. Last year, a chariot of gemstones was designed exclusively for the Krishna Mutt. The beautifully carved golden chariot is studded with the 9 varieties of gemstones (Navratnas). The most intriguing feature of the Krishna Mutt, though, is the Kanakana Kindi. Legend has it that a low-caste devotee named Kanakadasa was forbidden entry inside. Hence, it is said, Lord Krishna showed his face to his devout follower through a tiny window with 9 holes which was later named Kanakana Kindi. If you look at this window closely, you will see the carvings of Lord Vishnu's ten incarnations. The Krishna idol in the innermost sanctum is not of the traditional flute-playing God, but of infant Krishna with a churning stick (Lord Krishna loved curds). When you exit from the temple premises, you can purchase some souvenirs from the stores lining the road outside. You can also chase away hunger pangs by feasting on the simple but delicious vegetarian meal served at the Mitra Samaj, located a few footfalls from the temple complex.

There are also two other well known temples: the Chandramouleshwara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva; and the Sri Ananthesvara Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

The Chandramouleshwara Temple has a beautiful legend explaining the name of the region. The story goes that Chandra (the moon), the Lord of the Stars, at one time prayed here with his wives. They created a Shivalinga at the site which is the one seen by visitors even today. Udupi, in the local Tulu language, thus refers to it as being the land of the Lord of the Stars.

The primary attraction at the Sri Ananthesvara Temple is its artistic design. The temple structure has primarily been designed from stone and wood.

Then there is the Vishwanatha Temple in the small village of Yellur, about 24-25kms from Udupi town. This temple is said to be a thousand years old!
Before visiting any of the temples in Udupi, Karnataka, you should certainly take a holy dip in the Madhava Sarovar holy tank.

Another place to visit in Udupi, Karnataka is Pajaka, the native village of Saint Madhvacharya. From old timers here you will hear of the famous story when the Saint proved his divine strength by lifting heavy stones. You will be directed to the majestic banyan tree beneath which he sat and the pond which was his source of water.

Further south in Udupi is the peaceful Kaup Beach, where the main attraction is its light house.

For those seeking some thrills, you can hit the trekking trails at Kudlu Teertha and visit the scenic waterfalls at Arasingaundi. A famous picnic spot 6kms from Udupi is St. Mary's Island, Malpe where the famous traveler Vasco da Gama is said to have first dropped anchor on reaching India.

As you can see, there is much more to Udupi, Karnataka than dosas!

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