Malpe: Beach and Sea Walkway

Malpe combines beach activities with views of the sea and river. Its viewing platforms give the Sea Walkway a distinctive character; at the same time, places and traditions in the wider destination of Udupi offer further cultural perspectives. When planning your trip, you can weigh up beach experiences against exploring the region.

Getting there and choosing a focus for your trip

The nearest railway station to Malpe is Udupi, about 8 km away. Check current train connections separately. Malpe is connected to Udupi and Mangalore via NH66, with regular bus services and taxis available. As transport services may change, it is advisable to check their availability locally before travelling.

When choosing where to stay, the focus of your trip may be the deciding factor: the beach and Sea Walkway shape the experiences in Malpe, while cultural sites in the wider destination of Udupi offer a different focus. Search for a holiday apartment based on which of these aspects is most important to your trip, without assuming a property’s location from its name alone.

Sea views, beach and island

The viewing platforms along the Malpe Sea Walkway offer views of the sea and river. The area is especially popular for photography at sunset. Sculptures, murals and sand art give the walkway its character and reflect Udupi’s maritime and spiritual heritage. A walk along the Sea Walkway thus combines scenic views with cultural themes.

Activities at Malpe Beach include paragliding, jet skiing, banana boat rides and bumper boat rides. If you plan to try any of these, check their current availability locally. Ferries also run from Malpe Beach to St. Mary’s Island; check current conditions and ferry service availability before travelling. Activities on the island include swimming and picnicking on the beach. The beach and island therefore offer different ways to spend time by the water.

Malpe Fishing Harbour is also part of the wider destination of Udupi. It serves as a base for hundreds of fishing boats that land fresh catches daily. The harbour complements the beach and walkway experiences with a glimpse of the region’s maritime work.

Udupi and Manipal: culture, festivals and cuisine

In the wider destination of Udupi, Sri Krishna Temple is dedicated to the god Krishna and is considered an important spiritual and cultural site. Madhvacharya founded the ancient temple in the 13th century. Two festivals with different rhythms are associated with the temple: the Udupi Pariyaya Festival takes place every two years and marks the ceremonial transfer of temple administration between the eight Ashta Mathas. The annual Rathotsava is a chariot festival in which a decorated chariot bearing a statue of Lord Krishna is pulled through the streets of Udupi.

Manipal is home to Hasta Shilpa Kala Village, an open-air museum showcasing Indian heritage, artefacts and culture from a historic period of prosperity. It comprises 18 relocated historic houses, restored to almost 80 per cent of their original condition. The complex also includes the 13th-century Harihara Mandir. The houses and temple make the village a different cultural focus from the beach activities in Malpe.

Manipal End Point features landscaped gardens and sports facilities, including cricket and football stadiums. It is a good place for quiet evenings, picnics or a relaxing walk in nature. As visitor facilities may change, confirm their current condition before visiting. Udupi is also reflected in the region’s cuisine: Masala Dosa originated in the city of Udupi in the state of Karnataka.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Karkala, Baindur, Kollur, Manipal, Barkur.

Back to the main travel overview: Udupi.