Kapu beach - The Pristine Seashore

It was 5 pm when we departed from Sultan Battery Mangalore. We started driving towards Udupi, as we had to leave to Bangalore the same night. The previous day, we tried our best to chase the sun but missed the sunset at Malpe beach, which had left us disappointed. Only thing, running on my mind - "Sunset in a beach".  I opened maps to check whether we can stop by any beach between Mangalore and Udupi. There I found, the Kapu beach Udupi. A ray of hope to watch the sunset made me smile :) Obviously! Beach vibes just take away all the worries of the life and relax. Maybe this is the reason, many youngsters prefer vacations on the beachside. Pradeep was driving and I literally tortured him to drive fast so that we witness the sunset at Kapu beach :P

[caption id="attachment_6215" align="alignnone" width="800"] Masterpiece :)[/caption]

Brief on Kapu beach

Kapu also referred to as Kaup, is a town in Udupi, Karnataka. It's actually situated between Mangalore (40km) and Udupi (13km) beside NH 66 and is a must visit when you drive between these cities. Kapu is unique and famous for its beach lighthouse and three Mariamma temples and a fort built by Tipu Sultan. Kapu beach showcases the gushing Arabian sea with beautiful sunsets to behold. Though the sea is mostly calm all year round, there have been isolated cases of drowning in this beach. It's one of the cleanest beaches in coastal Karnataka and a preferred location for movie shootings.

Brief on Kapu Lighthouse

The Kapu lighthouse was built in 1901 and has for these many years stood on the rocks guiding thousands of sailors and warning the presence of dangerous rocks. The lighthouse is open for visitors from 5 PM to 6 PM and the entry fee is Rs.10 per head. The 360-degree view from the lighthouse would be mesmerizing.

Arriving at Kapu beach

Beware of the small signboard on your left mentioning "Kapu beach" (barely visible) en route to Udupi on Mangalore highway. Kudos to Pradeep, he drove great and we reached Kapu beach at 5:45 pm. The parking lot was full of vehicles as it was a weekend and the parking service person directed helped us to park the car. There were many stalls put up selling coffees, snacks, fish curries and seafood.

[caption id="attachment_6204" align="alignnone" width="800"] The Kapu beach - Pristine :)[/caption]

We were running out of time, we carried the extra pair of clothes and made our way towards the beach. The sea was so terrific – raging away in all its fury! We were eager to get into the sea but had to change the clothes. We looked around to check for changing rooms. There were no changing rooms as such so we had to quickly change in the restrooms itself. We were all set to encroach the sea waves.

Moments at Kapu beach

The sun was ready to go down and was blooming like a fire rose. The sea was roaring in all fierceness. The beach of crisp, clean golden sand stretches for a kilometre or more and was crowded with beach lovers. As I could sight high in the sky, there stood a lighthouse. An elegant tall 5 storeyed black and white coloured lighthouse surrounded by huge beach rocks.

[caption id="attachment_6222" align="alignnone" width="800"] The mighty Kapu lighthouse[/caption]

The sea at Kapu beach is furious with strong waves compared to Malpe beach. Also, I could feel that I was actually looking at an ocean and not a sea. That's the glory of the Arabian sea over Bay of Bengal - The violent sea. I completely loved it <3

[caption id="attachment_6208" align="alignnone" width="800"] Strong waves at Kapu beach[/caption]

Fun time at Kapu

The atmosphere was warm windy and the waves were strongly splashing on the shore. We stepped into the seawater joyfully and let the waves pound on us. We formed a circle and started to float as the waves splashed on us. It was playful and fun to play with the sea water. Please Do not, I repeat, do not try to swim in the waters, the tides can pull you into deep sea or smash you against the rocks. The waves actually fierce and strong compared to other beaches I have been. The rescue to such accidents is next to impossible.

[caption id="attachment_6211" align="alignnone" width="800"] The circle game and floating :)[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_6212" align="alignnone" width="800"] Fun at beach[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_6213" align="alignnone" width="800"] Golden sea :P[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_6214" align="alignnone" width="800"] Wave therapy[/caption]

After playing enough, we relaxed on the shore and watched the waves calmly. We gazed at the lighthouse. It was hell crowded, so we did not consider the idea of going there. We decided to relax on the shack. I and Tharun tried building a sandcastle and we failed miserably :P Children were playing games, they were chasing each other playfully. Some families were chilling in water and few were sitting on the shores having a good time. There were some rocks surrounding the lighthouse, few people were adventurously performing rock climbing stunts. Mostly the crowd stayed near the lighthouse only. The other side of the beach is pleasant and gives the feeling of pristine. A small walk in this direction is worth your time :)

[caption id="attachment_6219" align="alignnone" width="800"] Relaxing on the shore[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_6205" align="alignnone" width="800"] Sandcastle - miserably scrapped :P[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_6210" align="alignnone" width="800"] Rocks at Kapu[/caption]

Beautiful sunset at Kapu beach

It was almost time for the sunset and I set the camera for timelapse. The crowd gradually increased as the sun was dipping into the ocean. The sea started roaring more furiously and the sky turned red. The sun looked like a huge fireball. That's the amazing sunset I have witnessed on any beach. Beautiful and Awesome! Even now, I can travel in my mind to Kapu and remember this sunset.

[caption id="attachment_6215" align="alignnone" width="800"] Fireball sun and the roaring sea[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_6216" align="alignnone" width="800"] Dipping into the ocean[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_6217" align="alignnone" width="800"] Nature's painting :)[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_6221" align="alignnone" width="800"] Cheers to photography skills of Tharun :P[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_6223" align="aligncenter" width="768"] I do not practice Yoga, unless its a beach :P[/caption]

As the sun disappeared, the sky looked like a splash orange painting. It was great to be in Kapu that day rather than any other beach. Loved it! With its stretches of white sands, perfect location and idle atmosphere, Kaup is a place that you’ll never want to leave, thanks to its pristine beauty.

[caption id="attachment_6218" align="alignnone" width="800"] View of lighthouse after sunset[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_6220" align="alignnone" width="800"] The sky blooming red[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_6206" align="alignnone" width="800"] Beauty of Nature's art[/caption]

Time to depart

As the atmosphere became dark, we had to leave as it gets deserted and not safe. We were full of sand and somehow managed to clean and enter the car. Pradeep started driving towards Brahmavar. Meanwhile, in the back seat, we were secretly planning a birthday cake for him :P We stopped by Santhekatte and managed to get him a surprise cake.

We reached Shwetha's home and freshened up. We had the sumptuous dinner again. All thanks to aunty for hosting us and preparing fish fries, which others totally enjoyed. Soon after dinner, we surprised Pradeep with birthday cake cutting. Celebrating a friend's birthday is always special and fun :)

[caption id="attachment_6207" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Happy Birthday, Pradeep :)[/caption]

Finally, we were all set to leave Udupi. Reluctantly we walked to the bus stand and Shwetha's parents came to bid us bye. We boarded the bus at 10 pm and fell asleep soon.

The whole Udupi trip was unplanned and the most memorable one till date. From Kere basadi to Kapu beach, we covered a lot of places and the experiences were beautiful and make us smile when we remember them.

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Read other travelogues near Udupi and Mangalore:
1. Tannirbhavi beach – Pine trees, beach huts and a glimpse of fishing
2. Kateel temple – A True feel of divinity
3. Maravanthe beach – Bond of sea and river
4. Agumbe – Drive through the Deadly Western Ghats 
5. Kere Basadi – Bliss of Varanga Jain temples [ Udupi trip Part-2 ]
6. Udupi Sri Krishna Matha [Udupi trip Part-1]
7. Sultan Battery Mangalore - Tipu's watch tower

Visiting tips :

• Kaup or Kapu Beach is located on the Western Coast National Highway near the town of Udupi in southern Karnataka. Kaup Beach located around 13 km from Udupi and 40 km from Mangalore.


• The signboard is barely visible, so keep the maps handy.


• The best time to explore Kapu Beach is between October and December.


• The best time to visit Kapu beach is either during sunrise or sunset. It gets too hot during the day. During mornings, the beach is generally empty, so preferable to visit then.


• Kaup Beach with the 100 ft high lighthouse on the rocks is a photographer’s delight. The lighthouse timings: 4 pm to 6 pm and the entry fee is Rs.10 per head. It offers a delightful view of the entire beach and seashore that will surely take your breath away.


• Please do not swim on this beach as it is dangerous and risky.


• Seafood and fish curries are a must try at Kapu beach.