Introduction

On a pristine coastline of the Arabian Sea in the southwestern state of Karnataka lies this tantalizing city of Udupi. Home to a rich cultural heritage, stunning beaches, rich bio-diversity and world-famous Udupi Cuisine, the city has been baptized by its travellers as the Coastal Paradise of India. Udupi will always remain to be a hidden gem for travellers seeking an authentic South Indian experience. In this blog, we will take you on an unexplored journey through the wonders of this Serene Beach Town, showcasing why this slice of coastal city should be on every explorer’s bucket list.

A Peek into its History  

Udupi’s history dates back to ancient times, over the years the city is influenced by the legends of various dynasties, such as the Vijayanagara Empire, the Hoysalas and the Keladi Nayakas. The city gained its prominence as a major pilgrimage centre in the 13th century when the great philosopher-saint Madhvacharya, also known as Madhwa, set foot in this city. He established the Udupi Krishna Matha, a renowned Hindu monastery dedicated to Lord Krishna, in the year 1238 AD. The temple remains a focal point of Udupi’s cultural and religious identity. Udupi, like many other coastal towns, faced the influence of European traders and colonial powers during the 16th century. In the 18th century, Udupi came under the control of the Mysore Kingdom, which was ruled by the Wadiyars. Followingly, the British East India Company gained control of the region during the colonial era, and Udupi became a part of British India. After India’s Independence from the British rule in 1947, Udupi became a part of the newly formed state of Mysore (now Karnataka).

Culture and Culinary Delights

The Udupi Krishna Matha, is the epicentre of Udupi’s religious and cultural life, the temple continues to attract pilgrims from far and wide, fostering a deep sense of devotion and reverence among the locals. While the city is predominantly known for its Hindu heritage, Udupi also hosts a diverse array of religious beliefs. Alongside Hindu temples, there are several churches and mosques that welcomes to the Christian and Muslim communities. This interfaith coexistence exemplifies the harmonious nature of Udupi’s cultural fabric, with people of different faiths living together in mutual respect and understanding.

The primary language spoken in Udupi is Kannada. Additionally, Tulu is another significant language spoken in Udupi and the surrounding coastal regions of Karnataka and it holds significant cultural importance for the local communities. While Kannada and Tulu are the dominant languages, you may also find people who can communicate in other languages like Konkani, English, and Hindi, especially in urban areas due to the diverse linguistic backgrounds of the population and the influence of tourism and commerce.

Udupi is a city that loves to celebrate, and its calendar is adorned with a myriad of colourful festivals. One of the most vibrant events is the Paryaya festival, which occurs every two years and involves the symbolic transfer of the temple’s administration between eight Mathas (monastic institutions). The city comes alive with processions, cultural performances, and religious rituals during this grand occasion. Apart from Paryaya, other festivals like Makara Sankranti, Navratri, and Krishna Janmashtami are celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion. The streets are adorned with colourful decorations, and the air is filled with the sound of hymns and devotional songs, creating an atmosphere of joy and unity.

Udupi takes pride in one of its famous traditional dance-drama art form called Yakshagana. This traditional art is renowned for its colourful portrayal of mythological stories, historical events, and various epics like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. The performances typically begin with a reference to the deities and a dance sequence called “Tala-Maddale”, which serves as a prelude to the main act. The narrative unfolds through dialogues, songs, and elaborate dance movements, accompanied by traditional musical instruments such as the Chande (a percussion instrument) and Maddale (a stringed instrument). The performers, known as “Yakshagana artists” or “Yakshagana Bayalus,” wear elaborate costumes and makeup to depict various characters. The costumes are richly adorned with bright colours and ornaments, creating a visual spectacle that transports the audience into a different world.