St. Mary's island is a small uninhabited island also known as Thonsepar situated off the coast of Malpe in Udupi district, Karnataka, India.The island is famous for its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and unique rock formations. It is accessible by boat from Malpe Beach, and visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the island's natural beauty. The island is named after a legendary Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama's mother, Dona Maria.
In the Arabian Sea, right offshore from Malpe Beach, St. Mary's Island is a group of 4 smaller islands known as Darya Bahadurgarh, Coconut, North, and South Islands.
The island group in coastal Karnataka is a unique site to explore due to rare geological formations in the shape of hexagonal basalt rocks. Additionally, the rationale behind St. Mary's Island's designation as a National Geological Monument in 2001.
St. Mary's Island is situated in the Arabian Sea just offshore from Karnataka's Malpe Beach. It is also known as the Malpe island of Udupi. You can travel from Malpe to the island on a quick ferry (15 minutes | INR 400).
History of St. Mary's Island
The history of Malpe's St. Mary's Island is fascinating. Before sailing to Kozhikode in Kerala, it is thought that Vasco da Gama made his first landing here in 1498. He dedicated the island by planting a cross there in honor of Mother Mary, which is how the name of this group of islands came to be.
The history of this island group, however, dates considerably further back. Madagascar joined India 88 million years ago! There are no other hexagonal or polygonal basalt rock columns in India as a result of the separation of the two geographical masses. Only a few locations in Iceland and the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland are known to have such distinctive rock formations.
Offbeat things to do at St. Mary’s Island
There are several offbeat things to do at St. Mary's Island that visitors can enjoy:
Watch the sunrise: Wake up early and witness the beautiful sunrise over the Arabian Sea. It is a serene and peaceful experience you won't want to miss.
Explore the island's unique rock formations: St. Mary's Island is famous for its hexagonal-shaped basaltic rock formations that were formed millions of years ago due to volcanic activity. Take a walk around the island and marvel at the natural beauty of these unique rocks.
Snorkel and swim in crystal-clear waters: The island's clear waters are perfect for snorkeling and swimming. Rent snorkeling gear and explore the underwater world filled with colorful fish and coral reefs.
Picnic on the beach: Plan a picnic and enjoy a day on the island's pristine beaches. Relax and soak in the sun while enjoying a delicious meal with your loved ones.
Watch dolphins: Take a boat ride around the island and spot dolphins swimming in the open sea. It is a fascinating experience and a must-do for animal lovers.
Go fishing: Hire a local fisherman and go fishing in the deep sea. Catch your fish and have it cooked by locals on the island for a fresh seafood meal.
If you're hungry, pick up some food at the island's convenience store and have a picnic in the fresh air. The snack bar is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. Keep in mind that you are not permitted to bring your food or drink onto the island.
Places To Visit Near St. Mary’s Island
Malpe Beach:Situated around 6 km from St Mary's island, it is one of the most important port and fishing harbors in the state of Karnataka.Malpe beach is specially known for the endless stretch of golden sand,blue sky and gentle sound of sea,makes the perfect holiday destination for you.
Udupi Shri Krishna Temple: Situated around 11 km from St. Mary's Island is Udupi Shri Krishna Temple which is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Dvaita Matha located in the city of Udupi in karnataka.Its a holy place for daily devotion and living
Kodi Beach: A 1 hour drive from St Mary's islands is kodi beach. Situated at Kodi Bengre village it features a lighthouse,and many more things.
wild valley pratham resort and amusement park: Well If you are an adventure lover then this place is surely for you.Just an hour drive from St Mary's island had a wonderful stay or day outing with adventure activities,rope games,Gyms,spa and many more. These resort in kundapura should be in your bucket list if you visit St. Mary's Island.
Advice for traveling to St. Mary's Island
The island does not accept food products or single-use plastic items.
On the island, there are restrooms. Simply check to see if there is water inside before entering. Or you might request help from a guard.
Wear shorts or quick-drying clothing because getting on and off the boat or ferry will require some wading through water.
The sea is rough on the island, thus swimming is not permitted.
Shells from the island cannot be taken home. So remember that.
It’s best to go early in the morning to avoid the crowds, ideally on the first ship. You might also visit later in the day to see the sunset.
In conclusion, St. Mary's Island is a beautiful and unique destination that offers a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy. making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. With its serene and peaceful environment, St. Mary's Island is an ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy a relaxing vacation.