St Mary’s islands are a group of islands that rests just a few miles off the coast of Malpe, Udupi. These islands are also known as coconut islands due to tall coconut trees that beautify one of the isles. North Island, South Island, Coconut Island, and Darya Bahadurgarh island together make the stunning St Mary’s islands. As you walk into the islands bluish saline water, white sands, seashells, tall green coconut tree, and basaltic rocks seems to be taking you into a different world altogether.
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Basaltic Columnar Rocks, St Mary’s Island
Besides all this, what makes this a top-notch destination is the distinctive geological formation of basaltic Columnar rocks that are hexagonal in shape. Scientifically, basalts here are formed due to subvolcanic activity that took place millions of years ago. Similar kinds of rock formation traces can also be seen in the Madagascar region of Africa. Hence, it is believed that Madagascar was attached to India before the rift separated them millions of years ago, due to subvolcanic activity.
In fact, this unique rock formation is what made this place a geological monument of Karnataka and India.
Vasco Da Gama Visit in 1498 to St Mary’s Island
As per the folklore, Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama had made a pitstop in these islands before reaching Calicut in Kerala. Apparently, it was he who fixed a Cross and named it” El Padrao De Santa Maria” meaning mother Mary. Hence, the island is known as “St. Mary’s”.
Things To Do In Thensopar Islands
One of the best places to sight the birds and click some nice pics of them. You can easily spot birds like Brahminy kites, Seagulls, Egrets, and Sandpipers flying over you.
You can try out beach hiking, which trails through formations of rocks, green vegetations, and virgin beaches. Usually, it would take about 90 minutes to go exploring around the islands.
Camping at night is not allowed as the Arabian sea turns violent after the sun dips down the horizon.
How To Reach The Coconut Islands?
The only way you can reach these islands is through the ferries that are available in Malpe beach or fishing harbor. And the ferries don’t operate during monsoon from mid-June to September.
St Mary’s Island Information:
Ferry timings: 9 Am to 5 Pm
Ferry Cost: Rs 300/ person.
Ride Time: 30 minutes one side.
Best Time To Visit: Oct To March
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