The southern state of Karnataka is naturally endowed with a 320 km western seaboard. We profile some of Karnataka’s most attractive coastal destinations The southern state of Karnataka (pop. 63 million) attracts an estimated 25 million tourists annually from across the country and abroad, drawn by its exotic flora and fauna, wildlife, heritage buildings, and its famous annual ten-day Dasara festival in Mysore. But despite being naturally endowed with a 320 km western seaboard, beach tourism has been neglected. However over the past decade, this anomaly is being addressed with successive state governments investing in developing modern infrastructure, roads, new hotels, resorts and supplementary facilities in the coastal towns of Mangalore, Marwanthe, Murdeshwar, Gokarna and Karwar. Profiled hereunder are some of Karnataka’s most attractive coastal destinations. Karwar Situated 90 km south of Goa and 523 km north-west of Bangalore, Karwar (pop. 63,755) is endowed with rare natural attributes including unspoilt beaches of the Arabian sea, lush forests and the rugged hills of the Western Ghats. This port town sited on the banks of the mighty Kali river is the administrative headquarters of North Kanara district. Complemented by salubrious weather, Karwar is an ideal base for exploring the region’s calm and peaceful valleys, picturesque hills, ancient temples and historic monuments. The surrounding Western Ghats offer nature walks in the wild, while the calm waters of the Arabian sea offer excellent swimming and water sports opportunities. The palm-fringed beaches of the Karwar coast are relatively unexploited for those looking for a refuge from urban pressures. Devbagh Beach bordered on either side by casuarina trees offers diving and snorkeling options in the blue waters of the Arabian Sea. Koodi Bagh beach at the exact point where the Kali river flows into the sea, and the Kaju Bagh beach, brim with a carnival atmosphere when the local gentry congregates every evening. Karwar also hosts some ancient monuments. The Sadashivgad Hill fort crowning a rocky hill on the outskirts of town affords glorious views of the sunset and houses an ancient Durga temple within its ramparts. The 300-year old Venkataramana Temple in the main town contains some fine ochre paintings. Accommodation. Karwar offers a wide spectrum of accommodation options. Top-end: Sterling Karwar (Rs.2,977-3,359 per night), Devbagh Beach Resort (Rs.5,300-6,580). Budget and mid-range: Hotel Kamat Plus (Rs.859-997). Excursions. This coastal town offers diverse getaway options. There is the popular Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary (866 km) with several species of exotic wildlife including elephant, leopard, gaur, civet cat, wild boar, spotted deer, flying squirrel, jackal, etc. Within the sanctuary are the Kavala Caves studded with wondrous stalagmite and stalactite formations. A 45-minute ferry ride takes you to Kurumgad Island, a secluded retreat blessed with natural splendour. Gokarna Featuring virgin beaches and breathtaking landscapes, the small town of Gokarna is 486 km from Bangalore. A celebrated Shaivaite pilgrimage centre, Gokarna ranks as high as Varanasi and Rameshwar (Tamil Nadu) as a consecrated Shaivaite pilgrim’s destination. Legend has it that the atmalinga acquired by Ravana from Lord Shiva was transported…
