Reaching Udupi Sri Krishna Matha (AIOC venue) from Bengaluru
By Road
Self-Drive or Taxi
- Distance: Approximately 400 km
- Route:
- Route 1 (Via NH 75):
- Distance: ~403 km.
- Path: Bengaluru → Nelamangala → Hassan → Sakleshpur → Mangaluru → Udupi.
- Highlights: Scenic Western Ghats, Shiradi Ghat section.
- Route 2 (Via NH 75 & SH 27):
- Distance: ~420 km.
- Path: Bengaluru → Kunigal → Channarayapatna → Hassan → Belur → Chikmagalur → Sringeri → Udupi.
- Highlights: Coffee plantations, hill stations.
- Route 1 (Via NH 75):
- Duration: 8-9 hours, depending on stops and traffic.
- Tips:
- Start early to avoid city traffic.
- Ensure your vehicle is in good condition for ghat sections.
- Check road conditions, especially during monsoon.
- Travel Duration: 8 to 10 hours (depending on road and traffic conditions).
- Highlights: The journey offers scenic views of the Western Ghats, especially near Sakleshpur. The roads are well-maintained but have winding curves in the ghat section.
- Route:
Bus Services
- Direct Buses from Bengaluru to Udupi:
- Private and KSRTC Buses (Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation) operate multiple services, including Sleeper, Semi-Sleeper, AC, and Non-AC buses.
- Departure Points in Bengaluru: Majestic (Kempegowda Bus Station), Navrang, Indiranagar, and other major points.
- Arrival in Udupi: Buses stop at the Udupi Bus Stand, which is around 1.5 km from Sri Krishna Matha.
- Travel Duration: 8 to 10 hours.
- From Udupi Bus Stand: Take an auto-rickshaw or taxi to Sri Krishna Matha (approx. 5 minutes).
- Booking: Tickets can be booked online through KSRTC or private bus operator websites.
By Train
Direct Trains from Bengaluru to Udupi
- Railway Stations:
- Depart from KSR Bengaluru City Junction (SBC) or Yesvantpur Junction (YPR).
- Arrive at Udupi Railway Station (UD).
- Popular Trains:
- KSR Bengaluru – Karwar Express (Train No. 16523/16513).
- Yeshvantpur – Mangaluru Express (Train No. 16585).
- Matsyagandha Express (Train No. 12619).
- Travel Duration: 9 to 12 hours (depending on the train).
- From Udupi Railway Station:
- Sri Krishna Matha is around 5 km from the station. You can hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw, which will take about 10-15 minutes to reach the temple.
- Booking: Through IRCTC website or at railway reservation counters.
- Tips:
- Book in advance, especially during holidays.
- Check train schedules as timings may vary.
By Air
- Nearest Airport:Mangaluru International Airport (IXE) (Bengaluru to Mangaluru flights available).
- After landing in Mangaluru, follow the directions mentioned below to reach Udupi from Mangaluru.
- Booking: Airline websites or travel portals.
- From Mangaluru to Udupi:
- Distance: ~60 km.
- Options:
- Taxi: Prepaid taxis available at the airport; Duration: 1.5 hours.
- Bus: Take a bus from Mangaluru city to Udupi; frequent services available.
Reaching Sri Krishna Matha from Mangaluru
By Road
Self-Drive or Taxi
- Distance: Approximately 60 km
- Route:
- Take NH 66 (National Highway 66) from Mangaluru towards Udupi.
- The route passes through Surathkal and Mulki before reaching Udupi.
- Travel Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Highlights: The drive along the NH 66 is pleasant, with views of the Arabian Sea at certain points and lush greenery along the way.
- Tips:
- Negotiate fare in advance if hiring a taxi.
- Drive cautiously as the highway can be busy.
- Route:
Bus Services
- Frequent Buses from Mangaluru to Udupi:
- Private and KSRTC Buses run frequently between Mangaluru and Udupi. Both regular and express buses are available.
- Buses depart from Mangaluru Bus Stand and stop at Udupi Bus Stand, which is around 1.5 km from Sri Krishna Matha.
- Travel Duration: 1.5 hours.
- Local Buses: Operate every 15-30 minutes between Mangaluru and Udupi.
- Fare: Affordable rates.
- Tips:
- Confirm the bus is heading to Udupi before boarding.
- Keep small change for bus fares.
- From Udupi Bus Stand: Take an auto-rickshaw or taxi to reach the temple in 5 minutes.
By Train
Direct Trains from Mangaluru to Udupi
- Railway Stations:
- Depart from Mangaluru Central (MAQ) or Mangaluru Junction (MAJN).
- Arrive at Udupi Railway Station (UD).
- Popular Trains:
- Trains Available: Passenger and express trains like the Mangaluru Central–Madgaon Passenger.
- Matsyagandha Express (Train No. 12620).
- Kochuveli Express (Train No. 16316).
- Travel Duration: 1 hour.
- From Udupi Railway Station:
- Sri Krishna Matha is 5 km from the station. You can take an auto-rickshaw or a taxi to reach the temple.
- Booking: Tickets can be purchased at the station.
- Tips:
- Check the train schedule beforehand.
- Arrive early to secure a seat.
By Air
- Mangaluru International Airport (IXE) is the nearest airport.
- After landing, you can take a taxi directly to Udupi or use bus or train options.
Local Transport in Udupi
Once in Udupi, the Sri Krishna Matha is located in the heart of the city. It is easily accessible by auto-rickshaw, taxi, or even a short walk from the bus stand. Auto-rickshaws are the most convenient option for short distances in the town.
From Udupi Bus Stand:
- Distance: Approximately 1 km.
- Options:
- Auto-Rickshaw: Easily available; Duration: 5 minutes.
- On Foot: A 10-15 minute walk through the town.
- Tips:
- Auto fare is minimal; ensure the driver uses the meter or agrees on a fare.
From Udupi Railway Station:
Confirm fare before boarding.
Distance: Approximately 3 km.
Options:
- Auto-Rickshaw/Taxi: Available outside the station; Duration: 10 minutes.
Bus: Local buses may be available to the city center.
Tips:
- Prepaid auto service may be available.
Summary
- From Bengaluru: Road travel (bus/car) takes 8-10 hours; trains take 9-12 hours.
- From Mangaluru: Road travel (bus/car) takes 1-1.5 hours; trains take about 1 hour.
- For both routes, the closest airport is Mangaluru International Airport (IXE).
Additional Information
- Temple Timings:
- Opening Hours: Generally from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
- Special Poojas: Check the temple’s official website or contact them for schedules of special ceremonies.
- Dress Code:
- Men: Traditional attire recommended; remove shirts and vests before entering the sanctum.
- Women: Modest attire covering shoulders and knees.
- Tips:
- Footwear must be removed before entering.
- Photography inside the temple is usually prohibited.
- Accommodation:
- Temple Guest Houses: Affordable rooms for pilgrims.
- Hotels: Range from budget to mid-range options available in Udupi town.
- Booking: Can be done online or upon arrival.
- Local Attractions:
- Anantheshwara Temple: Adjacent to Sri Krishna Matha.
- Chandramouleshwara Temple: Nearby ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Malpe Beach: About 7 km from Udupi; known for its scenic beauty.
- Food:
- Temple Prasadam: Free meals are served at the temple dining hall.
- Local Cuisine: Udupi is famous for its vegetarian cuisine; numerous eateries around the temple.