Photo spot in Udupi
St Mary's Islands
Udupi, Karnataka
A cluster of uninhabited islands famed for their dramatic hexagonal basalt rock columns and clear waters, reached by boat from Malpe.
Best time
Morning, on an early boat, for softer light on the rock columns and fewer people on the shore.
Best angle
Walk along the shore and take a low, close photo of the six-sided basalt columns with the sea behind them.
Entry fee
Boat fare
Opening hours
Boat hours (weather permitting)
Crowd level
Medium
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit St Mary's Islands
Morning, on an early boat, for softer light on the rock columns and fewer people on the shore. Crowds here are typically medium. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for St Mary's Islands
Walk along the shore and take a low, close photo of the six-sided basalt columns with the sea behind them. Work a few of the pose ideas below, shoot wide for context and tight for detail, and give yourself a couple of extra minutes to get the frame right.
On the basalt columns
On the island beach
Outfit guide
What to wear at St Mary's Islands
For photos at St Mary's Islands, white, coral and cobalt work beautifully — they stand out against the setting without fighting it. Pick one hero colour and keep the rest of the look calm so you stay the subject of the frame.
Best outfit colors for photos
Trending wear for this spot
Modern, camera-ready looks picked for St Mary's Islands.
Traditional wear for this spot
Timeless, cultural outfits worn across Udupi.
Eat nearby
Food near St Mary's Islands
Hungry after the shoot? Search the Udupi food guide by craving to find something good nearby.
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Good to know
Local tips
Take one of the first boats from Malpe for fewer people and softer light.
Check that boats are running, as they usually stop from mid-May to mid-September.
Carry water, a hat and sunscreen, as there is almost no shade.
Wear sandals with grip for the sharp, uneven rocks.
Do not swim or climb on rocks where the waves are breaking.
Do not break or remove pieces of rock or shells from the island.
Keep an eye on the time for your return boat.
About St Mary's Islands
St Mary's Islands are four small, uninhabited islands in the Arabian Sea off Malpe, also known locally as Thonsepar, or Coconut Island. They are famous for their columns of volcanic rock, formed around 88 million years ago as lava cooled and cracked into five-, six- and seven-sided pillars. The Geological Survey of India lists them as a National Geological Monument.
Visitors usually land on the main island, where the columns rise along the shore beside a beach of shells and coconut palms. The story goes that Vasco da Gama landed here in 1498 and named the islands. Boats run from Malpe only in the dry season and usually stop from mid-May to mid-September. There is almost no shade or facilities on the island.
Questions
St Mary's Islands — FAQ
What is the best time to visit St Mary's Islands?
Morning, on an early boat, for softer light on the rock columns and fewer people on the shore. Walk along the shore and take a low, close photo of the six-sided basalt columns with the sea behind them.
Is there an entry fee at St Mary's Islands?
Entry to St Mary's Islands is by boat fare.
What are the opening hours of St Mary's Islands?
St Mary's Islands keeps boat hours (weather permitting).
What should I wear at St Mary's Islands?
White, coral and cobalt photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does St Mary's Islands get?
Crowd levels are typically medium. To miss the busiest window: morning, on an early boat, for softer light on the rock columns and fewer people on the shore.
What are St Mary's Islands famous for?
They are famous for their columns of volcanic rock, formed about 88 million years ago. The islands are a National Geological Monument.
How do I reach St Mary's Islands?
Take a boat from Malpe Beach, about 6 km from Udupi. The ride takes around 20–30 minutes each way. Boats usually run only from mid-September to mid-May.
How much time do I need at St Mary's Islands?
Boats usually give you about 1–2 hours on the island, which is enough to walk the shore and see the rock columns.
Is it safe to swim at St Mary's Islands?
It is best not to. The rocks are sharp, the waves can be strong and there are no lifeguards. Paddle only in calm water close to the shore.