I was visiting Mangalore during one of the long weekends of January. My first stop was by the banks of the Mangalore backwaters. Having immersed my soul and mind with the humidity, calmness, and smell of the backwaters, I made my way towards the sea. I was staying at the Malpe Sea Front Cottages, right in front of Malpe beach.
The resort is the single property on the beach along with the co-owned property Paradise Isle Beach Resort. Quickly after having done with the breakfast, we (me and my friend) headed to the beach. Well! I was visiting Malpe for the second time in 2 years, and I must say, the beach still looked the same; I am talking about the cleanliness quotient here.
With multiple water rides available, you could choose any. But what awaited a little far away from the beach, is the slice of the paradise that I am about to unfold. St. Mary’s Island, is where we were heading to.
The queue for the boat ride to St. Mary’s Island is usually long. And the earlier you get hold of a ticket, the better for you. For you get to spend a longer time at the island and escape the scorching sun that keeps growing stronger as the day progresses.
So, get hold of a ticket as fast as you can, wear your cap, put on your sunglasses, and get ready for the 20 minutes boat ride to this little escape that is deluged with stunning geological structures and gorgeous flora and fauna.
As you reach the island and step out of the boat, do remember to keep the tickets safe and handy. You will need them while returning.
The authorities put in due effort to keep the island clean and hence you are not allowed to carry plastic items inside. Making your way inside, you will be asked to hand over the plastic items if any. But, not to worry, you can buy water bottles inside and are expected to dispose them in the innumerable dustbins placed around.
Watersports are available here as well. So, you can try them here if haven’t already done on the other side.
But what took me by my senses, were the basaltic rock formations all over the island, making it the only one of its type in India. Then came the coconut groves all across the land. The prominent coconut trees spread all over the land and reflecting an azure south sea color, was a scene of grandeur.
The columnar basaltic lava found in these Islands, exhibit an imposing range of hexagonal shaped or multi-faced columns of rock. All these make this quaint little island, a mesmeric place to be. If you have been waiting to take some gorgeous pictures with the sea in the background, this is that place for you. Don’t wait a sec.
To pleasure your hungry tummy, the island houses a sober food court that offers some delicious food at an extremely affordable price. The Mangalorean fish thali is a must try. Along with it, do try any of the freshly caught fish for the day.
Once your tummy has rejoiced and you have soaked up enough of the sea within you, keeping the ticket handy, and head to the boat to get back to the shore. If you are lucky enough, you could get to see the dolphins that dwell that area.
Once back to the Malpe beach, we headed straight back to the cottage. Eager to sip some chilled beer we got hold of one of the tables at the restaurant area. The Perfect way to feel the sea vibes!
My weekend endeavor by the sea was about to come to an end. And so seating by the sea, enjoying the sun go down, I wanted to soak in as much as I could.
The next morning, before everyone else could wake up, I headed to the beach. This was my private rendezvous moment with the sea. I have had this moment in all the beaches that I have traveled so far. Playing with the cold waves, digging my feet into the sand, allowing the waves to wash them away; I made my usual promise. The promise that I love to make each time; the promise to come back soon. The sea has been patiently calling me over again and again. I am hopeful that the journey will get bigger and bigger. And thus! I bid adieu to the lovely town of Malpe.
