Malpe Beach is found on the western coast of Karnataka, not far from Udupi town, roughly 6 km away. The beach runs for around 2 km and has soft golden sand with the calm waves of the Arabian Sea touching its shore. It’s quite well known for its fishing port and for being close to the beautiful St. Mary’s Islands. The Udupi Municipal Council and Karnataka Tourism take care of the area, keeping it tidy and safe for tourists. Many families, visitors, and adventure lovers come here to enjoy water fun and peace. With its simple charm and quiet surroundings, Malpe remains as one of the most pleasant beaches along the Malabar Coast in India.
History of Malpe Beach
Malpe has a long story that goes far back in time. The name itself comes from the old Tulu word malpe, which means “harbor.” For hundreds of years, the beach and the nearby fishing area have been an important part of life for the Tuluva people, who mostly lived by fishing and small sea trade. Old findings like stone tools near Udupi show that people had lived around this coastal area since the early or Neolithic times.
In the old days, especially between the 8th and 14th centuries, Malpe was one of the main ports under the Alupa kings. From here, goods like rice, coconuts, and spices were sent to Arab and Persian traders who came by sea. The traveler Ibn Battuta, who visited India in the 14th century also spoke about the busy ports in this region, and Malpe might have been one of them. When the Portuguese came during the 1500s, trade shifted more towards Mangalore, but Malpe stayed as a fishing place for local families.
Later, in the 1800s, when Udupi’s Krishna Temple became famous, pilgrims also began to visit Malpe to enjoy the peaceful beach after temple visits. Tourism slowly started to grow during the late 1900s when St. Mary’s Islands nearby became known for its strange rock formations and quiet setting. Since then, the beach area has improved with things like lifeguards, clean-up work, and more care for the sea and sand. Today, Malpe still keeps its calm and simple charm welcoming both local visitors and travelers while trying to stay clean and natural.
Malpe Beach has something for almost every kind of visitor, whether you just want to sit back and relax, try some fun water sports, or explore the local culture.
Things to Do at Malpe Beach
Relax at the Beach: The wide shore covered with soft golden sand is a great place to rest or just lie under the sun. Many people bring mats or sit by the sea to enjoy the breeze or have a small picnic. You can also find sunbeds and umbrellas along the beach that can be rented for a small fee which is usually between ₹100 and ₹300. Close by, little huts and stalls sell local food, things like crispy fried fish, fresh coconuts, and other simple coastal dishes that feel home-cooked and fresh.
Water Activities: The waves at Malpe are gentle most of the days, making it a nice place to try water sports. People here often go for banana rides, quick jet ski runs, or parasailing to see the sea from above. The prices mostly range from ₹500 to ₹1,500, depending on what you pick and how long it lasts. One popular thing to do is take a short boat ride to St. Mary’s Islands, it takes roughly half an hour, and the round trip usually costs between ₹1,000 and ₹2,000.
Visit St. Mary’s Islands: Once you reach the islands, you’ll find amazing rock shapes made of black basalt stones and small hidden corners by the sea. A small entry fee (₹200–₹300) is taken, and when the tide is low, natural water pools appear where you can walk or rest your feet.
See the Fishing Harbor: Right beside the beach there is the lively Malpe Fishing Harbor. Early in the morning, you can see the fishermen sorting their catch, repairing nets, and preparing boats. The fish market nearby sells fresh seafood at prices between ₹100–₹500 a kilo.
Cultural Visits: Not far from the beach is the old Balarama Temple stands with its simple Dravidian-style structure. Just about 6 kilometers away in Udupi, the famous Sri Krishna Matha welcomes visitors and pilgrims daily with rituals and prayers.
Food and Dining: Beachside huts like Malpe Beach Restaurant serve local Udupi-style dishes, neer dosa, kori rotti, and spicy prawn ghee roast, generally costing between ₹150 and ₹500. In Udupi town, there are also pure vegetarian restaurants serving traditional thalis.
Nearby Places: If you can travel around 12 kilometers south, you would also be able to visit Kaup Beach, known for its lighthouse and quieter setting. For something different, head to Manipal’s End Point, a peaceful spot with a great view of the Western Ghats and the Suvarna River.
Each part of Malpe has a calm charm of its own, mixing sea adventure, culture and coastal life in a natural and unhurried way.
Travel Tips
Plan Your Island Trip: Boats to St. Mary’s Islands usually run between 9 in the morning and 3 in the afternoon. It’s always better to visit during low tide when the rocks and formations can be seen more clearly. Also do bring your own water bottle and a few snacks since there are not as many stalls or shops where you can buy on the island.
Bargain When You Can: Prices for rides or water sports are often flexible, you can try negotiating, for example, parasailing may come down from ₹1,500 to around ₹1,000. Keep some cash with you because ATMs are few in number and sometimes take an extra fee of ₹20–₹50.
Sun Care: The sunlight can be quite harsh here, so it’s good to apply strong sunscreen, wear a cap or hat, and keep drinking water through the day. It’s wiser to do most outdoor things early in the morning or later in the evening after 4 pm when it’s not too hot.
