India GOBudget stays in Udupi
Udupi is a pilgrim town rather than a backpacker one, and its cheap beds reflect that. Instead of hostels, the local budget option is the guest house run by one of the eight mathas, a short walk from the Krishna temple. Around it are a few small homestays and simple hotels. The list above has the hotels and homestays; here is how the options differ and when to book.
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Three kinds of cheap stay
Matha guest houses: for the temple
Run by the monasteries that serve the Krishna Matha, aimed at devotees rather than tourists, with a vegetarian food culture and as close to the temple as it gets. Sri Vidyamanya Guest House of the Palimaru Matha is 150 metres from the Krishna Matha by the Car Street main gate, with about 35 rooms from economy doubles to AC and family rooms; booking is by phone. Kshetravaasa of the Puthige Matha has two blocks, Geeta Mandir and Indraprastha, with AC and non-AC rooms, in a central location. Adamaru Matha Guest House has simple rooms in the temple core; confirm with the matha before you arrive.
Homestays: quieter, between town and sea
Hi5 by Beach County is a small homestay in the quiet residential area of Laxmi Nagar, suited to couples and solo travellers. Atithi Homestay is family-run, with a garden and a large terrace, about 3 km from the Krishna temple and 4 km from Malpe beach, so it covers both halves of a visit; Wi-Fi and parking are free.
A simple hotel: for a night or two
Venky's Stay Inn is a no-frills hotel near the centre, about 600 m from the Krishna Matha: air conditioning, hot water, Wi-Fi, a café downstairs, a 24-hour reception and free parking. The choice if you are in town for a couple of days and just need a clean room.
Are there hostels in Udupi?
The places on this page are guest houses, homestays and a hotel; there is no backpacker hostel among them. Search results for "hostels in Udupi" mix in student hostels and PGs (paying-guest rooms) for the colleges of Manipal, which are long-stay housing, not traveller beds. For a solo traveller on a budget, the matha guest houses do the job of a hostel here: simple and central.
When cheap rooms run out
Paryaya (17–18 January 2028, expected) fills the town: book a room in Udupi about two months ahead and arrive the afternoon before. Manipal, about 5 km away, and Malpe take the overflow. For Vittla Pindi (24–25 August 2027, expected) about three weeks ahead is enough. Outside the festivals, call the matha guest houses ahead rather than expect online booking. For other price levels, see where to stay in Udupi.
FAQ
Are there hostels in Udupi?
Not in the backpacker sense on this list. The cheap traveller option is a matha guest house near the Krishna temple, or a small homestay.
Which is the best place to stay in Udupi on a budget?
Near Car Street if the trip is about the temple: the matha guest houses are a few minutes' walk away. A homestay between town and Malpe if you also want the beach.
Can anyone stay at a matha guest house in Udupi?
They are run for devotees visiting the Krishna Matha; Sri Vidyamanya books by phone, and Adamaru asks you to confirm before arriving, so ask about house rules when you call.
Should I stay in Udupi or Manipal?
Udupi for the temple and early mornings on Car Street; Manipal, 4–5 km away, has most of the cafés and takes the overflow at festival time. Buses between them run every couple of minutes.
Facts checked: 15 October 2026. Prices and hours are approximate; check locally.
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