I am on my way to the Caribbean Beaches; yes, a tour to St. Mary’s Islands, a set of small islands, located in the Arabian Sea, a short distance off the Malpe Coast near Udupi in Karnataka, India. These islands are considered as the Caribbean Beaches of India because of the identical features of blissful blue skies and beautiful endless beaches. The distance from Udupi to Malpe Beach is just 6 km. There are frequent bus services from Udupi Bus Stand to Malpe. Malpe is a harbor. A lovely island sculpted by nature, it is an easily reachable destination for the people of Kerala. This island has been included in the list of geological monuments by Geological Survey of India. The rocks of the island are believed to have been formed millions of years ago by volcanic activity.
A short walk along the harbor takes us to the place where boat services to the island are available. Tickets are given away from 9.00 AM. The boats are big ones and so, they will start only when a minimum number of 30 people are onboard. Ticket charges are Rs. 250 for adults and Rs. 150 for kids. After around 60 people got inside the boat, it was ready to go. Just as the ferry ride started, so too the whoops and hollers of the people. The amazing scenery of the sea began to open in front of our eyes. Some started dancing to the music while some others were busy taking pictures. Some people were also seen sitting back and gazing out to sea. The boat moved through the dark blue sea, directed straight to the island. Seabirds could be seen in large numbers, sitting on rocks resembling eyots scattered here and there in the sea. It takes 45 minutes for the boat to reach the island. The ferries stop a bit far from the island because they cannot go near it as the water is shallow as it nears the island. From there, people have to move to small boats to reach the island. There is ban on the use of plastic items in the island. Therefore, our bags will be checked thoroughly before we are allowed to enter.
Visitors to St. Mary’s Island are welcomed by the gentle breeze, the waves, the golden grains of sand, and the crystal clear waters. I took a stroll around the island, melting in the whiteness of the sugar-like sand. The island offers a totally different sight than what we normally see. Groves of coconut trees, wonderful rocks looking like sculptures carved out by sculptors, charming glassy clear water, all these have been blended together by nature to make this peaceful and incomparably beautiful island in the Arabian Sea. The main attraction of the island is the columns of rock formations resembling stupas. There are rock pillars with 8 to 10 sides that present us with picturesque views. Lots of tourists are attracted to this place. The island is also an important site for geotourism. Instead of sand beach, the coasts are littered with tiny seashells, so we don’t have to worry about sand clinging to our body or belongings.
There are plenty of entertainment choices here most of which are water based, like boating, fishing, sea bathing, shooting, water scooter, etc. Numerous shops selling delicious food items and tender coconut water for quenching thirst, stalls offering varieties of decorative mehndi (henna) and tattoo designs, all these provide a completely new experience. We have the option to either spend time in the island till 4.00 in the evening or leave earlier.
St. Mary’s Island is one of the favorite holiday spots of families, friends, and lovers. I spent some time roaming around the place and then returned to Malpe. I boarded the boat and looked back to have one last glimpse of the place. The rocks that looked like carved sculptures, the gorgeous lush green coasts, the waves kissing the shores, I could see everything growing distant. My journey continues in search of more views and sceneries.
