Maravanthe Beach
The road between the sea and the river.
Maravanthe is the most famous beach of the Kundapura coast and one of the best-known seascapes in Karnataka. For a few remarkable kilometres, National Highway 66 runs along a thin strip of land with the Arabian Sea breaking on one side and the calm Souparnika river flowing on the other.
MaravantheThe unique geography
At Maravanthe the Souparnika river runs parallel to the coast, separated from the sea by only the width of the road and a sandbar. The result is a rare panorama — surf on the west, still river water on the east, and the Kodachadri range of the Western Ghats rising in the distance.
Sunset and scenery
The beach is celebrated for its sunsets, when the sea and river both catch the light. The drive along this stretch of NH-66 is a highlight of any coastal road trip between Udupi and Bhatkal.
Things to do
Visitors come for photography, quiet walks, fresh coconut water from roadside stalls and seafood at small eateries. Boating on the Souparnika is possible, and the nearby Kollur Mookambika temple makes Maravanthe a natural stop on the pilgrim route.
Safety and best time
The sea here can have strong currents; swimming is best avoided beyond the shallows, especially during the monsoon. The ideal time to visit is October to February, in the late afternoon for the sunset.
References & notes
- Karnataka Tourism — Maravanthe.
- Coastal road-trip guides, NH-66.