519
kms north-west of Bangalore is Karwar. The district headquarters of Uttara
Kannada; this is an ideal place to relax. Karwar has sacred pilgrim
centres, historical towns and some of the most beautiful beaches in the
country.
The Devbagh beach is a must for beach lovers. Gentle waves, palm-laced
beaches, silver, clam, peaceful alleys, soft songs of birds and a great
sunset Karwar has all the makings of a perfect holiday.
Once an important trade centre of the British, French, Portuguese and the
Arabs, the charming town is complemented by a glorious weather and an
excellent beach which is said to have inspired Rabindranath Tagore to pen
his first play.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Dargah of Peer Shan Shamsuddin Kharobat:
The famous Dargah of Peer Shan Shamsuddin Kharobat, a Baghdadi Saint is a
place of tourist interest for pilgrims.
Naganatha Temple:
Naganatha Temple is a Temple where an anthill is worshipped. Kurmagad
Island: A visit by launch to the Kurmagad Island, which has an old fort
and a Narasimha shrine, is a must.
EXCURSIONS
Gokarna:
60kms south of Karwar, this coastal town has, among other things, an
ancient temple with the Atmalinga. Gokarna is also a famous centre for
Sanskrit learning. The Om Beach and Kutle Beach nearby, are also worth a
visit.
Honnavar:
Honnavar, 90 kms from Karwar, has a laterite fort of Portuguese times.
Basavaraja Durga Island, a fort amidst the sea, can be reached by launch
from here.
A sail upstream on river Sharavathi to Geresoppa 30 kms away, with
coconut groves and lush greenery covering the banks, is a voyage to
remember.
Geresoppa, the old capital of the Peter Queen Chanabhairavi has a
beautiful 14th century Chaturmukha Basti.
Bhatkal:
135 kms south, is a historical township. The ancient port town has
temples of Vijayanagar style and many interesting Jain monuments.
16 kms away is the scenic holy place of Murdeshwar. The temple here
attracts a lot of devotees and tourists.
The Pigeon Island is off the Murdeshwar coast. The beaches at Gokarna,
Bhatkal and Murdeshwar
are undiscovered and thankfully unspoilt.
Banavasi:
140 kms from Karwar, is a temple town mentioned in the Hindu epics, the
Ramayana and the Mahabharata.
Shivganga Falls:
140 kms away, amidst scenic surroundings, the river Souda falls into a
deep valley from a height of 74 m to form the falls.
Dandeli:
93 kms from Karwar, it is a popular holiday resort. The wildlife sanctuary
here abounds with a variety of rare animals. The cave with Shivalinga-like
laterite formations is also well worth a visit.
Magod Falls:
A few kms from Karwar, is a scenic delight. The Bedti river plunges into a
180 m rocky valley in two leaps.
Lalguli Falls:
It is picturesque waterfall formed by the river Kali. The Mailmane Falls
also deserve a visit.
Ulavi:
Ulavi, 75 kms from Karwar (via Kumbarawada) is a famous pilgrim centre.
Thousands come here to pay homage to the samadhi of Veera Shiva Saint
Channabasavanna, who took refuge here from the army of 'Kalachurias'.
Within walking distance are other spots like Akka Nagamma's Cave and
Mahamani Gavi. 'Jathras' of Ulavi are events that attract devotees from
all over the district.
Lushington Falls:
33 kms from Sirsi are the Lushington Falls, where the river Aghanashini
thunders down from the height of 116 meters.
Locals call it Keppa Falls for its deafening effect. Further downstream
are the smaller Dadmane falls.
Sirsi:
Sirsi, has the famous Marikamba Temple 18 kms from here is Sonda with the
famous Vadiraja Swamy Mutt, and the Samadhi of the famous saint and
grammarian Bhattakalanka.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
HOW TO GET THERE
Air: The nearest airport is at Goa, though entry points are also
Belgaum and Mangalore
R ail: Hubli is the nearest rail junction.
Road: Road distance of nearby cities:
Bangalore: 520
kms, Belgaum: 167 kms, Mangalore: 273 kms, Goa: 100 kms.
WHERE TO STAY
Tourist Cottages, Devbagh Beach, Karwar.
Kiran Deluxe Hotel, Kodibagh, National Highway.
Hotel Navratna, Opp. Geetanjali Theatre.
Tourist Bungalow. Circuit House.
Inspection Bungalow.
Hotel Badhra.
Hotel Ashok.
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& Resorts in Karwar