St.Mary’s Island has one of the most beautiful beach in Karnataka. St.Mary’s Island, also known as Coconut Island is located in Arabian Sea off the coast of Malpe in Udupi, Karnataka, India. There are 26 Geological Monuments in India. Out of which Karnataka has four such geological monuments and St.Mary’s Island is one of such geological monuments.
St. Mary’s
Island or Coconut Island is set of four small islands formed by sub-aerial
subvolcanic activity. It has prominent coconut trees, and hence the island is
also called Coconut Island. There is no habitation on the islands. The Saint
Mary Island is a relatively lesser-known holiday destination perfect for a day
trip with some friends if you are near the Malpe beach.
The only
way of getting to the islands is by boat. Regular ferry service ply the 6 km
distance (20 minutes journey) from the Malpe fishing harbor to the islands. The
frequency of these boats may vary depending on the number of tourists visiting.
It is 58 km to the North of Mangalore, the coastal city of Karnataka, which is
also the nearest airport.
These
islands do not have a sandy beach due to the rocks along the shoreline. The
entire island can be trekked across in 90 minutes. A large variety of seashells are found along
the rocks. Benches have been installed near the shoreline for the benefit of
tourists. Apart from coconut palms, there is very little shade. The travelers should go prepared for the searing sun with caps and bottles of drinking water
and sunscreen lotion.
Bird watching is a popular activity on the islands. Commonly spotted birds are Brahminy kites, white and grey egrets, Sandpipers, and seagulls. Also there are presence of colonies of butterflies on the island.
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