A surge in tourist arrivals has brought renewed momentum to the tourism sector across Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts over the past two weeks, driven by the Christmas season, year-end holidays, school vacations, the Sabarimala pilgrimage, and religious events such as Udupi’s Paryaya festival.

Officials said the influx is expected to continue until mid-January, giving a significant boost to local trade and economic activity. Since early December, there has been a sharp rise in visitors from other districts and states, with many families choosing the coast for extended holidays.

Major religious centres such as Dharmasthala, Kukke Subrahmanya, Kateel, Udupi Sri Krishna Math, Kollur Mookambika, Mangaladevi, Kudroli, Polali, Soutadka, Bappanadu, Venur, and tourist spots including Maravanthe, Jamalabad Fort, Didupe and Kadamgundi waterfalls, the Western Ghats, and coastal beaches are witnessing heavy footfall.

Beach tourism has also seen a revival, with large crowds at Uchila Batapady, Someshwara, Ullal, Bengre, Tannirbhavi, Panambur, Chitrapura, Surathkal, Sasihithlu and Malpe beaches. Officials estimate that over 80 lakh tourists have visited beaches this year.

KSRTC reported a rise in passenger traffic, operating more than 40 additional buses during Christmas. While the corporation’s average daily revenue is ₹1.30 crore, earnings rose to ₹1.60 crore on December 25. Private bus operators also deployed extra services.

Hotels, resorts, service apartments and homestays across both districts have been fully booked over the past week. In Mangaluru alone, over 70 mid-range hotels are reported to be operating at full capacity.

Dakshina Kannada district recorded more than 3 crore tourists in 2023, while officials estimate over 5 crore visitors in 2024. In Udupi district, tourism authorities said 1 to 1.5 lakh tourists are arriving daily, with Malpe beach and Sri Krishna Math emerging as top attractions. Foreign tourist arrivals have also increased, particularly between September and January.