Rendezvous by the backwater and sea at Malpe.....

I was planning my visit to the famous Malpe beach in Udupi and as always, I started by studying the area well in the map. (I am glad that I do so each time and not just blatantly follow the crowd!) There I found a small stretch of backwater on the back of a village named Thonse, approx. 8 km from Malpe. Delighted I was, but not relaxed though! Cause, I was yet to come across a place to stay. Being a relatively virgin area in terms of tourist’s invasion, the place was devoid of home-stays, needless to look for a hostel or so.

Those who have already visited Malpe beach, would know that Paradise Isle Beach Resort is the single big property right on the road, facing the sea. And it is the same property that I ended my search with. Paradise Lagoon, one of their other properties, was situated right on the backwater of Thonse. To be more specific, it is the village of Kemmnue that housed this cozy and warm sojourn. So, if you are booking a cab from Mangalore airport, be accurate in naming the property right; Paradise Lagoon at Kemmenue. However, if you are already in Malpe, you could opt for an auto ride of approx. Rs. 150, to reach this rightly named, paradise by the lagoon.

With three sides of the property facing the backwater, you could book any of the rooms; the Deluxe or the Super Deluxe rooms.

The package includes breakfast, and access facilities such as, indoor and outdoor games, swimming pool, fishing deck, and paddle boat. Check-in time is around noon, so if you have reached there a little before time, you could stroll around the property, sit near the bank, try your hands in the indoor games (to avoid the Sun you could keep the outdoor games reserved for the evening), fetch the fishing rod to try your luck, or just paddle around the lake. I would suggest you keep the option of paddling, reserved for early morning, the next day. Cause, the breeze would be cooler, the water silent, and birds would be flocking in for their morning catch.

The hotel also has a houseboat (the only available option) that sails around the stretches of the backwater. It comes as a separate package. You could give it a try to experience the feel of the miniature version of the Kerala backwaters. Or just get an appointment at the Ayurveda spa facility.

Having checked in, my recommendation would be to not just stay inside your rooms. Sit in the veranda (every room has a private seating area, with cane furniture perfectly arranged, giving you the best view of the backwater), order some chilled beer and freshly prepared prawn delicacies. The food is really good over there, so you could order just anything that you feel like.

Evening is the perfect time for an auto ride around the village. On inquiring, the hotel staffs can arrange for the auto. So, once you are ready, you could visit to the nearby Hoode beach and the Delta region for the perfect sunset.

Right in front of Hoode beach, stands this newly open quaint café, Chillax Café. It serves anything from beverage, cold drinks, Maggi, to paratha and butter chicken. From hammocks, to high raised seating areas, to chairs placed right on the bank of the backwater; Chillax Café is the epicenter of the getting lost in the sea-breeze and sitting under the shades of tall coconut trees on the bank of the backwater. You wouldn’t find alcohol being served, keeping in mind that the place is frequented by the students of the nearby colleges. However, there are plenty of Todi shops on the way.

Done with the break at this café, head straight to the Delta region. About 6 km from there, the auto is especially fun, for it takes you through the small village on the way. The entire stretch is covered with coconut groves and small houses here and there, with no commercial establishments, hotels, or homestays; this is exactly what makes this area virgin with the right amount of essence.

The Delta region is well-known for the sunset. So, if you have been longing to capture that one perfect shot, it’s that time now. You could take a beautiful walk along the way or just sit at the perfectly rock laid high raised pavement. With small fishing boats plying frequently, and lots of birds flocking away, your evening is sorted.

I did spend another day at Udupi. However, the next day was on the Malpe beach. Stay tuned to know more about the fun that I had there. Till then, try to make a plan and explore this maiden piece of land with a touch of tranquility strewn everywhere.