Udupi: In preparation for the upcoming monsoon season, the Udupi district administration has imposed a four-month ban on tourist access to the renowned St. Mary’s Island, located off the Malpe coast. This restriction, effective from May 16 to September 15, aims to ensure visitor safety as rough seas and high winds begin to intensify.
All adventure water activities on and around the island will also remain suspended during this time, following standard seasonal safety practices. The move comes in response to increasingly turbulent sea conditions, which pose risks for boat travel and recreational water sports.
St. Mary’s Island, also called Thonsepar or Coconut Island, is a cluster of four small islets in the Arabian Sea, known for their rare columnar basalt rock formations and picturesque beaches. The area is protected as a National Geological Monument due to its 88-million-year-old volcanic rock structures—believed to have formed when Madagascar was still connected to India.
Local authorities have confirmed that boat services along the West Coast are suspended, complying with Harbour Craft safety protocols. Despite public appeals to extend tourist services during the recent holiday season, officials have prioritized safety over commerce.
Although limited shallow water access may be allowed until June 1, stricter measures—including beach barricades—will be enforced thereafter, according to Tourism Deputy Director Chandrashekhar. These steps are designed to protect both tourists and the fragile island ecosystem throughout the rainy season.
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