Udupi is a beautiful coastal town in Karnataka and is located just 55 kms from Mangalore, a major port city in the state. Udupi and Mangalore have a lot of things in common, like the culture, traditions, cuisine, and language. Another thing the two have in common is the abundance of beaches. However, while the beaches in Mangalore are well-known, many beaches in Udupi are still largely unexplored. Just because they are unexplored, doesn’t mean they are not worth a visit as all of them have their own unique selling points. Almost all of Udupi’s beaches are located along National Highway and therefore, are easily accessible by road.
If you plan on taking a nice long road trip to Udupi and want to hit every beach on the way, we have made a list of lesser known beaches in Udupi that you can visit.
Also Read: Top 12 wonderful places to visit in Udupi
The Lesser-known Beaches In Udupi You Must Visit At Least Once
1. A Surfer’s Haven: Hoode Beach
One of the most well-maintained beaches in Udupi, Hoode Beach is located at Bengre around 20 kms from Udupi. Visitors come to this isolated beach for its stunning sunsets and sunrises and to lounge on the clean sands, sipping drinks and spending quality time with family and friends. For those who love to surf, or want to try it out, there is a surf club too where visitors can entertain themselves. This is one of the best beaches in Udupi for surfing, as even though the seas are rough during the monsoon season and are considered to be too dangerous for swimming, they attract lots of surfers.
2. Home Of The Famous Mattu Gulla: Mattu Beach
Mattu Beach is one of the few Udupi beaches that is relatively untouched by human interference. This is another one of the beaches in Udupi that remains largely unknown. Located 12 kms from Udupi city, Mattu Beach is a beautiful place that draws visitors because of its magical sunsets and sunrises and swaying coconut palms that separate the beach from the city. According to locals, it is best to visit Mattu beach during weekdays as it is relatively vacant and you can enjoy the whole place by yourself.
It is also said that if you stay back at night, you will be able to witness some bioluminescence caused by Noctiluca scintillans that has been appearing here over the past few years. This beach is a great place to relax amidst nature. You will, however, need to be mindful of the tides as there is very little space between the sea and the rocks, making the area dangerous during high tide. Another interesting feature of this beach is the mattu gulla, an eggplant grown in this area and is popular for its unique taste. Foodies come here to treat themselves to this special eggplant. Those who like solitude prefer this beach as entertainment activities and street vendors are restricted to the minimum to allow for tourists and visitors to enjoy the peace and tranquility of the area and to maintain the novelty of the beach.
3. The Lesser-Known Divider: Pithrody Udyavara Beach
While many have heard of Maravanthe beach which separates the Sauparnika river and the Arabian sea, not many have heard or even know about Pithrody Udyavara Beach. Like Maravanthe, this beach works as a divider between a river, the Udyavava river, and the Arabian Sea, and has a small strip of road that runs along the shore. Located nearly 13 kms from Udupi, this beach is not easy to find and is not easily accessible, which is why it is one of the most obscure beaches in Udupi.
While the best way to get to the beach is by driving to it in your private or hired vehicle, you can also get to and from the beach by boat. This is one of the best Udupi beaches for you to kick back and relax in, as it is largely untouched and unknown. What draws people to this beach are its captivating views and photo-perfect scenes. The side facing the river is also safe and perfect for some fishing, which is why this is the main occupation of the people living in the vicinity.
4. The End Point Of River Kamini: Padubidri Beach
Tucked away behind a quaint village, Padubidri beach is located about 30 kms from Udupi and is easily accessible by road. Compared to the other Udupi beaches on this list, Padubidri Beach is crowded, especially on weekends, as a lot of families frequent this place. The beach was also recently developed by the government, along with other beaches in Udupi, making it more sought after by revellers. Additionally, there are quite a few entertainment and community events conducted here by various groups.
Padubidri Beach is also popular among visitors for water sports such as jet skiing, speed boating, banana boating, swimming etc., all activities that enthrall kids and adults alike. Those who want a calmer relaxed time at the beach can sit on the benches that have been installed during the recent development drive or lie on the pristine sands along the shore. Here, you will also find the ‘Padubidri end point’, where the river Kamini meets the Arabian Sea. This is a great place to spend the evening with friends and family and gaze at the horizon.
5. The Beach With Its Own Lighthouse: Kaup Beach
Another one of the relatively unknown beaches in Udupi, Kaup (pronounced Kapu) Beach is located in Kaup, a small town about 15 kms from the city. Kaup beach is easily accessible by road and its exquisite beauty attracts several visitors every year. Believe it or not, some films have even been shot on this beach and the surrounding areas. Although this beach is mostly unexplored, people visit Kaup Beach to take in the mesmerising scenery, go for a walk along the shore, and watch the sunset or sunrise.
Located on the beach is an old lighthouse that was built back in 1901. This still operational lighthouse, which is the most popular attraction at the beach, is open to the public for a small fee from 4 PM to 6 PM during which visitors can get a closer look at the high intensity lamps. From the lighthouse, visitors can get a beautiful panoramic view of the shore against the background of the beautiful sky and the Arabian Sea.
6. Udupi’s Unknown Beach: Padukere Beach
Located right next to the Malpe Beach, Padukere Beach is largely unknown and is the least explored amongst all the beaches in Udupi. Till recently, the only way to reach this beach was by ferry, however, a new bridge has made it easier for people to gain access to this beautiful beach. Padukere Beach has backwaters that stretch for about 3 kms and it is through these that the bridge passes. The beach is underdeveloped, however, the government is making plans to develop a marina at the beach in order to give the local tourism industry a boost.
The Padukere beach is scenic, clean, less crowded, and quiet. Those who know of the beach visit the place for the beautiful sunset and sunrise. From Padukere Beach, you will also be able to see a few islands. It is a great place to spend some quiet, quality time with family and friends. An added treat is that the way to the beach is filled with beautiful scenery.
Also Read: 12 of the best beaches to visit in Karnataka
Some FAQ’s To Help You Get More Acquainted With Udupi’s Beaches:
It is best to visit the beaches in Udupi between October and February as the weather during this time is pleasant. During the monsoon season (July to September), the seas are rough and dangerous for visitors to enter the waters. The summer season, on the other hand, can be uncomfortable because of the heat and humidity.
Udupi is famous for its beaches, vibrant culture and traditions, cuisine, folk art, history, and temples, many of which are important pilgrimage sites.
Kaup Beach can be considered to be the best beach for couples as the place looks like it came straight out of a movie. The lighthouse adds to the mystique of the beach, making it more romantic.
Malpe beach has a lot of fun activities for the whole family, like speed boating, jet skiing, banana boating, and a trip to the famous St Mary’s Island.
