Udupi 3-Day Itinerary

A day-by-day plan for Udupi: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.

Day 1

Arrive & Explore the Highlights

Morning
Krishna Mutt Temple

A 13th-century temple founded by Madhvacharya. The main shrine has a window offering darshan of the Krishna idol through nine holes (navagraha).

🕐 5:00 AM - 9:00 PM daily

Free entry

💡 Visit between 5:30 and 6:30 AM for the morning puja when the temple is quiet and you can see the priests prepare offerings.

Hotels near Krishna Mutt Temple →
Afternoon
Udupi Ratha Beedi (Car Street)

A long, straight street leading from Krishna Mutt, lined with old shops selling traditional items. During the annual car festival, the temple chariot is pulled here.

🕐 Open 24 hours

Free entry

💡 Come early morning (6-7 AM) to see the street before shops open — the old architecture is more visible, and you can watch temple elephants being walked.

Hotels near Udupi Ratha Beedi (Car Street) →
Evening
Where to eat

Hotel Karavali · ££

Krishna Bhavan · ££

Day 2

Deeper Into Udupi

Morning
Sri Chandramouleshwara Temple

A twin-shrine temple built in the 16th century with ornate stone carvings. Dedicated to both Shiva and Parvati.

🕐 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM daily

💡 The carvings on the outer pillars are better than those inside — look for the mythical animal sculptures along the base.

Midday
Malpe Beach

A clean, wide sandy beach with calm waters. Fishing boats line the shore, and you can watch the sunset over the Arabian Sea.

🕐 Open 24 hours

💡 Walk to the northern end past the boat jetty for fewer crowds and better shell collecting. Avoid peak weekends when it gets packed with locals.

Evening
Dining tonight

Woodlands Restaurent

Tamboola

Day 3

Final Favourites & Departure

Morning
Udupi Town Museum

A small but well-kept museum in the government college grounds. Displays local archaeology, old coins, sculptures, and traditional household items from the regi

💡 Ask the caretaker to unlock the back room — it has a collection of 18th-century wooden temple carvings not on public display elsewhere. Entry is ₹10.

Final meal

Mitra Samaj Hotel

Udupi Residency

Getting Around Udupi

Mangalore Airport Prepaid Taxi From ₹1200 60 min

Book at the prepaid counter inside arrivals to avoid haggling. Ask for an air-conditioned Indica or similar.

Mangalore Junction to Udupi Station – Passenger Train From ₹30 50 min

Use the unreserved general compartment for short hops. Walk or take an auto-rickshaw (₹50) from Udupi station to the hotel.

Local Auto-Rickshaw From ₹50 5 min

Flag a shared auto (green board) for ₹10 per person. For a private ride, agree the fare before getting in – locals pay ₹40-50 for this short trip.

KSRTC Airavata Bus From ₹65 75 min

Get off at ‘Udupi City Bus Stand’, not the new one outside town. Hotel Karavali is a 5-minute walk east.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 3 days enough for Udupi?

Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Krishna Mutt Temple and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.

What is the best time to visit Udupi?

See our full best time to visit Udupi guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.

Where should I stay for this itinerary?

A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Hotel Karavali, Mother Palace, Ashraya Hotel. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.