Introduction
We have strolled around Udupi on several slow coastal tours, in search of deserted beaches and lonely sunset perches. Malpe and Kapu are nice, however when you feel the need to breathe, and less congestion in the stalls, you will have to slide out a little off the main strips.
Here are the low-key beaches to which we in fact come back–beaches where it is mostly fishermen, coconut palms, a few dogs lying in the sand, and long clean lines to yourself on weekdays. They are accessible enough to ride on a scooter or just a fast car ride, but far enough away to feel your personal secret.
Getting There and Best Time
- Base: Udupi town (temple area or Malpe side) is the best hub.
- Local autos, taxis, or a scooter/car rental work well. Roads are narrow near spits/estuaries; drive slowly.
- Best season: October-March (dry, pleasant). April-May is hot midday; plan AC cabins. June-September brings monsoon beauty but frequent showers and stronger winds–cruise plans may change.
- Best hours: Sunrise and golden hour before sunset. Weekdays are markedly quieter.
Quick Planner: Distance, Time and Typical Costs
| Scooter rental (per day) | ₹400–600 | Helmet included; carry license |
| Auto for short hops | ₹120–250 | Negotiate; confirm return pickup |
| Taxi for half day (4 hrs/40 km) | ₹1,400–1,900 | Good for north/south loops |
| Parking near beach lanes | ₹0–50 | Mostly informal; don’t block village access |
| Snack/tea by local stalls | ₹20–60 | Carry water; bins are rare—pack trash out |
| Blue Flag facility access (Padubidri main) | ₹10–30 | Toilets/showers near the flagged zone (busier) |
Top Quiet Beaches Near Udupi (At a Glance)
| Padukere Beach | 8–9 km W (across backwater from Malpe) | Long empty strand facing St. Mary’s Islands; fishermen’s boats; fewer shops than Malpe |
| Pithrody Udyavar Beach | ~10 km SW | Narrow spit with river on one side, sea on the other; excellent golden‑hour reflections |
| Mattu Beach (Katapady) | ~14–16 km S | Sea on one side and Udyavara River on the other; S‑curves, coconut groves, minimal crowd |
| Hoode Beach (Thonse) | ~10–12 km W | Calm village vibe, wide sand, gentle shorebreak most days |
| Kodi Bengre Delta Point | ~12–15 km W | Where Suvarna river meets the Arabian Sea; glassy sunsets; photogenic fishing boats |
| Padubidri End Point (quiet side) | ~25–28 km S | Quieter than the Blue Flag zone; dunes and birdlife |
| Trasi Beach (north of Maravanthe) | ~42–50 km N | Maravanthe crowd thins here; river on one side, sea on the other without the rush |
| Kodi Beach, Kundapura | ~36–40 km N | Breakwater, lighthouse views, long empty arcs |
| Bonus: Sasihithlu Beach (near Mulki) | ~38–45 km S | Surfing zone that’s quiet on weekdays; tidal pools at low tide |
Our repeat favorites: Pithrody for mirror‑like reflections and minimal people; Mattu for the river‑sea split; and Hoode for easy, family‑friendly sands.
2‑Day Coastal Loop Itinerary (Relaxed but Complete)
Day 1: West + River‑Sea Confluence
- 6:00-7:00 AM: Take off at Pithrody Udyavar to see sunrise. Park close by the spit, walk the ribbon of sand with the river on your left side and the sea on right side.
- Breakfast: Travel back to Udupi/Manipal to have dosa/tea.
- Late morning: Hoode Beach to take a shady stroll.
- Lunch: Strauss fish thali at Kemmannu/Kodi Bengre village (request of the day catch).
- 4:30 PM: Kodi Bengre Delta Point to shoot golden light at the point of meeting of the river and the sea.
- 6.15 PM: Break up at Padukere; observe the final light in the figure of St. Mary.
Day 2: Choose North or South
- North Loop
7.30: Matu Beach to have a brisk walk on the sandbar.
Midday: Kundapura town break.
4.30 pm: Trasi Beach or Kodi Beach (Kundapura) sunset and long exposure shots of waves and boats. - South Loop
7:30 AM: Padubidri End Point—dunes, birdlife, and a nearly empty strand.
Brunch: Padubidri town.
4:30 PM: Detour to Sasihithlu for a surfy sunset; tea at roadside stalls.
Photography tip: Monsoon breaks give dramatic skies; dry months bring pastel sunsets. For reflections, hit Pithrody or Padukere at low tide with no wind.
Food, Transport and Practical Tips
- Food: These areas are sparse when it comes to cafes. At village shacks you will be much attracted by tea, buns, and fry of seasonal fish. Meal plans in Udupi/Kaup/Kundapura and snack stops in treat shacks.
- Water and garbage: Bring your own bottles and a little garbage bag–there are very few bins around. Please pack it all out.
- Transport: The ideal mode of transport in the west-side cluster (Padukere-Hoode-Pithrody-Kodi Bengre) is a scooter. A half-day cab is less difficult in the case of north/south loops.
- Signals and cash: Mobile data works well in open areas and is sporadic along dunes and river mouths. Maximum ₹300-500 in stall/parking.
- Security: They are not guarded beaches. Deltas and spits have strong currents and the seabed is abruptly low. Have fun with ankle deep paddling.
- Respect: These are working coasts–clear the way to nets, boats, and drying racks; do not fly any drones over human beings or near temples without permission.
Do’s and Don’ts for First‑Timers
| Go at sunrise or late afternoon for empty sands and softer light | Swim deep or near river mouths; currents are unpredictable |
| Park off the main village path; ask locals if unsure | Block boat access or drive onto dunes |
| Carry water, hat, and a small trash bag | Leave plastic or food waste behind |
| Check tide/wind for reflection shots (Pithrody/Padukere) | Walk on drying fish racks or nets |
| Keep footwear handy—some sections hide shells/rocks | Expect toilets/shops at every spot |
Conclusion
Udupi has hidden agenda in a row of hush-hush shores only a few turns away on the well known ones. When wind and waves are the order of the day, and you are more of a cafe and queue than a beach person, make your circuit Padukere, Pithrody, Mattu, Hoode, and Kodi Bengre–and, to make it complete, Trasi, Kodi (Kundapura), or Padubidri End Point. Light, no footprint, at sunrise or at gold hour; and you have kilometres of Arabian Sea to yourself.
