Trifter

The coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada of Karnataka state boast of several beautiful spots and holy temples. You can see beautiful beaches and temples scattered along the national highway 17 as you travel from Mangalore to Karwar.

Udupi is famous for its Sri Krishna temple. People from all parts of the country visit this temple to worship the Lord. Besides, this temple is also associated with famous poet-saint Sri Kanakadasa (1508-1606), who was refused entry into the temple by the local priests, as he belonged to a lower caste. Greatly hurt by this discrimination, he went round the temple and offered his tearful prayer to the deity. Moved by his intense devotion, the idol of Lord Sri Krishna turned its face to the western wall that developed a crack all of a sudden, creating a window for him to have darshan of his beloved God. This window subsequently came to be known as ‘Kanakana Kindi’ (Kanaka’s window) and a magnificent tower (gopuram) has been constructed in his memory. Devotees can now have darshan of Lord Sri Krishna even from this window as well, instead of entering through the southern entrance.

Kanaka Gopura constructed in hallowed memory of Saint Kanakadasa.

Kanakana Kindi (Kanakadasa’s window) through which people get darshan of Lord Krishna.

Malpe beach at Malpe is undoubtedly one of the beautiful beaches on the West coast. It is located 5 kilometres away from the district headquarters of Udupi. The beach is long and wide, and dotted by coconut trees. Strolling along this beach in the morning/ evening is exhilarating and refreshing. Enjoying sunset at this beach is the favourite pastime of tourists and locals.

From the Malpe beach one can see a group of small islands in the Arabian Sea. These are nothing but outcrops of rock jutting out from the sea. These islands are known as St. Mary’s Islands, but only one of them is worth-visiting as it is the biggest and most enticing among them. This island is accessible by boat only during October-May, as it is risky to travel to the island during monsoon as the sea is rough.

Vasco da Gama is said to have visited this island in 1498 on his way to Calicut.

The journey by boat from Malpe beach to the island is exhilarating and refreshing even during the hot sun, as cool breeze envelops you as you sail by boat.   

St. Mary’s Island has special significance for those interested in geo-tourism. Visitors are awe-struck by the beauty of vertical columnar rock formations which are of hexagonal or polygonal shape. These rocks are called basaltic rocks and are believed to have been formed due to sub-volcanic activity millions of years ago.

From the island, one could have a magnificent view of the surrounding seascape/landscape. The beauty of Malpe beach is best appreciated, while sailing on the sea from the island to Malpe beach.

As there are no hotels or permanent structures on the island, tourists are advised to carry food, and water with them. A number of coconut trees on the island and a few thatched sheds are the only refuge for tourists for protecting them from scorching sun. Visitors to the island may note that there is no proper landing site for boats to the island, so they have to wade through water for about 50 metres.

Depending on the influx of tourists, frequency of boat trips varies, and the boat leaves Malpe beach only after it is filled to its capacity. The last boat service from St. Mary’s island is at 5 p.m.

There are adequate facilities for tourists in Udupi town and they can leisurely visit all the three places in a day.   

Fact file:

Mangalore to Udupi –60 kms

Udupi to Malpe—5 kms.

Malpe to St. Mary’s island: 7 kms

Time taken by boat to reach St. Mary’s island: 30 minutes.

Mangalore is well-connected by air, train and road.

Pictures

 People watching sunset, and strolling along Malpe beach.

 Colourful evening!

Tourists waiting for departure to St. Mary’s Island.

Boat carrying passengers to St. Mary’s island.

St. Mary’s Island.

Tall basaltic rocks of various sizes and shapes.

 Nature’s marvel: St. Mary’s Island.

 Nature in its pristine glory: St. Mary’s Island.

 The only star hotel at Malpe beach: Paradise Isle Beach Resort.