About St. Mary's Islands
St. Mary's Islands are a group of four small islands in the Arabian Sea off Malpe Beach near Udupi in coastal Karnataka. Famous for distinctive hexagonal columnar basaltic lava formations formed about 88 million years ago, the islands are a designated National Geological Monument. Accessible only by boat from Malpe, they feature rocky shores, clear waters, coconut palms and pristine beaches, attracting visitors for geology, scenery and photography.
Visitors guide
Visitors take a 20-30 minute boat ride from Malpe Beach to the main island. Expect exposed hexagonal columnar basalt rocks, small sandy coves, clear shallow water, coconut palms and open rocky terrain. There are no permanent structures or accommodation on the islands. Visitors can walk along the shoreline, view the geological formations, take photographs and enjoy sea views before returning by the same boat service.
Key highlights
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Distinctive hexagonal columnar basaltic lava formations designated as a National Geological Monument
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Group of four islands - Coconut Island, North Island, Daryabahadurgarh and South Island - off Malpe coast
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Pristine beaches with clear water and coconut palms
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Historical landing site of Vasco da Gama in 1498 who named it El Padron de Santa Maria
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Scenic boat ride from Malpe Beach with views of the Arabian Sea
History of St. Mary's Islands
The islands are geologically significant for columnar basalt formed around 88 million years ago during volcanic activity associated with the separation of Madagascar from India. Historically, Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama is recorded to have landed on the islands in 1498 and named them El Padron de Santa Maria before proceeding to Calicut. The Geological Survey of India has declared the islands a National Geological Monument.
Culture & Context
Locally known as Thonse Par or Coconut Island, the islands are valued as a natural landmark of coastal Karnataka and are part of the cultural identity of the Malpe-Udupi fishing coast, featuring in local tourism and educational visits for geology.
Route
| By air |
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