Legend has it that in the year 1498, Vasco da Gama landed in St. Mary's Islands on his voyage from Portugal to India, fixed a cross on the island and named one of these islands, El Padron de Santa Maria, as a dedication to Mother Mary. It is from this name that the islands has got its current name.
St. Mary's Islands is a set of four small islands in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Malpe in Udupi. The St Mary's islands is one of the four geological monuments in Karnataka state. The monument is considered as an important site for "Geo Tourism". Out of the four islands which form St. Mary’s Islands, the northernmost island has basaltic rock formation in a hexagonal form, the only one of its type in India. The western coasts of the islands is a seashell haven with seashells of various shapes and sizes littered along the coast. There is no sand beach to swim and relax since it is scatted with basaltic rocks. But there are flat slabs to sit and enjoy the serenity of the place.
The Islands are bereft of buildings, fences, shops. There are no domestic animals either. There are only covered pavilions with park benches on the shore and further inland. The highest elevation at St Mary's Island also called The Coconut Island, which has generated interest among geologists and tourists, is about 10 m (32.8 ft) above surrounding areas in the form of platforms in the elevation range of +6 m (19.7 ft), +3 m (9.8 ft), +1.5 m (4.9 ft) and + 0 m
+ 0 m which apparently is due to wave action pointing to an “episodic sea level rise or fall of land”. Visitors can wander around freely and enjoy the hexagonal formations from vanatge locations.
The only way of getting to the islands is by boat. Regular ferry service ply from the Malpe fishing harbour to the islands. However, the frequency of these boats may vary depending on the number of tourists visiting. The weather is either very hot or hot so dont forget your sun screen and umbrella. Visitors have to carry drinking water and food.
St Mary's Island - The Coconut Islands
