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St. Mary's Islandsಸೇಂಟ್ ಮೇರಿಸ್ ದ್ವೀಪ

Islands of hexagonal basalt columns off Malpe, reached by a 20 minute boat ride in the dry season.

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WhereUdupi, Karnataka
Coastal Karnataka
Kind of placeRock & Rappel, Beaches, Coastal Destinations, Weekend Getaways
Best time to visit15 December to 15 January
Good seasonsPost-monsoon (October to November), Winter (December to February), Summer (March to May)
DifficultyEasy
Height5 m above sea level
Time neededHalf day
Base and nearbyMalpe, Udupi
EntryBoat about Rs 300 per head from Malpe
ClosuresUsually closed 1 June to 30 September. Boats from Malpe stop for the monsoon because of rough seas.

About St. Mary's Islands

St. Mary's Islands are four small islands off Malpe known for columns of basalt that split into hexagonal pillars when lava cooled about 88 million years ago. They are a declared national geological monument and one of the few places in India to see this rock form. Vasco da Gama is said to have stopped here in 1498 before reaching Kerala. Boats leave from Malpe beach through the dry season, take about 20 minutes, and there is no food or shade on the island so carry water.

What to see and do

Opening status, best time and closures here are estimates from usual seasons and past patterns, not live information. Confirm with the local authority before you go. Terms of use

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Jagah Pedia is a free travel guide by Santosh Pandey. Status, timings and closures are estimates from usual patterns, so confirm locally before you travel.