The Ultimate Beach Tour
“Coastal Karnataka & Bekal Beach Trail”
If you’re a sea lover or a road tripper looking for a blend of sun, sand, and serenity, look no further than the coastline from Bekal (Kerala) to Gokarna (Karnataka). This stretch is a treasure trove of pristine beaches, untouched backwaters, historic forts, vibrant cultures, and spiritual landmarks.
In this guide, we’ll take you through every beach worth visiting along this scenic coastal belt — from the quiet shores of Bekal to the spiritual sands of Gokarna — including Mangalore, Udupi, Murudeshwar, and Kumta.
BEKAL & NORTHERN KERALA BEACHES
1. Bekal Beach
Location: Kasaragod District, Kerala
Highlight: Bekal Fort backdrop
Bekal Beach is one of Kerala’s most iconic seafronts. The majestic Bekal Fort, standing tall on the shore, offers a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea. The beach is well-maintained, with landscaped gardens, walkways, and ample seating, making it ideal for families and photography enthusiasts. Evening sunsets here are truly magical.
2. Kappil Beach
Location: 7 km from Bekal
Highlight: Backwater-meets-sea experience
Kappil Beach is where the backwaters and sea create a captivating landscape. The bridge over the Kappil River gives you a rare view of blue waters on both sides. It’s quiet, clean, and untouched, making it a favourite for couples and solo travellers.
3. Pallikere Beach
Location: Near Bekal Fort
Highlight: Family-friendly atmosphere
Less touristy than Bekal Beach but equally scenic, Pallikere offers grassy areas for kids to play and open space for beachside picnics.
4. Hosdurg Beach
Location: Near Kanhangad
Highlight: Rustic charm and solitude
This lesser-known beach provides an authentic coastal Kerala vibe. With fewer crowds, it’s ideal for travellers seeking peace.
BEACHES OF MANGALORE (DAKSHINA KANNADA)
5. Panambur Beach
Location: 10 km from Mangalore City
Highlight: Water sports, camel rides, kite festivals
Panambur is Mangalore’s most popular and commercial beach. Well-organised and patrolled by lifeguards, it offers water sports, eateries, beach ATVs, and annual kite festivals. It’s great for families and large groups.
6. Tannirbhavi Beach
Location: Accessible via ferry from Sultan Battery
Highlight: Clean, secluded stretch
Unlike the busy Panambur, Tannirbhavi is calm and scenic. It has basic amenities like toilets, benches, and food stalls. The long coastline is lined with casuarina trees, offering natural shade and picnic spots.
7. Surathkal Beach
Location: Near NITK Campus
Highlight: Lighthouse and rock formations
A favourite among students and locals, Surathkal Beach is peaceful and photogenic. The lighthouse here offers a stunning view of the coast.
8. Someshwara Beach
Location: Ullal, near Someshwara Temple
Highlight: Natural rock formations (Rudra Shile)
With its rocky shoreline and spiritual ambience from the adjacent temple, Someshwara Beach is ideal for meditative walks and spiritual exploration.
9. Ullal Beach
Location: 10 km south of Mangalore
Highlight: Historical relevance and scenic beauty
Close to the dargah of Sayyid Madani, Ullal Beach has historical significance and a rustic village charm. It’s dotted with coconut palms and fishing boats.
10. Sasihithlu Beach
Location: 20 km north of Mangalore
Highlight: Surfing and estuary
One of the cleanest beaches near Mangalore, Sasihithlu, is known for hosting international surfing festivals. The beach is bordered by a river estuary, making it a unique landscape for drone photography and nature walks.
11. Bengre Beach (Bengre Kodi)
Location: Mangalore, near Bolar and Hoige Bazaar
Highlight: Estuary where the Nethravathi River meets the sea
Bengre Beach offers a unique experience, standing at the point where river and sea converge. Surrounded by fishing boats and narrow land strips, the beach has a magical estuarine setting. Ideal for watching the golden hour with local life unfolding around you
12. Chitrapura Beach
Location: Near Surathkal, Mangalore
Highlight: Peaceful, clean, and uncrowded
Often skipped by tourists, Chitrapura is a quiet and clean beach with gentle waves and soft sand. It’s an excellent spot for yoga, long walks, and even bird watching during early mornings.
13. Batapady Beach
Location: Near Someshwara-Ullal, south of Mangalore
Highlight: Secluded and surrounded by natural beauty
Batapady Beach is untouched and peaceful, making it perfect for nature lovers. You can hear only the waves and the wind—a great escape from the city’s bustle.
14. Hosabettu Beach
Location: Close to Panambur, near NMPT
Highlight: Lesser-known coastal escape
Hosabettu is a tranquil spot just a few minutes from the busy Panambur Beach. It’s frequented more by locals, which makes it feel exclusive and authentic.
UDUPI & KUNDAPURA BEACHES
15. Malpe Beach
Location: 6 km from Udupi
Highlight: Water sports & access to St. Mary’s Island
Malpe is vibrant and action-packed. From banana boats to parasailing, it’s the adventure hub of the Karnataka coast. Ferries to St. Mary’s Island, known for its hexagonal basaltic rock formations, also leave from here.
16. Kaup (Kapu) Beach
Location: Between Udupi and Mangalore
Highlight: Lighthouse & rustic charm
The iconic lighthouse at Kaup offers panoramic views of the coast. The beach is less crowded and great for romantic getaways and sunset photography.
17. Padubidri Beach
Location: 10 km north of Udupi
Highlight: Blue Flag Certification
Padubidri is among Karnataka’s few Blue Flag-certified beaches, signifying international standards in cleanliness and eco-friendliness. Ideal for families, joggers, and nature lovers.
18 Trasi Beach
Location: 2 km from Maravanthe
Highlight: Peaceful, long stretches
Trasi is perfect for quiet beach walks and shell collecting. It’s often used by turtle conservationists and eco-tourists.
19. Uppunda Beach
Location: Near Byndoor
Highlight: Offbeat & pristine
Ideal for solitude seekers. It’s relatively untouched and great for sunrise viewing.
20. Pithrody Udyavar Beach
Location: Near Udupi, close to the Udyavar River
Highlight: Peninsula feel—sea on one side, river on the other
This narrow stretch of land gives you a rare double-waterbody experience. You can witness sunrise on one side and sunset on the other—a treat for photographers and travellers alike.
21. Padukere Beach
Location: Across from Malpe, accessible via Padukere Bridge
Highlight: Offbeat, close to Malpe, yet untouched
Padukere is ideal for those who want to escape the crowd of Malpe. A newly built bridge connects it directly to Udupi town. Enjoy the tranquil sea, minimal crowd, and traditional coastal homes.
22. Yermal Thenka Beach
Location: Near Padubidri
Highlight: Clean and uncrowded shoreline
A hidden beach near Yermal village, perfect for peaceful walks and beach games. Surrounded by coconut plantations and tiny villages, this is one of the most secluded beaches on this route.
23. Jaali Beach
Location: Near Baindur, on the NH-66 coastal highway
Highlight: Cliffside views and turquoise waters
Jaali Beach is a hidden stunner near Byndoor. What makes it special are its dramatic cliffs, turquoise waves, and an untouched feel. The beach is perfect for drone photography, short hikes, and relaxation.
BHATKAL TO HONNAVAR
24. Murudeshwar Beach
Location: Near Bhatkal
Highlight: World’s second-tallest Shiva statue
The beach, temple, and towering Shiva statue together create a spiritual yet scenic atmosphere. Activities include boating and jet skiing.
25. Bhatkal Beach
Location: Bhatkal Town
Highlight: Local culture & simplicity
A non-commercial beach used mainly by fishermen. Offers an authentic view of local life and coastal routines.
26. Kasarkod Eco Beach
Location: Honnavar
Highlight: Eco-tourism and Blue Flag beach
Equipped with bamboo huts, cycling tracks, play areas, and walkways, it’s ideal for families with children and nature enthusiasts.
27. Apsarakonda Beach
Location: Near Honnavar
Highlight: Hidden waterfall and elevated viewpoint
This beach lies at the foot of a small cliff, with a park and a waterfall above it. Great for short hikes and picnics.
28 . Sharavathi Kandla Mangrove Boardwalk
Location: Honnavar
Highlight: Wooden walkway through dense mangrove forest
Although not a beach in the traditional sense, this boardwalk takes you through a rare ecosystem of mangrove forests along the Sharavathi River estuary. Ideal for eco-tourists, bird watchers, and educational visits. The walkway ends near the river mouth where the sea begins.
GOKARNA BEACHES
29. Gokarna Main Beach
Location: Gokarna Town
Highlight: Pilgrimage and temple visits
The beach is popular with Hindu pilgrims visiting the Mahabaleshwar Temple. It’s lively and spiritual.
30. Om Beach
Location: 6 km from Gokarna
Highlight: Om-shaped shoreline
A favourite among foreign tourists, Om Beach offers great cafes, shacks, and is the starting point of the Gokarna beach trek.
31. Kudle Beach
Location: Between Gokarna Main Beach and Om Beach
Highlight: Backpacker vibe
Shack-style accommodation, yoga classes, and drum circles are common. Perfect for extended stays.
32. Half Moon Beach
Location: Accessible by trek or boat
Highlight: Isolated and small
Named for its crescent shape, this beach offers seclusion and calm waves. You can camp or enjoy a hammock under the palms.
33. Paradise Beach (Full Moon Beach)
Location: Last stop on the trek trail
Highlight: Unspoiled beauty
Only accessible by foot or boat, this beach is a favourite for campers and offbeat travellers.
The coastline from Bengre to Alivekodi is more than just a stretch of sand—it is a living, breathing canvas of untouched beauty, cultural depth, and coastal tranquillity. These hidden beaches, often missed by mainstream tourists, offer you the rare luxury of solitude and the chance to connect deeply with nature.
Whether it’s the shimmering backwaters of Delta Beach, the mystical charm of Apsarakonda, the glowing waves of Mattu, or the quiet mangroves of Sharavathi Kandla, each destination tells its own story. Perfect for sunrise seekers, sunset chasers, photographers, families, and solo travellers alike, this route is your passport to discovering Karnataka’s best-kept coastal secrets.
🌊 So skip the crowds, follow the less-trodden path, and let the waves lead you on an unforgettable journey.
✨ Book your trip with Mangalore Travels Corporation for a comfortable, curated, and soul-stirring beach escape.
