Coastal Karnataka Splendors

Your coastal journey begins as you arrive at Mangalore International Airport. After a warm welcome, you'll be transferred to your hotel in this important port city. After checking in and refreshing yourself, embark on an afternoon exploration of Mangalore's key attractions. Visit the 9th-century Mangaladevi Temple, from which the city derives its name. Continue to St. Aloysius Chapel, often compared to the Sistine Chapel for its breathtaking paintings covering almost every inch of the interior walls and ceiling. Next, explore Kadri Manjunath Temple, known for its bronze statues and natural springs. Visit the Sultan Battery, a watchtower built by Tipu Sultan in 1784 to prevent warships from entering the Gurpur River. In the evening, enjoy a sunset stroll at Panambur Beach, known for its beautiful sunset views and regular sand sculpture festivals. Return to your hotel for dinner featuring authentic Mangalorean cuisine, famous for its seafood specialties like Kane (ladyfish) fry and Neer Dosa. Overnight stay in Mangalore.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and drive approximately 60 kilometers (1.5 hours) to Udupi, a temple town known for its Krishna Temple and distinctive cuisine. En route, stop at Karkala to visit the 42-feet tall monolithic statue of Gomateshwara (Lord Bahubali) constructed in 1432 CE and the ancient Chaturmukha Basadi, a four-faced Jain temple built in 1586. Upon reaching Udupi, check into your hotel and freshen up. After lunch, visit the famous 13th-century Sri Krishna Matha (temple), established by the Vaishnavite saint Madhvacharya, known for its unique feature of viewing the deity through a silver-framed window (Kanakana Kindi). Explore the surrounding Ashta Mathas (Eight Monasteries) and witness the evening ritual ceremonies. Later, visit Malpe Beach, a clean stretch of golden sand with clear blue waters perfect for a relaxing evening. If time permits, take a boat ride to St. Mary's Island (seasonal), known for its distinctive hexagonal basaltic rock formations created by volcanic activity millions of years ago. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Udupi.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and drive approximately 100 kilometers (2.5 hours) to Murudeshwar. En route, stop at Maravanthe, where you can experience the unique sight of the Arabian Sea on one side of the road and the Souparnika River on the other, creating a stunning visual spectacle. Continue to Kundapur and visit the Kollur Mookambika Temple, an important pilgrimage site dedicated to Goddess Parvati. Upon arrival in Murudeshwar, check into your hotel. After lunch, visit the famous Murudeshwar Temple complex, dominated by the world's second-tallest Shiva statue (123 feet) overlooking the Arabian Sea. Explore the 20-story Raja Gopura, offering panoramic views of the coastline from its viewing gallery. Spend some time relaxing at Murudeshwar Beach with its gentle waves and golden sands. In the evening, witness the stunning sunset against the silhouette of the massive Shiva statue. Dinner and overnight stay in Murudeshwar.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and drive approximately 80 kilometers (2 hours) to Gokarna, a temple town and a popular beach destination. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and freshen up. Begin your exploration with a visit to the sacred Mahabaleshwar Temple, housing the Atmalinga of Lord Shiva, and the Maha Ganapathi Temple. After lunch, embark on an exploration of Gokarna's famous beaches. Start with the crescent-shaped Main Beach near the town, then visit the more secluded Om Beach, shaped like the Hindu symbol 'Om'. If time and energy permit, continue to the more pristine Half Moon Beach and Paradise Beach, accessible by a short trek or boat ride. These beaches offer a perfect blend of serenity and natural beauty with their clear waters and rocky outcrops. Enjoy the evening at Om Beach, watching the spectacular sunset while relaxing at one of the beach cafes. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Gokarna.

After breakfast, depending on your departure time, enjoy a morning yoga session on the beach or visit the Mirjan Fort, located about 20 kilometers from Gokarna. This 16th-century fort built by Queen Chennabhairadevi of the Gerusoppa empire features impressive architecture with double-walled fortifications, secret passages, and watchtowers. Return to your hotel for check-out, and you will be transferred to Dabolim Airport in Goa (approximately 150 kilometers/3.5 hours) or Mangalore Airport (approximately 250 kilometers/5.5 hours) for your onward journey, concluding your memorable exploration of Karnataka's scenic coastline.