- Udupi- A Foodies Paradise
Udupi, a food capital of South India, is famous for its delectable array
of cuisines including hot, steaming Masala Dosas and Vadas. The
acclaimed chain of restaurants bearing the name Udupi has come a long
way in popularizing Udupi cuisines across the globe. However, there is
more to Udupi than the tasty Masala Dosas and Medhu Vadas. The place is
of great religious significance to Hindus because of its ancient temples
and Matts or Hindu Monasteries; the most important of which are the Sri
Krishna Temple and the Ashta Matts.
Udupi also has its share of popular beaches, the most prominent of
which is the Maravanthe beach. As you drive along National Highway 17,
you can find this virgin beach on one side of the road and the river
Sauparnika on the other.
The name Udupi is derived from two Sanskrit words videlicet Udu
meaning stars and Pa meaning lord. According to Hindu mythology, the
moon god- Chandra, once lost his shine owing to a curse from King
Daksha. Chandra prayed fervently to Lord Shiva to revoke the curse and
Siva pleased with Chandras devotion gave his original radiance back. The
Shiva Linga at the Chandramouleeshwara temple here is said to be
installed by the moon-god as a token of his gratitude.
- Places
The Sri Krishna temple, founded in the 13th century by the renowned seer
Madhavacharya, is unique in many ways. It is a centre of learning for
Daasa Sahitya, a particular art form which originated in Udupi, as well
as for the Dvaita and Tatvavaada philosophies.
The Golden palanquin of Lord Krishna is one of the treasured
possessions of the temple. Towards the West stands the surya shale,
where regular classical musical performances are held. Nearby is the
house of jewels or the treasury of the temple, where all the jewels,
right from the time of its inception, are said to be stored.
The delicious Udupi cuisine actually has its origins in the food
offered to Lord Krishna which had to be purely vegetarian, innovative
and tasty. The credit for creating such an extensive range of vegetarian
delicacies goes to the Shivali Madhwa Brahmins.
The Kanaka Dasa Mandapa is located on the Car Street, where an icon of
Saint Kanaka Dasa can be found. The saint is said to have stayed here
during the 16th century. The famed Kanakas window, located right next to
the main idol of Lord Krishna was built to facilitate a good view or
darshan for the saint.
- Best Time To Visit
September to February.
- How to Reach
By Flight
Nearest airport is Bajpe airport, 60 km from Udupi. From here, you can get direct flights to Mumbai, Bangalore etc.
By Rail
Udupi lying on the Konkan route of Indian Railways has a railway station.
By Road
NH 17 passes through Udupi. Government and private buses connect Udupi to all major cities in South India.