From Seafood Flavours to Surf Lessons, Mulki is Emerging as a New Tourist Hotspot in Mangalore

Often in search of clean beaches, turquoise waters, and adventures that kick the adrenaline, we find a gem that surpasses it all. A similar town, just 30 km from Mangalore and almost the same distance from Udapi, springs from the gift of nature. Mulki, a town in the city, has recently been getting the attention it deserves for all the good reasons. Known for its temples that hold stories, surfing that allows you to catch the waves, and food that satisfies your buds like no other, Mulki is slowly becoming a go-to destination for tourists and locals alike. 

Every Temple has a Story

Standing on the banks of rivers Shambhavi and Nandini, this town was previously visited only because of its temples. One of the most revered shrines is the Sri Venugopala Krishna Temple, an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. The 800-year-old temple with Dravidian architecture, adorned with intricate carvings, stands as a testament to the town’s rich history. Other temples like the Bappanadu Temple, Shree Durgaparameshwari Temple, Thokur Subramanya Temple, Kadri Manjunatha Temple, and other Jain Basadis (temples). 

“Every temple here has a story to tell,” says Prathamesh Dalvi, a content creator who recently visited Mulki on a solo trip. Not only do they stun you with their backgrounds, architecture and spirituality, they also provide prasadam to the devotees. “Almost every temple here offers home-like lunch and dinner, free of cost to visitors,” shares Prathamesh. Mentioning this, he also says, “Food is one of the most underexplored yet evocative elements of Mulki.”

Aroma that stays, Flavour that sets apart 

Stressing on the very part, the creator mentions the small cafes or rather restaurants, that serve lip-smacking food under budget. From seafood delicacies to local favourites prepared in traditional style, food here has a distinctive flavour that stays with you even if you leave the town. “If you are here, you cannot leave without relishing the ghee roast and fish made by the locals,” says Sushant, the founder of Kayak Boy Surf Club and a full-time resident of Mulki for 9 years now. Along with the variety, the food is also generously priced. You can get a delicious full meal for under Rs. 100 at almost every local restaurant you visit," adds Dalvi. 

Colliding with the Waves

The seafood flavours coupled with the surf lessons form a match made in heaven in this quaint town. Another aspect due to which it is gaining immense popularity recently. Surfing is a big part of tourism in Mulki, because of its clean beaches, inviting people, and of course, the surf schools. “I came here (Mulki) in 2016 for work and took up surfing lessons out of interest because of the clean water and the weather,” says Sushant. As time passed, his interest in suering grew and he practised it regularly, until the day he decided to start teaching it professionally. Initially, I started with kayaking, but later dived into surfing as well. “Back in 2020, when our club grew, you could only see 3 to 4 tourists showing interest in surfing,” mentions the founder of Kayak Boy Surf Club. Little did he know, he and his team would teach surfing to 60 people at a time due to the vast growing popularity of surfing and Mulki in general. 

“The craze for surfing grew after Covid due to the onset of Instagram and social media,” says Sushant. People started exploring Mulki due to its easy connectivity with Bangalore. Situated on a highway, almost all the buses going towards Mangalore and Udapi halt here, making it a popular destination for locals and outsiders alike. “Today, we see surfers and learners from almost every part of India—be it Maharashtra or Chennai, Mulki has an influx of tourists from every corner of the country. It helps Surf Clubs like Kayak Boy and local cafes and shops to earn from tourism while giving the visitors the complete experience they expect. 

If you are someone who is looking for a whole new experience, this town is a gem for you. From the splashes of waves, to the spirituality of temples, and the delicacies from the roots, you can expect a chill and tranquil holiday here.