Places you must see in Udupi

Udupi is a coastal town in the western ghats region of Karnataka state, in Southern India.


Udupi is a very old temple city that is famous for its SriKrishna temple, established by Madhvacharya, the founder of the Dvaita philosophy. It had a nascent career as a financial hub till the 60s, with many banks being established here, but most of them got nationalized. Manipal within Udupi city is an important educational and medical centre in Karnataka. Its the second largest city in Coastal Karnataka after Mangalore Udupi City at present has Manipal, Malpe and surrounding areas as its suburbs.


Udupi is a divine shrine in the coastal region of Western Ghats. Situated about 60 kms from Mangalore, it is a fairly large and upcoming town that was sanctum of Madhvacharya, the great Sanskrit Philosopher. The famous temple here, has a fascinating idol of Lord Krishna that is richly adorned with jewels. It is the center for education, social and religious activities in the district of South Canara. It is known for the famous Sri Krishna temple. The reasons for its fame are the statue of Sri Krishna installed by the great saint Sri Madhvacharya and the penance and influence of Sri Vaadiraja yathivarenya. Another attraction of this temple is the 'Kanakana Kindi' -a small window through which Krishna is believed to have given darshan to his ardent devotee, Kanakadasa.  

There are three temples in Udupi; Chandreshwara, Anantheshwara and Sri Krishna temple. Chandreshwara and Anatheshwara are the most ancient temples of Udupi.

Udupi has some nice beaches, lush greenery, the quaint charm of a small town and many temples.

 
• Udupi Sri Krishna temple.800 years old, established by the Dwaita sage Madhvacharya  

In the 16^th century, during Sri Vaadiraja 's rule, Kanakadasa, an ardent believer of God, came to Udupi to worship Lord Krishna. He was not allowed inside the temple since he was from a lower caste. Sri Krishna, pleased by the worship of Kanakadasa created a small hole in the back wall of the temple and turned to face the hole so that Kanakadasa could see him. This hole came to be known as KanakanaKindi. 

The sight of the beautiful MudduKrishna is available to everybody through the Kanakanakindi. 

There are various Devi temples around Udupi. They are

• Shri Janardana and Mahakali Temple, Ambalpady. 
•  Situated about 3.5 km from Udupi bus stand, the holy place of Ambalpady is famous for the Sri Janardhana and Mahakali Temple. Ambalpady is named and dedicated after the Goddess Mahakali as Ambalpady means Ammana Padi ( Woods of Amma ). Ambalpady is a temple complex comprising of numerous temples namely Mahakali temple, Janardhana Pushkarani, Anjaneya temple and Raghavendra Swami s Brindavan. Goddess Mahakali is worshipped more here than others as she is like a mother to the devotees, her children.
  Named after the Goddess as Ambalpady, the place is said to have been visited by Janardhana Swami who came in search of Goddess Mahakali and resolved to stay and protect the devotees. Lord Janardhana is the main deity of Ambalpady and is worshipped along with Mata Mahakali.
  
  

• Shri Mahishamardhini Temple, Kadiyali. Kadiyali Mahishamardini Temple of Udupi is one of the oldest temples in the district of South Kanara and has a history of more than 1200 years. According to the famed archaeologist, Late Dr. P. Gururaja Bhatt, this Temple is as ancient as Sri Ananteshwara Temple of Udupi, established early as in the 7th Century and is thus more ancient than the Lord Sri Krishna Temple. He based this opinion on the style of sculpture of the Vigraha (statue) of Kadiyali Mahishamardini, which resembles the style of Chalukyas of Badami.The unique features of the statue are as follows The statue of Mahishamardini is in a standing posture. She has four arms. In Her upper right hand, She holds the Prayaga Chakra (the discus) and in Her upper left hand, the Shanka (conch shell). She is piercing the head of Mahishaasura, the buffalo shaped demon, who has fallen at Her feet, with the Trishul (Trident) held in Her lower right hand. She is pulling the tail of Mahishaasura with Her lower left hand. This emphatically portrays the helplessness of the Demon whose abdomen is bulging due to the pressure exerted by the pulling of his tail.The bearing of the Goddess in the standing posture, Her facial expression and the casual way of Her holding the weapons shows that it is but a child's play for Her to vanquish evil. This is a sculpture of unique beauty, devoid of any ornamental trappings. One falls under Her divine spell the moment they lay eyes on Her. 

• Shri Panchadurgaparameshwari Temple, Indrali.  Indrali temple, known as Indrani Panchadurga parameshwari temple. This temple has five udbhava lingas of 5 avatars of Durga Parameshwari. The temple also has five lakes known as panchatheertha and it is believed that if one can have bath in this panchatheerthas continously for 48 days his wish will be fulfilled. 
• Shri Jayadurgaparameshwari Temple, Kannarpady.  

• Venkatarman Temple, Tenkapet (0.5 km south of Sri Krishna Math). The temple was established on 1896 by Sri Sri Varadendra Teertha Swamiji of Sri Kashi Mathn Samsthan, Varanasi.  

You can also visit the birth place of the great Dwaita philosopher, Madhwacharya at Pajaka which is approximately 10 km from Udupi.

Visit Manipal(The Educational City of South India)its hardly 5 km from Udupi.

• Malpe beach. Watch the beautiful sunset in Malpe beach where you can take fantastic pictures of sunset in the background of St Marys island & its very good in evening for walk also... Attractive Mahatma Gandhi Statue....  

Many of the places are not very well known to many people outside of Udupi. If you are an adventurous and nature loving person, try to visit places below:

St Mary’s Island near Malpe beach, 

27JAN

Here are bunch of photos of St Mary’s Island, 

St Mary’s island is a little slip of land about 30 minutes out into the sea from Malpe beach in Udupi. As you can see in the photos, God certainly let loose on this one; it is gorgeous and I can say this with the certainty of someone who has seen a fair number of beaches and islands across the world. The island is full of crystallised basalt rock, a unique rock formation found in very few places in the world, the most notable being the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland. And, the sea between the island and the long curve of the beach at Malpe is placid and gentle (or at least looks that way).

More imaginative minds than mine can surely figure out more options. The island is a treasure and it would be a great feather in Karnataka’s cap if this was not left at the deep state of neglect it is today.

• Bengre Beach - an estuary around 20km away from Udupi town. Take the highway towards Kundapur, after 5 kms at Kallianpur Santhekatte get off the NH17 to the left and head towards Kemmannu. Bengre is an estuary wherein you could see the sea on one side of the road and the river on the other.
• Hanging Bridge (Suspension Bridge) - around 15 kms from Udupi near Kemmannu (Thonse). The best of visit is 5:00pm. The place is located near Kemmannu.
• Kudlu Theertha - a trek admist the forest to the waterfall on the way to Agumbe via Hebri.
• Jumblu Theertha - Near Brahmavar (Roughly 30 kms) a white water rafting location. Dangerous place for swimming. Best time of visit is from July to late January.
• Kapu Beach - a wonderful site from the top of lighthouse with a minimum charge of about Rupees 10/- per person to enter the lighthouse (not allowed after 4:30pm).
•  Manipal End-point - A view from Manipal where you can see the sea from the mountain top.
• Udyavar Pithrodi - An amazing island. Go to Udyavar(within a few kms from udupi town), take a boat to Pirthrodi, the boatman may charge around Rupees 10/- per head to take you to the other side of the river which is an island and on the other side (about 100mtrs) is the sea!

Must see Kundapur

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kundapura (Kannada :) is a city in Udupi district in the Indian state of Karnataka. It is the headquarter of the kundapuraa taluk and is about 36 kilometres from Udupi. kundapuraa is noted for its 95,000 solar lighting installations.

36 km from Udupi, kundapura, was the chief port of the Rajas of Baindoor. Blessed with natural beauty, this place is rich in tourist attractions. It is the only taluk of the district where bisons are found in the forests.

Tourist places around kundapura are Kodi Beach,Kundeshwara Temple,Trasi, Anegudde, Basrur, Koteshwara temple, Hattiangadi and Kamalashile,Marvanthe beach,Mekkekattu Nandikeshwara temple and many more.

Mangalore Airport is the nearest airport and 
kundapura Railway Station is the nearest railway station. Regular buses are available from Mangalore, Udupi and Murdeshwar to kundapura.
Places of interest in Kundapura taluk:

ANNEGUDDE GANESHA TEMPLE at Anegudde, between Kota, Udupi and Koteshwartowns. The temple is located 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) from Kundapura. Among the several temples in Kumbhashi Anegudde, SriVinayaka Temple is the oldest, and it is also the most popular in this region. This Ganesh temple is on a small hillock, giving the name Anegudde, "Ane" meaning elephant and "Gudde" meaning a hillock

• • • • • • • • • Mekekattu Nadhikeshwar TEMPLE

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    •      tis an historical place. Located about 20 kilometres (12 mi) from Kundapura, it falls withi the limits of Udupi Taluk, but is culturally connected to Kundapura. It is nearer to Barkuru in the Shiriyara village. Legend says it is a creation of sage Parashurama as applicable to all places of Coastal Karnataka. With the passage of time the area where the temple is situated has been called by different names. It attracts several visitors every year, particularly during annual festival, hasara, and sedi. Striking feature of Mekkekattu temple include a large collection of coloured, wooden idols, some of which measure up to 10 feet in height. Most of the wooden statues are in warrior dress, giving an impression that this entire row of wooden statues are made to remember an incidence of war that would have taken place here during 1600-1700 AD (no historic evidence for this war is found yet, but can be linked to Mogul / Bahamani Invasion). Some of the statues are like Muslim soldires, some like maratha soldiers. Some even hold a replica of an old gun or swords, posed as if ready for war. All wooden statues are given local mythological names. Yettinahatti, very near to Mekke kattu, is an interesting place where bulls are worshiped, and may have some historical links with Mekke Kattu. There is one more small place called Karuvina Hatti about 35 kilometres (22 mi) from Udupi via Brahmavara – Barkur,Shiriyara

§                    Kamlashile Shree Durga Parameshwari Temple and Cave Temple:Kamalashile is located at a distance of 35 km from Kundapura in Udupi district. Kamalashile is surrounded by beautiful mountains and evergreen forests with the river Kubja flowing by the side of it.
Kamalashile is famous for its ancient Brahmi Durgaparameshwari temple located in heart of the village. The name Kamalashile takes after the stone Linga. Goddess Brahmi Durgaparameshwari is worshiped in the form of a Linga, which is said to be convergence of Goddesses Mahakali, Maha Saraswathi and Maha Lakshmi.A special pooja is performed every evening called as "Salaam Pooja" as a tribute to the Muslim rulers Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan and the practice has been there for a long time.

§                    The annual car Festival held every year in the month of April.

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Free Food and lodging is offered to devotees who visit the temple.
Postal Address:
Sri Brahmi Durgaparameshwari temple 
Kamalashile
Kundapur Taluk 
Udupi District, INDIA
Pin code: 576229
Phone 08259-277221

Distance from Kamalashile
Kundapur: 35 km
Mangalore: 125 km
Visit:

http://www.kamalashile.org/temple/home.html

Guddattu Vinayaka temple :

                  

Lord Ganesha has always been mysterious. This particular temple which is situated in the border area of Kundapur and Udupi taluks, has to been seen to be believed. Guddattu is a place of natural beauty. The History of Guddattu Sri Vinayaka Temple runs back for about 700 years. It is said that the three feet idol of Lord Vinayaka was emerged by itself near this rock. The black stone sculpture of Lord Ganapathi is in sitting posture. His trunk is towards the right, eyes and legs are clearly visible. The Temple is constructed here adjacent to a huge granite rock, which looks like a sleeping elephant.


The cave is always filled with water, and the devotees have to see the lord through a natural hole. Apart from regular poojas, there are two kinds of special poojas offered in this Temple. One is the Ayurkoda Abhisheka (bathing the idol with one thousand pots of water) which is performed every morning starts from draining all the water from the cave. Pooja should be performed after taking bath afresh wearing wet clothes. If this procedure is not followed, as people say, a serpent appears in front of the people in default to caution them. The water used for Abhisheka last day should be used on the next day for performing Rudrabhisheka and Panchamruthabhisheka. It is followed by Ayurkoda Abhisheka, accompanied by Pavamana Pathana.

Akki Kadubu Seve is the second kind of special offerings take place in Guddattu Temple. Kadubu (a dish) is prepared using 12 Mudi rice (approximately 480 kg) and 6 Mudi Uddu (a common pulse; phaseolus mungo- approximately 240 kg). It was offered twice when the Temple sanctum sanctorum was renovated and Brahmakalashothsava was performed in 1996. Visitors face some inconvenience in reaching Guddattu Temple. If you are going via Brahmavar, you have to catch an auto at Shiriyara and if you are travelling from Kundapur, you need to hire an auto at Hunsemakki or walk about 1.5 km to reach the Temple.

The Temple trustee Sri G Anantha Padmanabha Bhat has planned constructing Yaga Shala, main entrance (Hebbagilu), Pouli (tall enclosing wall), Arikottige (a place for preparing Naivedyam) and Theertha Mantapa. His plan also includes building a kitchen, dining hall and an overhead tank for providing water at a total cost of Rs 75 lakh. Thousands of devotees visit this Temple on occasions like Ganesha Chaturthi and Sankashtahara Chowthi.

How to reach?

This temple is about 35 k.m. from Udupi via Brahmavara – Barkur, Shiriyara, about 15 k.m. from Kundapur via Koteshwara – Hunsemakhi -Guddeangady, about 10 k.m. from Shankaranarayana via Halady – Bidkalkatte – Shiriyara.
For more details devotees may contact the Managing Trustee Sri G. Annanthapadmanabha Adiga at the below given address:
Sri Vinayak Temple, Guddattu,
Yadadi Mathyadi Post,
Kundapura Tq. Udupi Dist.,
Karnataka State
INDIA – 576 222.
Phone: Temple 0820-2595315
Managing Trustee: 0820-2595432

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  Trasi Beach - Located about 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) to the North of Kundapur, Trasi has a beautiful 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) long beach with Turtle Bay and Beach Resort. 
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  NH17 near Maravanthe
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  Maravanthe Beach: One of Karnataka's most beautiful beaches. It is about 55 kilometres (34 mi) from Udupi. NH-17 runs right next to the beach and the Suparnika River flows on the other side of the road, creating a spectacular scenery and considered only one of its kind in India. The river Souparnika, which almost touches Arabian Sea here, makes a U turn and goes eastward to join the Sea only after a journey of more than 10 kilometres (6.2 mi), which is a geological wonder. 
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• KOLLUR: is one of the Shakti Pithas established by Shankaracharya. Souparnika river flows here in the midst of dense forest. Kodachadri hill, with a height of about 3,800 feet (1.2 km) at the backdrop, is a suitable trekking spot. Trekkers can start trekking from Nagodi village near Kollur and reach Kodachadri peak after about three hours. Thick forest, sholas, grass lands, and cool air are a specialty of this place. There is a moola stana of Kollur Goddess at 
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• KODACHADRI An iron pillar, said to be an ancient weapon used by Goddess Mookambika to kill the demon Kolasura, stands in front of a small temple near Travelers Bungalow. The antiquity of this iron pillar makes for an interesting sight. Sunset from Kodachadri Peak during winter is a rather spectacular sight. There is a traveller's bungalow, and other facilities are rudimentary. Those who want to stay overnight should be prepared for basic facilities at minimal.
•   OTTINENE - This is a sunset point on the seashore, near Byndoor village on the national highway. The Kshitija Nature Resort, a beach and sunset point, are favorite spots with travelers here. Byndoor is a village near the sea.
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  KODI BEACH This is a nice beach located about 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) from Kundapur. The Kinara Restaurant is a nice place to spend the time, while enjoying the beauty of the Arabian Sea. 
  Bhandarkars college is a first grade university located in Kundapura. The college campus with adjacent cricket ground makes for a good sight.
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  KANNAKADURU: It is a small island located in the middle of Gangolli, Uppinakudru, Hemmadi and Arate Bridge. Here, most of the people are farmers and grow only coconut & in rainy season paddy/Rice. This village is surrounded by salt water, which invades the river at high tide from the Arabean Sea. The landscape here is beautiful. Kudru means island; but how Kannad got joined to the name of the village is very interesting, and Kannada is the local language spoken. 
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  GANGOLLI: even though very near to Kundapura, one has to travel more than 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) to reach this place as Panchagangavali River separates this from Kundapura town. One can also take boat ride, which depends on high tide timings. This is a beautiful place located at bank of five rivers and Arabian Sea. Fishing is the main activity. Veereshwara Temple is one of the oldest temples of Gangolli. RATADI: This place is between Halady and Amasebail. Named after god `Ratteshwara`, this is a small village near western ghats. Thick forests surround this village. 
• MARANAKATTE: This is a place located at a distance of about 18 kilometres (11 mi) from Kundapura and known for its Temple of "Sri Bramhalingeshwara", which is located in the bank of river Souparnika. It has a mythological connection with the Kollur "mookambika" temple, this being the place where the Goddess of Kollur killed Mookasura, the Rakshasa. Adi Shankaracharya visited this place and stopped tantrik rituals, and established Sri Chakra, as recorded on a plaque available inside the temple. Maranakatte is a beautiful place, as it is surrounded by thick forest and paddy fields.
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• Kundapur: Cave Temple Carved From Boulder Remains Unknown
  
  
  A sculpture of Lord Ganapati carved out of a boulder is tucked in a cave at Padumundu, near Beloor and is regarded with wonder by many.
  
  
  
  The artistically sculpted temple of Lord Ganapati is of significant interest to visitors. It seems like a boulder from a distance but as one approaches it a sculptured temple of Lord Ganapati unfolds.
  The shrine is complete with Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganapati. The boulders are precariously placed on top of each other.
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  It is a mini monolithic sculpture erected in the empty space between boulders and mesmerizes the visitors with the mastery of sculpting involved. The visitors have to crouch down while circumambulating
  the deity. One can climb to the top boulder to get a magnificent view of pristine nature and the hidden treasures that Mother Nature has in store.
  
  
  The temple can be reached by driving along Kota–Saibarakatte-Shiriya Road or Tekkatte–Beloor–Padumondu Road from the NH 17.
  
  
  
  
  
  

  Cave Temple - Sri KESHAVANATHESHVARA Moodgal, KERADI Post Kradi Village , Kundapur Tq

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  “ Cave Temple”
   Lord Keshavanaatheshvara has his presence there in the form of “LINGA”.
  That holy place is Sri Keshava Naatheshvara Temple Moodgallu.
  
  Surrounded by green forest and deep valley with scattered but thin population, the place is yet catch the glimpse of general public. It is very sad to see that even today the people around this area do not have  electricity and good road for transportation. Despite of many lack ness, Lord shiva at this place gives mental peace and the best health to the devotee who comes to him with prayers. It is believed that the prayers before Lord Shiva will be met positively.
  The specialty of this cave temple is that the devotees are to stand in knee level water and to offer prayer. You will be astonished to see FISHES swimming and dancing near the feet as if they are conveying the message of GOD that you will kept happy and made free from all worries once you offer prayer here. The Shiva LINGA is placed on a platform with sufficient space for ARCHAK to perform pooja. That is at a distance of approximately 75 feet from the entrance. No illumination except the light lit for GOD. The water from the cave flows throughout the year.
  
  In the evening the golden rays from the dipping sun falls on the SHIVA LINGA and gives an immense pleasure to the believers. This looks as if Lord Ravi is offering prayers before  biddingfarewell from his duty for the day.
  
  From the western edge of the hillock, one can enjoy the beauty of sun set view. Late in the evening, it is very pleasant to watch the caravan of vehicles on NH 17 at MARAVATHE beach. The place has not got the publicity which it should have got long back.
  
  HOW TO REACH ---
  There are are two ways to reach Moodgal temple.
  
  One ---- Kundapur- Kollur State Highway, After Vandse – Chittooru, take right turn towards Sri Kshetra MARANAKATTE, proceed to KERAADI village. After keradi the journey is very tedious and adventures. Last 2 kms journey will be of steep hill and forest. It is possible to travel by Motar cycle by this way.
  
  Other way is from – Siddapura – Kamalashile – hallihole – Chakra maidana. Then climb up  the hill top to reach the Moodgal Temple. Here one can travel by Jeep, Car or by Two wheelers. It is around 18 KMS from Siddapur.
  
  The Address : Sri Keshavanatheshvara Temple- Moodgal, KERADI Post Kradi Village , Kundapur Tq 

  
  
   HALADY, a village at a distance of 22 kilometres (14 mi) from Kundapura town, is known mainly as a junction of roads leading to Shankaranarayana, Amasebail and Hebri. Halady River surrounds this village to the north. An old Tiles factory was busy burning red tiles up to the 1980s in Halady, but this industry has become obsolete and outdated because of dwindling forest cover, from where the logs were supplied to bake tiles and less demand for tiles in view of RCC houses. The Marlu chicku is one deity of Halady which attracts a large number of people, and another temple is of Laxmi Narasimha with seven foot stone statue. The river in front of this temple is a beautiful scene. Varahi Lift Irrigation Project work is going on in this area. 
• Padukone
   
  
  Padukone is a coastal village located approximately 17 kilometres (11 mi) north of the taluk center. Part of the village is surrounded by the Souparnika River and one has to cross this river in an old wooden boat from Maraswami. Padukone is a beautiful village surrounded by coconut trees, water, and kudru. 
  
  
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  • Basrur - Many temples are located here on the southern banks of the Varahi River. Historically, Basrur is the main and center place of Kundapura Taluk. This area has many historical structures. Traders from foreign countries used to bring their boats and ships to Basrur, which is a natural harbour, and trade their goods for pepper and good quality rice. During 19th and 20th centuries, this place was famous for a singing and dancing lady community and such ladies devoted their lives to singing, entertainment and mainly attending the fancy and needs of rich gentlemen of the area. 
  • Uppinakudru:
    Uppinakudru - Uppinakudru, or salt island, is located 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) north of Kundapura which is a taluk headquarters in Udupi District. 
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    Hoovinakere - It is the birthplace of the philosopher Vadiraja, who preached Dvaita philosophy after Madhvacharya. 
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    Koteshwara - The Koteshwara temple is an historical and religious centre. Here the lake adjacent to the temple is larger than the main temple. One of the many legends about this lake is that there is an underground tunnel to Vandaru Kambala Gadde which is at a distance of 20 kilometres (12 mi). The Pattabhiramachandra temple, Mariyamma Temple, and the Kodandarama Temple are located in the same place.[citation needed]
    Hattiangadi has another well-known temple of Lord Ganapathi, and many other ancient temples besides. 
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    GOPADY-small village located between Koteshwara and Kumbhashi.Kantheshwara temple is the temple where one can see the"Udhbhava Linga".Gopady has a beautiful sea shore and a "Guest house" near sea where people from far off places come and stay.
    
    Kirimanjeshwara- Located about 22 kilometres (14 mi) from Kundapur, it has the Kirimanjeshwara temple amidst beautiful surroundings. There is another old temple called the Agastyeshwara temple, named after Sage Agastya.
    Shankaranarayana - Located about 32 kilometres (20 mi) to the east of Kundapur, it is traditionally called Krodha Kshetra and is one of the seven places of pilgrimage in the region mentioned in the Skanda Purana. 
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  VAKWADI: This is a small village located between Anegudde and Huvinakere and about 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) from Koteswara. A temple of Mahalingeshwara about 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) from Anegudde is a place where forest, meadows, and trees make for an excellent view.
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  BIDKALKATTE:This is a small village near Halady. It has a government-funded high school, college, and hospital. This is on the state highway kundapur-shimoga & udupi-shimoga. 
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  Molahalli:This is a small village near Bidkalkatte and known as birth place of 'Sahakari Pithamaha' M.Shivarao. Shivaraya temple is located in this place. This village hosts a Kambala every winter, which is visited by surrounding villagers.
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  HERIKUDRU This is river island near Kundapur. This island well connected with NH17. There is one more subisland near this called Kamastar Kuru. 
  There are many more Such places in and around Kundapur which are very beautiful and must see atleast once