Surfing in Mulki: My Experience at Mantra Surf Club
When I decided to learn surfing, I stumbled upon Mantra Surf Club in Mulki, a place that has been teaching surfing in India for over 20 years. Since I don’t know how to swim, I opted for their beginner surf course, feeling both excited and nervous.
The Journey to Mulki
My journey began with a flight from Nagpur to Bengaluru. From there, I took the Karwar Express (16515) at 7 a.m. from Yesvantpur to Mangaluru, booking a seat in the Vistadome coach to enjoy the stunning scenic views along the way.
After arriving in Mangaluru, I traveled to Mulki and checked in at Mantra Surf Club. The moment I arrived, I was greeted by a beautiful sunset, peaceful vibes, and people either kayaking or relaxing in hammocks. The atmosphere was perfect for unwinding and connecting with nature.
Settling in at Mantra Surf Club
The next morning, I woke up at 7 a.m. and enjoyed a simple breakfast of fruits, tea, and coffee before heading out for kayaking. We paddled to a nearby island, which was a great way to start the day.
Brunch was served at 11 a.m., and the food was delicious. Afterward, I spent some time relaxing in a hammock under the trees, which quickly became my go-to spot for chilling during my stay.
My First Surfing Experience
The real excitement began in the evening with my first surfing session. At 3 p.m., they handed us our surfboards, and we took a boat to a nearby island where the waves were ideal for beginners. Carrying the surfboard wasn’t easy, especially as we headed toward the waves. The water kept pushing me back, making it harder to reach the instructor.
Once I finally made it, the instructor guided me to lie on the board and get ready to paddle. When the wave approached, I had to pop up and balance on the board. Sounds simple, right? Well, the first couple of times, I fell into the water and thought I’d never manage it. But on my 3rd or 4th attempt, I stayed calm, found my balance, and finally caught a full wave! The feeling of riding that wave was pure happiness—a mix of accomplishment and thrill.
Exploring Udupi with New Friends
After the surfing session, I relaxed again in the hammock and connected with some fellow travelers. The next day, we decided to explore Udupi together. After brunch, we rented bikes for 600 rupees per day and headed to Sea Walk Park Malpe, where we caught a ferry to St. Mary’s Islands. The island was a unique experience, and we spent about an hour there.
Our day ended with a visit to Padukere Beach, where we witnessed an unforgettable sunset. Later, we went to Machali Restaurant to eat seafood. It was my first time trying seafood. We ordered prawns and kingfish with neer dosa, and I have to say, the prawns were my favorite!
Day Two Surfing & More Adventures
The next morning was my second surfing session. This time, I had to ride the wave independently. However, the water level was higher, making it tough to reach the surf point. With some help from the instructors, I managed to ride a few waves, which felt amazing.
That evening, I did another round of kayaking while watching the sunset—one of the many perks of staying at Mantra Surf Club, where kayaking is included for free with your stay.
More Udupi Exploration
The next day, we continued our exploration of Udupi. We visited Padubidri Beach, one of the cleanest beaches in India, followed by a visit to the Kapu Lighthouse. We also visited Shree Venkataramana Temple and Bappanadu Sri Durga Parameshwari Temple before returning to Mulki, finishing the day with some dosa at Hotel Bappanadu.
Wrapping Up in Mangaluru
On my final day, I headed to Mangaluru. After a dosa-filled breakfast at Udupi Cafe, we visited Kadri Shree Manjunatha Temple and topped off the day with the famous Gadbad Ice Cream at Pabba’s, a must-try dessert if you're ever in Mangaluru!
Final Thoughts
My time at Mantra Surf Club was unforgettable. From learning to surf, to kayaking and making new friends, the experience was both exciting and deeply relaxing. The laid-back atmosphere, great food, and friendly vibe made it a place I’d highly recommend, whether you're a seasoned traveler or just looking to try something new. Surfing might have been the main goal, but the memories I made along the way made this trip so much more.
If you're ever in Mulki, whether you're a swimmer or not, Mantra Surf Club will make sure you ride those waves!
