Udupi district in the Karnataka state of India was created in August 1997. The three northern taluks, Udupi, Kundapur and Karkal, were separated from Dakshina Kannada District to form Udupi district. Udupi district is surrounded by Uttara Kannada district in north, Dakshina Kannada district in southern direction. Shivamogga district borders on north east side and chikamagalur district on east. Arabian sea is on west of Udupi district. Udupi is famous for Udupi cuisine originated in the district as well as at Ashta Matha, i.e., eight Matts, Sri Krishna Temple and Udupi Hotels. Udupi is also one of oldest Educational Centres. Yakshagana, the drama and dance folk art is highly developed and popular in Udupi district as well as other coastal districts of Karnataka. The administrative headquarters of Udupi district is Udupi town. Population as per Census 2001 was 1,112,243 of which 18.55% were urban.
