Where NH divides sea and river

What is special about this place is the fact that NH-17 races along the aquatic stretch of Arabian sea on one side and docile River Sauparnika on other, against picturesque background of the Kodachadri Hills.

If you are looking for a perfect date with the nature, white sand, clear blue skies and deep green water, Maravanthe is the place. To experience the beauty of this spectacular beach, which runs for 3.5 kms, one must witness the sunset either on the beach or take a drive along the stretch. Presence on the shore during sunrise could do magical spell.

This beautiful beach is situated 9 km east of Kundapur.

The speciality of the Maravanthe Beach is its proximity to the highway NH-17, which is just 20 to 30 feet away and runs parallel to the sea with the Sauparnika river on the other side. Wellknown for the sunsets and sunrise, the beach is growing in popularity as a tourist destination.

There are many things one could do during a holiday in Maravanthe to make the tour to Maravanthe memorable. Most of the tourists opt to have a sun-bathing and laze on the sands. The beach in essence is relatively empty and rocks are stacked up at the highway side to protect the highway during storms and high tides.

Just a kilometre away is a private beach resort, which offers accommodation in Maravanthe. One can also go on a boat cruise on the Sowparnika river – take a dip in the medicinal river, explore the islands, cherish the view of the Kodachadri hills in the background and visit the temples on its banks.

Just 45 km from Maravanthe is Baindur, a tiny village with a beautiful beach and scenic sunsets. Close by is Ottinane, which is a rocky overhanging cliff, known as Sunset Point.

Belaka Theertha Falls is another destination that one could visit. Sri Varaha temple, believed to be built by the Vijayanagar rulers about 800 years ago is a must visit spot, if you are in Maravanthe.

Close by is also the Kanchugodu fishing village, which allows one to get closer to the local folk.Though lot of big plans of Maravanthe beach development were spoken by politicians from time to time, not much of development can be seen.

Since the sea erosion problem is gripping the stretch of beach, the only works that is visible is the dumping of boulders to protect the NH from sea erosion. All said and done, Maravanthe beach is still an apt escapade.

How to reach

By air: Mangalore is the nearest airport from Maravanthe beach. From here you can pick a bus or hire a taxi to the beach.

By rail: The nearest railhead from Maravanthe is Kundapur (18 km) and Mangalore (110 km). Take a bus or hire a taxi from here to reach the beach.

By road: Maravanthe beach is 450 km from Bangalore, 130 km from     Gokarna, 275 km from Goa and 50 km from Udupi by road.

Best season: August to March