Enjoy exotic beaches with a hint of cultural extravaganza at this offbeat destination in Karnataka. Here’s everything you need to know about Mulki. So pack your bags to #DiscoverTheUndiscovered at this surfing paradise. By Upasana Sarangi
A small panchayat town located approximately 30 km away from Mangalore city, Mulki is a tranquil delight for surfers. This quaint town spreads across the banks of river Shambhavi and is a prominent landmark for being home to the first Indian surf club. Since then, it has been attracting tourists for premium water sports facilities. A perfect blend of sporty and village life, you will get to experience it all in Mulki.
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Mulki beach is one of the safest beaches with waves going up to only two to three feet. It is a well-maintained beach, and since it is non-commercial, you wouldn’t find the usual hustle-bustle. With white sandy stretches, the water is as clear as crystal, making it extremely harmonious for a leisure trip. You will find a lot of public and private surfing clubs spaced out around the beach. To experience the best of beach serenity, you can walk to the point of the assemblage of Shambhavi River, Nandini River and the Arabian Sea. Enjoying the sunset at that point would be impeccable.
Apart from your regular strolls by the beach, here are a few fun things you can do when in Mulki.
Surfing
Mulki is the best place to hone your surfing skills because medium tides ensure a comfortable experience for beginners. There are many clubs with in-house trained surfers who can help you with the process. Being one of the oldest destinations with surfing culture, you wouldn’t be disappointed with your experience here.
The Mantra Surf Club goes beyond just surfing and provides facilities for several other water sports such as paddle boating, cycling, beach yoga and much more.
Kayaking
This town has long-distance kayaking routes for swift and adventurous rides along the Shambhavi River. With a pleasant climate and lush landscapes, it is also a safe bet. You can book a ride with KayakBoy, the largest flat-water Kayaking Club in India. They provide offers for distances ranging from 5 km to 25 km. Based on your package, you can also avail camp stays and food facilities.
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Deity Visit
You can head over to Shree Venkataramana Temple blessed with the idols of Lord Narsimha, Lord Venkataraman and Lord Bindu Madhav. They provide a generous free lunch to all devotees. Do not miss out on witnessing the Darshana Seva (Oracle) when you’re there. Shree Durgaparameshwari Temple is yet another prominent pilgrim centre in Mulki, which is known for its architectural style and built. You can visit the temple in the evening to witness a soulful bhajan gathering and soothe your mind.
Town Tour
Take a walk around the town to get a glimpse of the local lifestyle here. Since a large part of the population engages in fishing and agriculture, you will get some delectable food options in the local market.
Even though Mulki does not have a wide range of restaurants, the ones available serve authentic local food. You can order fish-based dishes as it is a popular delicacy in the region. The food is more on the piquant side made with local herbs and spices; you will thoroughly enjoy your meal.
Stay
To maintain the region’s solace, they haven’t built commercial hotels or luxury resorts around the area. However, you will find many budget hotels, homestays and Airbnbs here.
Reach
Mangalore is the closest airport, followed by a 45-minute drive to Mulki. You can also get down at the Mangalore Railway Station if travelling via train and then drive down to the location. Since Mangalore is well-connected to Bengaluru or Goa, you can also opt for a road trip.
You can enjoy this destination at all times of the year except for the monsoon. Since the real delight of the place lies outdoor, it would be advisable to avoid planning a trip during rainy months.
Related: #DiscoverTheUndiscovered: The World’s Cleanest Beach In Karnataka Is Now Open For Tourists