The Coast of Karnataka – a heaven beyond Goa

Karnataka is blessed with a pristine coastal stretch of 300 kms. Coastal Karnataka has some of the most sought after beaches in India. Goa may still be a haven for party goers and vacation seekers in India but the beaches in Karnataka are soon gaining popularity amongst travellers who seek to experience much more.

Some of the most popular beaches in Coastal Karnataka are Gokarna, Murudeshwar, Kumta, Malpe, Maravanthe and much more.

What makes coastal Karnataka more aesthetically appealing are the blessed coast which form either spectacular shapes or forms or the rock structures which have added values. Nethrani Island in North Karnataka is popularly known for its coastal reefs which making it a beautiful place for vacationers. St Marys Island just a few kilometres from Udipi has a basalt rock formation.

Not only is Karnataka blessed with a great coast but the hill stations just a few hours from the coast are undiscovered and beautiful. Augumbe, Kemmangundi, Kodachadri hills are just a few on the many hill stations that straddle the coast thus providing the tourist with the much needed sun and greenery.

A trip across the coast of Karnataka maybe just what you need. A few days and a great plan could make a great vacation for you and family or loved one. Also there is nothing like taking your car and driving across exploring the coastal towns with your friends.

Gokarna is popular as a pilgrimage centre and a place for Sanskrit learning. Situated 56 km from Karwar it is home to the Mahabaleshwar temple with an ‘Atmalinga’ dedicated to Lord Shiva. Gokarna is also popularly known for being the ‘Om Beach’ or as some like to call it ‘Cows Ear’ beach. Although Gokarna is noted more for being a pilgrimage centre than a beach it would be unfair to explore its beauty. Gokarna with its coconut palms, blue sea and clear sand forms an idyllic vacation for just anybody. A silent town with wooden houses and a single street it is perfectly located so close to 5 beaches (Goakrna beach, Kudle beach, Om Beach, Half moon beach and paradise beach) making it one of the most sought after beach towns in India.

No trip to Karnataka would be complete without a visit to Udipi. Most may not have ever been here but they sure have heard about it. Udipi restaurants have sprung up everywhere in India and the food from this region is enjoyed by everyone commonly known as south Indian food or Idly-vada. Udipi has a famous Krishna temple founded by Acharya Madhwa in the 14^th century. 12 km from Udipi is a beach called Kaup and a ruined fort which is a scenic marvel with the blue water in the backdrop.

Gentle waves, golden sand and a tranquil ambiance is what Karwar is blessed with. The landscape is captivating with rugged hills, thick and mysteriously deep valleys.

Kurumgad is a small Island 4 km from the mainland, devotees flock here to pray at the Narsimha temple which is situated on a hill top. The breath taking view of the sea, sand and the neighbouring islands forms a picturesque environment to be seen from the tableland of the island. There are many activities that you could indulge yourself in like trekking, fishing, dolphin and seal spotting and other water activities.

One of the numerous scenic places in Karnataka is Marawanthe. Marawanthe takes a form of a fairyland at sunset when you can see the rays of the sun slowly hitting the sea and the river and the sky turning crimson red. Ottinane very close to Marawanthe is a great place to view the sunset from.

50 kms from Mangalore lays a small town of Karkala famous as a centre for Jainism in India. There are around 18 Jain temples in this place alone and a 17 meters high statue of Gommateshwara (Bahubali). Karkala is more of a pilgrim attraction than a tourist attraction but its close proximity to the coast of Karnataka makes it a great tourist destination too.

Malpe beach is situated 66 km north of Mangalore. Malpe is a very popular tourist beach. In addition to being a beach Maple is also an important port and a fishing hub. The scenic beach is popular among both locals as we as tourists.

St Mary’s islands also known as Coconut Island are a set of four islands in a close proximity from Malpe. They are distinctively known for their geographical formation of columnar basaltic lava. The islands form one of the four geological monuments from the state of Karnataka. The only way of getting to the island is by a ferry, there are regular ferries that leave for St Marys Island from Malpe.

Dharamasthala is a very popular religious destination for Hindus but it is also popular for being an attractive tourist destination surrounded by forested hills, rice fields and river Netravati on all sides. The Manjunatha temple is a pilgrim centre for Hindus.

Karnala like the other places on the coast of Karnataka is filled with beaches and temples. The small town of Ankola has beaches like Baskal, Gudda, Nadibag, Shedikuli, Keni, Belikere and much more.

Murudeshwar is famous for its world’s tallest idol of Lord Shiva. The highlight of Murudeshwar maybe the statue of Lord Shiva but it’s clear and clean beaches are a two thumps up for people looking for a short vacation. This beach has gained a lot of importance as a commercial tourist destination as you can notice the number of locals and tourists from towns and cities around flock to spend a perfect weekend.

The coast of Karnataka is flanked by unnumbered, unsung and unheard of beaches and temple. With the soaring Western Ghats in the east and the blessed blue clean water of the Arabian Sea in the east the coast of Karnataka is pure and untouched with its rich flora and fauna and the most scenic and pleasant to the eyes places in India.

Mangalore has one fast become one of the most important and developed cities in the state following the steps of Bangalore. This is also the most preferred stop between travellers to Goa and Kerala. The narrow streets with coconut palms, quaint houses, beautiful beaches, temples and churches make this city a great place for people to visit unlike the chaos of our regular city life. Today it is a business and commercial centre and Karnataka’s port for the trade of coffee, spices and cashews.

You can plan you vacation in Karnataka with The Other Home at some exotic locations – Aahan Group Stay (Kodagu), Aahan Hills Cottage (Madikeri), EcoHabitat (Kusalnagar), Elephant Corridor Coorg(Mysore), Soans Island Resorts (Kundapur) and Swarga (Hassan).

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(Photo courtesy: Niraj Sharma, Aneesh)