Udupi district

Updated on Oct 04, 2024

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Country India Region Tulunad Headquarters Udupi Literacy 86.3% ISO 3166 code ISO 3166-2:IN		State Karnataka Established 1997 Area 3,880 km² Coastline 98,000 m

Talukas Udupi, Karkala, Kundapur, Byndoor, Brahmavar, Kaup Destinations Udupi, Manipal, Kollur, Udupi district, Kundapur Points of interest Udupi Sri Krishna Matha, Kodachadri, Mookambika, Malpe Beach, Museum of Anatomy & Pathology Colleges and Universities Manipal University, Mahatma Gandhi Memorial, NMAM Institute of Technology, T A Pai Management Institute, Shri Madhwa Vadiraja I

Udupi district in the Karnataka state of India was created in August 1997. The three northern taluks, Udupi, Kundapur and Karkala, were separated from Dakshina Kannada District to form Udupi district. Udupi district is surrounded by Uttara Kannada district in north, Dakshina Kannada district in southern direction. Shivamogga district borders on north east side and Chikkamagaluru district on east. Arabian sea is on west of Udupi district. Udupi is famous for Udupi cuisine originated in the district as well as at Ashta Matha, i.e., eight Matts, Sri Krishna Temple and Udupi Hotels. Udupi is also one of oldest Educational Centres. Yakshagana, the drama and dance folk art is highly developed and popular in Udupi district as well as other coastal districts of Karnataka. The administrative headquarters of Udupi district is Udupi town. Population as per Census 2001 was 1,112,243 of which 18.55% were urban.

Map of Udupi, Karnataka

Demographics

According to the 2011 census Udupi district has a population of 1,177,908, roughly equal to the nation of Timor-Leste or the US state of Rhode Island. This gives it a ranking of 403rd in India (out of a total of 640). The district has a population density of 304 inhabitants per square kilometre (790/sq mi). Its population growth rate over the decade 2001-2011 was 5.9%. Udupi has a sex ratio of 1093 females for every 1000 males, and a literacy rate of 86.29%.

Geography

Udupi district is bound by Arabian sea in west and Western Ghats (world heritage site) in the east. Land nearer to the sea is plain with small hills and paddy fields, coconut plantations etc. Land bordering the Western Ghats in the east is covered with forests and hilly terrain; the forests are very thick in some parts and Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary is located near Hebri and Someshwara and Mukambika Wild Life sanctuary is established near Kollur. Kudremukh national park begins 16 km away from Karkala near Mala. The area surrounding Kollur is also thickly forested and villages are located in between forest area. Some parts of Kundapura and Karkala taluk are covered with forests and greenery. The district harbours rare species of flora and fauna. Tiger, leopard, spectacled cobra, vipers, King Cobra, deer, bison are some of the wild life seen in the district. Flora include rose wood, teak wood, cashew, mango trees.

Climate

Udupi has a tropical climate.

Divisions

Udupi was created out of the Dakshina Kannada district in the year August 1997. Udupi district consists of three taluks: Udupi, Karkala,Kundapura,Byndoor,Brahmavara and Kaup. Karnataka Legislative Assembly constituencies in Udupi district are: Kaup, Kundapura, Karkala, Byndoor and Udupi. Brahmavara assembly constituency has now been merged with Udupi and Kundapura constituencies. Udupi, Karkala, Kaup and Kundapura assembly segments are now part of the Udupi-Chickmagalur parliamentary (Loksabha) constituency, whereas Byndoor is now part of Shimoga Loksabha constituency. These changes took place during Loksabha general elections held in 2009.

Elected representatives

Member of Parliament

Ms.Shobha Karandlaje (Udupi-Chikamagalur Loksabha constituency) (BJP)

Members of Karnataka Legislative Assembly

Mr. Pramod Madhwaraj (INC) - Udupi

Mr. Halady Srinivas Shetty (Independent) - Kundapur

Mr. Gopal Poojary (INC) - Byndoor

Mr. V Sunil Kumar (BJP) - Karkala

Mr. Vinay Kumar Sorake (INC) - Kaup

Education

Udupi has a literacy rate of 92%, which is high compared to other districts of Karnataka. Udupi also tops the 10th and 12th standard exams held every year by the Karnataka State Education Board.

Udupi district is home to internationally renowned educational institutions. The Manipal University Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) runs schools, colleges and institutes of higher learning. Similarly, the Nitte University, located at Nitte, heads a large number of educational institutions.

Agriculture and horticulture

The Udupi district was once thriving rice and coconut producer, but any longer. Also one can find arecanut (betelnut) gardens here and there. Cashew is also grown. Milk is procured from farmers by Karnataka Milk Federation which has a dairy processing plant at Manipal in the district. Recently few private entrepreneurs have started procurement and processing of milk.

Fishing

Fishing in the district include inland fishing and deep sea fishing. Malpe and Gangolli are centers of fishing activities of the district. The Arabian sea is the prime source of fishing.

Commerce and industry

The district has mostly small-scale industries. There is not any noteworthy industry at present, but a few industries are coming up in the district. There are some red clay tile (Mangalore tile), cashew nut, and coconut oil industries providing employment to hundreds. There is a printing press at Manipal belonging to Pai group doing high security printing like cheques, share certificates, mobile recharge coupons, and question papers for various Indian universities question. The district (Undivded South Canara) was the birthplace of Four public sector banks (PSB) namely Vijaya Bank, Canara Bank, Corporation Bank and Syndicate Bank. There were also many small insurance companies before nationalization. There is divisional office of LIC at Udupi town. The district has branches of scheduled banks making density per population served above the national average of India. Some computer software companies like Robosoft Technologies, SourceHub India Pvt Ltd and DataTree IT Services, United Spectrum Solutions, Manipal Digital systems have set up their corporate and regional offices here. Robosoft has brought Udupi a significant place in the global IT scenario.

Mr K V Prabhu has been recently elected as the president of UCCI (Udupi Chamber of Commerce and Industries).

A thermal power plant has been set up at Nandikoor in Udupi district by Nagarjuna group for generating electricity. The plant has generated controversies with respect to environmental impact. Suzlon has set up manufacturing facility at Padubidre for making wind mills. Work for setting up of underground petroleum crude reserve at Padur (Padoor) in Udupi district by central government has commenced. Environmentalists fear that such large projects will destroy evergreen forests in those areas once for all. Also causing severe pollution of environment.

Transportation

The Udupi district has two national highways passing through, one is NH-17 (now renamed as NH 66) and another is NH-13. The national highway 17 (now renamed as NH 66) which moves in north and south direction connects Udupi with cities like Mangaluru, Karwar, Bhatkal, Kochi, Madgaon, Goa, Ratnagiri and Mumbai. Another national highway 13 connects district with Shimoga, Bijapura, Solapur, Chitradurga and Hospet. The district has network of asphalt roads connecting district centre with moffusil areas. The Konkan railway connects district with neighboring districts and states. The major railway stations are Udupi, Baindur, Kundapur, and . At present nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport at Bajpe which is at 55 kilometers from the town of Udupi.

Languages

The primary languages of Udupi district are Tulu, Kannada, Konkani and Beary Bashe. Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts are referred to as Tulu Nadu, as they constitute the Tulu-majority region. Inscriptions in the Tulu languages are found in and around the village of Barkur, the ancient capital of Tulu Nadu. Kundagannada which is the dialect of Kannada is spoken by majority of people in the district i.e. Kundapura and Byndoor taluk. Even in Northern side of Udupi taluk like Hebri, Brahmavara, Barkur, Mandarti and Kokkarne. Konkani is spoken by the people of Goud Saraswat Brahmins, Bunts, Rajapur Saraswat Brahmins and Mangalorean Catholics in Udupi District. Some Muslims in Byndoor speak the Beary Bashe and Nawayathi language.

Temples

The famous Udupi Krishna Temple is located in Udupi, which is visited by western tourists also. Udupi is the place where Sri Madhwacharya, one of the greatest proponents of the Vaishnava faith began his philosophical journey

Kuthpady is known for the Subramanya temples, which are visited every year thousands of pilgrims during Subramanya Shrasthi, which falls in November–December It is also home to Brahma Vishnu Maheshwara Temple (Kanangi Temple) Satyayuga Yogashrama and Ramakrishna Bhajana Mandira.

Churches

ST. LAWRENCE CHURCH - ATTUR, 35.5 km (via Udupi-Karkala Rd) from UDUPI Bus stop

Milagres Cathedral Church- Kallianpurm 8.3 km (via NH17) from UDUPI Bus stop

Our Lady Of Fatima Church - Perampalli, 5.5 km (Via Gundibail-Manipal Rd) from UDUPI Bus stop.

Christ Church - Manipal, 6.6 km (via Manipal-Kallsanka) from UDUPI Bus stop

Our Lady of Vailankani Church- Kalmady - 3.5 km (via Adi Udupi) from UDUPI Bus stop

Church Of Mother Of Sorrows Church - Udupi, 0.75 km from UDUPI Bus stop

St. Mary's Orthodox Syrian Cathedral - Brahmavar, 15 km (via Udupi-Kundapura Rd) from Udupi bus stop

Holy Rosary Church - Kundapura, 32 Km from Udupi.

Cuisine

Udupi food is considered as the best and the most famous cuisine in entire Karnataka. Udupi restaurants serving Udupi cuisine are popular all over India and have found its way into other countries also. Udupi restaurants are typically south Indian vegetarian restaurants. In Mumbai or Hyderabad, Chennai and Bangalore, Udupi restaurants are famous for tasty vegetarian food and courteous service. Masala Dosa, which is wrapped around a filling of onion and potato with ghee, is said to be invented by Udupi Hotels.

Literature

Udupi District has richly contributed to Kannada literature. Jnanapeetha award winner, Dr. K. Shivarama Karanth is from Kota, a small village in this district.

Important writers

Dr. K. Shivarama Karantha, Jnanapeetha Award winner, writer, novelist, environmentalist, and dance reformer

Gopalakrishna Adiga, poet

Prof. A.V. Navada

Santosh Kumar Gulvadi, journalist, writer

B. Janardhana Bhat, literary critic

Jayarama Karanth, poet

Ulloor Mookajji, poet

Entrepreneurs

T. M. A. Pai

B. R. Shetty

Santosh Hegde

R. N. Shetty

Art and culture

Yakshagana, the famous dance and drama art is very popular in this district. Several Yakshagana troupes are established in this district. Yakshagana teaching schools are also established in this place. Nagaradhane, a form of worshipping serpent god is celebrated all along the district with much pomp and grandeur. Nagaradhane is conducted entire night and thousands of people watch the worship which includes dance by vaidya, pooja by priest, various forms of rangoli drawings etc. Bhuta Kola, Aati kalenja, Kadyanata etc. are other forms of nature worship prevailing in the district.

Rural spectator sports of the district include Kambala, Cock fight, Lagori, Chinni dandu etc.

Drama

Traditional drama forms exist in the district and school days and college days invariably include drama by local people and drama competitions are also held occasionally in the district.

Beaches

Malpe: About 6 km from Udupi town, Malpe is an important fishing and trading harbour.

St. Mary's Island: An island on the Arabian Sea near to Malpe

Kaup (pronounced "Ka-Aap"): About 12 km from Udupi with a beach and a lighthouse

Maravanthe: About 42 km from Udupi. The NH-66 is flanked on the left side by the Arabian Sea and on the right side by the Souwparnika River. However, due to continuous sea erosion, the Arabian Sea has come dangerously close to the NH-17. Still the road exists miraculously between sea and river and after this spot, river makes a U turn and goes eastwards and meets sea at Kundapura, after a journey of about 10 km.

Othinane: A clean beach below the high mountains. The view river joining to sea give very scenery.

Kota Padukare beach: About 27 km from Udupi.

Religious places

Udupi Shree Krishna Temple.

Two-century-old Jamia Masjid (mosque), which has been newly built with spacious prayers halls spanning 18,000 square feet, with a capacity to accommodate 3,000 worshipers

Pajaka: About 12 km from Udupi. This is the place where Madhvacharya preached his Dvaita philosophy.

Kollur: About 74 km from Udupi, nestled among the Western Ghats. It is considered the abode of Goddess Mookambika and attracts tourists from Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Karkala: About 37 km from Udupi. Jain basadis (temples) and Gomateshwara (giant statues) are notable features. Other important places are Padutirupathi Sri Venkataramana Temple, Attur St. Lawrence Church, Sri Hosamarigudi Temple, Sri Ucchanggi Mariamma Temple, Sri Ananthapadmanabha Temple, Sri Padmavathi Temple, Sri Mahalingeshwara Temple, Sri Siddhivinayaka Temple, Sri Umamaheshwara Temple and Salmar Jama Masjid.

Anegudde: About 30 km from Udupi. Famous for the temple of Lord Ganesha.

Attur Church: About 25 km from Udupi. Famous for its yearly fair, attended by people from all religious groups.

Barkur: About 15 km from Udupi. The erstwhile capital of historical Tulu Nadu, Barkur is dotted with temples and Jaina basadis.

Saligrama : About 27 km from Udupi, with a Lord Guru Narasimha swami temple. And SriVishnu Murthy Temple Parampalli nearly 800 years old famous for Harake known as "Dosa" for fertility (birth to child). Had a large number of deities all over India and abroad

Kota : About 25 km from udupi. with the godeses shri amrutheshwari ammanavaru temple located.

Sri durga Parameshwari temple muduhole karkada oldest temple of goddess of stenth having followers all over India. Special pooja in Navarathri and " Dhekkebali Seva" in 4th day dhanur Masa, for the well-being of all.

Pernankila : There is an ancient Ganapathi temple in this village.

Perdoor : Anantha Padmanabha temple is 22 km from Udupi towards Agumbe–Shimoga state highway. Monthly Sankramana is very famous in the state.

Hiriadka : Veerabadhra temple is one of the oldest temples located about 16 km from Udupi.

Shankaranarayana : Temple built on water (or lake) is the attraction of Shankaranarayana, where Shankara and Narayana are worshiped, located about 40 km from Udupi.

Maranakatte : Located near western ghats, in deep forest area, this place is known for nature worship. This is 45 km from district headquarters.

Mandarthi:About 20 km From Udupi With Godeses Ammanavaru (Durgaparameshwari)

Wildlife sanctuaries

The Udupi district has thick evergreen forests in the eastern part. They form part of Sahyadri or Western Ghats of India. These forests have wide range of flora and fauna.

Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary: About 40 km from Udupi. It contains rare species of animals, birds and medicinal plants.

Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary: About 50 km from Udupi. Spread along the Kundapura-Kollur road, this sanctuary is generally off the tourist map.

National Park

Kudremukha National Park: About 48 km from Karkala.The Kudremukh National Park is the second largest Wildlife Protected Area (600.32 km2) belonging to a tropical wet evergreen type of forest in the Western Ghats.

Waterfalls

Kudlū Theerthā Falls: About 42 km from Udupi. A waterfall located deep in the jungles of Western Ghats, close to Hebri town. This is a beautiful water fall in any standards, and may become very weak during Feb-May. With a height of about 300 feet, it falls directly into a pond which is considered holy by local people, because, sages meditated here thousands of years ago. There is one more water fall above Kudlu theertha, called Manga theertha (monkey theertha) named so because, only monkey can reach it as the path is very steep inside the forest.

Barkana Falls: About 54 km from Udupi. Located in the Western Ghats at the junction of Udupi, Shivamogga and Chikkamagaluru districts, the falls are a 45-minute walk from the Udupi-Shimoga state highway.

Belkal Theerthā Falls: About 50 km from Udupi. Cascading waterfalls, located deep in the Western Ghats. This falls is about 400 feet and there will be no water during Feb-May.

Arasina Gundi, near Dali village off Kollur, is a beautiful waterfall within the forest.

Jomlu Theertha :Near Belve village about 35 km from Udupi, a small water fall about 20 feet height created by River Seethanadi. This is second water fall of this river, first one being Kudlu Theertha.

Kosalli Water falls near Byndoor, Byndoor Taluk is a beautiful spot situated at the northern boundary of the district.

River islands

The rivers Souparnik, a Swarnā, Chakrā, Sitā, Varāhi and Kubjā contain beautiful and often unexplored river islands. Called Kudrūs, some of the islands are inhabited but lack basic facilities such as drinking water, electricity and transport. Examples of the islands include Sul Kudrū, Kannada Kudrū, Babbu Kudru, Katte Kudrū, Benne Kudru, Kukkude Kudru, Timmanna Kudru, Padu Kudru, Hatti Kudru, Bal Kudru, Bavali Kudru, Uppina Kudru, Kuru, Jaru Kudru etc.

References

Udupi district Wikipedia

(Text) CC BY-SA

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