Predominantly untouched by people, Malpe Beach is a charming beach near Udupi in Karnataka. This beach is not as famous as other beaches in the state, making it a haven for those who prefer less crowded and peaceful beaches! Malpe Beach’s white sand, crystal clear water, towering palm trees and sway with the wind, and the rocks and greenery around make it a picturesque place worth a visit. It is also ideal for everyone, whether you want to participate in water sports or other adventurous activities like trekking and rock climbing.
All About Malpe Beach In Karnataka
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Malpe Beach is a lesser-known beach about 6 km away from Udupi in Karnataka. It is visited for its beautiful white sand, clear blue water, and surrounding natural beauty, which features jagged rocks and tall palm trees. Often termed a virgin beach since it is untouched and natural, it also serves as a port and a fishing harbour. There is also a walkway here that makes it easy for boats to enter and leave the harbour.
The beach is located where the Udyavara River begins and is surrounded by four rocky islands: Daria-Gadara-Kallu, Kari-Illada-Kallu, Daria-Bahadurgad, and St. Mary’s Island. Water sports are quite popular at Malpe Beach; some of these include jet skiing, surfing, speed boating, banana boat riding, etc. If you opt for parasailing, you will be treated to stunning aerial views of the region.
Moreover, many jet ski to St. Mary’s Island, the most popular of the two, or even hire a boat to explore the nearby backwaters. This site is also excellent for those who love adventurous activities since rocky cliffs and islands surround the beach. You can go trekking here, rock climbing, and rappelling. And, of course, if you want to relax, you can lie down on the sand and pick up a book, stroll along the shoreline or wait for the sunset.
Also Read: Places To Visit In Udupi
Places To Visit Near Malpe Beach
If you are looking for things close to Malpe Beach near Udupi, here are 5 places you could visit:
1. St. Mary’s Island
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A true gem located a short boat ride from Malpe Beach, St. Mary’s Island is a spectacular beach discovered by Vasco da Gama in 1498. It is renowned for its clean white sand beaches, diverse flora and fauna, and impressive rock monoliths of great geological significance. The island comprises 4 smaller islands, and one of its shorelines comprises crystalline rocks. The island is set away from the crowds and is a beautiful place to relax and soak in the stellar views.
Location: St. Mary’s Island, Karnataka, India
Distance from Malpe Beach: 6.3 km
2. Udupi Sri Krishna Matha
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The Udupi Sri Krishna Matha, dedicated to Lord Krishna and Dvaita Matha, is an ancient Hindu temple constructed in the 13th century. It is one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in south India and is home to Lord Krishna’s idol, fitted with jewels placed on a golden chariot. When you offer prayers here, you would note that you can only do so through a silver-plated window with nine holes. This is known as Navagraha Kitiki. The temple’s Matha area is like a living ashram. The aarti starts at 4:00 AM here, and many festivals are also celebrated at the temple, such as Diwali, Ram Navami and Hanuman Jayanti.
Location: Temple Car St, Sri Krishna Temple Complex, Thenkpete, Maruthi Veethika, Udupi, Karnataka 576101, India
Distance from Malpe Beach: 7.8 km
Related Post: Udupi Temples
3. Jomlu Teertha
Located about an hour from Malpe Beach, Jomlu Teertha is a cascading waterfall within the Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary that originates from the Sita River. It falls from about 20 feet and is surrounded by rocks and greenery, making for a pretty view. If you want a nice picnic with your friends and family or to dip in cold and refreshing water, this is the place to visit. Avoid swimming here during the monsoon season when the water’s current is quite strong.
Location: Jomlu Falls Rd, Karnataka, India
Distance from Malpe Beach: 37.9 km
4. Kapu Beach
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Kapu Beach is a picturesque beach between Udupi and Mangalore. It is frequently visited for its clean sandy shoreline and pristine water. Besides its beautiful panoramas of the Arabian Sea, it is also known for its lighthouse, which was built in the early 20th century. It is about 130 feet tall and built on a rock. It has guided ships for years. It is open for about an hour or two every day.
Location: Kapu Beach Rd, Ram Nagar, Kaup, Padu, Karnataka 574106, India
Distance from Malpe Beach: 21.8 km
Related Post: Krishna Temple Udupi
5. Coin Museum
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The Coin Museum, also known as the Corporation Bank Heritage Museum, is a great attraction in Udupi for those who love to learn about history. This museum features over 1,400 coins dating back to 400 BC and recounts the history of banking in India from 1906. This museum is often referred to as a “Financial Temple,” and the coins within are worth around 4 million rupees.
Location: Corporation Bank Road, Thenkpete, Maruthi Veethika, Udupi, Karnataka 576101, India
Distance from Malpe Beach: 7.4 Km
Best Time To Travel To Udupi
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Given its location alongside the coast, Udupi gets hot and humid during summer, with temperatures soaring quite a bit, especially during the daytime. This is why the summer season from March to May is the off-season and the least popular time to visit Udupi. However, if you visit during the summer, you can spend some time at the beach to get respite from the heat.
On the contrary, the winter season from October to March is the ideal time to visit Udupi since the temperature remains between 10 to 30 degrees Celsius during this time. It might sometimes get somewhat cold, but the weather is quite suitable for sightseeing and other outdoor activities. Moreover, this is also the period when a number of major festivals are celebrated here, such as Diwali, Dussehra, Holi and Ram Navami, amongst others. Malpe Beach also hosts some cultural activities during the winter season. You could also consider visiting between July and September, which is the monsoon season. The region receives light to moderate rainfall so it might be a better idea to visit during the early monsoon period so as to avoid having your plans foiled by heavy rainfall.
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One must visit beaches when going to a coastal destination. Malpe Beach near Udupi is one such beach you must add to your holiday itinerary since it is stunning and untouched by people. Its natural beauty, water sports, and adventurous activities make it ideal for any visitor. Beaches and its many other heritage sites must be on your list of places to visit during your trip to Karnataka since they offer you an escape from the otherwise busy city life!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Malpe Beach
Is the water at Malpe Beach quite deep?
The water at Malpe Beach is about 5 feet deep close to the shoreline and the further you go, the deeper it becomes. It can be as deep as 30 feet or even more.
Is there internet at Malpe Beach?
Interestingly, local authorities have recently installed internet facilities at this beach which means that you can access free Wi-Fi here whenever you want.
How far is Udupi from Mangalore?
Udupi is actually quite close to Mangalore by road; the two cities are approximately 55 km or 1 hour away from each other.
What is the city of Udupi most known for?
Although there is plenty to see and do in Udupi, it is perhaps best known for its Hindu temples, especially its Udupi Sri Krishna Matha temple which dates back to the 13th century.
What kind of clothes are not allowed in Udupi’s Krishna Temple?
Any kind of clothes that reveal too much skin are not allowed inside the temple. Men must wear a shirt with pants or a dhoti; lungis, shorts, jeans and other western clothing items are prohibited. As for women, they must wear a salwar-kameez, saree, half-saree, blouse and skirt or set mundu.
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