Seaside
Karnataka
Flanked by the soaring Western Ghats I the east
and blessed by the blue waters of the Arabian Sea in the
west, Karnataka has a 320 km long coastline dotted with
unspoilt beaches and scores of temples. Some othe these
beaches and temples are unknown, unsung, and undiscovered
– and that is their biggest attraction.
Gokarna
With its narrow streets, traditional houses, and temples,
the nondescript town of Gokarna has become the favorite
haunt of Hindu pilgrims, Sanskrit scholars, and beach
buffs. Locals believe that Gokarna derives its name from
a legend in which Lord Shiva emerged from the ear of a
cow. Literally meaning ‘cow’s ear,’
this village is formed by the ear-shaped confluence of
two rivers. Adventurous travellers must be prepared for
a bit of cliffs crambling in this coastal town. Om beach,
one of Gokarna’s five famed beaches, takes the shape
of an ‘Om,’ a spiritual symbol. The other
beaches, wedged between gigantic cliffs that protrude
like delicate fingers into the sea, are Gokarna, Kudle,
Half Moon, and Paradise. The drive up the winding path
that leads to Gokarna is a scenic delight with rocky mountains
and the Western Ghats on one side and the Arabian Sea
on the other. Here, you can experience the famed Karnataka
hospitality in friendly guesthouses run by local families.
How to Reach:
Karwar – 60km
Bangalore – 470km
Kumta – 32km
Properties Close:
Om Beach Resort
Swaswara- Casino Group Property
Devbagh
Dev Bagh could have been a designer beach: designed
for effortless unwinding. A gentle, secluded island
totally cut off from the world. From the Karwar coast,
speedboat across an estuary to a casuarina-whispering
island. Walk around, laze in a casuarina grove, lie
in a hammock, play beach volleyball, or just take a
swim in the waters. Live in a bark-clad, thatched, cottage
raised on stilts. Dine on a starlit strand while the
sea softly whispers its eternal serenade.
And that's just the beginning.
Come morning, don your swimming gear and head for a
tiny secluded cove on Lady's Island where even non-swimmers
are encouraged to snorkel, wearing life- jackets. Experience
first hand the submarine life beneath the sparkling
azure waters. Follow a pod of dolphins gambolling in
the water…
If Devbagh doesn't change your perspective of life,
nothing will!
How to Reach:
South Goa border – 10km
Panaji – 105km
Bangalore – 530km
Mumbai – 650km
Propeties Close:
Jungal Lodges and Resort –Devbagh
Eastury Viw- On Sadashiv Gadh
Marawanthe
A drive along the West Coast Highway as it cruises alongside
the Arabian Sea on one side, with the picturesque Kodachadri
Hills forming a backdrop to the Sauparnika river on
the other is truly spectacular. Marawanthe wears the
look of a fairyland at sunset when the sky turns crimson
and the golden rays of the sun are reflected in the
sea as well as the river.
Visit Baindur, a hamlet 45 kms. from Marawanthe with
a lovely beach close by. Near Baindur is the scenic
Ottinane with its overhanging cliffs, an ideal place
for viewing the sunset. A further drive will take you
to the Belaka Theertha Falls near Baindur.
Illuminated by streetlights, Marawanthe turns into a
cool nightspot after dark. The distant ship lights on
the horizon seem to beckon you to other shores.
How to Reach:
Kundapur – 12km
Udupi – 52km
Mangalore – 112km
Bangalore – 435km
Properties Close:
Turtle Bay Resort
Sai Vishram
St. Mary's Island
St. Mary's Island, another delightful get away is only
a boat-ride away across Malpe Harbour. Here one can
find a unique formation of volcanic rocks which have
crystallized into columns and split into vertical hexagonal
blocks. This is neither a swimming nor a strolling beach.
It's a beach to be gazed and wondered at; and it's the
only one of its kind in India. Legend has it that Vasco
da Gama landed in 1498 on one of these islands which
he called “El Padron de Santa Maria”. It
is from this that these islands got their present name.
Tsshe northernmost island is about a square mile in
area and not more than 250 yards in width. It has a
coconut grove, which makes it the shadiest island of
the group and gives it true South Sea colour.
If you’re looking for seclusion, you couldn’t
find it in a better
How to Reach:
Udupi – 6km
Mangalore – 66km
Bangalore – 426km
Properties Close:
The Paradise Isle Beach Resort
Malpe
Malpe is a natural harbour and an important fishing
centre that enriches Karnataka's coastline with its'
fabulous beach. The endless stretch of golden sand,
graciously swaying palm trees, clear blue sky and gentle
murmur of the sea, all set the perfect mood for an idyllic
holiday. Fishing boats bobbing in the distance make
a pretty picture.
Don't miss out on the Balarama Temple.
How to Reach
Udupi – 6km
Mangalore – 66km
Bangalore – 426km
Properties Close:
The Paradise Isle Beach Resort |
