UdupiKundapura & Kodi
Jan,2025| Address: | kundapura Road, near inspection bungalow, Kundapura, Karnataka 576201 |
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| How to go: | In January, I took a solo train trip from Bangalore. It was an overnight, hassle-free journey that took me to Kundapura. Kundapura Jetty Ghat is 6 km away from Kundapura railway station, and the only option to reach there is by prepaid auto, which you can get just outside the railway station. It is a hassle-free process, and the fare is around ₹180 per auto, depending on the distance you need to travel. If you are traveling in a group, you can share the fare. 16595 PANCHAGANGA EXP, 16585 SMVB MRDW EXP are the two trains which runs daily from Bangalore. Except that direct sleeper buses are there which you can book from IRCTC OR Redbus kind of apps. |
| Pros: | Easy communications, availability of transport and market, available mobile network, city vibes, weather. |
| Cons: | Nothing such but if you understand Kannada a little bit it will give you advantage. |
| What to visit ? | Important Temples
Bird watching hotspot |
| Company: | Bird watcher, friends |
| Minimum day/time to visit: | Total 3 days to cover both Kundapura & Koda in a good manner |
| Locality: | Town |
| Expenses: | 3000 rs per session per boat for birding. Hotel per day approx 1000. |
| More Information: | Kundapura is a coastal town in the Udupi district. During the British period, it was known as Coondapoor. The town has a railway station named Kundapura, which is 5 km away and falls under the Konkan Railway network.
The name "Kundapura" is derived from the former ruler Kundavarma, who built the Kundeshwara Temple near the Panchagangavalli River.
Kundapura is surrounded by three major water bodies—Panchagangavalli River to the north, Kundapura backwaters to the east, and Kodi backwaters to the west.
Tulu is one of the traditional languages spoken in this region. In an interview, Aishwarya Rai once mentioned that her mother tongue is Tulu. In this language, "Kunda" means pillar, referring to the traditional method of constructing houses, and "Pura" means town. "Kunda" also refers to the jasmine flower, which is why many people grow jasmine plants in their homes.
Do you remember in my Aanejhari video, I showed you the Souparnika River and mentioned that four other rivers meet it in Kundapura? These four rivers—Varahi, Kedaka, Chakra, and Kubja—merge with the Souparnika, forming the Panchagangavalli River, where we did birdwatching today. Yakshagana Let’s take you to the land of Yakshagana in the evening. I am very fond of traditional art and dance forms from various states in India. Living in Bangalore, I have had the opportunity to witness these vibrant dance forms in the city. However, after watching them here, I eagerly wanted to experience them in their place of origin. During this trip, I was pleasantly surprised to come across the Kateel Amana Jatre festival, where Yakshagana was performed at various locations. Yakshagana is a traditional art form of coastal Karnataka, similar to how we see Chhau in Purulia, West Bengal; Theyyam in Kerala; and many other regional art forms across India. In Yakshagana, performers narrate different episodes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata and enact them with elaborate costumes and expressive storytelling. Let me take you there and give you a glimpse of this mesmerizing performance. You can also watch my Yakshagana video recorded in Bangalore. The video is available below the description. Other informations In the Kundapura backwaters, you can go birdwatching in at least two sessions—one in the morning and another in the afternoon. Each session consists of a three-hour boat ride, and the cost is ₹3,000 per session per boat. A single boat can accommodate a maximum of three to four bird watchers, but I recommend a maximum of two people per boat for the best experience. Each session is ideal for spotting specific bird species, so it's best to cover both morning and evening sessions, depending on the species you want to see. Another very important piece of information is where you can eat. Beside the Kundapura new bus stop, you will find Vinayaka Grand. The entire Kundapura community recommends it, and so do I. I will put the location in my description box. I walked through the streets of Kundapura for a few days, observing the food, people, house structures, and temples. The town has a deep-rooted, traditional culture, and when you immerse yourself in it, you can truly appreciate its beauty. The atmosphere is serene throughout the city, and the people are simple. They speak politely, live without rush, and follow their daily routines with a sense of rhythm. Most people visit temples daily to worship local gods and goddesses. The town has a small market and good connectivity. During my solo visit in January, I developed a deep connection with the city. Boatman contact number: +++++++++++++++++++
Hotels at Kundapura: (Veg) ++++++++++++++++++++
Stay at Kundapura: ++++++++++++++++++++
Temples at Kundapura: ++++++++++++++
Kodi beach Whether you're going alone or with a group, Kodi Beach always gives you a sense of security and freshness. Once you reach the beach, you'll see the Kodi Lighthouse beside the main road. From there, you can walk straight toward the beach. To reach Kodi Beach, you can easily find auto services from anywhere in Kundapura. If you’re taking an auto from the new bus stand, the fare is ₹120, while from near Samudra Thaya Hotel, it’s a fixed price of ₹90. It's a short 4 km journey. On the way, you'll pass through part of the Panchagangavalli river Foot Bridge, which offers a refreshing view. The village along the route has its own charm, and you might even spot peacocks roaming freely. My videos describes more about Kodi beach. |
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