Tourist footfall surges in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi driven by temples and beaches

Tourist footfall surges in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi driven by temples and beaches

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Feb 2, 2026: Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts have witnessed a steady rise in tourist footfall over the past few years, driven largely by pilgrim centres, scenic beaches and diverse tourism offerings.

According to Tourism Department data, Dakshina Kannada recorded 6,53,39,542 domestic tourists and 6,115 foreign tourists in 2025. In 2024, the district received 5.07 crore visitors, including 6,448 foreign nationals, while Udupi attracted 5.78 crore tourists, of whom 77,312 were foreigners. In 2023, DK saw 3.28 crore tourists (7,875 foreigners) and Udupi 4.74 crore tourists (41,236 foreigners).

Industry stakeholders attribute the growing numbers to the region’s spiritual destinations, pristine beaches, adventure and maritime activities, scenic landscapes, wellness and eco-tourism, and its rich traditions of cuisine, crafts and culture. Despite the surge in arrivals, Coastal Karnataka continues to be viewed as underdeveloped, with significant untapped potential for tourism and hospitality growth.

Among pilgrimage centres, Kukke Subrahmanya Temple recorded the highest footfall with 1,60,12,150 pilgrims, including 210 foreigners. Shree Kshethra Dharmasthala followed with 1,17,39,480 pilgrims (1,083 foreigners). Kateel Durgaparameshwari Temple attracted 63,55,180 pilgrims, Bappanadu Durgaparameshwari Temple 27,35,100, Sooryanarayana Temple 23,69,880, and Kodyadka Annapoorneshwari Temple near Moodbidri 21,41,400 pilgrims during the year.

Beach destinations also drew large crowds. Panambur Beach topped the list with 46,41,590 visitors, followed by Someshwara Beach (43,38,000) and Tannirbhavi Beach (37,48,900). Sasihithlu recorded 20,36,300 tourists, while Surathkal Beach attracted 12,82,700 visitors. Pilikula Nisargadhama drew 27,96,500 domestic tourists and 967 foreigners.

Other popular attractions included the Sulthan Bathery watchtower (5,58,550 tourists), the 1,000 Pillar Basadi at Moodbidri (8,16,900 tourists), and the Postcard Collection Centre at Pandeshwar. Tourist data was also collected from destinations such as Ullal Beach, Nelliteertha Guhalaya, Nethravathi River, Venur Gomateshwara, Jamalabad Fort, Kadamagundi Falls, Thodikana Falls, Shiradi, and Sammilana Butterfly Park, among others.

Beach tourism promoter Yathish Baikampady said inadequate infrastructure remains a major challenge. “Traffic congestion and the time taken to reach beaches from Mangaluru city need to be addressed. Farsighted projects and an improved public transport system are essential to enhance connectivity to markets, malls and tourist destinations,” he said.

Meanwhile, Thrilok Chandra, Secretary, Department of Tourism, said the entire 320-km coastline should be developed as a multi-product destination. Speaking at the Coastal Karnataka Tourism Conclave in Mangaluru, he said 45 tourism projects worth Rs 718 crore have been sanctioned for coastal districts under the Karnataka Tourism Policy 2024–29.