Malpe is a calm beach town near the temple town of Udupi in Coastal Karnataka. Malpe is known for its fishing harbor, St Mary’s Island and beaches.
There are some interesting places at Malpe, the scenic beach and gorgeous sunrises and sunsets being the most attractive and enchanting one. An impressive white marble statue of Mahatma Gandhi is located on the beach side. St. Mary's Islands is also a popular tourist destination, which is just a 30-minute ride from Malpe Beach and is famous for its small beaches. Also known as Coconut Island and Thansepar islands in the Arabian Sea are admired for their distinctive geological formation of columnar basaltic lava.
Malpe is also reputed for the temples of Balarama and Anantheshwara that are located here. The temple of Balarama was built by Mogaveeraking Maindan and is a pleasant place with huge verandas that resembles ancient architecture. The Daria-Bahadurgad Fort, located off the shores of Malpe, is another popular tourist spot that was built by Basavappa Nayaka of Bidanur and is famous for its export of processed fish to foreign countries. The place is also known for its old tile factory and a few other temples that are located here.
Reasons to Visit Malpe
- Malpe Beach: The beach is a virgin beach, located at a distance about 6 kms from Udupi. It is an important port and a fishing harbour in the state of Karnataka. The endless stretch of golden sand, graciously swaying palm trees, clear blue sky and the gentle murmur of the sea, set the perfect mood for an idyllic holiday. Be sure to visit the Balarama Temple and Malpe’s oldest tile factory, set up by the Basel Mission.
- St Mary’s Island, Malpe: St Mary’s Island is a popular picnic spot, a short boat ride away from Malpe harbour.
- Kadike Beach: A lesser-known beach north of Malpe Beach
- Padukere Beach: Another beach south of Malpe
- Sea walk Malpe: A small stretch of walkway formed over rocks placed to facilitate entry and exit of boats into Malpe Harbor.
- Temples: Malpe is known for Vadabhandeshwara Balarama temple
- Water sports: Water sports at the beach includes parasailing and banana boat rides but subject to favourable weather and operator discretion.
- Industries: Malpe is known for shipbuilding, fisheries, tile making and coconut processing industries.
Malpe Beach - Places to visit near Murudeshwara
On the top of the list of exquisite unexplored beaches in India is the Malpe beach. It is located at a distance of 66 kilometres from Mangalore and 6 kilometres from Udupi in Karnataka. This scenic beach is popular amongst locals and foreigners alike. The pristine white sand, pleasant weather, and the delectable food shacks here and the plenty water sports options make Malpe Beach an ideal spot for a quick escape. The latest addition to the beach by the authorities are the free wifi facilities that are available 24 x 7.
The vast coastline of this hidden gemstone of Karnataka has four rocky islands. The northernmost island is the Daria-Bahadurgad, the middle one is the Daria-Gadara-Kallu, while the southernmost island is the Kari-Illada-Kallu. The fourth rocky island, St. Mary’s Island, is the most famous and frequently visited one. This beach is situated at the mouth of the Udyavara River, which is a small river that flows around this beach and is commonly referred to as the Malpe River by the locals.
Activities At Malpe Beach
Water Sports: Malpe Beach offers a variety of adventure and water sports to indulge in, which makes it an apt place for people to enjoy these with their friends and families. You can choose from some water sports activities here. The Jet Ski rides here include speedboat, motorcycle and water skiing characteristics, and are best enjoyed in the evenings. A lot of tourists also jet ski to St. Mary's Island, which is just 6 kilometres away from Malpe Beach. Other than this, the beach offers an option to take banana rides, speed boat rides, water scooter rides, surfing and speed boat cruises. These rides are the apt way to unravel the mysteries of the virgin beach further. Tourists can take a boat ride to the nearby backwaters as well and enjoy the scenic views around the beach.
Adventure Activities: Trekking, white river rafting, rock climbing, rappelling and kayaking. Since the beach is covered on all sides by rocky islands, the activities become all the more enjoyable and give you a chance to showcase your adventurous, sporty side. Parasailing at the Malpe Beach is an unmatched experience altogether, since it is partly over the sea and partly over the beach. This one of a kind adventure within the air offers a pristine view of the beach. The clear beach is also ideal for swimming and long walks.
How To Reach Malpe Beach
Malpe Beach is easily accessible by all means of transport. There are direct private buses to arrive at the Malpe Beach via Malpe Town from Udupi. The beach is just 2 kilometres away from the town and can be reached via autos that will cost you just around INR 20. Local auto rickshaws and taxis can also be hired to reach Malpe Beach, which is just 9 kilometres away from the Udupi Railway station.
