St. Mary’s Island – A Hidden Gem

St. Mary’s Island – I call it a hidden gem or am I just flaunting about it? What is the truth? People who visited this Island will have the answer and agree to what all I say here! We (a group of 10 people) started to this island from Malpe beach. It is around 30 minutes boat ride from Malpe beach. I considered this to be any other Island and had no expectation on this. But, I was wrong; completely wrong. As I got down from the boat, my first sight went onto the clustered standing rocks and then onto a patch of rocks here and there. I felt something different about these rocks but wasn’t sure what it was and why are they clustered. with many questions running in my mind, walked into island.

There comes another surprise! The shore is completely filled with various sea shells. A free foot massage while walking bare foot😀 We spent some good amount of time clicking pictures and playing with sea shells that covered the shore. Later, few of us had taken a quick swim to a nearby rocky patch and relaxed for a while. Every story has a twist in the tale and the twist which came towards us, was a giant wave! I was on the exposed, lower portion of the rock, and had no handhold to brace for the wave. Frantically, I decided to dive into the water! I started swimming, and could feel the crashing wave on me. What confused me, was the unknown force continuously pushing my head underwater, despite me swimming! I later understood it was the result of 4 more giant waves! As I neared the shore, my mind went blank, and I thought I was drowning, even though my feet were on the ground! Later, we all hit the water sports and had some memories to cherish.

Quick History: (Ref: Wikipedia)

In the year 1498, Vasco da Gama landed at St. Mary’s Island on this journey from Portugal. He fixed a cross on the island and named one of these islands as “O Padrao de Santa Maria” as a dedication to Mother Mary. It is from this name that the islands got their current name.

Interesting Facts: (Ref: Wikipedia)

• The basalt of the islands was formed by sub-aerial sub volcanic activity at the time of rifting of Madagascar from India.
• It is declared as one of the 32 National Geological Monuments of India
• St. Mary’s Island is also known as Coconut Island. These are group of 4 Islands – Coconut Island, North Island, Daryabahadurgarh Island and South Island.

What is in past cannot be same as present but always leaves some imprints! This is one such Island formed due to rifting and we see the imprints of basaltic rock formations.

Connectivity and where to stay:

There is no accommodation options on island and one has to stay at Malpe or Udupi. Malpe is a small village which is located at a distance of around 6km from Udupi. The nearest airport is Mangalore and regular buses options are available from Bangalore or Mysore or Mangalore. Check out this place next and have a blissful experience.

PS respect Nature and its resources and it will always leaves you awestruck! Straight from my heart – Payback to Nature in whatever way you can and don’t leave trash on trials 🙂