Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
Udupi, Sep 21: Popular and world renowned tourist spots Malpe Beach and St Mary's Island are now open for tourists, visitors and holiday revellers. Malpe Beach will be open for tourists from September 22 to 26.
Prohibitory orders were clamped on tourists from visiting Malpe Beach and St Mary's Island from May 15 due to the monsoon and turbulence of the seas. The beach was barricaded by a 6 feet high protective fence that ran up to a kilometre in length.
Several warning displays and signboards were put up for the tourists against stepping into the waters. Besides, red flags were also installed to alert the revellers and tourists. Tourists were allowed to tour only Malpe Beach and enjoy its beauty but water sport activities were stopped.
With the monsoon receding and the sea returning to normal, tourists are flocking to the beach for a swim as well as to enjoy an outing. Now, tourists are allowed to leave for St Mary's Island as well.
A cleanliness drive has been initiated at St Mary's Island to dispose of the wastes accumulated due to the monsoon. The entry and the island are being cleaned up. The fenced barricade that was put up at Malpe Beach is now being removed and the beach is being cleaned up, according to controller of the Beach Controlling Committee Sudesh Shetty.
Water sports such as banana ride, jet ski ride, kayaking, boating, parasailing and camel rides besides other adventure sports are being reintroduced. Measures are being taken to ensure safety, security and an enjoyable experience is provided to the tourists, Sudesh Shetty said.
He said lifeguard peronnel are also being stationed to protect the swimmers as a precautionary measure and to prevent any untoward incidents. People are also being warned not to venture into the deep sea, he said.
Malpe Beach is located just about 5 kilometers away from here. The beach is connected adequately by buses. Tourists can take a boat from the beach to reach St Mary's Island. There's also a sea walk on the beach which gives every tourist a different experience. There's a children's park adjacent to the sea walk which is also a popular tourist spot.
However, the approach road to Malpe Beach is in bad shape as no repair works have been taken up. Potholes on the national highway have not been filled for the past few years and the ride to Malpe Beach from Udupi is a bumpy one.