The Padubidri beach is located in the Udupi district of Karnataka. This beach lies within the small town of Padubidri, which is famous for the Dakkebali ritual held once in two years.
A huge portion of the Padubidri population comprises of the Tuluva ethnic group. The National Highway 17 (NH 17) passes through this little town and is situated along the Udupi –Mangalore route.
The Padubidri beach is the perfect destination for the person who is looking for fun and adventure at a quiet seaside. Though not crowded like the more popular beaches along the coastline of Karnataka Padubidri beach is known for water sports and adventure rides.
The beach is clean and well kept. This is also a perfect place for individuals and families who look forward to a pleasant evening watching the incredible sunset.
Read: Malpe Beach, Udupi – Of Serinity and Adventure
Padubidri Beach Quick Facts
- Address: Udupi-574111 (Map)
- Timing: 24-hrs
About The Padubidri Beach, Udupi
Compared to the other beaches situated in the Udupi district, the Padubidri beach is more fun and vibrant with all the adventurous activities it has to offer to travelers. This beach is a kilometer away from the town of Padubidri.
The beach is sandy and quite long. The beach has plenty of palm trees all over. The main portion of this beach has been paved with interlock tiles and plenty of park benches have been installed.
People can relax and enjoy the perfect view of the sea. As the sunset approaches one can see the lights flashing from the lighthouses at Suratkal and Kaup which is a beautiful sight to behold.
Read: 10 Spectacular Beaches to Chill out near Mangalore
Things To Do At Padubidri Beach
Besides going for a stroll or enjoy a quiet evening watching the beautiful sunset the Padubidri beach has several adventurous and fun-filled activities that you can enjoy along with your family or friends.
Several events are hosted at the beach by different groups for keeping travelers and tourists entertained. The evenings are more lively and exciting on such days. The events include:
- Fairs
- Tournaments
- Competitions
- Musical programs
Besides, both adults and children can enjoy several games and water sports on this beach. Some of them are:
- Beach volleyball
- Speed boat ride
- Banana boat ride
- Water scooter ride
At Padubidri beach you can watch the sun setting in the west and the moon rising from the east at the same time during certain days in a year. Check with the beach authorities and plan if you wish to experience this sight at the beach.
Children could have a great time building castles and playing in the sand. They can also observe sea creatures including crabs or starfishes that have been washed ashore.
During the monsoons, the sea could turn pretty violent. The sight of the waves hitting the shore is quite awe-inspiring. During the off-monsoon seasons, the sea is quite calm and you can enjoy swimming in the safe waters.
Blue Flag Certification
Padubidri is the second beach in Karnataka that received the blue flag certification along with the Kasarkod beach. The certification is given by Denmark’s Foundation for Environment Education. As a result, Padubidri beach has earned itself a place on the global map for tourist destinations.
Padubidri beach received this eco-label following an inspection by the international foundation. The beach was successful in meeting all the criteria required for the Blue Flag Certification.
Read: Kasarkod Beach In Honnavar – Of Pristine And Peaceful
Amenities At Padubidri Beach
The government of Karnataka provided infrastructure projects for this beach that came to around Rupees 2.5 crore. The amenities provided at this beach include:
- Washrooms
- Changing rooms
- Play equipment for children
- A solid waste treatment unit
- Room for first-aid
- Control room
- CCTV cameras
- Information boards
- A good parking facility
- Footpaths
- Unit for water purification
- Solar panels are installed to generate sufficient power to run the entire beach
- Street lights
Read: Places to Visit near Udupi
Attractions Nearby Padubidri Beach
The little town of Padubidri in Udupi is famous for its beach and temples. Thousands of people flock into this town all through the year for a holiday, a weekend break or to attend the famous temple festivals. Some of the important attractions surrounding Padubidri beach are the following.
Mahalingeshwara Maha Ganapathi Temple, Padubidri
This ancient temple has a place in history and is dedicated to the Hindu deities Maha Ganapathi and Mahalingeshwara. The beautiful carvings and images in the temple are said to be over a thousand years old.
The temple is famous for its car festival held once a year. The entire temple and a chariot are lighted up for this festival and the chariot is pulled around the temple at midnight. This is followed by a brilliant display of fireworks. Every year several thousands of pilgrims and tourists gather here to be a part of this auspicious event.
Padubidri End Point
Padubidri End Point is a place where the river meets the sea and it’s a beautiful place where families and friends for picnics. Though travelers come here all through the year the best time is during the monsoon season. The drive from End Point to the Kaup lighthouse is quite pleasant and beautiful.
Brahmasthana
Considered to be the most sacred of all places in this town, the Padubidri Brahmasthana lies amid a small forest. This place is dedicated to the goddess Vanadurga also known as the Khadgeshwari. This place is only 3 kilometers away from Padubidri beach and is a must-see place if you are there.
The Dakke Bali held once in two years is the sacred event of Brahmasthana. This is held between the mid of January and the mid of March on certain nights. If you wish to be a part of this event you’ll have to plan your vacation to the Padubidri beach accordingly.
How To Reach Padubidri Beach?
The little town of Padubidri in Udupi is properly connected by rail, air, and road.
By Rail
The closest railway stations to Padubidri beach are:
- Padubidri Railway Station
- Mulki Railway Station
Padubidri is connected to almost all the major places in India through the Konkan railway. Once you arrive at the above-mentioned railway stations you can hire a cab to reach your destination.
By Air
The closest airport to this little town is Mangalore International Airport. The beach is almost 35 kilometers away from this airport. You’ll have to book a cab in advance or hire a taxi from this airport to reach Padubidri.
By Road
Padubidri is well connected by road as public, private and luxury buses operate from almost all cities in India to this town.
Depending on how far you live you can also choose to travel by a hired car or drive your private vehicle.