Friday, 28 February 2014

Surathkal is a renowned beach of Mangalore, Karnataka which can undoubtedly be said as one of the finest beaches of India. Located in a quiet suburb of the city, the beach has earned recognition as one of the perfect holiday destinations of South India. 
The name Surathkal originates from the term Shiratkal or Shiradakal, which literally means 'headstone' in Kannada and Tulu languages.
One of the reasons for which the Surathkal Beach is quite popular among the tourists is the beautiful natural surroundings that the place offers.
 It is an ideal halt for the visitors who want to spend some time away from the crowded and busy city life.
 Surathkal beach has a curving shoreline and has a lighthouse at the end of the beach. The lighthouse is situated on a rocky hillock and offers an uninterrupted view of the countryside and sea around. The lighthouse is open to visitors between 4.00 pm and 5.00 pm.
The beach has highly alluring picture of its perfect natural surroundings. It is a very popular tourist spot of Mangalore lying within a distance of fifteen kilometers. The best time to visit is during the winter season that is during the months of October to February.
How to Reach
Air
The nearest airport to the Surathkal Beach is the Mangalore international airport which is well connected to various other domestic airports across India and to other international airports. The beach is situated at a distance of 365 kilometers from Bangalore and is just 15 kilometers from Mangalore Airport which is also known as the Bajpe Airport. The landmark nearby this beach is the Karnataka Regional Engineering College.
Rail
The nearest railway station is the Surathkal Railway Station on the Konkan Railway which is at a short distance from the beach. Surathkal Railway Station is connected to several other major railway stations across India. Taxis, auto rickshaws and busses are available at the railway station to carry tourists to the destination.
Road
The region is well connected by roads to various parts of Mangalore and Surathkal town enjoys a well developed network of roads used by public buses to transport visitors here.
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Surathkal - Karnataka - India

Wednesday, 26 February 2014

St. Mary's Island is located at a distance of 6 km from Udupi and 65 km north of Mangalore. It is a collection of small islands in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Malpe in Udupi district.
 St. Mary's Islands are also known as Coconut Island and Thonsepar, since there are coconut gardens which make it the shadiest of all the islands and give it a true South Sea color.
 Saint Mary Island is one of those destinations that is still to be ravaged and commercialized, as can be observed by According to local legends the island was discovered by Vasco De Gama in 1498, before he reached Kozhikode, who fixed a cross on the island and named it ‘El Padron de Santa Maria’, after Mother Mary.
 The western coasts of the islands are a seashell haven with seashells of various shapes and sizes littered along the coast. There is no sand beach to swim and relax since it is scatted with basaltic rocks. But there are flat slabs to sit and enjoy the serenity of the place.
 These islands are just rock projections arising out of the sea near Malpe. The St. Mary's Island beach is special for the unique formation of basalt rocks that have crystallized into whole columns and split into vertical hexagonal blocks.
The first boat to leave for St. Mary's island starts off at 9.00 AM provided there are at least 30 people for the journey. The ticket cost INR 70/- for adults and INR 30/- for kids (aged between 3 and 10). It takes about less than 30 minutes to reach the island. At the island another small boat will ferry passengers back and forth from the bigger vessel.
How to Reach
Air
The nearest airport to the St. Mary's Islands is the Mangalore international airport which is well connected to various other domestic airports across India and to other international airports. One needs to get to Udupi from Mangalore which is well connected by roads.
Rail
The nearest railway station is Udupi which is well connected to Mumbai, Thiruvananthapuram, and Mangalore.
Road
Malpe is 58 km North of Mangalore and is well connected to Mangalore by road and is 4 km away from Udupi The region is well connected by roads to various parts of Mangalore and can be easily reached by various bus services from Mangalore. There are city buses as well as the Mangalore-Udupi Express buses.

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St. Mary's island - Karnataka - India

Monday, 24 February 2014

Gokarna is a beautiful town which is located in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. This place is famous as a Hindu pilgrimage center which lures large number of travelers from all over the country. 
Situated on the coast of Karwar, Gokarna is a small town in Karnataka, primarily known for two reasons - its beaches and temples. Gokarna can be different things to different people. Every year hordes of tourists visit Gokarna in search of sanctity and salvation on one hand, respite and relaxation on the other.
Gokarna is not very conventionally touristy. The beaches are meant for a slow, relaxed holiday and everything on the beach goes at the same relaxed pace. Full of coconut and palm trees, the ocean and clean sands, Gokarna is a 'one of its kind place' in the country.
Gokarna Beaches are the chief tourist attractions in the holy town of Gokarna. The name itself has been derived from Go (holy cow) and Karna (ears); hence, it has considerable mythological reverence as well.
Part of a largely Hindu domain, the tourists also pay homage to the famous Mahabaleswara temple, which is a renowned Shiva temple (a major Hindu deity), Maha Ganapathy temple, the Uma Maheshwari temples, and a host of other well-know temples for which this tourist spot is also famous.
 The Kudle Beach, Gokarna Beach, Half Moon Beach, Paradise Beach and Om Beach are the five main seaside attractions here.
 Gokarna Beach is a dream destination with its scenic beach, jagged cliffs, outstanding view of sunset, undiscovered coves and quaint temples.
 The beautiful temples and the attractive beaches make Gokarna a prominent tourist destination.
Gokarna is remotely populated with its nearest connection being Goa to its north and the city of Bangalore is located roughly around 275 miles to its east.
How to Reach
By Air
Dabolim airport in Goa is the nearest airport about 140 km away. The airport is well connected by flights to Indian and international cities.
By Train
The nearest railway station is at Ankola, about 20 km from Gokarna. Trains from several cities including Mangalore, Mumbai, Thiruvananthapuram, Veraval halt at the station. From the station, taxi services are available for Gokarna.
By Road
Gokarna is well connected by road. KSRTC buses do ply regularly from Bengaluru, Mangalore, Hubli, other cities of Karnataka. One can also board a bus from Madgaon and other cities of Goa for Gokarna. Gokarna is just 10 km off the NH 17 connecting Mumbai to Kochi. Buses, including AC luxury, ply regularly between both the cities.
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Gokarna - Karnataka - India

Monday, 17 February 2014

Kaup is a village town located between Udupi and Mangaluru in the state of Karnataka. The region is predominantly known for one of the most serene and pristine beaches that you can find. Owing to the greenery surrounding the beach on all sides, tourists make a bee-line towards this place for a quick weekend trip away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
 Kapu beach has become famous due to its beautiful landscape. The first attraction in Kapu beach is the light house on top of a huge granite hill.
 Kaup also has three temples dedicated to Goddess Mariamma and an old fort.
 The place is gorgeous from the view of photography and extremely content for those who just want to sit back and relax. Moreover, those who cannot just sit and soak in the peace and calm there are various options ranging from the speed boat or the banana or water bike.
 Snacks and beverages are available in small shops around the establishments near the beach. This place has been a hotspot for shooting for a lot of Bollywood and South Indian movies, the details lie with the locals.
 The main attraction of Kaup is beach which has a Light house. The Light House at Kaup is constructed in 1901 and 27.12 m above the base. The Light House at Kaup is open for public between 4 PM and 6 PM.
The beach has a lighthouse that was built in 1901 and is still available for the tourists to climb up and witness the ethereally beautiful landscape all around. Since it is lesser known to the people coming outside of Karnataka,this place is less crowded and that is exactly why you should visit it.
How to Reach
By Air
The nearest airport is Mangalore. Thereafter, you have to make a trip by road.
By Rail
 The nearest stations are at Udupi and Mangalore. Kaup is a 25-minute journey from the town of Udupi.
By Road
Owing to its apt location on the West Coast National Highway between Udupi and Mangalore, Kaup is best accessible by road. The distance between Kaup and several other places can be calculated as follows: Udupi (12 km), Mangalore (45 km), Bengaluru (410 km), and Manipal (15 km). There are regular buses that ply between the aforementioned cities/towns that connect Kaup.
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Kaup - Karnataka - India

Sunday, 9 February 2014

Malpe is a beautiful beach town located just six kilometers from the temple town of Udupi. It is a natural port and important fishing area of the Karnataka coastline. 
 The Malpe beach is known for its charming and attractive golden brown sand and turquoise blue waters. It is lined with palm trees and the blue skies above add to the scene, providing a perfect picture. Your vacation will be complete when you lie down on the sand and enjoy every bit of the natural splendour around you, along with the cool air from the sea and shades from the palms.
 Malpe is one of the main geo-tourism attractions of India and this place is of particular interest to geologists.
 The amazing view of the sea is sure to make your trip unforgettable. The beach in Malpe is also termed as a virgin beach as its beauty remains untouched and intact. A small river, known as the Udayavara River, flows around the beach and this is also known as the Malpe River.
The beaches here are beautiful and kept clean by the locals, who are very protective of them. The place is perfect for a weekend getaway, pleasantly free of crowds. The lighthouse, located not too far from Malpe, is great too for some time alone
As this is an ecologically and geographically unique area, much importance is given by locals and tourists alike to preserve its pristine beauty - so be environmentally responsible when you visit a delicately balanced area like Malpe and have fun!
How to Reach
By Air
The Mangalore Airport is the closest airport to Malpe and Mangalore is at a distance of 50 kms from Malpe.
By Rail
 Malpe is connected with the rest of the country through Udupi railway station which is an important station in the Konkan Railway.
By Road
Just about 4kms from the town of Udupi, Malpe is connected to the rest of the state through Udupi and consequently through NH17 as Udupi is close to NH 17. Private and government buses are available to travel to Malpe.
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Malpe - Karnataka - India