Kaup Beach
A scenic beach with a 100-year-old lighthouse offering panoramic Arabian Sea views and dramatic sunset silhouettes.
Distance from Bangalore
380 km
Drive Time
7 Hours
Crowd Level
moderate
Best Time to Visit
Oct–May
Ideal Trip Duration
Half Day
Rating
4.4/5 (8000)
Best For
Top Highlights
- 100-year-old lighthouse with panoramic sea views
- Dramatic sunset backdrop with lighthouse silhouette
- Clean, spacious beach with fewer crowds
About the Beach
Kaup Beach (also spelled Kapu) is a scenic coastal destination between Mangalore and Udupi, best known for its iconic 100-year-old lighthouse. Visitors can climb the lighthouse for panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and the coastline. The beach is wide with clean golden sand and interesting rock formations that create natural tide pools. The lighthouse silhouette against the sunset sky is one of the most photographed scenes on the Karnataka coast. The beach was featured in several Kannada and Hindi films. A small Janardhana Swamy temple near the lighthouse adds cultural significance.
Photos
Activities
Nearby Attractions
- Malpe Beach
- St. Mary's Island
- Udupi
Safety
Strong undercurrents; wading is fine but swimming requires caution. No lifeguards.
Best Stay Options
- Udupi hotels
- Kaup homestays
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Iconic lighthouse experience
- Beautiful sunset photography
- Clean and spacious beach
- Interesting rock formations
Cons
- Limited food and facilities
- No water sports
- Strong currents — swimming not always safe
- Limited direct transport