Udupi
Catch a boat from Malpe Beach (8 km from Udupi) to St. Mary's Island — a geological wonder of hexagonal basalt rock formations jutting out of the sea that's unlike anything else on India's coastline. Vasco da Gama is said to have landed here in 1498, and the island still feels mysteriously untouched.
Boats run from 9 AM to 3 PM only — arrive early to maximize time on the island before they stop.