3 Days in Udupi for a Tasty Food Trip

Udupi is a food lover's paradise, famous for its vegetarian cuisine and unique flavors. I've spent many mornings eating ghee-laden dosas at local joints and evenings sipping filter coffee by the beach. This itinerary covers the best eats in town, from temple meals to street food gems.

Karnataka, karnataka
3 Days
Food
Custom Trip

Trip Highlights

Breakfast at Mitra Samaj, where they serve the crispiest dosas in town
A traditional lunch at Sri Krishna Bhavan, a must-visit for authentic Udupi meals
Trying the unique jackfruit ice cream at Diana Restaurant
Evening snack of goli baje (fried dumplings) with coconut chutney at a local stall

Best Time to Visit

OctoberFebruary

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Day 1

Day 1 in Udupi

Start your Udupi adventure with its iconic temple, a stroll through the vibrant market, and a deep dive into the city's legendary vegetarian cuisine.

Activities

Visit Sri Krishna Temple

Begin your day at the heart of Udupi's spiritual life—the 13th-century Sri Krishna Temple. The temple's unique 'Kanakana Kindi' (a small window) where Lord Krishna is said to have blessed his devotee Kanakadasa is a must-see. The morning rituals and the temple's serene atmosphere set the perfect tone for the day.

Car Street, Udupi5:00 AM - 8:30 AM (morning darshan)Free (donations welcome)
Tips:
  • Dress modestly—shoulders and knees covered
  • Try the temple's prasadam (offering) like the delicious sweet pongal
Explore Udupi Market
Explore Udupi Market

Just a short walk from the temple, Udupi's bustling market is a sensory delight. Wander through stalls piled high with fresh produce, spices, and local crafts. Don’t miss the flower vendors near the temple—their vibrant marigold garlands are a Udupi staple.

Market Road, near Car Street8:30 AM - 9:30 AM (best before it gets too hot)Free (unless you buy souvenirs)
Tips:
  • Bargain politely for non-food items
  • Look for local jackfruit chips—they’re a crispy, sweet-savory snack
Lunch at Mitra Samaj

No visit to Udupi is complete without a meal at one of its iconic vegetarian restaurants. Mitra Samaj, a no-frills local favorite since 1937, serves the best of Udupi’s famed cuisine. Their masala dosa—crispy, golden, and served with coconut chutney—is legendary.

Opposite Sri Krishna Temple, Car Street12:00 PM - 1:00 PM (peak lunch hours, but worth the slight wait)₹100-₹200 per person
Tips:
  • Try the 'goli baje' (fried dumplings) as a starter
  • Ask for 'filter coffee'—it’s served in a traditional steel tumbler

Must Try Foods

Masala Dosa
Goli Baje
Mangalorean Bonda
Filter Coffee

Transportation

Nearest Railway Station
Udupi Railway Station (1 km, 10-minute auto ride)
Nearest Bus Stop
Udupi City Bus Stand (500 m, 5-minute walk)
Metro Station
Not available
Cab Availability
Autos and cabs easily available near temple and market; use 'Ola' or 'Uber' for longer distances

No destinations found for this itinerary

Day 2

Day 2 in Udupi

Dive deeper into Udupi's culture with a mix of iconic spots and local flavors, from serene beaches to legendary eateries.

Activities

Stroll at Malpe Beach
Stroll at Malpe Beach

Start your morning with the calming waves of Malpe Beach, about 6 km from Udupi. Walk along the golden sands, watch fishermen haul in their catch, or just relax under the shade of palm trees. Don’t miss the St. Mary’s Island boat ride (seasonal) for its unique basalt rock formations.

Malpe Beach, near Malpe Fishing Harbour7:00 AM - 10:00 AM (early morning for cooler weather)Free (boat ride: ₹200-300 per person)
Tips:
  • Carry cash for boat rides and snacks
  • Wear comfortable sandals—the sand gets hot by late morning
Breakfast at Diana Hotel

Head back to Udupi town for a legendary breakfast at Diana Hotel, a no-frills spot famous for its crispy ghee dosas and fluffy idlis. Their strong filter coffee is the perfect pick-me-up.

Diana Hotel, near Car Street, Udupi10:30 AM - 11:30 AM₹100-200 per person
Tips:
  • Try their 'special ghee dosa'—it’s a local favorite
  • Arrive before noon; they often run out of dishes by lunch
Explore Manipal’s Local Vibe
Explore Manipal’s Local Vibe

Take a short ride to Manipal (15 minutes from Udupi) to soak in its youthful energy. Visit the quirky Dr. TMA Pai Planetarium for a short show or browse books at the iconic Syndicate Circle. End with a stop at Manna Café for their banana-leaf thali.

Dr. TMA Pai Planetarium & Syndicate Circle, Manipal12:00 PM - 3:00 PMPlanetarium: ₹50 per person; Lunch: ₹150-300
Tips:
  • Check planetarium timings—shows are usually hourly
  • Manna Café gets crowded; go slightly early or late for lunch

Must Try Foods

Ghee dosa at Diana Hotel
Banana-leaf thali at Manna Café
Fresh coconut water from Malpe Beach vendors

Transportation

Nearest Railway Station
Udupi Railway Station (1 km from town; autos cost ₹50-100 to Malpe)
Nearest Bus Stop
Udupi Bus Stand (frequent buses to Malpe/Manipal every 10-15 mins; fare ₹10-20)
Metro Station
Not available
Cab Availability
Autos and Ola cabs easily available; negotiate auto fares upfront

Day 3

Day 3 in Udupi

A relaxed day exploring hidden gems and local flavors, from serene lakes to lesser-known eateries serving Udupi’s best.

Activities

Morning at Bappanadu Durga Temple

Start your day with a peaceful visit to Bappanadu Durga Temple, a lesser-known but deeply spiritual spot about 20 minutes from Udupi. The temple’s tranquil setting by the river and its unique architecture make it a refreshing change from the usual tourist spots. The early morning rituals here are serene and less crowded.

Bappanadu, near Mulki (around 15 km from Udupi)6:30 AM - 8:00 AM (best time to avoid crowds)Free (donations optional)
Tips:
  • Dress modestly as it’s a religious site
  • Try the prasadam (offering) if available—it’s simple but delicious
Breakfast at Sri Durga Shriram Bhuvan

Head back to Udupi town for breakfast at Sri Durga Shriram Bhuvan, a no-frills local favorite known for its soft, fluffy idlis and crisp dosas. The coconut chutney here is a standout, and the filter coffee is strong and aromatic. It’s a spot where locals gather, so expect a lively atmosphere.

Near Car Street, Udupi8:30 AM - 9:30 AM (they run out of items by mid-morning)₹50-₹100 per person
Tips:
  • Try the ‘ghee roast’ dosa—it’s their specialty
  • Cash only, so keep small bills handy
Relax at Kaup Beach and Lighthouse
Relax at Kaup Beach and Lighthouse

Spend your late morning at Kaup Beach, a quieter alternative to Malpe. The highlight here is the 100-year-old lighthouse, which offers panoramic views of the coastline. Climb to the top for a breezy, scenic break. The beach itself is less commercialized, perfect for a lazy stroll or just sitting with a coconut in hand.

Kaup (about 12 km from Udupi)10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (before it gets too hot)₹10 for lighthouse entry
Tips:
  • Wear comfortable shoes for the lighthouse climb
  • Avoid swimming—the currents can be strong

Must Try Foods

Goli Baje (savory fried dumplings)
Kori Rotti (crispy rice wafers with chicken curry)
Neer Dosa (thin, lacy rice crepes)

Transportation

Nearest Railway Station
Udupi Railway Station (within city limits, auto-rickshaws easily available)
Nearest Bus Stop
Udupi Bus Stand (frequent buses to Kaup and Mulki)
Metro Station
Not available
Cab Availability
Ola and Uber are spotty; pre-book local cabs or negotiate with auto-rickshaws

Travel Tips

Carry cash - many small eateries don't accept cards
Try the local specialty - neer dosa - it's lighter than regular dosas
Visit temples early to avoid crowds if you want to try temple food
Don't miss the simple but amazing banana chips sold near Car Street

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