Karnataka, India
Udupi is famous for the Sri Krishna Matha temple, a significant pilgrimage site. Malpe Beach, nearby, provides coastal relaxation and access to St. Mary's Island, known for unique geological formations. Udupi also holds renown for its distinct vegetarian cuisine.
Frequent public buses (KSRTC and private operators) travel from Mangalore to Udupi. The journey takes 1.5 to 2 hours. Taxis and ride-sharing services stand ready for a quicker, more direct trip.
Several additional interesting destinations lie within day-trip range of Mangalore, each with distinctive attractions.
A coastal town with historical significance, Kundapura opens avenues to serene and less crowded beaches.
Located in neighboring Kerala, Bekal Fort ranks as the largest and best-preserved fort in its state, providing impressive panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. Its unique architecture and coastal setting make it a popular spot.
The region around Mangalore provides several natural escapes, from unique islands to lush national parks, alongside rich cultural excursions.
Features unique columnar basaltic lava rock formations, a national geological monument, with clean beaches.
A biodiversity hotspot in the Western Ghats; known for shola forests, grasslands, and diverse wildlife.
Called "Cherrapunji of the South" for heavy rainfall; dense rainforests, stunning sunset points, and King Cobra research.
Known as "Jain Kashi," Moodabidri gained fame for its 18 Jain Basadis (temples). The most prominent, the Thousand Pillar Basadi (Saavira Kambada Basadi), is an architectural marvel with intricate carvings.
A renowned pilgrimage site with the Manjunatha Swamy Temple. This unique temple displays religious harmony, as a Jain family oversees it while the presiding deity remains Hindu. Dharmasthala also houses a vintage car museum.
Mangalore forms a convenient starting point for longer regional explorations, allowing combination with other destinations for multi-day trips.
Journey northward from Mangalore to explore more of coastal Karnataka and then into Goa. Stops include Udupi/Malpe, Gokarna (beaches, temples), and Murudeshwar (tall Shiva statue).
Head east into the Western Ghats hill stations. A route includes Mangalore to Madikeri (Coorg) for coffee plantations and Abbey Falls, then Chikmagalur for Mullayanagiri Peak.
Travel south from Mangalore into Northern Kerala. Stops include Bekal (fort), Kannur (beaches, Theyyam rituals), and Kozhikode (Calicut), a historical port city.
A private car hire is ideal for scenic routes and personalized stops, especially in mountain regions.
Monsoon rainfall impacts certain outdoor activities; plan your trip accordingly.
Especially for popular routes or during peak seasons, secure your stays in advance.
