Navaratri holidays: Surge of tourists at Malpe Beach, St. Mary’s Island

Team Udayavani, Oct 13, 2024, 8:57 AM IST

Malpe: The Navaratri holiday has brought a surge of visitors to tourist hotspots such as Malpe Beach and St. Mary’s Island. With most schools and colleges on vacation and government and private institutions closed due to Navami, Vijayadashami, the second Saturday, and Sunday, many families have chosen to spend time travelling, leading to overcrowded destinations.

For the past three days, Malpe Beach and St. Mary’s Island have witnessed a huge influx of tourists. Starting Friday, the number of visitors increased significantly. From early morning at 6 AM, hundreds of tourist vehicles arrived at Malpe, causing heavy traffic and parking issues. With limited parking spaces, many vehicles were parked along the sides of the main beach road and adjacent streets, including the interlock roads near Shivapanchakshari Bhajan Mandir and Hanuman Vitthoba Bhajan Mandir.

High Demand for Accommodation

Due to the string of holidays, tourist destinations, especially those near major religious centers and scenic spots, faced a shortage of accommodation. While some tourists had pre-booked rooms at homestays, guesthouses, and resorts a month in advance, others struggled to find suitable lodging upon arrival.

Traffic Jams

The road leading to Malpe, already prone to traffic congestion, saw an increased number of vehicles, further intensifying the traffic jams. Over the last three to four days, frequent jams have caused the traffic system to collapse, leading to severe inconvenience for locals and tourists alike.

Persistent Rains Do Not Deter Tourists

Saturday started with clear skies and pleasant weather, but by noon, the weather shifted, and light, continuous rain began. Despite the rain, the number of tourists at Malpe Beach did not dwindle. Many visitors sat by the shore, admiring the sea’s beauty, while others enthusiastically waded into the water to enjoy the rainy beach day.

The combination of a long holiday break and the charm of these tourist spots has ensured a steady flow of visitors, making it a busy time for the region.