Routeyst
Opening your next page…
The Routeyst toolkit
Weekend getaways near Udupi
Choose a starting point, find local sights or an out-of-town idea within a stated 200 km road distance.
01
Make it your kind of day
A starting point. Somewhere to explore.
Choose a starting point and your ideas appear automatically. Switch to Out of town whenever you fancy going further.
Karnataka · Out of town
Ideas from Udupi
Cradled between the turquoise waters of the Arabian Sea and the mist-shrouded green wall of the Western Ghats, Udupi is one of the most culturally vibrant, historically rich, and visually captivating coastal hubs of southern…
Get to know this starting point
Cradled between the turquoise waters of the Arabian Sea and the mist-shrouded green wall of the Western Ghats, Udupi is one of the most culturally vibrant, historically rich, and visually captivating coastal hubs of southern India. Internationally celebrated as the birthplace of the world-famous Udupi vegetarian cuisine and the 13th-century capital of Dvaita Vedanta philosophy founded by Sri Madhvacharya, Udupi blends profound ancient monastic traditions with modern academic vitality and spectacular coastal geography.
When planning day trips and weekend outings from Udupi, travelers can choose between two contrasting dimensions of experiences:
- Local urban & coastal sights (within 6 km): In the immediate heart of Udupi, life revolves around the sacred, pedestrianized granite expanse of Car Street, where the 13th-century Sri Krishna Matha sits flanked by two 8th-century stone Shaivite sanctuaries - Anantheshwara Temple (the town's oldest temple, where Madhvacharya studied and disappeared) and Chandramouleshwara Temple (the town's namesake shrine, visited first by traditional protocol). Just 300 metres west lies the Corporation Bank Heritage Museum, showcasing 2,500 years of numismatic history inside a restored mercantile mansion. Heading 6 km east ascends the cool plateau of Manipal to End Point Park, offering clifftop river valley panoramas, while driving 6 km west reaches Malpe Beach and the astonishing volcanic hexagonal basalt columns of St. Mary's Islands (a National Geological Monument of India).
- Out-of-town getaways (up to 75 km): Exploring outward along coastal highways and mountain ghat roads reveals diverse coastal landscapes, rainforest summits, and monumental architectural marvels. Driving just 13 km south leads to the 1901 British lighthouse perched atop a dramatic black rock at Kaup Beach. Heading 55 km north along National Highway 66 brings you to Maravanthe Beach, an iconic stretch where the Arabian Sea and the Souparnika River flow parallel separated by only a narrow highway strip. Heading 55 km east climbs the 14 hairpin curves of Agumbe Ghat into the mist-drenched rainforests of Agumbe (the "Cherrapunji of the South" and King Cobra research sanctuary). Venturing southeast takes you to Karkala (~38 km) to view the colossal 42-foot monolithic Bahubali statue and the 108-pillared Chaturmukha Basadi, or northeast into the Western Ghats foothills to the revered Shakti Peetha of Kollur Mookambika Temple (~75 km).
All recommended out-of-town destinations lie comfortably between 13 km and 75 km from Udupi's central anchor, well within the 200 km ceiling, making them easily manageable as half-day or single-day excursions.
Out-of-town ideas use a stated road distance of up to 200 km from the researched starting point; confirm your actual route. Some need an overnight stay. Maps opens a place search; check the visitor entrance and current access.
1 of 1 places · Open details without losing your list
Not sure? Pick 2–3 places to compare.
Nearby places that fit together
Udupi Car Street Sacred & Numismatic Circuit (Chandramouleshwara + Anantheshwara + Sri Krishna Matha + Coin…Explore detailsClose details
- Udupi Car Street Sacred & Numismatic Circuit (Chandramouleshwara + Anantheshwara + Sri Krishna Matha + Coin Museum):
- Why it fits: All four sites are situated within a 350-metre walking perimeter in central Udupi. Confirm the current charge and what it includes with the operator or service provider. Visitor admission, vehicles, parking, activities and accommodation can have separate charges.
- Practical limits: Temples close their morning sessions by 1:30 PM; male devotees must remove upper clothing inside temples. The Coin Museum is closed on Sundays.
- Udupi-Malpe Coastal & Island Day (Car Street Morning + Malpe Beach & St. Mary's Islands Afternoon):
- Why it fits: Malpe is only 6 km west of central Udupi. Check the current visiting hours and permitted access with the site operator before departure; ceremonies, closures and visitor sessions can affect access. Mary's Islands to explore the hexagonal volcanic basalt columns and seashell beaches (2:00 PM to 4:00 PM), and spend the late afternoon enjoying watersports or walking the Malpe Sea Walk.
- Practical limits: Ferries to St. Mary's Island operate strictly between October and May and are closed during the southwest monsoon.
- Coastal North Scenic & Spiritual Circuit (Maravanthe Beach + Kollur Mookambika Temple):
- Why it fits: Both destinations lie along the northern corridor of Udupi district. High-speed highway driving requires caution near pedestrian crossings.
- Jain Heritage Circuit (Karkala + Moodabidri):
- Why it fits: Karkala (~38 km southeast of Udupi) and Moodabidri (~55 km southeast) are separated by just 18 km along a scenic countryside road. Travelers can visit Karkala's 42-foot Gommateshwara monolith and 108-pillared Chaturmukha Basadi in the morning, stop for lunch in Karkala, and spend the afternoon exploring the monumental 1430 CE Thousand Pillar Temple (Moodabidri Thousand Pillar Temple) before returning to Udupi.
- Practical limits: Footwear must be removed on exposed granite terraces; undertake hill climbs during morning or late afternoon to avoid hot stones.
Planning your day
Questions about Udupi
What is the traditional order of visiting temples on Udupi's Car Street?
According to ancient Udupi pilgrimage etiquette established by Sri Madhvacharya, visitors should first seek blessings at the 8th-century Chandramouleshwara Temple (the guardian Shiva shrine), then proceed to the Anantheshwara Temple (where Madhvacharya studied and disappeared), and finally enter the Sri Krishna Matha to receive the darshan of child Krishna through the Kanakana Kindi window.
When is the best time to visit St. Mary's Islands from Udupi?
The tourist ferry from Malpe Beach to St. Mary's Islands operates exclusively from October to mid-May. The islands are completely closed to visitors from June 1 to September 30 during the southwest monsoon due to hazardous sea swells and rough currents. Winter months (November to February) offer the calmest seas and clearest water.
What is the unique geographic feature of Maravanthe Beach?
At Maravanthe Beach, National Highway 66 runs along a slender spit of land wedged tightly between the roaring Arabian Sea on the west and the calm freshwater Souparnika River on the east, creating one of the most stunning dual-waterfront road corridors in India, framed by the peaks of the Western Ghats.
Are male visitors required to remove their shirts at Udupi temples?
Yes. At Sri Krishna Matha, Anantheshwara Temple, Chandramouleshwara Temple, and Kollur Mookambika Temple, strict traditional dress codes are enforced. Male devotees are required to remove their shirts, t-shirts, and vests before stepping into the inner sanctum halls, wearing dhotis or modest full-length trousers. Shorts and sleeveless clothing are strictly prohibited.
Your friend receives the same starting point, outing type and filters. No sign-in needed.
Make room for a longer journey
Explore beyond a day out from Udupi
Hubs and guides from our wider collection, ordered with local and geographically closer places first. These are not limited to 200 km and are not road-distance estimates.
Explore a whole area
Choose a destination
Timings, entry & getting there · 5 places
Open a place for its researched visitor notes. Confirm current charges and access before travelling.
Kaup Beach and Lighthouse~13 km by road
Entry & permissions
- Operating hours:
- Kaup Beach and Sea Walk: Open daily from 6:00 AM to 7:30 PM (free access).
- Lighthouse interior climb & viewing gallery: Open daily from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM (subject to weather and maritime inspection schedules).
- Admission fees:
- Beach and Sea Walk: Free entry.
- Lighthouse climb ticket: Approximately ₹10 to ₹25 per adult; ₹5 for children; camera fee: ~₹20 to ₹50.
- Safety regulations:
View the water from permitted areas. Water entry depends on local restrictions and conditions; this preview does not establish that swimming or wading is safe.
- Obey safety signboards and do not climb outer slippery rocks exposed to crashing waves.
- Footwear must be removed at the base of the lighthouse tower before ascending the interior stairs.
The lighthouse is maintained by the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL), Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India, while beach amenities are overseen by the Kaup Beach Tourism Development Committee.
Getting there
Kaup Beach is located at Kapu town in southern Udupi district, approximately 13 km south of Udupi Car Street and 42 km north of central Mangaluru.
Visitor entrance and transit:
- By road: From Udupi, drive south along the smooth four-lane National Highway 66 (NH 66 / Kochi-Panvel Highway) for about 11 km to reach Kaup Junction, then turn right (west) onto Kaup Beach Road for 2 km directly to the beach. The drive takes 20 to 25 minutes by car, auto-rickshaw, or motorcycle.
- By public bus: Frequent express and local buses plying the Udupi-Mangaluru route stop at Kaup Junction every 5 minutes. Confirm the current charge and what it includes with the operator or service provider. Visitor admission, vehicles, parking, activities and accommodation can have separate charges.
Fees, visiting hours and entry rules may change. Confirm the latest details with the official operator or local authority before travelling.
Karkala Gommateshwara and Chaturmukha Basadi~38 km by road
Entry & permissions
- Operating hours:
- Gommatagiri Bahubali Monolith: Open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Chaturmukha Basadi: Open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Admission fees: Entry to both Gommatagiri and Chaturmukha Basadi is completely free of charge.
- Temple etiquette:
- Footwear must be removed at the designated shoe racks before climbing onto the stone temple terraces.
- Modest clothing is required; visitors should avoid revealing attire, sleeveless tops, and short pants.
- Leather articles (including belts, wallets, and bags) are traditionally discouraged inside Jain sanctums.
- Photography: Exterior photography of the Gommateshwara statue, hill views, and Chaturmukha Basadi pillared mandapas is permitted; commercial filming or drone operations require permission from the temple management trust and ASI.
The monuments are protected under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in collaboration with the Digambara Jain Temple Management Board and the Udupi District Administration.
Getting there
Karkala is located in southern Udupi district, approximately 38 km southeast of Udupi Car Street and 52 km northeast of Mangaluru.
Visitor entrance and transit:
- By road: From Udupi, drive southeast along State Highway 37 (SH 37 / Udupi-Karkala Road) via Manipal, Hiriadka, and Bailur. The 38-km road is well-paved, scenic, and takes approximately 45 to 55 minutes by car, taxi, or motorcycle.
- By public bus: Frequent direct KSRTC and private express buses run every 15 to 20 minutes from Udupi City Bus Stand directly to Karkala Bus Stand. From Karkala town, local auto-rickshaws reach Gommatagiri and Chaturmukha Basadi in 5 minutes (approx. 1.5 km).
- Parking: Designated free open parking areas are available at the base of Gommatagiri hill and at the entrance gates of Chaturmukha Basadi.
Fees, visiting hours and entry rules may change. Confirm the latest details with the official operator or local authority before travelling.
Maravanthe Beach and Souparnika River~55 km by road
Entry & permissions
- Operating hours: Daylight visits recommended; confirm any after-dark access (free public highway and beach access). Daylight hours between 6:00 AM and 7:00 PM are strongly recommended for safety and optimal scenic visibility.
- Admission fees: Entry to Maravanthe Beach, the pedestrian promenade, and Maraswamy Temple is completely free of charge.
- River boating tariffs (operated by local boatmen and fishermen cooperatives):
- 30-Minute Souparnika River Cruise: Approximately ₹100 to ₹150 per person (or ₹500 to ₹800 for chartering a private boat).
- Safety regulations:
- Swimming in the Arabian Sea at Maravanthe is extremely dangerous and strictly discouraged due to steep undersea drop-offs, strong undertows, and rocky rip-rap sea walls.
- Visitors must not cross highway lanes haphazardly; use designated pedestrian underpasses or marked crossing points.
The highway corridor is maintained by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), while beach amenities and safety are overseen by the Udupi District Administration and Kundapura Taluk Panchayat.
Getting there
Maravanthe Beach is located in Kundapura / Byndoor taluk in northern Udupi district, approximately 55 km north of Udupi Car Street and 18 km north of Kundapura town.
Visitor entrance and transit:
- By road: From Udupi, drive north along the newly widened 4-lane National Highway 66 (NH 66 / Kochi-Panvel Highway) through Brahmavar, Kota, and Kundapura. The 55-km highway drive is smooth, scenic, and takes approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes by private car, taxi, or motorcycle.
- By public bus: Frequent express and KSRTC buses running between Udupi/Mangaluru and Bhatkal/Karwar ply continuously along NH 66; simply request the conductor to drop you at Maravanthe Beach or Trasi Junction.
- By rail: Kundapura Railway Station (KUDA) on the Konkan Railway network is located 18 km south; from the station, taxis and auto-rickshaws reach Maravanthe in 25 minutes.
- Parking: Designated scenic lay-bys and paved parking shoulders are built into the highway side of Maravanthe Beach, allowing cars and tour buses to park safely away from traffic lanes (free parking).
Fees, visiting hours and entry rules may change. Confirm the latest details with the official operator or local authority before travelling.
Agumbe Rainforest and Sunset Point~55 km by road
Entry & permissions
- Operating hours:
- Agumbe Sunset Point: Daylight visits recommended; confirm any after-dark access; optimal viewing between 4:30 PM and 6:30 PM.
- Sompura Forest Checkpost / Ghat road: Generally Daylight visits recommended; confirm any after-dark access, though heavy commercial multi-axle trucks are restricted on the hairpin curves.
- ARRS Educational Visits: Require advance online contact or registration during daylight hours.
- Waterfall treks (Barkana & Onake Abbi): Open 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM; entering the forest after dark is strictly prohibited.
- Admission fees & permits:
- Sunset Point: Free entry.
- Waterfall forest entry permits: Managed by the Karnataka Forest Department (approx. ₹50 per person; guided trekking fees may apply).
- Forest regulations:
- Do not feed or tease wild rhesus macaques or langurs along the ghat road.
- Littering, discarding plastic, and consuming alcohol in public forest areas or on the ghat road are strictly prohibited offenses under the Wildlife Protection Act.
The ghat pass and wildlife areas are administered by the Karnataka Forest Department (Kudremukh Wildlife Division) and Shivamogga District Administration in coordination with the Karnataka Public Works Department.
Getting there
Agumbe is located in Thirthahalli taluk in the southwestern corner of Shivamogga district, approximately 55 km east of Udupi Car Street and 95 km west of Shivamogga city.
Visitor entrance and transit:
- By road: From Udupi, drive east via Manipal, Perdoor, Hebri, and Sompura along State Highway 169A (SH 169A / Udupi-Agumbe-Thirthahalli Highway). At the foot of the Western Ghats (Sompura checkpost), the road ascends the 14 hairpin bends of the Agumbe Ghat. The 55-km drive takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes by car, taxi, or motorcycle.
- By public bus: Regular KSRTC and private express buses operate from Udupi City Bus Stand to Thirthahalli and Shivamogga via Agumbe, departing every 30 to 45 minutes and dropping passengers right at Agumbe village bus stop or Sunset Point.
- Parking: Designated roadside parking shoulders are available at the 14th hairpin bend for Sunset Point (free parking; exercise caution when pulling in on the mountain curve).
Fees, visiting hours and entry rules may change. Confirm the latest details with the official operator or local authority before travelling.
Kollur Mookambika Temple~75 km by road
Entry & permissions
- Operating hours: The temple is open daily in two extended sessions:
- Morning session: 5:00 AM to 1:30 PM.
- Evening session: 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM (temple doors close at 9:00 PM after the Kashaya Theertha distribution).
- Free Temple Annadana (Lunch): Served daily from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM; Dinner served from 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM.
- Admission fees: General entry and darshan are completely free of charge. Special quick darshan queues, special sevas (such as Chandika Homa, Kumkumarchana, and Vidyarambha), and vehicle poojas are booked at official computer counters inside the courtyard.
- Dress code and regulations:
- Strict traditional dress code is enforced: Men must remove shirts, t-shirts, and vests before entering the inner sanctum hall; dhotis or modest full trousers are required. Shorts, lungis, and capris are strictly prohibited.
- Women must wear sarees, half-sarees, or salwar kameez with dupattas.
- Photography and videography inside the inner sanctum and courtyards are strictly prohibited.
The temple is administered under the Karnataka Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (Muzrai) Department and overseen by an executive committee appointed by the Government of Karnataka.
Getting there
Kollur is situated in Byndoor taluk in northern Udupi district, approximately 75 km northeast of Udupi Car Street and 130 km north of Mangaluru.
Visitor entrance and transit:
- By road: From Udupi, drive north along National Highway 66 (NH 66) past Kundapura to Hemmadi (approx. 42 km), then turn right (inland) onto State Highway 27 (SH 27 / Kundapura-Kollur Road) via Vandse to reach Kollur at the base of the hills (approx. 33 km). The entire 75-km drive takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes by car or taxi.
- By public bus: Frequent direct KSRTC and private express buses operate continuously between Udupi City Bus Stand and Kollur Bus Stand (departing every 15 to 20 minutes; travel time roughly 2 hours).
- By rail: Mookambika Road Byndoor Railway Station (BYNR) on the Konkan Railway route is located 28 km northwest; regular buses and taxis connect the station with Kollur in 40 minutes. Confirm the current charge and what it includes with the operator or service provider. Visitor admission, vehicles, parking, activities and accommodation can have separate charges.
Fees, visiting hours and entry rules may change. Confirm the latest details with the official operator or local authority before travelling.
Find weekend ideas by state
Browse cities by state · 85 starting points
Find weekend ideas by state
Browse cities by state · 85 starting points
Open a state, then choose your starting city. Local sights load automatically.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands1
Andhra Pradesh3
Arunachal Pradesh1
Assam1
Chandigarh1
Chhattisgarh1
Delhi1
Himachal Pradesh2
Jharkhand2
Manipur1
Meghalaya1
Mizoram1
Nagaland1
Puducherry1
Sikkim1
West Bengal3
Before you choose a place
Day out or overnight?
Out-of-town ideas vary in distance. Check your outward and return journey, time at the destination and breaks before deciding whether you need a stay.
Check the final approach
Maps may identify a landscape rather than its visitor entrance. Check parking, walks, boat transfers and entry permission with the local operator.
Choose a suitable day
Use the guide for practical context and visit weather for the available three-day forecast. Neither is a live opening or safety confirmation.