About Surathkal Beach
Surathkal Beach is a sandy coastal stretch in Surathkal, about 12 km north of Mangaluru in Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka, along the Arabian Sea. Located adjacent to the National Institute of Technology Karnataka campus and marked by the Surathkal Lighthouse, it is known for its wide shoreline, rocky patches and sunset views. The beach is popular for leisure walks, photography and as a traditional fishing shore with nearby temples and eateries.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a wide sandy beach with scattered rocky outcrops along the Arabian Sea coastline, bordered by the Surathkal Lighthouse on a small hillock. The setting includes fishing boats, views of the sea and sunset, and a relatively clean shoreline near the NITK campus. Areas to explore include the main beach stretch, the lighthouse viewpoint, and nearby pathways. Activities are centered on walking, sightseeing and photography in an open coastal environment.
Key highlights
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Wide sandy shoreline along the Arabian Sea north of Mangaluru
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Surathkal Lighthouse offering panoramic coastal views
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Sunset viewing and photography opportunities
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Adjacent to NITK Surathkal campus
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Traditional fishing boats and local coastal activity
History of Surathkal Beach
Surathkal is a historic coastal settlement in the Tulunadu region. The Surathkal Lighthouse, located adjacent to the beach, was commissioned in 1972 to aid navigation along this stretch of the Arabian Sea coast and remains a landmark for the area's maritime history.
Culture & Context
The beach is part of the coastal cultural landscape of Dakshina Kannada, associated with the local fishing community and nearby religious sites such as the Sadashiva Temple at Surathkal, reflecting the region's coastal traditions.
Route
| By air | Mangaluru International Airport (IXE) at Bajpe, about 16-18 km from the beach |
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