Udupi, situated at a distance of around 60 km from Mangalore, is visited by a large number of tourists every year. Some of them visit the place to indulge in adventure sports and make their trip a thrilling one. Then, there are others who want to explore the ancient temples therein. Whether you are amongst the former group or fall in the latter, the information given below would surely prove useful to you. In the following lines, we have listed details on what to do and see in the Udupi town of Karnataka.Fun Activities to Do in Udupi
Boating
For all those who love to float on water, Udupi offers not one, but two options to indulge in their pastime. One of them comprises of the long and cylindrical banana boats that sail from the Maple Beach. Ideal for a group of 4 to 6, they help you explore the surroundings area at you own pace. Apart from that, you have the option of going in the speedboats, usually for a trip to St Mary’s Island, which is reported to have been visited by Vasco Da Gama. However, the boats aren’t operational during the monsoons.
Trekking
Kodachadri Hills, located near Udupi, is the best place to indulge in trekking. The whole trek, from the base of the hill to the peak, is about 10 km. On the way, you will find a number of vantage points, which offer some of the most scenic vistas of the surroundings. A five hour drilling trek, it can be undertaken by amateurs as well as experts, though the former need to take some more breaks on the way. One of the highlights of the trek is the presence of clouds at the top of Kodachadri Hills, especially during monsoons.
Water Sports
For all the water sports enthusiasts, Marawanthe Beach is the place to visit. Situated at a distance of approximately 50 km from Udupi, the place offers a lot of water sports options, like parasailing, wind surfing and water skiing. A few of the resorts situated here, such as Turtle Bay Resort and Soans Holidays, have arrangements for underwater sports as well, like scuba diving and snorkeling. You can even undertake fishing here.
River Rafting
Around 40 km from Udupi, at Sitanadi Nisarga Dhama, you get the opportunity to indulge in river rafting as well. There are two options there - one from Nisarga Dhama to Belinje Bridge (14 km) and the other from the Nisarga Dhama to Jomlu Tirtha (22 km). Then, you can also explore river rafting in the Varahi River, either from Hosangady to New Bridge (24 km) or from Hosangady to Hole Shankarnarayana (18 km).
Pilgrimage
Udupi is regarded as one of those places in Karnataka that are known for its pilgrimage options. Apart from being the abode of Madhavacharya, the renowned Sanskrit philosopher and scholar, it also houses the famous Krishna Temple and a cluster of mutts. The Krishna Temple dates back to the 13th-century, when it was constructed by Vaishnava teacher Madhava. Every alternate year, Paryaya Festival is organized at the temple, and attracts thousands of devotees. Mookambika temple is another place worth visiting.
