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If you are someone who loves nature, is interested in history, or is adventurous, the places to visit near Manipal are full of experiences for you to discover. Located on the coastal stretch of Karnataka, Manipal is a picturesque town famous for its student population, cultural diversity, and beautiful landscapes. The places to visit near Manipal are filled with peaceful beaches, green hills, historical buildings, and busy markets which are ideal for short vacations and day trips. Finding these beautiful places around gives you a break, and deepens your appreciation about the unique nature and culture of the area.
Top 10 Places To Visit Near Manipal
Here’s a list of the top 10 places to visit near Manipal, where serene beaches, historic temples, and lush landscapes await, with each destination offering a unique experience.
1. Malpe Beach
Photo: en:User:Neinsun / Wikimedia Commons
Malpe Beach is a calm and beautiful beach which is situated a few kilometres away from Udupi. It is famous for its long stretch of golden sandy beach and clear blue waters, it is one of the favourite tourist spots around Manipal. The beach has water sports like jet skiing, parasailing, and gliding over the magnificent St Mary Island in boats. The coastal atmosphere and fusion of the fish market close by make this beach suitable for relaxation as well as seeking some adventure. The sunrise and sunset views at Malpe Beach are simply out of this world, and so many photographers and nature enthusiasts flock to this place.
Available Water Sports: Jet ski rides, banana rides, speed boat rides, water scooter rides, surfing and speed boat cruises
Adventure Activities: Trekking, white river rafting, rock climbing, rappelling, parasailing and kayaking
Best Time To Visit: October to January
2. Udupi Sri Krishna Temple
Photo: Ilya Mauter / Wikimedia Commons
The Udupi Sri Krishna Temple is a significant religious site and is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple is renowned for its unique deity statue, which can be seen through a small, detailed window called the Navagraha Kindi. A philosopher and saint, Sri Madhvacharya, who started the Dvaita Vedanta school of Hindu philosophy, built this ancient temple in the 13th century. It’s a popular place for people to visit from all over India, especially during religious festivals like Krishna Janmashtami and the yearly Paryaya festival. The whole area buzzes with traditions during these special times, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in India’s rich heritage.
Timings: 5 AM to 9:30 PM
Best Time To Visit: During Krishnashthami (Janmashthami) in August-September
3. Agumbe
Photo: Dinesh Valke / Wikimedia Commons
Agumbe is a charming small village in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, about 60 km from Manipal, called the “Cherrapunji of the South”. It is known for its heavy rainfall and thick green forests and is a paradise for nature lovers, trekkers, and wildlife enthusiasts. It’s part of the Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary, which is full of flora and fauna varieties. Agumbe Sunset Point is famous for its beautiful sunsets with panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys, and the Arabian Sea on clear days. There are also a bunch of waterfalls around like Kudlu Theertha and Barkana Falls.
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Distance From Manipal: 49.3 km
4. Manipal End Point
Photo: SWE-Yaatrik / Wikimedia Commons
Manipal End Point is a well-known viewpoint on the outskirts of Manipal, providing amazing sights of the surrounding Ghats and river valleys. It has a peaceful environment and is great for people who want to get away from the bustling town. When the weather is clear, one can see the Swarna River and the Arabian Sea shining on the horizon. The End Point also has a park with benches, making it a great place for picnics and relaxation. Manipal End Point is a must-visit spot for its scenic charm of the region.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Timings: 4:30 AM to 8:30 PM
5. Karkala
Photo: Pavanaja / Wikimedia Commons
Karkala is about 37 km drive from Manipal and is a town rich in culture and religion. It is a significant pilgrimage site for Jains and Hindus, with a giant statue of Lord Bahubali (Gomateshwara). The town is famous for its statue which is 42 feet tall and sits on top of a hill named Bahubali Betta. Karkala is home to several spiritual landmarks, one is the Chaturmukha Basadi, which is a Jain temple from the 1600s. Hindu temples, like the Venkataramana Temple and the Anantashayana Temple, also add to the town’s spiritual significance.
Best Time To Visit: September to March
Distance From Manipal: 34.4 km
6. Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Dinesh Valke / Wikimedia Commons
Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary is a natural reserve in the Western Ghats of Karnataka known for its thick forests, scenic landscapes and diverse wildlife. The sanctuary is home to animals like tigers, leopards, elephants, and the endangered lion-tailed macaque. The forest has different trees like tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen ones, making it a perfect place for people who love watching birds and enjoying nature. Also, famous for its waterfalls, like Barkana Falls and Onake Abbi Falls and trekking especially along the Agumbe area, famous for its heavy rains and stunning views, making it a must-visit destination for some adventure in nature.
Entry Fee: ₹200 for Adults & ₹100 for Children
Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
7. Chaturmukha Basadi
Photo: Prashant Soratur / Wikimedia Commons
Chaturmukha Basadi is a famous Jain temple from the 16th century, with the unique design of four symmetrical entrances, one for each cardinal direction, which is why it’s named “Chaturmukha” (four-faced). The entire building is made of granite, which shows the amazing architecture from the Vijayanagara time. The temple is home to 24 Tirthankaras, the most important spiritual teachers in the Jain religion. The temple is surrounded by lots of greenery and hills in the backdrop, making it a top spot for devotees and history enthusiasts.
Timings: 10 AM to 2 PM; 4 PM to 5:30 PM
Distance From Manipal: 36.9 km
8. Barkur
Photo: Rudolph.A.furtado / Wikimedia Commons
Barkur is a historic town in the Udupi district, known for its ancient temples and rich history. It used to be a busy port city and a centre of maritime trade during medieval times, and served as the capital of the Alupa dynasty. Later, an important place for Jainism and Hinduism. Panchlingeshwara Temple and Somanatheshwara Temples are the most famous ancient temples in the town. Visitors also explore old forts, traditional houses and cultural relics that show what life was like a long time ago. The town is also beautiful with paddy fields, coconut grooves, and calm backwaters making it a nice place to visit.
Local Festivals: Makar Sankranti and Navaratri are celebrated vibrantly
Distance From Manipal: 17.7 km
9. Kudlu Theertha Falls
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
Kudlu Theertha Falls is a beautiful waterfall located near Hebri. It’s set deep in the Western Ghats and falls about 126 feet into a clear pool. The area surrounding is full of thick forests and rocky terrain, making it a great place for people who love nature and adventure. To get to the falls, visitors should trek, which is moderately challenging with a scenic trail through the Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary. It’s best to visit during or just after the monsoon season.
The place isn’t too crowded, which makes it an ideal destination to enjoy a peaceful getaway in nature.
Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM
Best Time To Visit: August to December
10. Manipal Lake
Photo: shantheri / Wikimedia Commons
Situated in the prime area of Manipal in Karnataka is a lake known as Manipal Lake. This water body offers itself as an escape for those in search of peaceful environments. The expansive area surrounding the lake consists of greenery, walking paths, and wooden benches, making it perfect for walks, family outings, or just sitting by the lake. Boating is also another service offered where one can enjoy a quiet ride on the lake. Manipal Lake is a lively spot among the students, locals and visitors, and also an attraction point for photographers and nature enthusiasts, especially early in the mornings or late in the evenings when the views are the best.
Boating Timings: 10 AM to 6 PM
Location: Manipal, Karnataka 576104
Adventure, spirituality, or a peaceful nature retreat; the places to visit near Manipal guarantee the best of experiences. Are you up for an unforgettable experience and ready to visit these amazing places? Book a trip with TripXL as early as today and go on a wonderful tour of the exquisite Manipal and its nearby places hassle-free! Seize this opportunity to make unforgettable memories in the beauty of nature. Start your journey today and let the adventure unfold!
Cover Photo: shantheri / Wikimedia Commons
