St. Mary’s island Beach at Malpe, Udupi

St. Mary's isles are a group of islands accessible by ferry from Malpe, one of the major fishing harbours of Karnataka state, India. Malpe beach is located in Udupi district of the state. The Islands are just a few scattered projections of rock rising out from the Arabian Sea.

This island is noted for its basalt (volcanic) rocks, which have crystallized into columns and split into hexagonal mosaic. Perhaps this is the only isles or spot in India where basaltic rocks show up such peculiar formations.

With a coconut grove, the island is situated in the northernmost part of the state. It is the largest one here and its width does not exceed more than 250 yards.