Surathkal Beach

About Surathkal Beach

Situated on the shores of the Arabian Sea, Surathkal, a suburb of Mangalore (15 km) boasts of beautiful beaches, pristine surroundings and makes an ideal weekend getaway. Surathkal derived its name from the Tulu “Shiradakal” which means headstone.

According to mythology, when Lord Ganesha kept Ravana’s Shivalinga on the ground, Ravana tried to pick it up. He was unable to do so and used so much of force that some pieces scattered on the ground. One such piece from the head of the linga is said to have fallen on Surathkal.

The Surathkal Beach is one of the most commonly visited places that are located in the Mangalore city in Karnataka. The people who come to visit the city from the other parts of the country as well as abroad to spend a vacation often travel to this beach, as it offers a lot of serenity.

One of the reasons for which the Surathkal Beach is quite popular among the tourists is the beautiful natural surroundings that the place offers. It is an ideal halt for the visitors who want to spend some time away from the crowded and busy city life. One of the major attractions of the Surathkal Beach at Mangalore is the beautiful scenic view that it offers at the time of sunset.

Other than the fascinating surroundings, the Surathkal Beach of Mangalore is also widely visited for the light house that is situated in this region of the city. The lighthouse is a must-visit for those who like a dash of thrill in their lives. The lighthouse is situated in the midst of rocks. It offers a spectacular view from the top, of the region around.

The beaches of Mangalore are quite well known and the Surathkal Beach is one of them. The Surathkal Beach in Mangalore can be easily accessed from the important parts of the city. The landmark that is located at the shortest distance away from the beach is the Karnataka Regional Engineering College. This beach is a must visit place for the tourists visiting the place.

Nearest Visiting places

Beach: One of the most frequented places is the serene beach at Surathkal. Not only the locals but people from other parts of India as well as abroad spends some cozy moments in one of the most beautiful and cleanest of beaches in India. The beach gives ample opportunity to the peace loving visitors who want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the busy urban life. Both the sunrise and the sunset are a photographer’s delight.

Apart from the picturesque surroundings, the place is also visited for the presence of a lighthouse situated in the region. The lighthouse, situated amidst rocks, offers the observer an amazing outlook of the locality from the top. Karnataka Regional Engineering College is the nearest landmark to the beach. Popularly known as KREC, the institute was given the rank of a deemed university by the University Grants Commission.

Krishnapura math: The wooden construction known for the structure of the building is only 3 km away from Surathkal. The presiding god of the math is Sri Kalingamardhana Krishna, which is lord Krishna on hood of a serpent. The math has a number of branches spread all over India.

Kandige temple: The temple is situated in Chelairu village on the river bank of Nandini. This is a historical temple devoted to a deity named Sree Dharmarasu Ullaya.

**Other Activities
**Enjoy the quiet of the beaches, soak in the varying moods of the mighty Arabian Sea and go for long strolls in the countryside. Enjoy eating Mangalorean curries, especially seafood.

Location info

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Things to do at Surathkal Beach

**Sightseeing
**Sadashiva temple is on a hill near the beach. There is a scenic estuary near Sasihitulu village (5 km), formed at the point where River Pavanje joins the Arabian Sea. It is a secluded spot really worth a visit. Krishnapura Matha (3 km), one of the ashta mathas established by Sri Madhwaacharya, is nearby.

Tips & suggestions

This is one of the best places to go and experience a pleasant holiday, especially for a traveller who does not want to go to the conventional places. The things on the must-do list should be: Food served at Sadanand Hotel and some old restaurants which serve dishes from the past; sightseeing of the light house; visit to the temples in and around Surathkal and the charming beach devoid of scraps and junk.

Helpline & emergency contacts

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Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Karnataka. 4G is reliable in Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Hubli, and along highways. Coverage may be weaker in deep forest areas of Bandipur, Nagarhole, and certain Western Ghats sections. Most hotels, resorts, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Karnataka’s coastline (Karwar to Mangalore) has excellent seafood. Gokarna and Karwar have beach shacks serving fresh catch. Mangalorean Catholic cuisine — pork bafat, fish curry, sannas — is a highlight of the coast. Beachside eateries serve coastal Karnataka specialities like neer dosa and fish pulimunchi.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Gokarna, Karwar, and Mangalore offer accommodation from budget beach huts to mid-range hotels. Gokarna has a popular backpacker scene with beach-facing guesthouses. Udupi and Murudeshwar have temple-town accommodation.

Climate & weather

Karnataka has a varied climate from the humid coast to the dry Deccan plateau and cool Western Ghats. The best time to visit is October to March, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C depending on region. April–May is hot across most of the state (up to 38°C). The southwest monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rain to the coast and ghats but transforms the landscape — this is the best time for Jog Falls and Coorg’s lush greenery. Hill stations (Coorg, Chikmagalur) remain pleasant year-round. Bangalore has a moderate climate throughout.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available in the nearest town or on the approach road — check locally for the closest option.

Accessibility

The beach is accessible from the main road by a short walk across sand. Wheelchair access may be limited due to soft sand. The nearest approach road ends at the beach entrance, and beach wheelchairs are generally not available. Visitors with mobility concerns may find the shacks and parking area more accessible than the beach itself.

Rules & restrictions

Dress modestly — especially at temple-town beaches (Gokarna, Murudeshwar). Swimming conditions vary — check locally for riptides at certain beaches. Alcohol regulations vary by area; some temple towns are dry. Respect local communities and temple traditions.

Best photography spots

Karnataka’s coastline from Karwar to Mangalore offers diverse photographic subjects: the dramatic cliffs of Gokarna’s Om Beach, the working fishing harbours, and the historic lighthouses. The beaches near Karwar with the Western Ghats as backdrop, the Murudeshwar temple towering over the Arabian Sea, and sunrise at Om Beach are iconic shots.

Best time to visit Surathkal Beach

October to March is the best time. Weather is pleasant with temperatures between 20-32°C. April-May is hot and humid. June-September brings heavy monsoon rain.

Timings & opening hours

The beach is accessible throughout the day. Sunrise to sunset (approximately 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM) is the best time to visit. Swimming during daylight hours only.

Entry fee & tickets

No entry fee. Parking charges may apply for private vehicles (typically INR 20-50 for two-wheelers, INR 50-100 for cars).

Duration needed

2-4 hours for a relaxing visit. Half a day if combining with nearby attractions. Full day for beach camping or water sports.

Safety tips

Swim only in designated safe zones. Be aware of strong currents and riptides — several Karnataka beaches have dangerous undertows. Lifeguard presence varies. Avoid swimming after dark or during rough seas. Supervise children at all times.

Things to carry

Carry drinking water, snacks, comfortable walking shoes, hat/cap, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, power bank, and personal medications. A light jacket or umbrella is recommended during monsoon season (June-September). Beach essentials: swimwear, towel, change of clothes, waterproof phone pouch, beach mat, and insect repellent.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

The nearest railway station is typically on the Konkan Railway line connecting Mangalore to Karwar. Nearest airport: Mangalore International Airport (IXE) or Goa International Airport depending on location. Buses and taxis available from the station.

History of Surathkal Beach

Surathkal Beach is one of the scenic beaches along Karnataka’s 320 km coastline along the Arabian Sea. Karnataka’s coastal region, known as Karavali or Canara, has a rich maritime history spanning centuries of trade with Arab, Portuguese, and British merchants. Many beaches have been popular spots since the 1990s as domestic tourism grew.

Things to visit & highlights

The beach itself, nearby coastal villages, traditional fishing harbours, ancient temples (many coastal temples are over 500 years old), historic lighthouses, and seafood markets.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Is Surathkal Beach safe for swimming? A: Swim only during daylight hours in designated areas. Check locally for current conditions as riptides can be dangerous. Q: Are there changing rooms? A: Basic facilities may be available at popular beaches. Many beaches have natural cover. Q: What is the best time to visit? A: October to March offers the most pleasant weather.

Quick facts

• Type: Tourist Attraction
• State: Karnataka
• Category: Beaches

Visitor information

Please check locally for current visitor information.

Photo gallery of Surathkal Beach

Photos coming soon. In the meantime, you can find images of Surathkal Beach on popular travel photography sites and social media.