Virgin Sasihithlu beach beckons tourists

If one veers to the left on NH 66 at Mukka and takes the less-trodden road for about 6 km, one would reach a place that looks like it is almost cut-off from the external world. The road would lead one to verdant heaps of sand abutting the Arabian Sea adjacent to the scenic backwaters of Nandini (Pavanje) and Shambhavi rivers.

The place, Sasihithlu, appears less known to the masses and thus has remained virgin so far. The confluence of the two rivers with the sea has created an entirely different world with its own enchanting beauty. From Sasihithlu village, one has to take the kutcha road passing amidst an acacia grove to reach the beach.

Srikanth Bhat and his family from nearby Surathkal were the only visitors when

The Hindu went to the beach to capture its beauty recently. Compared to other beaches around Mangaluru — Tannirbhavi, Panambur and Surathkal — the Sasihithlu beach is less visited and has hence remained almost clean, Mr. Bhat said.

The ;ack of publicity could have been the reason for the beach to remain unexplored, he said.

He added that some basic facilities, including a good approach road, life guards, and refreshment would go a long way in serving visitors to the beach, Mr. Bhat said.

Home stays

Yatish Baikapmady, chief executive officer of the Panambur Beach Development Project, who is maintaining Panambur Beach on a public-private partnership basis, said Sasihithlu appears best suited to be developed as a home-stay destination.

Its location, almost like a peninsula between the Arabian Sea and the Nandini, would definitely attract people who enjoy nature without any disturbances. Residents of the area could be financed by the government to build the necessary infrastructure to operate home-stays. Such an initiative would help the economy of the area besides benefiting tourists, he said. The government should prepare a concrete plan for the beach’s development, he added.

While developing the beach, cleanliness in the area should be maintained. Development should not be at the cost of destroying its beauty, Mr. Baikampady said. A caretaker is also needed to supervise activities on the beach, he added.

Sasihithlu Beach

Located about 22 km to the North of Mangaluru

About 6 km from Mukka on NH 66

From Mangaluru, take a left turn at Mukka to reach Sasihithlu

After Sasihithlu village bus stop, take the kutcha road towards the beach

Beach is located at the mouth of Nandini and Shambhavi rivers

Take sufficient food and water with you

No garbage dump facility; bring back the waste

Virgin Sasihithlu beach beckons tourists

The beach is in dire need of improved infrastructure