explore a quaint little town and its many delights
If you think the beach is all there is to see from the Blue Matsya, you are about to be pleasantly surprised. There’s more to your vacation than just swimming in the sea or sunbathing on the beach. In fact you’d do well to stack some extra memory cards in your camera case and maybe even carry a fresh travel diary (particularly if you are into documenting every day of your holidays).
Lighthouse
Kaup beach boasts a 110 year old, fully operational lighthouse built high on basalt rocks. Visitors can go up the lighthouse before sunset for some superb views of the coastline and the sea. The lighthouse is just 500 meters from The Blue Matsya.
Water Sports
Kaup beach also offers water sports for those who love a spin on the speed boat or the banana or water bike. You will be picked up and dropped from The Blue Matysa itself by Prashant and his team.
Dolphin sighting and a swim in the deep sea
Prashant will even take you for guaranteed Dolphin sighting into the deep seas in the morning. Once in the deep sea, get him to shut off the motor, slip into the sea and float…of course with your life jackets firmly in place. Even those who cannot swim can attempt this for the most unbelievably exhilarating experience ever. It even beats the Dolphin viewing. Tides permitting, Prashant will get his boat right outside The Blue Matsya to pick up and drop you.
A piece of Utopia
Take the beach road from The Blue Matsya and drive north. Simply follow the road till you can go no further (about 12 kms). With the beach to your left and the backwaters to your right, the early morning sun filtering through coconut tree fronds, little homes and colourful temples along the road, fisher women carrying their fresh catch, the air redolent with the smell of wood fires, you will catch a piece of Utopia.
Kaup Painteh
This is the local town center just 1.5 km from The Blue Matsya. Fresh fruits, vegetables, provisions, local snacks, ATMs, go there to stroll around and get a feel of the village. If you are there on a Friday visit the farmers’ market to see or buy amazingly fresh produce.
Saint Mary’s island
Off the coast of Malpe is the unusual St Mary’s island made up of distinctive columnar basaltic lava, dating back to when India broke away from Madagascar and the continent of Africa. Malpe is just 15 mins drive from The Blue Matsya. From Malpe there are regular and frequent ferries that take you to the island.
Krishna Temple, Udupi
One of the seven most important Krishna temples, thousands of devotees throng the temple all year round. The only temple where the Lord has his back to the devotees. Legend has it, a poor man, Lord Krishna’s most ardent devotee was not allowed into the temple. Undeterred, the man found a small opening at the back of the temple from where he would pray to the Lord. Moved by his devotion, Lord Krishna turned to face him and turned his back for ever. To this day the Lord is worshiped only through a window. Udupi and the temple are just 15 kms from The Blue Matsya.
Kolas
Unique to the region Kolas are held in various places all through Dec to April. If you are at the Blue Matsya around this period you must go for one of these all night cultural extravaganzas of story telling of legends and spirits through music and dance. The protagonists have elaborate costumes and bodies and faces painted as in the Yakshagana and are a delight to watch.
Hasta Shilpa at Manipal
For those of you with a love for ancient architecture, Hasta Shilpa, 20km from the blue matsya, is an incredible not to be missed treasure. On the periphery of the lake in Manipal, Hasta Shilpa is a collection of beautifully restored ancient homes of this region, filled with stunning, rich wood work. Go, because it will inspire you and fill you with admiration for one man's indomitable spirit, passion and hard work to preserve a rich heritage for posterity. Book online before you go. Guided tours of 2 hours. at 10am and 2.30pm.
Mangalore city
45 kms south of The Blue Matsya. Like all big cities in India today, you will see the familiar malls and department stores. But the city does have its jewels on display. Don’t miss the Saint Aloysius Chapel built in 1899. Every inch of the chapel’s walls and ceilings are covered by paintings of the Italian artist, Antony Moshaini. Worth a visit even if you have seen all the churches of Europe.
Surfing : 23 Km
Catch the waves at Kodi or Mulki if you are a surfer or if you are a beginner learn to surf from qualified professional surfers who teach you surfing at either of these places a short drive from The Blue Matsya.
Buffalo Races ( Kambala): 6 km
South Karnataka is reknowned for its buffalo races which happen between December and April. One of the regions biggest takes place at just 6 kms from Kaup. A photographers delight these races are held in paddy fields and draw crowds of 20,000 people.
Someshwar Wild life Sanctuary: 60kms
On the western ghats the sanctuary includes tigers, leopards, wild pig, Sambhar, Spotted deer, Jackal, King Cobra, and some interesting and unusual fauna
Agumbe: 58kms
on the western ghats Agumbe is called the Chirapunjee of the south. The ecology here resembles that of a rain forest and the place has some fantastic points to view the sunset over the sea at the distance
Marvanthe: 65km
If you are driving north of The Blue Matsya dont miss Marvanthe where the National Highway 17 seemingly slices through the Arabian sea. A stunning drive with the sea on one side of the highway and the Suparnika river on the other.
Murudeshwar: 67km
An awesome massive 123 feet high white Shiv statue sits at the very edge of the sea with his back to the sea , facing the devotees. Drive through the coconut plantation and when this statue reveals itself to you it is a jaw dropping moment.
Netrani or Pigeon island for snorkelling and diving: 67kms
At Murudeshwar, Netrani is considered to as good and by some folks even better than diving in the Andamans. Its underwater life is beautiful with visibility between 15 to 30 meters it offers excellent diving for divers of all experience levels. It is well known for regular sightings of Turtles, Napolean Wrasse, Great Barracuda, Cobia, White and Black Tip Sharks , Stingrays, Stone fish and many more.
Temple Country:
South Karnataka and particularly the Udupi region (where Kaup is), is known for its many temples. There are fabulous legends behind every temple and every temple has different and unique wish granting ability that devotees chose it for. Name your problem and there is a temple renowned for addressing it. Here is a list of some of the most famous in the region
- Marigudi temple at Kaup 1km
- Bappanadu Devesthana on Shambhavi River, Mulki, 19km
- Kateel Devasthana on Banks of Nandini river, 32km
- Kudroli gokarnanathu Temple 42kms
- Dharmasthala 98kms
- Subrahmanya 145km
