Saint Marys Island

Tourism Department
Government of Karnataka

A quaint island just off the coast of Karnataka, St. Mary’s Island is an island of white sand beaches, rock monoliths and great ecological wonder making it a mesmerizing place to be in. Located just 4 miles off the coast of Karnataka in the Arabian Sea, St. Mary’s Island is a geological treasure and hosts some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. The Island is a group of four individual islands namely Coconut Island, North Island, South Island and Daryabahadurgarh Island. One can find a shoreline made up full of crystalline rocks which were created at the time Madagascar Island got separated from India. The Island is a wonderful place but is yet to be truly discovered for its tourism potential. Watching the sunset standing on the crystalline rocks is one of the most alluring experiences on the island.

The aim of the master plan is to develop the St.Marys Island as a world class destination for eco-tourism. Ecotourism is now defined as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education” (TIES, 2015). Education is meant to be inclusive of both staff and guests.