The golden sand, clear blue sky and swaying palm trees of Maravanthe Beach on the outskirts of Udupi in Karnataka attract travellers hoping to kickstart a beach vacation. The area has a fairytale feel to it with the picturesque Kodachadri Hills forming a jaw-dropping backdrop to the Souparnika River on one side, and miles of unspoilt white sand and the Arabian Sea that stretch out on the other. This unique combination of sea and river on each side of a highway is hard to find elsewhere and is said to be the only one in India.
The drive out of Udupi on NH-66 passes between the Arabian Sea and Souparnika River—needless to say the view is simply breathtaking. Once you’re on the beach, sunbathe on the white sands and play a game of volleyball, badminton or cricket if it catches your fancy. Those looking to dive into the water can consider snorkelling, swimming and scuba diving activities. The mild and calm water will make this easy enough.
Refresh yourself with a tender coconut drink at the roadside stalls and watch the local fishermen venture out to sea in their catamarans for the day’s catch. As twilight sets in, catch the sunset from Maravanthe Beach or take a boat ride across the Souparnika River.
Famed for its glorious sunrises and sunsets, this hill range in the Western Ghats is part of the Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary. The peak of Kodachadri, which sits at an altitude of 1,343m above sea level, can be reached by a five-hour trek or a much faster jeep ride from Kattinahole. Highlights of the trek include the Sarvajna Peetha, a small shrine dedicated to the philosopher Adi Shankaracharya; the Hidlumane Falls; and the Belakal Theertha Falls and viewpoint.
The sanctuary is named after the goddess Mookambika, the presiding deity of the famous Mookambika Temple at Kollur. Spanning over 370.37 square kilometres, the reserve is thick with evergreen, semi-evergreen and moist deciduous forests of the Western Ghats, as well as small patches of teak plantations. It forms a vital connecting link between the Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary on the southern side and the Sharavathi Wildlife Sanctuary on the northern side. Tigers, wild dogs, sloth bears, wild boars, jackals, deer, drongos, lapwings, hornbills, bulbuls, egrets, kingfishers, flycatchers, pythons, king cobras and many other wild animals live here.
A little over 70km from Maravanthe Beach is Nagara Fort, built in 1640 by Shivappa Nayaka of the Keladi Kingdom. The complex encompasses a lake, installed provisions for water circulation and was self-sufficient during a war. Visitors to Nagara Fort can see the remains of the palace, guard rooms, wells, storage facilities, watchtowers and cannons. The fort’s main entrance and exterior walls are still largely intact.
Also known as Coconut Island and Thonsepar, these four small islands in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Malpe (65km from Maravanthe Beach) are known for their distinctive geological formation of columnar rhyolitic lava. The best time to visit these quaint islands with their white sandy beaches is during sunset when the waters reflect the vibrant hues of the sky. The cross placed by Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama in 1498 can still be found here. The only way of getting to the islands is by boat so check the schedule of the ferry service which plies the 6km distance from Malpe’s fishing harbour. The frequency of the boats may vary depending on the number of visiting tourists.
This scenic beach in coastal Karnataka is a popular draw for visitors because of an elevated cliff that offers captivating views of the beach below. The shallow beach area provides a scenic view and the sunsets from here are spectacular to look upon. Check out the Kshitija Nesara Dhama, a small park that overhangs the beach. It also has a viewpoint, residential cottages and a hiking trail that leads through the woods towards the beach. There is also a small but popular Shiva temple next to Ottinene Beach.
Renowned for its food, temples, beaches, and educational as well as financial institutions, the city of Udupi has something to delight every stripe of traveller. Its most notable attraction is the 13th-century Udupi Shri Krishna Temple. The Krishna Matha (monastery) of this place is known for its religious customs, traditions and tenets of Dvaita or Tatvavada philosophy. It is also the centre of Daasa Saahitya, a form of literature that originated in Udupi. There are several temples which surround it, namely the Udupi Anantheshwara Temple which is over a thousand years old.
The Krishna Matha influenced the local cuisine as well. The famous dosa (thick and crispy pancakes) is said to have originated from Udupi. Try the neer dosa, a simple and tasty variant made with soaked rice and served with jaggery and coconut grating; a plate of patrode, a tangy dish made from Colocasia leaves; koli saaru, a rasam made by cooking chicken with spicy masala; mandakki upkari, a tasty snack made with puffed rice, oil and chilli powder; and the banana bun, a sweet snack made with mashed ripe bananas, flour and sugar.
In terms of cultural attractions, don't miss a yakshagana performance—a traditional folk dance form popular in coastal Karnataka's districts. The unique costumes, rhythmic music and performance involve dialogue, music, dance and action. When you want to clear your head, take a walk along the 450m-long Malpe Sea Walk which has views of the Arabian Sea on one hand and the Suvarna River on the other. Consider also the Manipal End Point Park, a scenic place to rest and relax in.
Take the train to Kundapura Railway Station (KUDA) or the plane to Mangaluru International Airport (IXE) and cover the distance to Maravanthe Beach by car or bus.
The best time to visit Maravanthe Beach is between October and March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities.