Malpe Beach is a beautiful coastal destination located near Udupi in Karnataka, India. It is famous for its golden sands, fishing harbour, and nearby St. Mary’s Island. Many travelers visit Malpe Beach to enjoy the sea breeze and explore local culture.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Malpe Beach from major cities, including details on trains, buses, cars, and taxis. You will also get practical tips for a smooth journey and what to expect upon arrival.

Getting from Major Cities to Malpe Beach – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is a popular and affordable option to reach Malpe Beach, especially from cities like Bangalore, Mangalore, and Udupi. The nearest railway station is Udupi, about 6 km from Malpe Beach.

• Udupi railway station is well connected by trains from Bangalore, Mangalore, and Mumbai, with travel times ranging from 8 to 12 hours depending on the route and train type.

• From Udupi station, you can take an auto-rickshaw or local bus to Malpe Beach, which takes around 15 to 20 minutes and costs between ₹50 to ₹150.

• Trains to Udupi run frequently, but booking in advance on IRCTC is recommended, especially during weekends and festivals when trains get crowded.

• Train travel is comfortable with options like sleeper, AC 3-tier, and chair cars, but monsoon season may cause delays due to heavy rains in the Konkan region.

• Food options on trains are limited, so carrying snacks and water is advisable for the journey to Udupi.

Bus

Buses are a convenient and economical way to reach Malpe Beach from nearby cities and towns. The main bus depot is Udupi KSRTC bus station, about 7 km from Malpe.

• State-run KSRTC and private buses connect Udupi with Bangalore, Mangalore, and other Karnataka cities, with journey times varying from 6 to 12 hours depending on distance.

• From Udupi bus station, local buses and shared autos run frequently to Malpe Beach, taking about 20 minutes and costing ₹30 to ₹70.

• Volvo and deluxe buses offer more comfort for longer routes, but they can be fully booked during festival seasons like Krishna Janmashtami or Christmas.

• Road conditions on NH66 towards Udupi and Malpe are generally good, but monsoon rains can cause occasional delays and slippery roads.

• Bus travel allows you to enjoy scenic views of the Western Ghats and coastal plains along the route to Malpe.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving to Malpe Beach is a flexible option if you prefer to travel at your own pace. The beach is accessible via NH66 and local roads from Udupi.

• The distance from Bangalore to Malpe Beach is approximately 420 km, taking around 8 to 10 hours via NH75 and NH66, depending on traffic and stops.

• From Mangalore, Malpe is about 60 km away and can be reached in 1.5 to 2 hours via NH66, a well-maintained highway with toll plazas en route.

• Self-driving allows you to stop at scenic spots, local eateries, and rest areas along the way, but be prepared for narrow roads near Malpe during peak tourist seasons.

• Parking near Malpe Beach is available but limited during weekends and holidays, so arriving early is advisable to secure a spot.

• Ensure your vehicle is well-serviced before the trip, and carry a physical map or GPS device as mobile signals can be weak near the beach.

Taxi / Cab

Hiring a taxi or using app-based cabs like Ola and Uber is a comfortable way to reach Malpe Beach, especially from nearby cities like Udupi and Mangalore.

• From Udupi city center, taxis to Malpe Beach cost around ₹300 to ₹500 and take 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic.

• For longer distances, such as from Mangalore airport or city, prepaid taxis and cabs are available, with fares ranging from ₹1,200 to ₹1,800 for the 60 km journey.

• Booking cabs in advance through apps or local travel agents helps avoid last-minute price hikes during peak seasons.

• Taxi drivers often provide useful local information and can arrange boat rides to St. Mary’s Island from Malpe harbour.

• Be aware that some taxis may not accept digital payments, so carrying cash is recommended for short trips.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers to Malpe Beach, helping you organize your journey smoothly and enjoy the trip without stress.

• Book your train or bus tickets early through IRCTC or KSRTC online portals to secure seats, especially during weekends and holidays when demand is high.

• Pack light but include essentials like sunscreen, water bottles, and a raincoat if traveling during monsoon season to stay comfortable on the beach.

• Arrive at your departure station or bus stand at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time to avoid last-minute rush and confusion.

• On reaching Udupi, use prepaid auto-rickshaws or app-based cabs to reach Malpe Beach safely and avoid overcharging by local drivers.

• Carry small change in cash for local transport and food stalls, as many vendors do not accept digital payments in this area.

• Plan your return journey in advance by checking bus and train timings to avoid waiting late at night, as public transport options reduce after 8 PM.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always keep your belongings secure and avoid carrying large amounts of cash when traveling to crowded places like Malpe Beach to prevent theft or loss.

• Drink only bottled water from trusted brands and eat freshly cooked food from hygienic stalls to avoid stomach issues common in coastal areas.

• Book your tickets online through official portals like IRCTC and KSRTC to get confirmed seats and avoid scams from unauthorized agents.

• Use local buses or shared autos for short distances to save money, but confirm fares beforehand to avoid overcharging.

• Carry a small backpack with essentials like a hat, sunglasses, and a power bank, as charging points may be limited near the beach.

• During monsoon months, check weather forecasts and road conditions before traveling, as heavy rains can disrupt transport services and cause delays.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Malpe Beach is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and the sea is calm. Avoid the monsoon months of June to September due to heavy rains and rough seas.

Travel conditions improve significantly outside the monsoon season, with clear roads and better public transport availability. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for comfortable journeys avoiding peak traffic.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Krishna Janmashtami and Diwali when the region experiences heavy tourist influx and transport can be crowded.

• Monsoon rains from June to September often cause roadblocks and train delays, so plan accordingly if traveling during this time.

• Early morning departures help avoid city traffic jams and ensure you reach Malpe Beach with daylight for sightseeing.

• Winter months from December to February offer cool temperatures and clear skies, perfect for beach activities and boat trips to nearby islands.

Arrival at Malpe Beach & What to Expect

When you arrive at Malpe Beach, you will find a lively fishing harbour and a stretch of golden sand popular with locals and tourists. The beach area has small shops, eateries, and boat operators offering trips to St. Mary’s Island.

Local transport options include auto-rickshaws and shared tempos that connect Malpe with Udupi town and nearby villages. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are available but may be limited late at night. Popular places to stay are in Udupi town, which offers a range of hotels and guesthouses within 10 minutes of Malpe Beach.

Conclusion

Reaching Malpe Beach is straightforward with multiple transport options including train, bus, car, and taxi. The nearest railway station and bus depot in Udupi provide good connectivity from major cities in Karnataka and beyond. Self-drive and taxi options offer flexibility and comfort for travelers who prefer personalized travel.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and knowing local transport options will help you enjoy a hassle-free trip to Malpe Beach. With this guide, you can confidently plan your journey and look forward to a relaxing time by the sea in one of Karnataka’s most charming coastal spots.