Renting out your home in Malpe

Our advice for Malpe

Malpe is a fishing town about six kilometres west of Udupi, with the largest fishing harbour in the district, a long beach with a sea walk and a jetty for boats to St Mary's Island, famous for its basalt columns. Its proximity to the Krishna temple in Udupi means many guests combine prayer in the morning with the sea in the evening.

Guests and timing

Visitors include families on temple trips, groups from Bengaluru and other Karnataka cities, people attending weddings and events in Udupi, and travellers along the coast between Mangaluru and Goa. Boat service to the island depends on the sea and is suspended during the monsoon, which also brings rough waves; the busy period runs from the end of the rains through spring.

Choosing the right property

• A family apartment or house with two or three bedrooms suits most bookings better than a single room.
• Guests appreciate being within reach of both the beach and the town; explain transport options clearly.
• Offer a list of restaurants serving coastal fish, and vegetarian options for pilgrims.
• Laundry facilities matter for families carrying wedding outfits.

Living with a working harbour

Malpe is not a quiet resort. The harbour has early-morning activity, trucks and a strong smell of fish on some days. Describe your location honestly so that guests' expectations match reality; this avoids negative reviews later. Properties near the shore may also fall under Coastal Regulation Zone restrictions on building.

Karnataka registration

Under the state's 2025 guidelines, homestays must be registered with the Deputy Commissioner and must be homes where the owner or immediate family resides. Other requirements include CCTV at the entrance and a guest register with identity details. An owner who lives elsewhere and lets the whole unit falls outside the homestay category; Bed and Breakfast is covered by separate guidelines. Ask for official confirmation before listing.

Our view: Malpe works best for owners who understand the combination of temple town and fishing port, and who describe that mix honestly.