Netrani Island is a beautiful coral island located off the coast of Karnataka in the Arabian Sea. It is famous for scuba diving and snorkeling, attracting adventure lovers from across India and abroad. Mumbai, being a major metropolitan city and transport hub, is a common starting point for travelers heading to this serene island.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Mumbai to Netrani Island. You will learn about different transport options, step-by-step travel plans, practical tips, and what to expect upon arrival, ensuring a hassle-free and enjoyable trip.

Getting from Mumbai to Netrani Island – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train from Mumbai to the nearest railway station to Netrani Island is a popular and economical choice. It offers comfort and scenic views but requires additional road travel to reach the island.

• Take a train from Mumbai CST or LTT to Mangalore Central, which is the closest major station to Netrani Island, covering approximately 900 km in 16 to 20 hours depending on the train service chosen.

• Train fares range from INR 400 for sleeper class to INR 1500 for AC classes, with several trains running daily including Konkan Kanya Express and Matsyagandha Express.

• Trains are generally comfortable but can be crowded during festival seasons like Diwali and summer vacations, so booking tickets early via IRCTC is advisable.

• From Mangalore, you will need to hire a taxi or bus to reach Malpe Beach, the main departure point for boats to Netrani Island, which is about 10 km away.

• Monsoon season (June to September) can cause delays on the Konkan Railway route due to heavy rains and landslides, so plan accordingly.

Bus

Buses offer a flexible and budget-friendly way to travel from Mumbai to coastal Karnataka towns near Netrani Island. However, the journey is long and may not be very comfortable for all travelers.

• MSRTC and private operators run buses from Mumbai to Udupi or Mangalore, which are the nearest towns to Netrani Island, covering around 900 km in 18 to 22 hours.

• Bus fares typically range from INR 800 to INR 1500 depending on the type of bus (sleeper, semi-sleeper, or Volvo AC).

• Buses depart from major Mumbai bus terminals like Dadar or Borivali, with multiple services available daily, especially overnight buses to save daytime travel.

• From Udupi or Mangalore, local buses or taxis can take you to Malpe Beach, the boat launch point to Netrani Island, approximately 7 to 10 km away.

• During monsoon, roads along the Western Ghats can be slippery and prone to delays, so check weather conditions before traveling.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Mumbai to Netrani Island offers flexibility and the chance to explore scenic routes along the Western Ghats and coastal Karnataka. It is suitable for travelers comfortable with long-distance driving in India.

• The distance from Mumbai to Malpe Beach near Netrani Island is approximately 900 km via NH48 and NH66, taking around 16 to 18 hours depending on traffic and stops.

• Major toll plazas on this route include those near Pune, Kolhapur, and Karwar, so keep cash or FASTag ready for smooth passage.

• Plan your route to include rest stops at cities like Pune, Kolhapur, and Goa for meals and refueling, as highway amenities vary.

• Driving through the Western Ghats during monsoon requires caution due to slippery roads and reduced visibility; avoid night driving in hilly stretches.

• Once at Malpe Beach, you will need to park your vehicle securely as boats to Netrani Island depart from here; parking facilities are available but can be crowded during peak season.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to get close to Netrani Island from Mumbai, but you will still need road and boat transfers to reach the island itself. This option suits travelers who want to save time.

• Fly from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport to Mangalore International Airport, with several daily flights operated by airlines like IndiGo and Air India, taking about 1.5 hours.

• Flight fares vary widely from INR 2500 to INR 6000 depending on booking time and season; booking in advance can secure better prices.

• From Mangalore Airport, taxis or buses can take you to Malpe Beach, approximately 15 km away, where boats depart for Netrani Island.

• Flights are frequent but can be delayed during monsoon due to fog or heavy rain, so keep buffer time in your itinerary.

• Using app-based cabs like Ola or Uber from Mangalore Airport to Malpe Beach is convenient and cost-effective, with fares around INR 400 to INR 600.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

If you are traveling from Mumbai to Netrani Island for the first time, this step-by-step plan will help you organize your journey smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.

• Book your train or flight tickets well in advance through IRCTC or airline websites to secure seats, especially during holidays or weekends.

• Plan your arrival in Mangalore or Udupi a day before your boat trip to Netrani Island to avoid last-minute rush and accommodate any travel delays.

• Arrange local transport from the railway station or airport to Malpe Beach; pre-book taxis or check bus timings to ensure timely arrival at the boat jetty.

• Check boat schedules for Netrani Island in advance, as trips depend on weather and sea conditions; boats usually operate between 8 AM and 3 PM.

• Carry valid ID and any required permits for visiting Netrani Island, as it is a protected marine area with entry regulations.

• Pack light but include essentials like sunscreen, water, and snacks, since facilities on the island are limited and you will spend several hours there.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry bottled water and avoid drinking tap water during your journey to prevent stomach issues common in Indian travel.

• Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber in cities like Mangalore for safer and fixed-price local travel instead of haggling with local drivers.

• Book train and flight tickets early through official portals like IRCTC and airline websites to avoid scams and last-minute price hikes.

• During monsoon, check weather forecasts regularly as heavy rains can disrupt train and bus services and delay boat trips to Netrani Island.

• Keep your luggage light and secure, especially when transferring between trains, buses, and boats, to avoid loss or damage.

• Try local coastal Karnataka food at stops like Udupi and Mangalore but avoid street food if you have a sensitive stomach to ensure a healthy trip.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Netrani Island from Mumbai is during the dry months from October to March. Weather is pleasant, and sea conditions are ideal for boat rides and water activities.

Avoid traveling during the monsoon season from June to September as heavy rains cause rough seas and frequent travel delays. Winter mornings can have fog affecting flights and trains.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Christmas when trains and flights are crowded and prices surge.

• Monsoon rains can cause landslides and roadblocks on the Konkan Railway and NH66, so plan extra travel time if traveling during this season.

• Early morning departures from Mumbai and Mangalore are recommended to avoid city traffic and catch boats to Netrani Island on time.

• Summer months (April-May) can be hot and humid, so carry adequate water and sun protection if traveling by road or train.

Arrival at Netrani Island & What to Expect

When you arrive at Malpe Beach, you will find several boat operators offering trips to Netrani Island. Boats usually take about 30 to 45 minutes to reach the island depending on sea conditions. It is best to use licensed operators for safety.

On arrival at the island, you will find limited facilities. There are no hotels or restaurants, so plan to return the same day. Local boats operate only during daylight hours, so plan your return accordingly. For accommodation, stay in Udupi or Mangalore, where you will find a range of hotels and guesthouses.

Local transport options at Malpe Beach include auto-rickshaws and taxis. Prepaid taxi counters and app-based cabs are available in Mangalore city for onward travel. The boat jetty is well-marked, but it is advisable to arrive early to avoid last-minute rush.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Netrani Island from Mumbai is to fly to Mangalore and then take a taxi to Malpe Beach, followed by a boat ride to the island. This option saves time and offers comfort, especially for travelers with limited time.

Planning ahead by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and arranging local transport will make your journey smooth and enjoyable. With proper preparation, you can confidently explore the natural beauty of Netrani Island and enjoy a memorable adventure away from the city hustle.