Beaches in Udupi: 16 Best Udupi Beaches to Visit (2026 Guide)
The beaches in Udupi stretch along about 100 km of the Karnataka coast, from Padubidri in the south to Shiroor near Byndoor in the north. Here are the best Udupi beaches with distances, facilities, water sports prices, the best time to visit and safety tips, all in one place.
Beaches covered
Of coastline
Blue Flag beach
Best season
The 5 best beaches in Udupi
- Malpe Beach: water sports, the sea walk and boats to St Mary’s Island.
- St Mary’s Island: an island of volcanic rock columns.
- Kaup Beach: a lighthouse from 1901 and the best sunsets.
- Padubidri Blue Flag Beach: clean and safe for families.
- Maravanthe Beach: NH 66 between the sea and a river.
Best Beaches in Udupi (With Photos)
Seven beaches in Udupi with full guides on Explore Udupi. Tap any card for timings, directions and local tips.
Malpe Beach
The most popular of all Udupi beaches, with parasailing, jet skis, a long breakwater walk and the jetty for St Mary’s Island.
St Mary's Island
A protected National Geological Monument with six-sided volcanic rock columns, a shell beach and coconut palms.
Kaup (Kapu) Beach
A rocky beach topped by a lighthouse built by the British in 1901. Climb it for wide coastal views.
Padubidri Blue Flag Beach
Awarded the international Blue Flag in 2020, with lifeguards, toilets, showers, seating and play areas.
Delta Beach (Kodi Bengre)
A narrow sand spit where the Suvarna river joins the Arabian Sea, with fishing boats and wide views.
Mattu Beach
A peaceful, uncrowded shore lined with coconut palms, near the village famous for the Mattu Gulla brinjal.
Maravanthe Beach
NH 66 runs on a strip of land with waves on one side and the calm Souparnika river on the other.
Udupi Beaches List: Distances and Highlights
All the main beaches in Udupi district from south to north. Distances are approximate road distances from Udupi city.
| Beach | Distance from Udupi | Best for | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Padubidri Blue Flag Beach | 27 km south | Families, clean sand, safe bathing zone | Moderate |
| Hejamady Beach | 27 km south | Quiet river mouth near Padubidri | Low |
| Kaup (Kapu) Beach | 17 km south | Lighthouse, sunset, photography | Moderate to high |
| Pithrody (Udyavara) Beach | 11 km south | Sand strip between sea and river | Low |
| Mattu Beach | 10 km south | Quiet walks, coastal drive | Low |
| Padukere Beach | 8 km west | Long, clean stretch opposite Malpe | Low |
| Malpe Beach | 7 km west | Water sports, sea walk, food stalls | High |
| St Mary’s Island | 6 km + 20–30 min boat | Rock columns, shell beach | Moderate |
| Hoode Beach | 13 km north-west | Quiet sand, sunsets | Low |
| Delta Beach (Kodi Bengre) | 17 km north-west | Where river meets sea, seafood | Low to moderate |
| Kodi Beach and Sea Walk, Kundapura | 40 km north | 1 km sea walk, sunsets | Moderate |
| Trasi Beach | 50 km north | Wide, quiet beach next to Maravanthe | Low |
| Maravanthe Beach | 52 km north | NH 66 drive between sea and river | Moderate |
| Ottinene Beach and viewpoint | 72 km north | Hill viewpoint over river and sea | Low |
| Someshwara (Paduvari) Beach, Byndoor | 75 km north | Rocky shore beside the Someshwara temple | Low |
| Shiroor Beach | 85 km north | Remote, quiet beach at the district’s northern edge | Low |
Udupi Beach Facilities Compared
A general guide from recent visitor reports. Facilities change, so check locally.
| Beach | Lifeguards | Toilets | Food | Parking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malpe | Yes, marked zone (season) | Yes | Many stalls and restaurants | Paid |
| Padubidri Blue Flag | Yes | Yes, with showers | Small stalls | Yes |
| Kaup | Limited | Basic | Stalls near entrance | Yes |
| St Mary’s Island | No swimming allowed | Basic | Small stall in season | At Malpe jetty |
| Kodi Sea Walk | Limited | Basic | Stalls | Yes |
| Maravanthe | No | Basic | Roadside eateries | Roadside |
| Delta Beach | No | No | Small eateries on the way | Roadside |
| Mattu, Padukere, Pithrody, Hoode | No | No | Very few | Roadside |
Beaches in Udupi by Type of Trip
Water sports
Malpe Beach has the widest choice of rides from October to May.
Families
Padubidri Blue Flag Beach for facilities and lifeguards; Malpe for food and fun.
Sunsets and photos
Kaup Lighthouse, Maravanthe, Kodi Sea Walk, Someshwara and Ottinene.
Quiet and offbeat
Mattu, Padukere, Pithrody, Hoode, Trasi, Shiroor and Delta Beach.
Couples
Kaup at sunset, the Kodi Sea Walk and the Mattu–Kaup coast road.
Road trips
NH 66 north to Maravanthe, Ottinene and Someshwara, via Kodi and Trasi.
Detailed Guide to the Best Beaches in Udupi
Malpe Beach
Malpe Beach is the closest major beach to Udupi city and the busiest. It has a long stretch of sand, a sea walk along the breakwater beside the fishing harbour, food stalls and the main water sports zone, and it is where you board boats to St Mary’s Island.
Time needed: 2–4 hours · Best time: 4 to 7 PM
St Mary's Island
St Mary’s Island (Coconut Island) is famous for its tall, many-sided columns of volcanic rock, dated to about 85 to 88 million years ago and protected as a National Geological Monument. Boats leave Malpe from about 9 AM; the round trip usually costs ₹300 to ₹400.
Closed: June to September · Rule: no swimming, no plastic
Kaup (Kapu) Beach
Kaup Beach lies just off NH 66. Its landmark is the Kaup Lighthouse, in service since 1901, on a rocky headland above the sand. Visitors can usually climb it for a small ticket in the afternoon, and the rocks are one of the best sunset spots among the beaches in Udupi.
Caution: wet rocks are slippery
Padubidri Blue Flag Beach
Padubidri Beach was one of the first eight Indian beaches to win the international Blue Flag, in October 2020. The certified section has lifeguards, clean toilets and showers, drinking water, seating and accessible paths, for a small entry fee. It is the most comfortable choice among the beaches in Udupi for families.
Delta Beach (Kodi Bengre)
Delta Beach is at the tip of the Kodi Bengre peninsula, reached via Kemmannu, where the Suvarna river flows into the sea. It is calm and scenic, with backwaters, fishing boats and small seafood eateries. Currents at the river mouth are strong, so stay out of the water.
Mattu Beach
Mattu Beach is a long, quiet shore reached through coconut groves and the village known for the GI-tagged Mattu Gulla brinjal. With few facilities and few crowds, it suits evening walks and a slow coastal drive towards Kaup.
Maravanthe Beach
Maravanthe Beach is famous because NH 66 runs on a strip of land between the Arabian Sea and the Souparnika river. Stop at the parking areas for photos, but do not swim, because the waves are strong.
More Beaches in Udupi District
Pithrody (Udyavara) Beach · 11 km
A narrow strip between the sea and the Udyavara river. Unguarded, so enjoy the views rather than swimming.
Padukere Beach · 8 km
A long, clean beach across the river from Malpe, quieter and loved by locals for evening walks.
Hoode Beach · 15 km
A quiet beach on the Kemmannu–Kodi Bengre stretch. Combine it with Delta Beach.
Kodi Beach and Sea Walk · 38 km
Near Kundapura, with a sea walk about 1 km long on a breakwater. Great at sunset.
Trasi Beach · 50 km
A wide, open stretch next to Maravanthe that is usually quieter.
Ottinene Viewpoint · 72 km
A hilltop viewpoint near Byndoor over a river curving into the sea, with a path to a secluded beach.
Someshwara (Paduvari) Beach · 75 km
A rocky shoreline beside the Someshwara temple near Byndoor, peaceful at sunset.
Shiroor Beach · 85 km
A remote, quiet beach at the northern edge of the district. Carry water.
Hejamady Beach · 27 km
A quiet beach at the Shambhavi river mouth, just south of Padubidri.
Map of Udupi Beaches
Most beaches in Udupi lie along or just off NH 66: Malpe and St Mary’s Island west of the city, Kaup and Padubidri to the south, and Kundapura, Maravanthe and Byndoor to the north.
Itineraries for Beaches in Udupi
The Udupi city beaches
- 9:00 AM: Boat from Malpe to St Mary's Island
- 12:30 PM: Seafood or vegetarian lunch in Malpe or Udupi
- 2:30 PM: Drive south along the Mattu–Pithrody coast
- 4:30 PM: Kaup Lighthouse and sunset at Kaup Beach
North and south coast
- Day 1, south: Padubidri in the morning, then Kaup, Mattu and Malpe for sunset
- Day 2, north: St Mary's Island, then NH 66 to Kodi, Maravanthe and Ottinene for sunset
- Add a morning at the Udupi Sri Krishna Matha
Water Sports Prices at Udupi Beaches
Water sports run mainly at Malpe Beach from about October to May. Prices vary by operator and season, so confirm before you pay.
| Activity | Approx. price per person | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Parasailing | ₹800 – ₹1,200 | One flight |
| Jet ski | ₹400 – ₹600 | One short circuit |
| Banana boat | ₹300 – ₹400 | 10–15 minutes |
| Speedboat ride | ₹300 – ₹400 | About 10 minutes |
| Backwater kayaking (Kemmannu, Delta) | ₹300 – ₹600 | About 1 hour |
Best Time to Visit Beaches in Udupi
October to February
Pleasant weather, calm sea and clear sunsets. Water sports and St Mary’s boats run. Weekends are busy.
March to May
Hot and humid. Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
June to September
Heavy rain and rough sea. Water sports and island boats stop, and entering the sea is usually banned.
Beach Safety and Monsoon Rules
Strong currents and sudden drop-offs are common at many beaches in Udupi, and drownings happen every year.
- Swim only in marked zones with lifeguards, such as Malpe and Padubidri, and obey the flags.
- In the monsoon, entering the sea is usually banned even when the beach is open.
- Never enter the water at river mouths (Delta, Hejamady, Kodi) or near rocks (Kaup).
- Do not climb wet rocks or breakwaters for photos, especially at high tide.
- Avoid the sea after dark and after drinking alcohol.
- Carry your rubbish back; Padubidri and St Mary's Island have strict rules.
Seafood Near the Beaches in Udupi
The Udupi coast is known for fresh seafood cooked with coconut and local spices. Try kingfish (anjal) tawa fry, ladyfish rava fry, prawn ghee roast, clam sukka and crab masala. Malpe has the most beachside stalls and restaurants, with small family eateries on the road to Delta Beach and along NH 66 near Kaup.
Vegetarians are well served too: goli baje, Mangalore buns and a classic Udupi meal are easy to find in town.
Other Places to Visit in Udupi
The beaches in Udupi are among the top Udupi tourist places, but the district has much more. Explore our guides to other Udupi sightseeing places.
Temples in Udupi
Sri Krishna Matha, Kadiyali Mahishamardini, Kollur Mookambika and more.
Attractions in Udupi
Arbi Falls, hanging bridges, the Karkala Gommateshwara statue and more.
Homestays in Udupi
Find a comfortable place to stay near the coast.
Udupi Beaches FAQs
Which is the best beach in Udupi?
Malpe Beach is the most popular for water sports and food, Padubidri is the best for families because of its Blue Flag facilities, and Kaup is the best for sunsets. St Mary’s Island is the most unusual.
How many beaches in Udupi are worth visiting?
Udupi district has more than 15 well-known beaches along about 100 km of coast. The most visited are Malpe, St Mary’s Island, Kaup, Padubidri, Mattu, Delta Beach and Maravanthe.
Which beach in Udupi has a lighthouse?
Kaup (Kapu) Beach, about 13 km south of Udupi, has a lighthouse built by the British in 1901. Kodi Beach near Kundapura also has a small lighthouse.
Which Udupi beach is Blue Flag certified?
Padubidri Beach received the international Blue Flag certification in October 2020.
Which is the nearest beach to Udupi city?
Malpe Beach, about 6 km from the city centre and the Sri Krishna Matha.
Can you swim at Udupi beaches?
Only in marked zones with lifeguards, mainly at Malpe and Padubidri, and only in calm weather. Entering the sea is usually banned during the monsoon and is unsafe at river mouths and rocky beaches.
Are Udupi beaches open during the monsoon?
You can visit the beaches, but entering the sea is usually banned from June to September, and water sports and the boats to St Mary’s Island stop.
What is the best time to visit Udupi beaches?
October to February has the best weather and calm seas. Visit in the late afternoon for sunset.
Which Udupi beach is best for water sports?
Malpe Beach, with parasailing, jet skis, banana boats and speedboats in season.
How do I travel between the beaches in Udupi?
A rented scooter, car or taxi is the easiest way. City buses and autos serve Malpe, and NH 66 buses stop near Kaup, Padubidri and Maravanthe.
Sources: Directorate General of Lighthouses (Kaup Lighthouse), UNESCO (St Mary’s Island Cluster). Hero photo: Godwyn Fernandes on Unsplash.
Last updated: October 2026. Distances are approximate and prices change by season; check locally before you travel.