Karwar
With its own exclusive beaches and limited accommodation in attractive log huts on stilts, the resort on this island is for idyllic seaside holidays. Besides the sun, sea and sand, the resort also offers adventurous visit to nearby uninhabited Sanyasi Island, tranquil overnight stay in trawlers, cruise through backwaters of Devbagh lagoon and Dolphins at the mouth of River Kali. Still, there remains ample time to indulge in poetry as Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore did here many years ago, and also beach volleyball and playing with the sand.
There are several untouched beaches around Karwar, notably Binaga, Arga and Belekeri. Another notable beach resort Gokarna is not far away. A short distance away is the small town of Ankola having ruined 15th century fort and Sri Venkatraman temple worth seeing.
Facts
Area :10291 Sq. Kms
Population : 51,000
STD Code : 08382
Language spoken : Kannada, Konkani
Karwar is just one of the secluded beaches dotted along Karnataka’s 320 km long coastline. It has all the makings of a perfect holiday with gentle waves, palm-laced beaches, silver sand, and calm, peaceful coves. Karwar lies on a thin strip of tropical sand that is bound by the Western Ghats on its eastern side and embraced by the Arabian Sea on the west. The sea is dotted with several small islands on the horizon. Amongst them, about 3 kms away, is Devbagh, a centre for diving and snorkeling
Karwar, the port town on the banks of the Kali Nadi River is the administrative head quarters of North Kanara District in Karnataka. It is an Excellent Beach resort with beautiful palm fringed beaches. Once an important trade centre especially for pepper, Karwar was also the settlement of the British and the Portuguese. The charming town is complemented by glorious weather and the area is very picturesque with hills and valleys of the Western Ghats covered with dense tropical jungle on the way to Hubli. Karwar located 518 kms from Bangalore is known for its fine muslin.
This is an ideal place to relax. Karwar has sacred pilgrim centers, historical towns and some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. The charming town is complemented by glorious weather and the area is very picturesque with hills and valleys of the Western Ghats covered with dense tropical jungle on the way to Hubli.
Gokarna is beach-utopia if you’re looking for minimal luxury but maximum privacy, with only the sun, the surf and the seagulls for company.
SIGHTS & Beaches
Devbagh Beach
With gentles waves, miles of golden sand, a tranquil ambience and acres of emerald foliage, Karwar has all the makings of perfect holiday destination. The captivating landscape is ringed with rugged hills ranges, thick woods and mysteriously deep valleys. Devbagh is the most enchanting of the five islands along the Karwar coast. It has an endless stretch of pristine sands bordered by casuarinas and the blue waters of the Arabian Sea. Escape from the world to this paradise on earth that will touch your soul. Set your heart a-flutter. An oasis of peace with sparkling azure waters and ivory beaches. Natural beauty that brings peace to your mind and love to your heart.
Kudlee Beach
This beach is about 20 minutes walk from the town, secluded and very picturesque. Because you have to walk to Kudlee Beach, it is quiet, just a few tourists and very few locals. Some Nepalese run a really good restaurant from a straw and bamboo hut on the beach. The sea is safe and the beach very clean. A it is secluded it is one of the few places in India where girls can go topless and guys just wear a string without any problems, on the other hand you might want to respect local customs and culture, especially since “secluded” is a relative term in India.
Om Beach
Thirty-minutes further south from kudlee beach we reach this exotic beach. The beach got its name because it is shaped like the auspicious Om sign. There are some really basic huts and some chai shops to eat at. Many Indian pilgrims visit OM Beach.
External links
- www.travelmasti.com/domestic/karnataka/karwar.htm
- www.karnatakatourism.com/wildresort/karwar/index.htm
- www.karnatakatourism.org/sites/des_west_karwar.html
- www.hotelskarnataka.com/html/karwar.htm
- www.ekarwar.com/tourism/
- www.onlinebangalore.com/tour/desti/karwar/karwar.html
- www.indianbeachtours.com/beaches-in-karnataka/karwar-beach.html
- www.travel-karnataka.com/karwar.htm
- www.seemyindia.com/karnataka/karnataka-karwar.htm
- www.mapsofindia.com/maps/pocketmaps/panajimangalore.htm
