udipi

Udipi or Udupi is a coastal city in the south Indian state of Karnataka, located on the coast of the Arabian sea. It's known for its ancient Hindu temples, and its colourful cuisine and culture.

Udipi has many beaches and temples, and other attractions as well. Some of the top places to see in Udipi include the following –

• Kapu Beach
• Mattu Beach
• Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary
• Jomlu Teertha - A waterfall formed by the River Sita, this is located within Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary
• St. Mary’s Island
• KudluTheertha Falls

• Sri Krishna Temple – A grand temple dedicated to Lord Krishna; the city is famous for this temple.
• Anegudde Vinayaka Temple
• Udipi Sri Krishna Matha

The major festivals celebrated in Udipi are -

• Krishna Janmashtami – A (Hindu) festival marking the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna.
• Maha Shivaratri (¬a festival dedicated to Lord Shiva)
• Ganesh Chaturthi – A festival where Lord Ganesh – the elephant headed God (who is also the son of Lord Shiva) is worshipped.
• Navratri (a 10-day Hindu festival, where Goddess Durga is worshipped).
• Deepavali – The festival of Lights; India’s most popular and widely celebrated festival.

If you’d like to indulge in some shopping, some things to buy in Udipi include local snacks, juice extracts, spices, oils and utensilsthat are used in authentic Udupi cooking, such as aluminium Guliyappa pans, Aruvamane (a utensil with sharp fixtures used to scrape coconuts) and so on. Apart from these, silk sarees and other clothes can also be bought in the shops here. Here are some good shopping spots to check out in Udipi -

• Ratha Beedi Market Area
• Jewellery Shops on Chittranjan circle & Mosque Road
• Kalsanka Girija Silks and Sai ram Textorium (for clothes)

MALLS:

• City Centre Mall
• Dubai Shopping Centre
• Kanaka Mall

Udipi’s cuisine is popular all-over south India and particularly in the state of Karnataka. Some of the best local dishes to try in Udipi are –

• Rava Idli – Steamed mini cakes made of semolina and fermented white lentil batter.
• Masala Dosa
• Sambar – A spicy lentil and vegetable stew that is popular in south India; Udipi has its own style of Sambar which is exclusive to the region.
• Pathrode - A dish made with Colocasia or Pathrode leaves, rice, coconut paste, tamarind, and local spices.
• Neer Dose – A thin crepe made of a watery rice batter.

Following is a list of some of the best restaurants in Udipi to try the local delicacies as well as other interesting foods and sumptuous meals –

• Saffron Restaurant
• Woodlands Restaurant
• Mavalli Tiffin Rooms (MTR)
• Thimmappa Fish Hotel
• Kediyoor Gazebo Restaurant
• Dollops Restaurant
• Gokula Krishna Veg
• Mitra Samaj
• Café 7 Bees
• Udupi Upahara

Some of the best hotels in Udipi for a comfortable stay include the following –

• The Ocean Pearl
• Aryaan Resort & Residences
• Samanvay Boutique Hotel
• Hotel Sri Krishna Residency
• Hotel Janardana
• Hotel Sharada International
• Hotel Srinivasa Residency
• Hotel Sriram Residency

Udipi also has a few good bars and pubs for people to hang out at during late hours. These include -

• Pisces Lounge Bar
• The Edge
• Leo’s Pub

Udipi STD Code – 0820 (to be used before dialling numbers from a number that is not locally registered)

Common emergency numbers:

• Police Control Room: 100
• Fire and Rescue: 101
• Medical helpline: 104
• Ambulance helpline: 108
• Child helpline: 1098
• Women helpline: 1091