Top Tourist Attractions in Uttara Kannada (Karwar)
Karwar is a city, taluk, and administrative centre in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, India. It is located near the mouth of the Kali river on the west coast of the country. Karwar is a renowned tourist attraction and the largest city in Uttara Kannada, with a city urban area of 27.9 km2.
Best Places to Visit in Uttara Kannada (Karwar)
Beaches & Islands
- Om Beach Gokarna
- Kudle Beach, Gokarna
- • Half Moon Beach, Gokarna
- • Paradise Beach, Gokarna
- • Rabindranath Tagore Beach
- • Devbagh Beach
- • Majali Beach
- • Binaga Beach
- • Koodi Bagh Beach
- • Kurumgad Island
- • Basavaraj Durga Island
- • Devgadh Island
- • Anjadev Island
- • Haigunda
Adventure
- Netrani Scuba Diving
- • Dandeli White Water Rafting
- • Yana Rock Climbing
- • Watersports in Murudeshwara
- • Bird Watching in Ganesha Gudi
- • Jenu Kallu Gudda
- • Syntheri Rocks
- • Kavala Caves
- • Kavala Caves
- • Mirjan Fort
Waterfalls
- • Unchalli Falls
- • Sathodi Falls
- Lalguli Falls
- • Magod Falls
- • Vibhuti Falls
- • Shirale Falls
- • Shirale Falls
- • Susubbi Falls
- • Apsarakonda Falls
Nature & Wildlife
- Anshi National Park
- Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary
- • Dandeli Hornbills
- • Attiveri Bird Sanctuary
Religious Places
- • Mahabaleshwar Temple Gokarna
- • Murudeshwara
- • Idagunji Ganapathi Temple
- • Ulavi Channabasaveshwara Temple, Joida
- • Sahasralinga
- • Marikamba Temple, Sirsi
- • Kavadikere Temples
- • Huliyal
- • Madhukeshwara Temple, Banavasi
- • Madhukeshwara Temple, Banavasi
- • Bedasgaon
- • Bhatkal
- • Bilgi
- • Dhareshwara
- • Gersoppa
- • Haldipur
- • Kadra
- • Kekkar
- • Kumta
- • Manjuguni
Others
- • Sonda
- • Oyster Rock Lighthouse
- • INS Chapal Warship Museum
- • Rock Garden
- • Jatayu Theertha
- • Ankola
- • Yellapura
- • Ramnagar
- • Chandavar
- • Sykes Point
- • Mundgod
Best Places to Visit in Uttara Kannada (Karwar)
You can get information on each of these tourist spots right here. Uttara Kannada, located in the southeastern section of the Indian continent, is a tourist paradise with various legendary roots. Blessed are the people who dwell on this side of the Arabian Sea, amidst the Western Ghats’ rainforests. Nature (seeds), flower, fruit nut, milk hood, and tiger claws affect coastal (male) art temples, people’s jewels, and yakshagana clothing. The coastal shore, as remarked by Vishwakarma Rabindranath Tagore, is a place of tranquillity, and the beauty of nature is no longer a secret these days.
Beaches & Islands
Om Beach Gokarna (63 km):
Om Beach, one of the country’s most recognised beaches, is shaped like a ‘Om,’ a Hindu spiritual symbol. The beach, shaped like two crescents linked together to form an Om, provides a beautiful view of the sunset. The lengthy stretch of white sandy beach adjacent to the rugged landscape draws visitors from all over the world.
Kudle Beach, Gokarna (65 km):
Kudle Beach, one of Gokarna’s most popular beaches, is located between the main beach and Om beach. The huge lengths of beach appear fairly nice during the season, with a fantastic spread of flora. The beach is a fantastic destination for a relaxed holiday, filled with beach bums, volleyball aficionados, musicians playing by the water, and travellers reclining around.
Half Moon Beach, Gokarna:
Half Moon Beach is a tranquil stretch of sand on the Gokarna town shoreline. It can only be reached by trekking or by motor boat from Om beach. The trekking track along the shore is narrow, with hills on one side and a deep blue sea on the other. There are plenty of boulders on the beach, as well as a little section of wonderfully clean sand. The view of the sea shore from the hill is really stunning.
Paradise Beach, Gokarna (65 km):
Full moon beach is another name for Paradise Beach. There is no road access to Paradise Beach, thus the most convenient approach is to take a motor boat from Om Beach or Half Moon Beach. Another excellent alternative is a 20-minute trek from Half Moon Beach. Almost 70% of the beach is covered in pebbles, with the remainder in pure white sand. This beach is perfect for camping.
Rabindranath Tagore Beach:
The beach is a wonderful area to unwind, surrounded by rocky hills and flanked with many trees. Located in the city’s centre, one may spend the evening on the beach watching the gorgeous sunset, which is a terrific way to unwind. The beach is also the site of a variety of cultural events, including the well-known Karavali Utsav. The beach is also ideal for parasailing, which provides a bird’s-eye perspective of the coastal town.
Devbagh Beach:Â
Devbagh beach is an ideal hideaway for vacationers looking for peace and tranquilly. It is recognised for its golden dunes and fresh air, and it offers a range of water sports such as snorkelling and kayaking to adventure sports aficionados. It is also well-known for its delectable seafood and various regional cuisines.
Majali Beach:
Majali Beach is located in Majali Village, a tiny settlement on the northern tip of Karnataka’s coast. Aside from its beautiful splendour, this beach is well-known for its delectable local coastal food. There is a lake nearby where you may enjoy sports like kayaking and rowing. This beach also offers spectacular views of the setting sun.
Binaga Beach:
Binaga Beach is around 5 kilometres from Karwar and is known for its magnificent beauty and extensive beach. The beach is surrounded on three sides by lush hilltops and provides guests with a clean and tranquil environment. Our Lady of St Anne’s Church is located on the Portuguese-built Binaga Beach.
Koodi Bagh Beach:
Koodi Bagh Beach is located 5 kilometres from Karwar at the confluence of the Kali River and the Arabian Sea. This beach is exceptionally clean and is an excellent choice for adventure seekers. Water sports such as canoeing, kayaking, and banana boat rides are available at the beach for adrenaline seekers.
Kurumgad Island:
This tortoise-shaped island, located 4 kilometres from the mainland, is famous for the mountaintop Narasimha Temple, which attracts thousands of worshippers during the annual jatra held in January. Kurumgad has a rich history, including the ruins of a fort with gun holes. Take in the breathtaking vista of the sea, beach, and neighbouring islands.
Basavaraj Durga Island (90 km):
Basavaraj Durga is an island castle in Honnavar. The fort is said to have been built during the reign of the Vijayanagara rulers in the 16th century. The Keladi monarch, Shivappa Nayaka, conquered the fort and named it Basavaraj Durga in honour of Keladi Prince Basavaraj. This fort is encircled by a powerful structure made of massive laterite stones and has wrecked mounted cannons. It has a total size of around 19 hectares. There are also several fresh water wells on the island. Every year on Makar Sankranti Day, villagers, particularly fishermen and boat owners, attend with their families to do poojas asking protection from nature’s damage while working in the sea.
Devgadh Island:
Devgadh Island is a tiny island and picnic site located off the coast of Karwar, North Canara. The name Devgadh is derived from the Kannada word ‘Devara Gudda,’ which means “God’s Hill.”
Anjadev Island:
Anjadev is a tiny island off the coast of Karwar in the district of Uttara Kannada. Anjadeva Island, also known as Anjediva, is roughly 1.3 kilometres long and 300 metres wide, with a total area of around 1.5 square kilometres.
Haigunda:
An island in the middle of the Sharavati River, about 20 kilometres from Honnavara.
Adventure/Activities
Netrani Scuba Diving (135 km):
Netrani Island, off the coast of Murudeshwara, is one of Karnataka’s most famous scuba diving sites. The Nethrani Island, popularly known as Pigeon Island, is located off the coast of Murudeshwara. This is a beautiful island with a dense forest of trees and curving rocky formations that provide refuge for a large number of pigeons. The island’s reefs and clean seas make it one of the top snorkeling/diving spots in India. There are excellent snorkelling chances in this area, suitable for both novices and deep-diving pros. Murudeshwara has a number of operators who provide single dives as well as scuba diving training. Swimming like a fish, seeing them up close underwater, and witnessing colourful corals will be an unforgettable experience for everyone in the family.
Dandeli White Water Rafting:
Dandeli is a prominent adventure sports resort in Karnataka because of the Kali River’s white water rafting options. Experience the thrills of white water rafting on some of the most unexpected portions of the Kali River in Dandeli — possibly the best site after the Ganges. The rafting track is approximately 12 kilometres long, making it a thrilling length suitable for both expert and new rafters. The river length is densely forested and has multiple grade 2 (easier to manage) and grade 3 (requires a bit more work) rapids, making the rafting experience thrilling, adventurous, and unforgettable. The 12-kilometer rafting trip takes 3 to 4 hours from start to finish, including transportation from the resort to the starting location.
Yana Rock Climbing:
Yana rocks are the perfect adventurer’s destination. Yana in Uttara Kannada district is a popular destination for hikers and climbers from all over the world. Yana’s massive crystalline-like rock formations stand bold and towering among the evergreen trees of Uttara Kannada District’s Western Ghats. Yana is an excellent location for pilgrims, hikers, and nature enthusiasts. A 16-kilometer hike through the cool, breezy highlands leads to the mountain’s base, where the rock formations begin. A breathtaking vista awaits you at the top: the magnificent Bhairaveshwara and Jaganmohini shikharas (or peaks). Below these shikharas is a cave shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. The passage of time has turned these limestone buildings blackish brown, and many beehives dot the rock surface.
According to a famous Yana tale, Bhasmasura, a malevolent demon, committed penance to Lord Shiva and earned the power to reduce to ashes anybody on whose head he laid his hand. However, a resentful Bhasmasura soon resolved to put the blessing to the test on his benefactor. Lord Shiva came to earth and hid in Yana to avoid him. Lord Vishnu, disguised as the lovely woman Mohini, challenged the demon to a dance and forced him to touch his own head, turning him to ashes.
Watersports in Murudeshwara:
Visitors may take a JetSki ride, a banana boat trip, or participate in other watersports.
Bird Watching in Ganesha Gudi:
Dandeli’s most popular place for seeing and photographing a wide range of birds, including hornbills.
Jenu Kallu Gudda:
A panoramic vantage point in the Western Ghats, 17 kilometres from the town of Yellapura.
Syntheri Rocks (82 km):
Syntheri Rock is located in the deep woodlands of Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, beside the Kaneri River. It is a 300-foot-tall monolithic granite structure. Because of the surrounding river’s movement and the continual erosion over thousands of years, the rocks have weathered with many nooks and holes. Numerous blue rock pigeons and honeybee colonies call these places home. The State Forest Department controls access to the venue and provides parking. To reach the base of the Syntheri Rock, one must descend from the parking lot.
Kavala Caves (120 km):
The Dandeli Sanctuary contains the Kavala caverns. These natural caverns, embedded in the rocks on the hill overlooking the Kali River valley, were formed by water seeping through porous rocks over millions of years. There are several old limestone formations in the caverns. Despite the fact that the caverns are around 15 feet high, the mouth is barely three feet high. To explore these caverns, you’ll need a bright flashlight; they’re pitch black and full with bats. After roughly 30 feet of crawling on hands and knees, the roof opens to a height of around 10 feet. A few more feet will take you to a massive stalagmite that resembles a Shiva Linga. Thousands of worshippers flock here during the Maha Shivarathri Festival. The view of the river valley from the Kavala caverns is spectacular.
Sadashivgad Fort:
The Sonda rulers built the Sadashivgad Fort on a 200-foot mound around 1698. Although it is now in ruins, only the arched entry doorway appears to remain in decent shape. On top of the hill, there is also a statue of Shivaji Maharaj riding his horse. It has a breathtaking view of the Kali River on one side and the Arabian Sea on the other.
Mirjan Fort:
Known for its design, it is located 21 kilometres from Gokarna.
Waterfalls
Unchalli Falls:
Unchalli Falls is a well-known waterfall in Uttara Kannada’s Sirsi Taluk. The Aghanashini River falls 116 metres here, creating a spectacular waterfall. Visitors may watch it from the viewing deck or trek down the steps to get a closer look from the waterfalls’ base. Unchalli Falls is the most popular after the monsoon season. Unchalli Falls was found in 1875 by J. D. Lushington, a British officer.
Sathodi Falls:
Sathodi Falls is a lovely rectangular waterfall in the Western Ghats. Several unnamed streams join at Kallaramane Ghat to form Sathodi Falls, which drop from a height of roughly 15 metres to provide a scenic picnic site. Small trails lead to the waterfalls through the shrubs and the steep ground.
Lalguli Falls (118 km):
Lalguli Falls are around 15 kilometres north of Yellapur in Uttara Kannada District. The Kali River crashing from a height of around 250 feet in a succession of magnificent rapids arranged at varied heights produces a great display here.
Magod Falls (110 km):Â
The Bedthi River makes two different jumps from a height of 650 feet into a steep ravine below. The densely forested terrain, the rush of cascading water, and a stunning vista combine to make this location an excellent choice for expeditions.
Vibhuti Falls (70 km):
Vibhooti Falls takes its name from the lime stone boulder that can be found around the falls. The Vibhuti Falls are located near Yana and may be reached by a short forest route. There is a large waterfall of about 25 feet and a minor waterfall of about 3 feet here.
Shirale Falls:
Shirale is a remote waterfall 13 kilometres from Yellapur that needs a 2-kilometer hike from the nearest road access. Beautiful and hidden in the forest falls are well worth the hike.
Shivaganga Falls:
Shivaganga Falls is located 22 kilometres from Sirsi and is formed by the Sonda River flowing into a steep gorge.
Susubbi Falls:
Susubbi Falls, located 30 kilometres from Sirsi, is formed by a perennial spring known as Bilihole, which falls from a height of around 11 metres.
Apsarakonda Falls:
The name alludes to the Angels’ Pond. Apsarakonda Falls is located 96 kilometres south of Karwar and 7.5 kilometres from Honnavara.
Nature & Wildlife
Anshi National Park(55 km):
The Anshi National Park is a 339.86-square-kilometer-large evergreen tropical forest located in an environmentally vulnerable section of the Western Ghats. Anshi is home to a diverse range of unusual flora and animals, including 197 bird species. The park’s geography includes deep valleys, steep hill slopes, and dense woods. Teak, silver oaks, eucalyptus, and bamboos are among the trees found here. In the park, you may view spotted deer, sambar, barking deer, mouse deer, common langur, sloth bear, gaur (Indian bison), wild boars, fox, bonnet macaque, slender loris, mongoose, tiger, jungle cat, jackal, pangolin, elephants, Malabar giant squirrel, and porcupine.
Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary (110 km):Â
Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, which spans 475.01 square kilometres in the Uttara Karnataka district, is a birdwatcher’s dream, home to approximately 200 species of birds. Dandeli is a great location because to its undulating streams, diversified fauna, and several walking paths. It is also one of two spots in Karnataka where the elusive black panther has been spotted frequently. The wildlife refuge is home to a number of reptile and amphibian species. The sanctuary is home to a number of animals, including the barking deer, sambhar, flying squirrel, Malabar giant squirrel, bison, and tiger. The Dandeli woodlands also include the beautiful Virnoli Rapids, the spectacular Supa Dam, the Syntheri Rocks, the Kulgi Nature Education Camp, and the Kavala Caves, which have Shivling-like stalagmites and provide a breathtaking perspective of the Kali River Valley.
Jungle Lodges & Facilities owns two resorts in the area, Kali Adventure Camp and Old Magazine House, both of which offer activities such as animal safaris, white water rafting, and coracling.
Dandeli Hornbills:Â
Hornbills are magnificent birds that are difficult to overlook. Hornbills are simple to identify due to their big, golden beaks and are a bird photographer’s dream. Hornbills are most commonly seen at Dandeli, Karnataka.
Attiveri Bird Sanctuary:
Attiveri is a renowned bird sanctuary in Uttara Kannada district, spanning 22 square kilometres and centred on Attiveri Lake. During the winter season, the Attiveri bird sanctuary is believed to be home to over 79 different bird species travelling from over 22 countries.
Religious Places
Mahabaleshwar Temple Gokarna (60 km):
Gokarna is a temple town, a prominent Hindu pilgrimage centre, and a beach attraction in North Canara’s Kumta Taluk. Gokarna is home to the famed Mahabaleshwara temple, which holds Lord Shiva’s atmalinga. According to legend, Ravana, the King of Lanka, conducted penance atop Kailasa Hill. He satisfied Lord Shiva by obtaining Atmalinga from Him, but only on the condition that it never be placed on Earth, or else it will get stuck there. When the devas found this, they were terrified that Ravana would become all-powerful. They sought Lord Ganesha, who, disguised as a Brahmin kid, duped Ravana and hid the atmalinga in the earth, which became permanently lodged here. The Mahabaleshwar Temple is built around this location. You may also visit the Venkatramana Temple, Ganapati Temple, and the Koti Theertha pond, where pilgrims perform their ablutions, which are all nearby.
Other must-sees in Gokarna include the massive temple chariots that are hauled along the main street during the Shivaratri festival in February.
Murudeshwara:
Murudeshwara is located on the important Mangalore-Karwar Highway, wedged between the scenic Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea. Its major draw is a Shiva Temple with Chalukya and Kadamba sculptures created in the Dravidian style of architecture, as well as an outstanding Shiva statue and a clean beach. The temple is situated on a hill with a stunning view of the sea. The temple complex is famed for its towering Shiva statue, which stands roughly 37 metres tall and is India’s tallest Shiva monument. The temple gopura is the second highest in India, standing at 237 feet. The gigantic statue sparkles against the backdrop of a beautiful sky from across the beach. In the verdant garden here, there is also a large statue of the Gitopadesha, complete with chariot.
Idagunji Ganapathi Temple (105 km):
Idagunji is a tiny village in Honnavar located on the banks of the Sharavathi River and home to the famed Idagunji Ganapathi Temple. The temple is well-known and attracts thousands of worshipers each year. Panchakhadya Priya (meaning ‘Ganapathi who enjoys five eatables’) is the local Ganapathi. The Ganesha idol is upright and is a ‘Dwibhuja Ganapathy’ or two-handed Ganesha, as opposed to other Ganeshas who have four hands. In this image, Ganesha is carrying Modaka (a sweet) and Padma (a lotus) in His hands.
Ulavi Channabasaveshwara Temple, Joida (90 km)
Ulavi Channabasaveshwara Temple is a major pilgrimage site in Karnataka’s Uttara Kannada District, especially for Channabasavanna devotees. This lovely place is the Samadhi of Channabasavanna, one of the most revered saints of the Lingayat religion. Ulavi’s yearly fair draws pilgrims from all around Karnataka.
Sahasralinga (140 km):
Sahasralinga literally translates to “One Thousand Lingas,” and the name is derived from the countless Lingas engraved on the rocks along the Shalmala River’s banks. Linga is a manifestation of Lord Shiva, and most of these Lingas of all forms and sizes may be observed when the river’s water level is low. The majority of the Lingas here are accompanied by a Nandi (Lord Shiva’s chariot). On the festival of Maha Shivratri, people from all across the country flock to the site to do pujas. Surprisingly, a comparable Sahasralinga may be found at Seam Reap (also known as Kbal Spean) in Cambodia, not far from the famed Angkor Wat temple complex.
Marikamba Temple, Sirsi (110 km):
The Marikamba Temple in Sirsi is a widely respected temple among devotees, dedicated to Goddess Durga in the guise of Marikamba. The primary goddess, Goddess Durga, was built in 1688 and is in a very strong form. The eight-armed statue stands about 7 feet tall and is placed on a tiger. According to legend, the god was discovered in a pond near Hanagal in Hubbali. The temple’s walls are adorned with rare murals in Kaavi art, a kind of art indigenous to the Konkan area of coastal Karnataka. This entails the construction of patterns in red against a white backdrop. Thousands of devotees go to the Temple during the Marikamba Jathre, which occurs every two years.
Kavadikere Temples:
Durga and Kashi Vishwanatha temples are located on the banks of Kavadikere lake, 5 kilometres from the city of Yellapura.
Huliyal:
Huliyal is a town in North Canara known for its Mallikarjuna temple and fort, as well as Sri Rama, Dattatreya, Maruti, Pete Basaveshwara, and Venkataramana temples, six mosques, three Durgahs, a Roman Catholic Church, and Haider Shah’s mausoleum. Huliyal is located 50 kilometres from Hubballi and 150 kilometres from Karwar.
Madhukeshwara Temple, Banavasi (135 km):
This temple town on the Vardha River is famed for its rice, sugarcane, arecanut, spices, and the famous Banavasi pineapple. Pampa, the great poet, penned his poetry here. The honey-colored lingam in the temple’s inner sanctuary gave rise to the temple’s name, Madhukeshwara Temple, which is famous for its architecture. The linga is guarded by an enormous Nandi.
Venkatarama Matha:
Many temples in Sunkeri are dedicated to Venkataramana Matha. The 300-year-old matha’s walls are covered in the finest ochre murals. There is also a Naganatha Temple, which worships an anthill.
Bedasgaon is well-known for its Boppeshvaradeva temple.
Bhatkal is home to nearly a dozen beautiful temples.
Bilgi: Bilgi is the ancient capital of the Jain Palegars and is home to the Virupaksha, Mahadeva, and Manumantha temples.
Dhareshwara is well-known for the Dhareshwara Temple from the Kalyana Chalukya dynasty. A nearby site to visit is Nagashringa Parvata, which has a cave.
Gersoppa is the location of Chaturmukha Basti and Vardhamana Basti.
Shakaranarayana Temple, Chandeshwara Temple, Gopalakrishna Temple, Sunkadakatte Mahaganapathi Temple, Marikamba Temple, Salikeri and other temples are popular in Haldipur.
Kadra is well-known for the Mahamaya Temple and the Kadra Dam.
Kekkar is home to a number of temples, including those dedicated to Lakshminarasimha, Vishnu, and Vinayaka.
Kumta: A major town in Uttara Kannada, it is home to the Chalukya-style Kumbhateshwara temple and St John’s Church.
Manjuguni is the location of the Vijayanagara-style Bete Venkataramana Temple.
Others
Sonda: Sonda (sometimes spelled Sodhe) is a temple hamlet in Uttara Kannada that serves as the seat of the Sodhe Matha, which was founded in the 13th century by Saint Madhavacharya. Sonda’s high elevation (2000 metres above sea level) results in hill station-like weather. Every year during Holi Poornima, Honda hosts an annual vehicle event (usually falls in March).
Oyster Rock Lighthouse: Located on an island off the shore, it is only accessible by speed boat.
INS INS Chapal was an operational vessel in the Indian Navy and the star of naval combat during the 1971 Indo-Pak conflict. The INS Chapal has been deactivated and transformed into a museum, attracting visitors to the city of Karwar.
Rock Park: A sculpture garden at INS Chapal that depicts tribal and rural life.
Jatayu Theertha: Karwar’s vantage point
Ankola is a taluk and city in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka’s coastal region. Ankola is worth seeing for its beaches, cultural legacy, and natural beauty.
Yellapura is a taluk and town in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, located in the Western Ghats. Yellapur, blessed with woods, ghats, and peaceful nature, provides serene, quirky, and refreshing areas of interest that should not be missed by visitors to the region.
Ramnagar is a hamlet in Supa Taluk, 112 kilometres from Karwar. The biggest tourist attractions around Ramnagar are Ganesha Gudi and Supa dam.
Chandavar: A ruined fort, two mosques, and a few temples may be found here.
Sykes Point: A picturesque viewpoint located inside Dandeli Games Sanctuary, 42 kilometres from Haliyal.
Mundgod is the location of a Tibetan monastery and village.
Best Time to Visit in Uttara Kannada (Karwar)
The winter season, which lasts from October to February, is the greatest time to visit Karwar. October, November, December, January, and February are the ideal months to visit. In Karwar, all significant festivals are celebrated with great pomp and spectacle.
How to Reach Uttara Kannada (Karwar)
This gorgeous coastal area is a favoured resort for earth and sun worshippers, with 24 lovely beaches. This Uttara Kannada Jail is a natural gem, surrounded by more than 70% forest. Karwar is well connected by rail (Konkan Railway) and National Highways to major Indian towns. Buses run frequently between the area and large cities like as Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, and Manipal.