Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (MS)

Udupi, Aug 24: Though the district of Udupi, which came into existence 25 years ago to ease administration, is a tourist attraction and educational hub that is renowned worldwide.

Lacs of people from outstation districts, states and overseas countries visit famous religious places like Sri Krishna Math, Kollur Mookambika temple, Anegudde Sri Vinayaka temple, Kota Amriteshwari temple and Mandarti. In addition, the district boasts of St Mary’s Island, Malpe beach, Padubidri Blue flag beach, Maravanthe Beach, Padukare, Sita river, Koodlu and Jomlu, which are frequented by the devotees and tourists.

The district administration is giving stress on tourism since some years. Home stays are getting favourable with the visitors. The district has a unique lifestyle which changes every 10 to 15 km with change in variations of Tulu, Konkani, Byari, Kannada and Kundagannada languages.

St Mary’s Island is the most sought after tourist attraction of Udupi. It is recognised as one of the 26 national geological monuments of the country. It is built with Basault Rhyodacites form of volcanic rock in hexagonal shape. It is unique in terms of geology. It is one of the four national geological monuments of the state. St. Mary’s Island is at a stone’s throw from Malpe beach. It has 25 acres of land area. More than 13 acres of this consists of unique volcanic rocks. This island is also called as Coconut Island. This island is famous for Columnar Ballistic Lava.

DC Kurma Rao says, “Udupi district has many tourist attractions. Natural resources of this district should be tapped to the fullest. More than fun, St Mary’s island is suitable for geological related study. This island has unique geology which cannot be seen anywhere in the world. District administration will work towards tourism on the occasion of silver jubilee of the formation of the district.”