St. Mary's Island
Off Malpe, Udupi · Island & geological monument · 6 km from Udupi
About the place
A National Geological Monument of hexagonal basalt columns formed by ancient lava flows, reached by a 20-minute boat ride from Malpe. There is nothing else like it in India.
Worth knowing
- Good for: Photography and a memorable boat ride
- Best time: October–May; boats do not run in the monsoon
- Type: Island & geological monument
- From Udupi: 6 km from Udupi
Getting there
St. Mary's Island is at Off Malpe, Udupi, about 6 km from Udupi. We drive here from Udupi, Manipal, Mangalore, Karkala and Kundapura in cars and tempo travellers, with the driver waiting for as long as you want to stay — no meter running, no hurry to leave.
Entry fees, boat operations and forest-department permissions change with the season and the weather. We will tell you what to expect when you book, but do check locally on the day if the plan depends on a boat running.
Plan a trip to St. Mary's Island
A vehicle with a driver for the whole day — go at your own pace.
- LocationOff Malpe, Udupi
- DistrictUdupi
- TypeIsland & geological monument
- From Udupi6 km from Udupi
