Six Kilometers from the temple town of Udupi lies a quaint village, Kodavoor Grama with a beautiful sandy beach known as Malpe Beach. People throng the beach in the evening to enjoy the sunset.
Walking, getting drenched in the endless waves, boat rides, and munching on snacks are some of the options for visitors.
Malpe is a natural port and fishing harbor. Udyavara River meets Arabian sea at this location. Extremely scenic with the backdrop of Saint Mary’s Island, the beach is loved by all.
The history of the Krishna temple is closely associated with this beach. Once, there was a storm in the sea near Malpe beach and the great dwaitha saint Sri Madhvacharya was present at the shore. The saint saw a ship caught in the storm and with just his shawl helped the ship reach the shore safely. The ship was coming from Dwaraka and in appreciation for the help the sailors offered all the goods that was on the boat, but Sri Madhwacharya asked for the big lump of gopichand and carried it back to the matha (monastery). The idol of lord Krishna was inside the gopichand and Madhwacharya installed this divine and beautiful idol in Udupi matha.
In another incident he saved a boat caught in a storm in the ocean. Yet another boat caught in an ocean storm was saved with just a wave of a shawl from the Acharya, the owner of the boat was relieved and was so thankful that he offered the Acharya all the goods that was on the boat, but Sri Madhwacharya asked for the big lump of gopichand and carried it back to the mutha. The idol of lord Krishna was inside the gopichand and Madhwacharya installed this divine and beautiful idol in Udupi mutha.
Close to Malpe Beach are four rocky islands: Daria-Bhadurgad is an isaland with a fort built by Basavappa nayaka of Bidanur, Kari-Illada-Kallu, Daira-Gadara-Kalluthe, and St. Mary’s Island.
You can also visit the harbor and Balarama and Ananteshwara temples. Best season to visit Malpe Beach, Udupi is from October to December.
Place Statistics:
Type of place: Beach
Situated: Kodavooru Grama, Udupi Taluk, Karnataka
Distance: 6 Kms from Udupi city, 60 Km from Mangalore
Transport: Well connected by road
Facilities: Restaurant, resorts are available
