Soak up some sun on the beaches of Karnataka

Want to soak up some sun? Is Goa too far away? Head for Udupi town in Karnataka, which has two popular beaches located close-by.

Malpe Beach

First on the list is Malpe beach. Located about 6 kms west of Udupi town, it takes a 30-minute bus journey. On getting there, the first thing to do is take in the salty sea breeze while listening to the sound of the waves lapping the shore - a sound known to be therapeutic for many. You may be surprised at how calm the waters are.

Those who love splashing in the water, should not waste time dwelling on the aural pleasure it fetches, just jump in, paddle like a child and ride the waves without a care in the world. For those who swear by the beaches of Goa, Malpe definitely comes close enough. And it’s not without its share of beach shacks that sell delectable varieties of seafood. Or for those who love water sports, be it parasailing, motor-boat rides or the water scooter, the services here are as good as those at any Goan beach.

One of the things that you must look out for is the beautiful sunset here. Streaking the skies with powerful strokes of yellow, orange, pink, it reminds you just how beautiful and provocative nature can be. In fact, one of the only times to visit this beach should be during the evenings as it gets too hot during the day. Ideal months to visit are between October and February when it’s much cooler.

Another attraction that draws the tourists to Malpe beach is the St. Mary’s island located just off its coast. Accessible only through a ferry ride that plies to and from the beach, it boasts of famous basalt rocks which have crystallized into columns and split into hexagonal mosaic.

This is said to be the only spot in India where basaltic rocks show such peculiar formations. Unfortunately, it requires a lot of time to visit. So make sure you set aside enough time for it.

KAUP Beach

The next stop to make is Kaup beach, which is pronounced as Kapu in the local Tulu language. Further away from Udupi than Malpe, it takes approximately forty-five minutes to reach the main road near Kapu, from where you can catch an auto for the last 1.5km stretch.

Not a place for swimming, Kapu is apt for just sitting on the silver sand and looking at the sun as it melts in the horizon.  However, the highlight of this beach is the lighthouse.

Established in 1901, it stands approximately 27.12 metres tall on one of the rocks and is open to visitors between 4 and 6 pm. The view from the top is breathtakingly beautiful. Silhouettes of people soaking their feet in the water against the sunlight makes for a bewitching sight. 

This is a relatively cleaner beach as compared to Malpe, probably because it attracts less people.

When you finally do descend and head back home, it will be with a heavy heart. But not without the feeling of joy that comes with knowing that you may have found your own paradise.