Karnataka - Tourism & Wildlife - Udupi @ whatisindia.com

UDUPI
Udupi an important Vaishnavite coastal town in Karnataka, is located 381kms from the capital Bangalore. The urban focus of Udupi is an open Square surrounded by temples and matts. Udupi is the birth place of the 12th century saint Madhava, who set up eight sanyasi matts in the town and is one of Karnataka's most important pilgrimage sites. Udupi is also known for its delicious cuisine and Udupi restaurants all over the country.

Sri Krishna Temple
The famous Krishna temple situated on the north side of the temple square in the heart of the town, is a celebrated place of pilgrimage especially during the Paraya festival in January. There is a legend that the idol of Lord Krishna here once turned to give a darshan to a lower caste devotee Kanakadasa who later became a great composer. There is still a small window 'Kanakana Kindi' named after him in the temple. The temple is set around a large tank, the Madhava Sarovar, into which devotees believe that the Ganga flows every 10 years.

Sri Anathesvara Temple
This temple situated in the centre of the temple square is dedicated to Vishnu. Its sanctuary and adjoining columned hall are surrounded by a walled passageway, the latter covered with sloping stone slabs. The rear panel, also of wood, shows a 'linga' flanked by elephants, guardians, peacocks and lotuses. A stone altar with a finely sculpted base is located immediately outside the east entrance to the Temple. The eight important matts are located around the temples in the Car Street.

Chandramauleshvara Temple
The temple dedicated to Shiva, is situated in the middle of the Temple Square. The sanctuary with the idol is square shaped with a pyramidal roof. The temple is surrounded by shops.

Places Around Udupi
Manipal
Manipal, 3km east of Udipi, is a progressive industrial and educational centre famous for its Medical college. The house of Vijayanath Shenoy is a small museum displaying Household objects in a typical architectural setting.

Malpe
Located about 6 kms to the west of Udupi, at the mouth of the Malpe or Udyavara River, Malpe is an important natural port of the Karnataka coast. The place has fascinating natural scenic view. Malpe beach here is a favorite holiday spot with its peaceful surroundings and natural beauty. The uninhibited St. Mary's Island, just a boat ride away has a beach and an impressive geological formation of basalt rock pillars into the sea. There are three rocky islands; Daria-Bahadurgad the northern-most island is famous for its export of processed fish.

Brahmavar
Brahmavar located about 13 kms north of Udupi is an ancient cultural centre. The three main temples here are 9th century Mahalinga temple, Gopinatha temple and the Janardhana shrine.
The image of the deity in the Gopinatha temple is Hoysala architecture.

Kollur
Kollur is located about 80kms from Udupi. The famous temple of goddess Mookambika is located here on top of Kodachadri hill, at the foot of the Western Ghats. Though the temple has a long history, the present building was erected in 1616 by Venkatappa, one of the Ikkeri Nayakas. The goddess takes the form of a 'Jyotirlinga' incorporating aspects of Shiva and Shakti. It is a famous pilgrimage centre attracting lot of devotees.

Maravanthe
Located 50kms from Udupi, to the north along the coastal road is Maravanthe. It is an enchanting place with the Arabian Sea on the western side and the Saurpanika River on the eastern side with just a road in between. The beautiful Maravanthe beach here attracts a lot of tourists with its endless stretch of golden sand and swaying palm trees.

Reference:
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