TheeraYatra

Quick Overview

Best Time to Visit: October to January
Weather: Mild winters, hot summers, island closes in monsoon (June–September)
Budget: ₹1,500–₹5,000/day

Plan Your Trip

Getting There

• Nearest Airport: Mangalore International Airport (~60 km from Malpe)
• By Train/Bus: Udupi Railway Station (~9 km inland), with regular road connections
• By Road: Drive or take a bus to Malpe (~6 km from Udupi), then walk to the ferry point
• Malpe to St. Mary’s Island by Ferry: Round-trip ferry available from Malpe Beach: ₹250–₹300. Operates from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM; departures wait until the boat is filled (12–30 people)

Where to Stay

Stay in Udupi:

• Budget: Simple lodges or beachside guesthouses
• Mid-range: Comfort stays near temples or beaches
• Luxury: Boutique hotels or seaside resorts

Packing List

• Light cotton clothing
• Comfortable sandals or water shoes
• Swimwear and towel
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat
• Reusable water bottle and light snacks
• Phone cover and power bank
• Umbrella or raincoat (seasonal)

Top Places to Visit

Columnar Basalt Formations

Marvel at rare hexagonal rock columns formed by volcanic activity over millions of years.

Shell Beach

A stretch of coastline covered entirely in seashells—perfect for barefoot walks (with care).

Coconut Island

The main accessible island lined with palm trees and photo-worthy beach huts.

Birdwatching & Wildlife

Spot kites, crabs, sandpipers, and coastal birds in their natural habitat.

Viewpoints & Sunsets

Stunning views of the Arabian Sea from atop rocky outcrops—sunrise and sunset are magical.

Must‑Try Experiences

• Walk across basalt platforms and tide pools
• Shell-hunting (leave them behind—preserve nature)
• Capture photographs of surreal landscapes
• Lounge beneath a coconut tree with sea breeze therapy

Local Cuisine

Nearby Malpe and Udupi are seafood and vegetarian havens:

• Breakfast: Crispy dosas, idlis, coconut chutney
• Lunch: Fish curry, rice, Udupi-style thali
• Snacks: Goli baje, banana chips, sweet halwa

Culture & Local Life

• Visit the sacred Sri Krishna Temple in Udupi
• Explore the Malpe Sea Walkway with coastal sculptures and breezy views
• Learn about local fishing communities and coastal life
• The island is also called “Coconut Island” and “Thonsepar” by locals

Local Insights

Languages: Kannada, with English and Hindi commonly spoken
Getting Around: Auto-rickshaws, local buses, and cabs from Udupi or Mangalore
Safety Tips:

• Wear water shoes to avoid slipping on rocks
• Avoid swimming in rough tides
• Carry back all trash—no dustbins or stalls on the island
• Visit early or late in the day for fewer crowds and better weather

Enjoy Your Yatra!