Malpe Beach Karnataka
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Malpe Beach Karnataka

4.6
·10k reviews·Udupi, India

Malpe Beach offers pristine shores, unique basalt rock islands, and thrilling water activities, making it a coastal gem in Karnataka.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures

CrowdLow
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Malpe Beach Karnataka

Malpe Beach Karnataka

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Malpe Beach offers pristine shores, unique basalt rock islands, and thrilling water activities, making it a coastal gem in Karnataka.

4.6
(10k reviews)

"A perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, Malpe Beach is a must-visit for its beauty and activities."

Vertical photo
TIP

🌊 St. Mary's Island Ferry

Book ferry tickets from Malpe Harbour early, especially on weekends.

🚶‍♀️ Floating Bridge Fun

Experience India's first floating sea walk for ₹150, a unique walk on water.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

St. Mary's Island

St. Mary's Island

Accessible via ferry from Malpe Harbour

Famous for unique hexagonal basalt rock formations and pristine blue waters.

Floating Sea Walk

Floating Sea Walk

Malpe Beach

Walk on water with India's first floating sea walk for a unique, thrilling experience.

Malpe Harbour

Malpe Harbour

Adjacent to Malpe Beach

A bustling fishing harbor, offering a glimpse into local life and vibrant boat activity.

Sunset Views

Sunset Views

Malpe Beach

Witness magical sunsets over the Arabian Sea, painting the sky with vibrant colors.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience

Malpe Beach can get crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. Consider visiting on a weekday to enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere. Early mornings or late afternoons offer cooler temperatures and beautiful lighting for photos, avoiding the midday sun.

Getting to St. Mary's Island

Ferries to St. Mary's Island depart from Malpe Harbour. Tickets can be purchased at the counter. It's advisable to check ferry timings in advance, especially during off-peak seasons, as they can be infrequent. Instagram

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour for photos, pleasant breeze
Crowd
Medium
When
Evenings
Why
Lively atmosphere, food stalls
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

“MAAAAPLE!!” 👁️👄👁️
@matthewandpaul
2.2M likes • 16.2M views

🌊 St. Mary's Island Ferry

Book ferry tickets from Malpe Harbour early, especially on weekends. Instagram+1

🚶‍♀️ Floating Bridge Fun

Experience India's first floating sea walk for ₹150, a unique walk on water. Instagram+1

Udupi rasam #rasam #udupi #southindianfood
@traditionallymodernfood
6.7K likes • 278.6K views
📍Sea Walk - Malpe Beach, Udupi . Drone shots by @thenameisbharath_v . . . #udupi #travelphotography #karnataka #travelkarnataka #malpe
sarathi_of_kalki
249.9K likes • 5M views

🐠 Fresh Seafood Delights

Savor crispy, spicy fish fries and local seafood at beachside stalls. Reddit

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Friendly Beach

Safe for swimming in marked areas, but be cautious with children in deeper spots. Reddit

Where would you go first? Here’s your 5 Day Itinerary ⬇️🌴✨ Location : Udupi, Karnataka 💕 Day 1: * Visit Malpe Beach * Take a ferry to St. Mary’s Island * End the day at Kapu Beach and its lighthouse Day 2 * Visit Koodluteertha Falls * Varanga Jain Island Temple Day 3 * Visit Karkala - Chaturmukha Basadi * St Stephen’s Basilica Day 4 * Explore Hasta Shilpa Heritage Village * Visit Sri K...
apytravelstories
51K likes • 2.1M views

Tips

from all over the internet

🌊 St. Mary's Island Ferry

Book ferry tickets from Malpe Harbour early, especially on weekends. Instagram+1

🚶‍♀️ Floating Bridge Fun

Experience India's first floating sea walk for ₹150, a unique walk on water. Instagram+1

🐠 Fresh Seafood Delights

Savor crispy, spicy fish fries and local seafood at beachside stalls. Reddit

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Friendly Beach

Safe for swimming in marked areas, but be cautious with children in deeper spots. Reddit

📸 Capture the Views

Drone shots and scenic views abound, perfect for your travel feed. Instagram+1

🚗 Ample Parking Available

Easy access with adequate parking space, even during peak times. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(10k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Malpe Beach is highly praised for its clean, golden sands, clear waters, and a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. Visitors love the unique attractions like St. Mary's Island and the floating sea walk, along with the delicious fresh seafood. It's considered a family-friendly destination with ample amenities and easy accessibility.

"Very nice flat beach.. One can take bath on this, but there are few placed marked and they are deep. So please be careful with kids. This beach also offers verity of adventure sport activities. Boat house for st. Marry island is very near by."

Satish Kumar

"Located in Udupi, Karnataka, Malpe Beach offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

A golden beach with relatively clean water, the beach is perfect for sunbathing and leisurely strolls. This is where you embark on the short boat ride to St. Mary's Island, which is noted for its hexagonal basalt rock formations.

It offers panoramic views of the sea and islands and is a great location to watch the sunset. It also features a statue of a fishing family, honoring the local community.

Tourists will find food stalls (especially fresh seafood and local snacks) and public restrooms on the beach. It is family-friendly and has a lively atmosphere, especially in the evenings.

Malpe Beach is, overall, a highly recommended destination for travelers seeking a fun, picturesque, and activity-filled beach experience along Karnataka's coast."

Lokesh Kumar

"It is a beautiful, clean, and well-maintained beach that offers a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement. The cleanliness of the shore is impressive, with soft golden sands and clear waters making it ideal for a peaceful walk or lounging under the sun. The beach is lively, with plenty of activities to enjoy. It’s well-connected and easy to reach and there’s ample space for parking. The beach is also very family-friendly."

Abhilasha Yadav

What People Like

Clean and golden sands
Unique rock formations
Delicious fresh seafood

What People Dislike

Can get crowded on weekends

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Malpe Beach is easily accessible from Udupi. You can hire a taxi, take an auto-rickshaw, or catch a local bus. The journey is short and well-connected. Instagram

Ferries to St. Mary's Island depart from Malpe Harbour. The boat ride takes about 20 minutes and offers scenic views. Instagram

Yes, Malpe Beach is well-connected by local buses from Udupi, making it convenient for travelers using public transport. Instagram

Yes, Malpe Beach offers ample parking space for visitors, which is convenient for those traveling by car. Reddit

Malpe Beach is about an hour's drive from Mangalore. You can hire a taxi or take a bus from Mangalore to Udupi and then to Malpe. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Malpe Beach itself is generally free to enter. However, there are charges for specific activities like the floating sea walk and the ferry to St. Mary's Island. Instagram

The floating sea walk at Malpe Beach typically costs around ₹150 per person for a 15-minute experience. Instagram

Ferry timings to St. Mary's Island can vary. It's best to check with the local operators at Malpe Harbour for the most up-to-date schedule, especially during different seasons. Instagram+1

Yes, various adventure sports like banana boat rides, jet skiing, and parasailing are available. You can purchase tickets for these activities directly at the beach. Reddit

For general entry to Malpe Beach, advance booking is not required. However, for specific attractions like the floating sea walk or St. Mary's Island ferry, it's advisable to purchase tickets on arrival or check for online options if available. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The main attractions include the pristine beach itself, the unique basalt rock formations at St. Mary's Island, the bustling Malpe Harbour, and the thrilling floating sea walk. Instagram+2

Yes, Malpe Beach is suitable for swimming in designated areas. However, be mindful of the depth and always supervise children. Reddit

You can enjoy a variety of water sports such as banana boat rides, jet skiing, parasailing, and more. Reddit

St. Mary's Island is renowned for its unique hexagonal basalt rock formations, a geological wonder, and its clear blue waters. Instagram

Malpe Beach is considered family-friendly, with marked swimming areas and a lively atmosphere. However, adult supervision is always recommended. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

You'll find numerous beachside food stalls offering fresh seafood, local snacks, and beverages. Reddit

Absolutely! Malpe Beach is famous for its fresh and delicious fish fries, including varieties like seer fish, pomfret, and squid. Reddit

Yes, there are several restaurants and eateries near Malpe Beach and in the surrounding Udupi area, offering a range of cuisines. Reddit

Look out for local coastal snacks and fried delicacies, especially seafood preparations, which are a highlight. Reddit

Yes, public restrooms are available on the beach for the convenience of visitors. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The floating sea walk, St. Mary's Island with its basalt rocks, Malpe Harbour with its boats, and the sunset views offer excellent photographic opportunities. Instagram+2

While not explicitly prohibited, it's always best to check local regulations regarding drone usage to avoid any issues. Instagram

Early mornings and late afternoons (golden hours) provide beautiful lighting for photography, while evenings offer vibrant sunset colors. Instagram

The statue of a fishing family, the unique rock formations on St. Mary's Island, and the floating bridge are popular landmarks for photos. Reddit

Yes, Malpe Harbour is a vibrant place filled with fishing boats, offering great opportunities for capturing local maritime life. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Malpe Beach is a fantastic destination for families. The beach is generally clean with soft sands, perfect for children to play. There are designated areas for swimming, making it safer for younger ones, though constant supervision is advised. Reddit The availability of water sports adds an element of fun and excitement for older kids and teenagers. Don't miss the chance to take a short, scenic ferry ride to St. Mary's Island, which is an adventure in itself for the whole family. Instagram

Consider visiting the beach during the day when it's less crowded and the weather is pleasant. The beachside food stalls offer a variety of snacks and meals that are usually kid-friendly. The overall atmosphere is lively and welcoming, ensuring a memorable family outing. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Malpe Beach is quite budget-friendly. Entry to the beach is free, and you can enjoy the sun, sand, and sea without spending much. Local buses from Udupi are an inexpensive way to reach the beach. Instagram For food, the beachside stalls offer delicious and affordable local seafood and snacks, which are much cheaper than restaurant meals. Reddit

While activities like the floating sea walk (around ₹150) and the ferry to St. Mary's Island (around ₹300 per person) do have costs, they offer unique experiences for their price. Opting for these specific attractions rather than multiple paid activities can help keep costs down. Instagram+1 Many visitors find that simply enjoying the beach and the sunset is a rewarding experience that costs nothing.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Malpe Beach and its surroundings are a photographer's paradise. The unique basalt rock formations on St. Mary's Island offer incredible textures and shapes, especially during the golden hours. Instagram The floating sea walk provides a surreal perspective of walking on water, perfect for capturing unique shots. Instagram+1

Don't miss the Malpe Harbour for vibrant scenes of fishing boats, nets, and local life. Instagram The sunsets here are spectacular, painting the sky with a myriad of colors, ideal for landscape photography. Instagram Early mornings offer a serene atmosphere with soft light, while evenings are alive with activity and the glow of the setting sun. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring St. Mary's Island

St. Mary's Island, a cluster of four islands, is a geological marvel accessible by a short ferry ride from Malpe Harbour. The island is most famous for its unique basalt rock formations, which are columnar and hexagonal in shape, formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago. These striking rocks, coupled with the clear turquoise waters and soft sandy shores, make it a visually stunning destination. Instagram

Visitors can explore the island, marvel at the rock formations, and enjoy the serene beach environment. It's a popular spot for picnics and photography. The ferry ride itself offers pleasant views of the coastline. Remember to carry essentials like water and snacks, as facilities on the island are limited. Instagram

Pro-tip: While the island is beautiful, it's important to be respectful of the natural environment and avoid disturbing the rock formations. The journey is relatively short, making it an ideal half-day trip from Malpe Beach.

The Thrill of the Floating Sea Walk

Malpe Beach boasts India's first floating sea walk, a unique attraction that allows visitors to experience the sensation of walking on water. This innovative structure, often a pontoon bridge, extends into the sea, offering panoramic views of the coastline and the vast Arabian Sea. Instagram+1

The experience is particularly exhilarating when waves gently lap against the walkway, creating a dynamic and memorable adventure. It's a relatively short but impactful experience, often lasting around 15 minutes, and is a major draw for tourists seeking novel activities. The entry fee is typically around ₹150 per person. Instagram

This floating sea walk is a testament to the innovative tourism initiatives in the region and provides a safe yet exciting way to interact with the sea. It's a must-try for anyone visiting Malpe Beach looking for a bit of adventure and a unique photo opportunity. Instagram

Malpe Harbour: A Glimpse into Local Life

Adjacent to the beach, Malpe Harbour is a vibrant hub of activity and a significant fishing port in Karnataka. It's a fascinating place to observe the daily lives of local fishermen, the unloading of fresh catches, and the bustling trade that takes place. The sight of numerous colorful fishing boats docked and setting sail is a quintessential coastal Karnataka scene. Instagram+1

This ancient sea port has historical significance, mentioned as early as the second century CE. Today, it continues to be a vital economic center for the region. Visitors can witness the hard work and dedication of the fishing community and gain an appreciation for the maritime heritage of Malpe. Instagram

Exploring the harbour offers a more authentic and grounded perspective compared to the tourist-centric beach. It's a great spot for photography, capturing the raw energy of the fishing industry and the picturesque boats against the backdrop of the sea. Instagram

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