+91 84970 07873·Beach Rd, near Malpe, Malpe, Beach Thottam, Thottam, Udupi, Karnataka 576108

25 min · Drive

Kaup Lighthouse

A towering beacon standing on a rocky outcrop, offering some of the most dramatic coastal views in Karnataka.

Kaup Lighthouse

Overview

Guiding Ships since 1901

Built by the British in the early 20th century, the Kaup (pronounced Kapu) Lighthouse stands at 27 meters tall on a rugged bed of rocks jutting into the Arabian Sea.

Today, it serves as a functioning navigational aid and a popular viewpoint. The steep spiral staircase inside leads to a balcony that offers a sweeping, uninterrupted 360-degree view of the vast ocean and the lush green coastline of Udupi district.

What to do

Things to see & experience

Climb to the Top

Brave the steep, narrow steps to the balcony. The sweeping views of the coastline and the churning ocean below are worth the effort.

Photography

The striking red-and-white stripes against the blue sky and crashing waves make this one of the most photographed spots in Karnataka.

Beach Relaxation

The beach adjoining the lighthouse is less crowded than Malpe, offering a quieter spot for evening strolls and sunset viewing.

Visitors at the Lighthouse Balcony

Getting there from Silver Sands

Plan Your Visit

Kaup is about a 25-minute drive south along the coastal highway from Silver Sands. We can arrange a taxi for your visit.

Late Afternoon (4:00 PM)Depart Silver Sands. The drive offers pleasant coastal scenery.
Lighthouse Climb (4:30 PM)The lighthouse opens to visitors around 4:00 PM or 4:30 PM. Climb up early before it gets too crowded.
Sunset (6:00 PM)Descend to the rocks or the beach to watch the sunset behind the lighthouse silhouette.

Note: The lighthouse has strict timings (usually 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM) for visitors to go up.

Keep exploring

Other nearby attractions

St. Mary's Island

15 min · Ferry from Malpe Jetty

St. Mary's Island

Unique hexagonal basalt columns rising from the Arabian Sea — a geological monument unlike anywhere else on India's coast.

Explore & Plan Visit
Malpe Beach

2 min · Walk from Silver Sands

Malpe Beach

A working fishing harbour by day and a long golden shoreline by evening — walkable from every room at Silver Sands.

Explore & Plan Visit
Sri Krishna Matha

25 min · Drive to Udupi

Sri Krishna Matha

The centuries-old Krishna temple at the heart of Udupi — birthplace of the city's famous vegetarian cuisine and the Kanakana Kindi legend.

Explore & Plan Visit
View All Attractions

Stay close to it all

Base yourself at Silver Sands

Five minutes from the jetty, two minutes from the beach — everything on this coast is within easy reach.