Udupi is a coastal district in Karnataka, carved out of Dakshina Kannada district in 1997. Udupi is popular for its food, temples, beaches and educational as well as financial institutions.
The name “Udupi” is believed to have come from the Sanskrit words “Udu & Pa” that means “stars” and “Lord“. According to legend, the Moon’s light was once reduced due to a curse by King Daksha. The Moon prayed to Lord Shiva to get back the original shine and the prayer was believed to be made at the Chandramouleshwara Temple here. Pleased, Lord Shiva restored the Moon’s shine. It is also believed that the name Udupi was derived from the Tulu word “Odipu” which is associated with the Odabhanishwara Temple at Malpe.
Vegetarian restaurants run by people who have their roots in this place are popular all over India and abroad as ‘Udupi Hotels’. Yakshagana folk art, Kambala buffalo race, Huli Vesha, Paryaya festival are some of the unique experiences not to be missed. Udupi Sri Krishna Temple and Kollur Mookambika Temple are two of the most popular temples in Karnataka.
Dr Kota Shivarama Karantha, Jnanapeetha Award winning poet and writer was born in Kota near Udupi. This district has one of the highest literacy rates in the state and is 400 kms west of Bengaluru, bordering Dakshina Kannada, Shivamogga, Chikmagalur and Uttara Kannada districts. With Arabian Sea on one side and the Western Ghats on the other, This place offers both beach and forest experiences.

Tourist Attractions
Udupi Sri Krishna Temple: Sri Krishna Temple Thousands of devotees throng this temple town to offer prayers to Lord Krishna. It is said that the Krishna idol here is the most beautiful idol of Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna is depicted here as a small boy (Balakrishna). The idol is not seen directly, but through a 9 holed window called the Navagraha Kitiki. Another interesting attraction at this temple is the ‘Kanakana Kindi’ - a small window through which Lord Krishna is believed to have given darshan to his ardent devotee, saint Kanakadasa. According to legend, Kanakadasa was of a low caste and was not allowed entry to the temple. Undaunted, he went behind the temple and prayed to the Lord through a small crack in the wall. Pleased, the statue of Lord Krishna turned around and gave him darshan. Just adjacent is the Kanakadasa Mantapa, which houses a statue of the saint. There is a beautiful water tank nearby called Madhwa Sarovara with a little mantapa in the centre. The image of Lord Krishna is taken on a float during festivals. Udupi is a great centre of Sanskrit learning and the language is imparted through the Ashta Mathas (Eight Maths): Puttige, Pejavara, Palimaru, Adamaru, Shirur, Sodhe, Krishnapura and Kaniyuru, which are located around the temple.
Malpe Beach: The Malpe Beach is a virgin beach, located at a distance about 6 kms from Udupi. It is an important port and a fishing harbor in the state of Karnataka. The endless stretch of golden sand, graciously swaying palm trees, clear blue sky and the gentle murmur of the sea, set the perfect mood for an idyllic holiday. Be sure to visit the Balarama Temple and Malpe’s oldest tile factory, set up by the Basel Mission.
Kodachadri (110 km): The Kodachadri hill is a part of the Western Ghats and forms a lovely backdrop to the famous Kollur Mookambika Temple. Famed for its glorious sunrises and sunsets, this hill range is part of the Mookambika Temple Nature Reserve. The peak of Kodachadri (at an altitude of 1343 m above sea level) can be reached by a five-hour trek. Trekking in Kodachadri can be an adventurous and spiritual experience. On the western side, the hill descends steeply for about 1220 m, meeting the forests of Udupi district. The trek up to the ancient temple from this point involves a climb of 4 km through thick jungle trails. Kollur is an ideal base from which to explore the hills.