Karnataka Beaches

Flanked by the soaring Western Ghats in the east and blessed by the blue waters of the Arabian Sea in the west,
Karnataka has a 320 kms. long coastline dotted with unspoilt beaches and scores of temples. Some of these beaches and temples are unknown, unsung and undiscovered - and that is their biggest attraction.

Karwar
With gentle waves, miles of golden sand, a tranquil ambience and acres of emerald foliage, Karwar has all the makings of a perfect holiday destination. The captivating landscape is ringed with rugged hill ranges, thick woods and mysteriously deep valleys. This paradise inspired the great Indian muse Rabindranath Tagore to pen his first play. Since then, this little town has continued to inspire all its visitors.The Sadashivgad Hill Fort with a Durga Temple, the unique octagonal church, the 300-year old Venkatrama Temple with ochre paintings and the Naganatha Temple, where an ant hill is worshipped, are sure to make a lasting impression. Devbagh is the most enchanting of the five islands along the Karwar coast. Visits to Anjidev Island are restricted.
Best season: September to mid May.

Kurumgad
4 kms. from the mainland, this tortoise-shaped island is renowned for the hilltop Narasimha Temple, which attracts thousands of devotees during the annual jatra held on Pushya Purnima every year in early January. Kurumgad is steeped in history, complete with the remains of a fort with cannon holes. Enjoy the panoramic view of the sea, sand and the neighbouring islandsfrom the tableland of the island, or indulge in activities such as trekking, fishing, dolphin and seal-spotting, boat rides to neighbouring islands, diving, snorkelling, treasure hunts, guided tours, or star-gazing.

Gokarna
With its narrow streets, traditional houses and temples, the nondescript town of Gokarna has become the favourite haunt of Hindu pilgrims, Sanskrit scholars and beach buffs. Locals believe that Gokarna derives its name from a legend in which Lord Shiva emerged from the ear of a cow. Literally meaning ‘cow’s ear,’ this village is formed by the ear-shaped confluence of two rivers. Adventurous travellers must be prepared for a bit of cliff-scrambling in this coastal town. Om beach, one of Gokarna’s five famed beaches, takes the shape of an ‘Om,’ a spiritual symbol. The other beaches, wedged between gigantic cliffs that protrude like delicate fingers into the sea, are Gokarna, Kudle, Half Moon and Paradise. The drive up the winding path that leads to Gokarna is a scenic delight with rocky mountains and the Western Ghats on one side and the Arabian Sea on the other. Here, you can experience the famed Karnataka hospitality in friendly guesthouses run by local families.
Best season: Year-round


Marawanthe
Take in the spectacular views at Marawanthe, a seaside town where the West Coast Highway cruises alongside the Arabian Sea on one side, with the picturesque Kodachadri Hills forming a backdrop to the Sauparnika river on the other. Marawanthe wears the look of a fairyland at sunset when the sky turns crimson and the golden rays of the sun are reflected in the sea as well as the river. Water sports promise an action-filled holiday. Visit Baindur, a hamlet 45 kms. from Marawanthe with a lovely beach close by. Near Baindur is the scenic Ottinane with its overhanging cliffs, an ideal place for viewing the sunset. A further drive will take you to the Belaka Theertha Falls near Baindur.
Best season: August to March.

Bhatkal (16 kms.)
126 kms. from Karwar, at the southern most point of the district, Bhatkal was the main port of the Vijayanagar Empire in the 16th century. It has two small but interesting temples - the Jain Chadranatha Basadi and a 17th century Vijayanagar temple with animal carvings typical of the Vijayanagar artisans.
Best season: August to March.

Malpe
At the mouth of the Malpe river, about 6 kms. from Udupi, is the natural harbour of Malpe, an important fishing centre that enriches Karnataka’s coastline with its fabulous beach. The endless stretch of golden sand, graciously swaying palm trees, clear blue sky and the gentle murmur of the sea set the perfect mood for an idyllic holiday. Across the bay is the island of Darya Bahadurgarh. Be sure to visit the Balarama Temple and Malpe’s oldest tile factory, set up by the Basel Mission.
Best season: August to March.

Kaup
Situated 12 kms. south of Udupi, on the coastal belt that passes through the West Coast National Highway, Kaup has a lovely beach, a ruined fort and an old 100ft. high lighthouse. The two temples of Goddess Mariamma in Kaup are famous. The Jain basadis here are in ruins, but are worth a visit.

Mangalore
Ensconced on the coast, this maritime city makes a pleasant and convenient stop between Goa and Kerala. With its narrow, winding streets fringed with coconut palms, quaint houses with terracotta-tiled roofs, beautiful beaches, temples and churches and the aroma of spicy coconut curries, it has preserved its old-world charm. Mangalore was a major seaport and ship-building centre in Hyder Ali’s time. Today it is a business and commercial centre and Karnataka’s major port for the export of coffee, spices and cashew.
The Someshwar Temple overlooking a rockypromontory, the ancient 10th century Mangala Devi Temple dedicated to the Goddess Mangala Devi and the 11th century Kadri Manjunatha Temple with its exquisite bronze images of Lokeshwara co-exist with splendid churches and mosques. Among the more remarkable mosques are the Jumma Masjid in Bunder, built centuries ago by the Arabs and the Idgah Mosque at Lighthouse Hill whose construction is attributed to Tipu Sultan at the end of the 18th century. The St. Aloysius College Chapel with its magnificent Biblical frescoes adorning the walls and ceilings is worth a peek. Equally impressive is the Shreemanthi Bai Memorial Government Museum with its wondrous collection of objets-de-art, archaeology, ethnology, porcelain and wooden carvings. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy the Pilikula Nisagardhama, a sprawling 300-acre park 12 kms. from Mangalore, with boating facilities, a wildlife safari, a mini aquarium and a science centre.