Udupi is a land of celestial beauty and is inserted between the abundant mountains of the western ghats on the east and the immense calm Arabian Sea on the west. Udupi is more competently called “Parashurama Srishti, capsules the huge cultural inheritance.

Udupi is the place of birth of Sri Madhvacharya. He set up the Astha Mathas which is one of the main pilgrimage sites of the state. It is a belief that the name of Udupi is an origination of Odipu, its Tulu name. Where as some others say that the name is the combination of the Sanskrit words Udu meaning stars and Pa meaning Lord and thus Udupi.

The term Udupi (also Udipi) is also synonymous with delicious vegetarian food now found all over world (see Udupi cuisine). The origin of this cuisine is linked to Krishna Matha (Mutt). Lord Krishna is offered food of different varieties every day, and there are certain restrictions on ingredients during Chaturmasa (a four-month period during the monsoon season). These restrictions coupled with the requirement of variety led to innovation, especially in dishes incorporating seasonal and locally available materials. This cuisine was developed by Shivalli Madhwa Brahmins who cooked food for Lord Krishna, and at Krishna Matha in Udupi, the food is provided free.

Bhuta Kola, Aati Kalanja, Karangolu, and Nagaradhane are some of the cultural traditions of Udupi. The residents celebrate festivals such as Diwali, Dusshera and Christmas. Folk arts like Yakshagana are also popular.

Rathabeedhi Geleyaru, a local non-profit organisation, was founded to encourage creative pursuits, especially those that keep alive the traditions of the region. Its primary focus has been drama.