Udupi is a coastal district in Karnataka, carved out of Dakshina Kannada district in 1997. Udupi is popular for its food, temples, beaches and educational as well as financial institutions. Udupi is at its best during festivals like Holi, Janmashtami (Krishna’s birth) and the biennial Paryayothsava. Special ceremonies, religious discourses, rathotsava and temple elephant processions take place during festivals. During Makar Sankranti, the harvest festival, ceremonies go on for eight days.
More about Udupi
The name “Udupi” is believed to have come from the Sanskrit words “Udu & Pa” that means “stars” and “Lord“. According to legend, the Moon’s light was once reduced due to a curse by King Daksha. The Moon prayed to Lord Shiva to get back the original shine and the prayer was believed to be made at the Chandramouleshwara Temple here. Pleased, Lord Shiva restored the Moon’s shine. It is also believed that the name Udupi was derived from the Tulu word “Odipu” which is associated with the Odabhanishwara Temple at Malpe.
What to experience in Udupi
Vegetarian restaurants run by people who have their roots in this place are popular all over India and abroad as ‘Udupi Hotels’. Yakshagana folk art, Kambala buffalo race, Huli Vesha, Paryaya festival are some of the unique experiences not to be missed. Udupi Sri Krishna Temple and Kollur Mookambika Temple are two of the most popular temples in Karnataka.