Coastal Karnataka in 4 days: Udupi, Mangalore & Gokarna
We're based in Udupi, and this is the route we send our own family on. It links the region's great temples, quiet beaches and coastal food along the Karavali coast.
Best time to visit
October to March is ideal — dry, sunny and calm seas. The monsoon (June–September) brings lush greenery and waterfalls, but island ferries and beach activities are usually suspended.
The 4-day itinerary
Day 1 — Mangaluru: temples, coast and Tulu Nadu cuisine
Arrive at Mangaluru International Airport (IXE) or Mangaluru Junction. Visit Kadri Manjunatha Temple and the Mangaladevi Temple, then St. Aloysius Chapel's painted interiors. End at Panambur or Tannirbhavi beach for sunset and a dinner of Mangalorean fish curry and neer dosa.
Day 2 — Udupi: Sri Krishna Matha, Malpe and St. Mary's Island
Drive about an hour north to Udupi. Begin at Sri Krishna Matha and the Car Street temples, then head to Malpe Beach and take the ferry to St. Mary's Island to see its hexagonal basalt columns (ferries generally run outside the monsoon). Finish at Kaup Lighthouse at golden hour.
Day 3 — Kollur, Maravanthe and Murudeshwar
Optional morning darshan at Kollur Mookambika. Stop at Maravanthe, where the highway runs between the Arabian Sea and the Souparnika river, then continue to Murudeshwar for its giant Shiva statue and seafront temple gopura.
Day 4 — Gokarna's beaches
Visit Mahabaleshwar Temple, then spend the day on Om Beach, Kudle and Half Moon beach. Return south to Udupi or Mangaluru for your onward journey.
Getting there
Mangaluru International Airport (IXE) has flights from Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi and the Gulf. The Konkan Railway connects Mangaluru, Udupi, Murudeshwar and Gokarna Road. A private car with a local driver is the most comfortable way to travel the coast.
Let a Udupi team plan it for you
Private car, handpicked stays and temple timings sorted — tailored to your dates and budget in INR.