Leave early from Salem to avoid city traffic and reach Hassan with daylight; the drive is the longest leg of the trip so start early. Expect highway driving and a few short stops for fuel/tea.
Have a relaxed lunch in Hassan — choose a local restaurant serving Karnataka home-style thali or a reliable South-Indian chain for quick service; helps refuel before the temple visits.
Visit the magnificent Belur Chennakesava Temple (Hoysala architecture). It's an essential stop for detailed stone carvings and history; typically open 9:00am–5:30pm so plan midday visit.
Dine at a recommended hotel restaurant or local eatery — try Karnataka-style thali or dosa/uddina vada combos; many places are open until 9:30–10:00pm.
Visit Shravanabelagola (famous monolithic Gomateshwara statue). The complex is open early (commonly 6:00am onwards) and the climb offers panoramas and religious significance.
Enjoy authentic Udupi cuisine — strong dosas, sambar, and coastal vegetarian specialities; Woodlands style restaurants near the temple area are trusted and typically open midday.
Head to Malpe Beach and take a public/private boat trip to St. Mary's Islands (boats usually run roughly 9:00am–4:00pm; confirm local schedules). The islands are known for columnar basalt formations — great for photography and a short walk.
Return to Udupi town, rest and freshen up; use this time for a short walk in the temple lanes and shopping for local snacks like neer dosa mix or kokum squash.
Visit the Sri Krishna Temple in Udupi for evening darshan; regular temple timings normally include a morning session (approx 6:00–12:30) and an evening session (approx 5:00–9:00), so plan for the evening aarti/darshan.
Udupi offers both excellent vegetarian restaurants and fresh coastal seafood (if you prefer non-veg). Choose a beach-side shack for seafood or a classic Udupi restaurant for vegetarian options; most eateries open till 10:00–11:00pm.
Short drive up to Chandragiri Fort for coastal views and to see the historic fort ruins and lighthouse; usually open from around 9:00am — arrive when it opens for best light and fewer crowds.
Stroll Udupi's market lanes, pick up local snacks and spices; visit Anantheshwara Temple (adjacent to Krishna Math) for more local heritage and architecture.