This important natural port of the Karnataka coast line is situated about 6 kms to the west of Udupi, at the mouth of the Malpe or Udyavara River. An important fishing and trading port, the place is endowed with natural scenic sights like endless stretch of golden sand, gracefully swinging palm trees, the clean blue sky and murmur of the sea. The main attraction of this place is its famous Silver white Sand beach - Malpe beach. It is a favorite holiday spot with boating, fishing and bathing with its peaceful surroundings. It is administered by Udupi City Municipality.

About 6-8 km away there is an enchanting island called St. Mary's Island, just a square mile in area and not more than 250 yards in width, which can be accessible by ferry from Malpe. It is a group of small islands with an impressive geological formation of hexagonal pillars of volcanic rocks. Vasco da Gama was supposed to have reached one of these islands which he called 'EI Padron de Santa Maria' in 1498, before reaching Calicut. The coconut palms and the golden sand make the island very attractive. There are three rocky islands in the west of Malpe among which the Daria-Bahadurgad, the northern-most island is well known for its export of processed fish. Another attraction of the place is the famous Vadabhandeshwara Temple and the icon of Sri Balarama, installed by Sri Madhvacharya. This place is visited by a lot of tourists.