Discover the Thrill of Bioluminescence in Mulki Karnataka

At the confluence of the serene Shambhavi River and the majestic Arabian Sea, lies the quaint little town of Mulki.

For those wondering, Mulki is a town in the state of Karnataka in India.

This otherwise unassuming country town has fast become a sensation with water sports enthusiasts.

This is primarily due to the fact that Mulki is one of the rare places where you can experience marine bioluminescence.

Now, before I get into what exactly is marine bioluminescence, let’s talk a bit about Mulki first.

Where is Mulki located within Karnataka in India?

Mulki is a coastal town located approximately 26 kms from the city of Mangaluru and falls under the Mangaluru Taluk.

Mulki is located north of Mangaluru while it is about 31 kms south of Udipi.

The distance between Mulki and Bengaluru is approximately 380 kms.

The road connectivity to Mulki is quite good. You can take the NH66 from either Mangaluru or Udipi to reach Mulki.

It is a simple, small but beautiful town on the banks of River Shambhavi meeting the Arabian Sea.

As you can imagine, it does make for a wonderful scene with stunning sunsets and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the water.

What is Marine Bioluminescence?

Marine Bioluminescence is a phenomenon where living organisms in the water produce and emit light from within.

The light, also known as bioluminescence, can be produced by various lifeforms such as algae, bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms.

Certain fish and jellyfish are also known to produce bioluminescence.

The beauty of marine bioluminescence can be felt once the sun starts to set. As the skies get darker, with every touch of the water, you see a neon blue glow.

It is one of the most fascinating and spectacular sights you can witness in your life.

Imagine being in the water on a boat or kayak and the ocean pulsating and glowing below you.

For a moment, you get transformed into another world, something you see only in science-fiction movies.

You can experience this marine bioluminescence in Mulki in India.

It is truly special as there are not too many places in the world where you can experience marine bioluminescence.

How to Experience Bioluminescence in Mulki, Karnataka?

There are two ways to experience bioluminescence in Mulki.

The first option is to go kayaking after sunset with the help of a local water sports company.

The second option is to simply walk around one of the beaches at Mulki such as Mattu Beach.

The former option is what most people prefer.

The thrill of being on a kayak at night witnessing the waters glow with each stroke of the paddle is simply unmatchable.

You will see the ocean waters glow at all points of contact with the kayak and the paddles.

It is a surreal feeling and somehow you just don’t get tired.

For those who do not want to go kayaking or basically do not want to get wet, you have the second option.

Here, you can walk around the beaches of Mulki at night and experience bioluminescence with each crashing wave.

Do note that it is not always that you get to experience bioluminescence from the beach itself.

Ideally you need to be in the water to really feel it glow.

Season also plays an important role in viewing bioluminescence in Mulki.

The best seasons to view bioluminescence in Mulki is from mid-January to mid-April and the months just after monsoon.

Do ask local water sports companies for the best timings. They will know as per the month, what time to visit.

For example, certain months you get to see bioluminescence immediately after sunset. During other months, it could be viewable only after 11 pm. Hence talking to a local water sports company is essential even if you don’t opt for them.

Top things to do in Mulki, Karnataka

Mulki’s charm lies in its rustic and modest form that gives you a sense of peace and tranquility.

Thanks to its locations between Shambhavi River and the Arabian Sea, most activities in Mulki revolve around the water.

While Mulki is quite small, there are a few things you can do to truly experience this wonderful little town.

These are my top things to do in Mulki, Karnataka.

1) Bioluminescence Kayaking

I just had to start with bioluminescence kayaking as it is the number one reason to visit Mulki.

You will find a few water sports companies operating late night kayaking excursions.

These usually take place after 10 pm at night.

This is because marine bioluminescence is best visible after 10 pm in Mulki.

I strongly suggest to opt for this activity as it is a once in a lifetime kind of experience.

Until you see the ocean glowing beneath you in the dark, you just cannot imagine what it is like.

The emotions and feelings you experience is something that will stay with you forever.

Do note that you can opt for kayaking excursions during the day as well.

The Shambhavi River is wonderfully serene for kayaking. You have beautiful views all around.

Being on the Shambhavi River on a kayak is probably one of the best things about Mulki.

2) Surfing and Wakeboarding

Water sports companies not just offer surfing and wakeboarding in Mulki, they offer complete training courses as well.

There are surf lessons that range from a day to a month as per the level you want to reach.

The waves at the beaches of Mulki are ideal for all levels of surfers.

They are not that strong for beginners and at the same time, high enough for intermediate level surfers.

You will have a fun time surfing or wakeboarding at the beautiful beaches of Mulki.

3) Beach hopping

The long sandy beaches of Mulki with silky smooth sand are just perfect to spend a lovely day.

To be honest, the entire coastline from Mangaluru to Udipi with Mulki in between is sublime.

You can go beach hopping from Mulki beach to Sasihithlu beach and Kapu beach.

Of course, the choice is yours. You can spend your day at any one beach or visit multiple beaches.

4) Temple Visit

Mulki has a few beautiful temples in and around the town.

The most famous temple that you must visit is the Sri Durgaparameshwari Temple.

Dedicated to Goddess Maa Durga, the temple has a picturesque setting on the banks to River Shambhavi.

Since Mulki is not a very crowded town, visiting the Sri Durgaparameshwari Temple is easy and quick.

You can offer prayers, do darshan or simply walk around the place admiring the natural beauty.

Many tourists prefer to sit near the temple and soak in the divine atmosphere in peace.

Besides the Bappanadu Sri Durgaparameshwari Temple there are other temples nearby that you may want to visit.

Sri Venkatramana Swamy Temple and Swami Koragajja Temple are other popular temples in Mulki.

5) Drive around the coastline

If you have your own vehicle, then one of the best things to do is just drive around the coastline.

It hardly takes 30 to 40 minutes from Mangaluru to Mulki. It takes about the same time from Mulki to Udipi.

Hence realistically, you can drive between Mangaluru, Mulki and Udipi in just over an hour.

The entire stretch has breathtaking natural scenery. You will go through forests, open farm land, villages and of course coastal roads.

It is one of the best drives in South India. I highly recommend driving around the coastline soaking in the views near Mulki.

6) Visit the Kapu Beach Lighthouse

The famous Kapu Beach Lighthouse is about 18 kms from Mulki. It is about a 25-minute drive.

Kapu Beach Lighthouse is an important landmark in the region. The lighthouse is well over 100 years old, built in 1901.

At a commanding height of 27 metres, the lighthouse can be seen from far and wide.

The best part about visiting the Kapu Beach Lighthouse is the Kapu beach itself and the gorgeous views.

It is a beautiful part of coastal Karnataka, a must-visit for all nature lovers.

7) Walk around Mulki

I personally always love to walk around to truly experience the place I am visiting.

Since Mulki is a small town, you can walk around and explore a lot of the town by foot.

You can start by the Shambhavi River and just go with the flow.

Walk around the town, the farms, little temples, around all the greenery and of course the beaches.

It is a wonderful way to explore Mulki and get to know the little nuances of this quaint little town.

FAQ about Mulki

What is the best season to visit Mulki?

The best season by far to visit Mulki in Karnataka is winter.

The weather is extremely pleasant, you can see bioluminescence in the ocean waters and be outdoors all day.

Mid-November to Mid-February is the best time to visit Mulki.

When can we see bioluminescence in Mulki?

You can see bioluminescence from October to April in Mulki, Karnataka.

Bioluminescence in Mulki is usually visible after 10 pm preferably on a dark day without much moonlight.

The glow from the bioluminescence is seen from every touch. So, from the paddles of your kayak stroking the water or the waves crashing in to the beach.

Where to stay in Mulki?

Mulki is an extremely small town without much hotel infrastructure.

Most tourists prefer to stay in Mangaluru and take a quick trip to Mulki as it is just half an hour away.

I suggest to stay in either Mangaluru or Udipi. You will find a lot more hotels, resorts and homestays in those places.

Does the bioluminescence continuously glow in Mulki?

Bioluminescence does not continuously glow in Mulki or anywhere actually.

It becomes visible with every touch to the water. This could be your kayak paddles hitting the water or waves hitting the beach.

The glow stays for a few seconds and disappears again.

That is why bioluminescence kayaking is so popular. As the kayak or boat goes through the water, you see the ocean glowing at every touch point.

How to reach Mulki?

The nearest airport to Mulki is at Mangaluru. From Mangaluru to Mulki is just a half an hour drive via NH 66.

You can get taxis, buses and even cars for hire.

Mulki is about 380 kms from Bengaluru. You can easily get taxis and buses to Mulki from Bengaluru and the road connectivity is great.

The best drive though is from Goa. It takes about 6 and half hours and you go through the entire coastal Gokarna region via NH 66. This is one of the best drives in entire India.

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Final thoughts

The charming little town of Mulki has gained immense popularity amongst water sports enthusiasts thanks to marine bioluminescence.

I personally feel regardless of whether you like water sports, Mulki is completely worth the visit for all.

Witnessing marine bioluminescence, the brilliant beaches and cultural sites around Mulki is a wonderful experience, not to be missed.