A broad sandy beach with a jetty for boats to St Mary's Islands. Water sports are run in season, and swimming is seasonally restricted by lifeguards.
Malpe Beach lies on the Arabian Sea coast about 5 km west of Udupi in Karnataka's Udupi district, and is best known as the departure point for boats to St Mary's Islands. The beach is a broad, open stretch of light sand backed by coconut palms and, at its northern end, by Malpe's working fishing harbour. The water is typically green-brown near the shore rather than clear, and the beach is exposed to the open sea, so waves can be substantial, especially in the monsoon.
Malpe is a large open beach rather than a sheltered cove. Its character is that of a busy local and pilgrim-family destination, since Udupi is a major temple town, combined with a modest water-sports scene. During the fair-weather season, roughly October to May, operators run activities such as jet-skiing, speed-boat rides, banana-boat rides and parasailing from the sand. The sea is not calm enough for safe swimming throughout the year. Lifeguards patrol the beach, and swimming is restricted in certain seasons, particularly during the southwest monsoon from June to September, when the water sports also stop and the fishing boats are largely hauled up.
The jetty at the northern end is the practical heart of the beach. Ferries and small boats to St Mary's Islands, a group of basalt-columnar islets known for their hexagonal rock formations, depart from here in the fair-weather months, and the crossing takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes. Boat services are suspended during the monsoon, so timing a visit matters if the islands are the goal.
Amenities include beach shacks and eateries selling fried fish, prawn dishes and other coastal Karnataka seafood, along with public restrooms and changing areas of basic standard. Sun loungers are not a standard feature, and shade is limited to palm trees and the shacks. Lifeguards are present during daylight hours, and flags mark the areas where bathing is permitted.
Access is easy. Malpe is reached from Udupi by local bus, auto-rickshaw or car in about 15 minutes, and parking is available near the beach and the jetty, with a small fee for vehicles. From Bengaluru the distance is about 400 km, roughly 8 to 9 hours by road, and overnight buses run to Udupi regularly.
| Distance | About 400 km west by road, roughly 8-9 hours |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | easy |
Good to know
- Best for
- families, wildlife-watchers, sunbathers, photographers
Location
13.3766, 74.7045 View on map
Highlights
- Departure jetty for boat trips to St Mary's Islands and their basalt rock formations
- Seasonal water sports including jet-skiing and speed-boat rides
- Fresh coastal seafood from beach shacks and nearby eateries
- Wide sandy beach with sunset views over the Arabian Sea
- Working fishing harbour at the northern end
Tips for visiting
- Check that boats to St Mary's Islands are running before travelling; services stop during the June to September monsoon.
- Swim only where lifeguards permit, since seasonal restrictions apply and the sea can be rough.
- Go to the jetty early on weekends to avoid queues for island boats.
- Combine the visit with the Sri Krishna Temple in Udupi, about 5 km away.
- Bring sun protection because shade beyond the palms and shacks is limited.
When to visit
October to March gives calm seas, running boat services and active water sports. Late afternoon is best for sunset, and the monsoon months are best avoided.
Accessibility
Access to the beach is over sand and the jetty area is used by working boats, so step-free access is limited. No beach wheelchairs are known to be provided.
Frequently asked questions
How do visitors get to St Mary's Islands from Malpe?
Boats depart from the Malpe jetty in the fair-weather season and take roughly 20 to 30 minutes each way. Services are suspended during the monsoon.
Can visitors swim at Malpe Beach?
Swimming is allowed in areas designated by the lifeguards, but it is seasonally restricted, especially in the monsoon. Visitors should follow lifeguard instructions.
How far is Malpe from Udupi and Bengaluru?
Malpe is about 5 km from Udupi, a short auto-rickshaw or bus ride. It is roughly 400 km from Bengaluru, an 8 to 9 hour drive.
What can visitors eat at Malpe Beach?
Beach shacks and nearby restaurants serve fried fish, prawns and other coastal seafood, alongside snacks and tender coconut.