Majorly famous as the Gateway of Karnataka, the chief port city of Mangalore has never been the talk of the town like its other neighbors. And why would it be? It is only home to some ordinary beaches, museums, and temples that not every traveler who swears by the map of popular places may be interested in exploring. While a few do know the city and its various beautiful attractions, other’s attention was caught by the breathtaking island near Mangalore. Chances ar that you probably didn’t even know about it until now, and we don’t blame you.
St. Mary’s Island is nothing less than a hidden jewel located near the coast of Malpe. While it’s got nothing to flaunt like the Andamans, it is still a place that deserves a spot on your bucket list. Wondering why? Scroll through and our pocket guide will help you find out all.
About St. Mary’s Island
A set of four small islands floating in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Malpe, St.Mary’s Island near Mangalore is nothing less than a hidden jewel. Also known as Coconut Island, it’s a perfect place to plan a one day trip near Mangalore, especially if you are a nature admirer. According to a popular local legend, this place was discovered by Vasco De Gama in 1498, before he reached Kozhikode.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit St. Mary’s Island is from October till January as the weather during these months is pleasant, making it comfortable and easier for everyone to chill out on the beaches. The ferry from Malpe Beach rides to and fro from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM since that are also the St. Mary’s island timings, and it is believed that it stays closed from June to September.
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Things To Do On St. Mary’s Island
Here’s a list of the few things that you can do on St. Mary’s Island with your loved ones for a blissful experience. Take notes!
1. Beach Trekking
There’s not much to do on St. Mary’s Island, but of the few that there is, beach trekking is one of the most famous things to do. Walking along the beachside and crossing coasts is an impeccable and soul-satisfying experience to have. Besides, there are places like Daryabahadurgarh Fort, Vadabhandeshwara Temple, and Malpe Beach where you can stop by for a quick amd greate exploration.
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2. Shopping
While not exactly on the island but some 50 minutes away from it in Udupi are shops that sell some really flavorful spices, beautiful handicrafts, and traditional jewelry. You can stop by at these famous streets for a quick retail therapy. One of the places to shop in Udupi to look forward is Ratha Beedi.
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Places To Stay Around The Island
As gorgeous as the St. Mary’s Island is, it is as deserted. So, there are no accommodation options on the island. But since so many tourists visit the island and wish to stay, Udupi is an appropriate place to stay. Located some 12 kilometers and 50 minutes away from the St. Mary’s Island and 55 kilometers and 1 hour 10 minutes away from Mangalore, Udupi makes up for a perfect location to stay.
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How To Reach St. Mary’s Island
If until now, how to reach St. Mary’s Island is what you have been wondering quite genuinely with concern to plan your day trip comfortably, worry not. The island can be reached by all means of transport.
By Air: The nearest airport to the island is the Mangalore Airport, which is 58 km away from Malpe. You can take a taxi or bus till this boarding point and then a board a ferry for St. Mary’s Island.
By Rail: Situated around 4 km from Malpe is the railway station of Udupi. You can easily find an auto rickshaw or a cab for Malpe.
By Road: The coast of Malpe is well connected by road to Mangalore and Udupi as well. There are a lot of public and private buses that ply on this route.
By Sea: Running from Malpe Harbour to St.Mary’s are a lot of ferries that cost around INR 250 to INR 300 per person (two-way) and covers the distance of 8 km in just 20 minutes. If you want an authentic experience on your day trip, prefer going by the sea.
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Tips For Visiting St. Mary’s Island
- Carry sunscreen, a hat, wayfarers, and lots of drinking water as there are no such facilities on the island. Furthermore, the weather is really hot.
- Make sure you do not wear sneakers or any other kind of fancy footwear since the only way to reach the island is via ferry. Also, the last few yards involve wading.
- There is no accommodation option on the island. So, if you wish to stay, make sure you reserve a place in any of the hotels in Udupi.
- Also, there are no buildings or shops on the island, which is why you may not see many people around. So, don’t be surprised.
Further Read: 6 Magnificent Waterfalls In Mangalore Which Are The Hidden Treasures Of South!
Excited to visit this famous island near Mangalore? Well, we don’t blame you. This hidden jewel has secrets that anybody would want to uncover. So, this time when you plan your trip to South India with TravelTriangle, just make sure you include a day trip to St. Mary’s in your itinerary. Believe us, you wouldn’t regret it!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Island Near Mangalore
How can I reach St. Mary’s island From Mangalore?
The best way to reach St.mary’s Island is by ferry. The ferry will cost around INR 250 – INR 300 and will just take 20 minutes to take you to your destination. If you want to reach St.Mary’’s Island by air then the nearest airport is in Mangalore. The distance between Maple and the airport is 58 kilometres. If you want to reach the islands by road, then there are many private buses running from Mangalore and Udupi to St.Mary’s Island.
What are some popular places to visit near St. Mary’s Island?
Malpe Beach, Sri Krishna Temple, Chandramouleshwara Temple, Stella Maris Church and Kodi beach are some of the popular places to visit in Mangalore and situated near St.Mary’s island too.
Is St. Mary’s Island worth visiting?
Well, it is your choice if you want to miss out on a hidden gem in Karnataka. But St.Mary’s Island is definitely worth visiting. This island near mangalore is a geological monument and something that every tourist in Karnataka must not miss out on.
How big is St. Mary’s Island?
St.Mary’s Island is the largest island of the isles of Scilly’s and covers an area of approximately 2.5 miles.
Where is St. Mary’s Island located?
St.Mary’s Island is located in Karnataka near Mangalore and is one of the most important tourist sites in the destination.
What is St. Mary’s Island also known as?
St. Mary’s Island is also known as Coconut Island and is nothing but a set of four islands in the Arabian Sea.
Is St. Mary’s a geological monument?
Yes, St. Mary’s is a geological monument. The basaltic rock formations are a rare and unique site in India and therefore considered as a geological monument.
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A writer at heart with the soul of a traveler is pretty much who she is. Besides, she also loves treating her taste buds to different cuisines, binge-watching almost all sorts of series and movies, and indulging in new experiences every now and then. Also, languages and cultures fascinate her to a great extent, which is why currently she is brushing up her Spanish.
