Karwar is a laid back coastal town, located at 15 km from Goa border, in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, Popularly known as the “ Kashmir of Karnataka ” by the locals. This place is all about picture-perfect landscapes, untouched islands, pristine beaches, scenic sunsets, sandbanks in winter, lush green mountains, historical sights, lip-smacking coastal delicacies, and serene surroundings. Besides this, it is surrounded by beauties like the Arabian sea, Western ghats, and river Kali, which elevates this destination to the next level.
Karwar is one of the greenest cities across India, hence it is considered as one of the best ecotourism centres. Most people in this region are into fishing and agriculture. Interestingly, Karwar gets its name from a nearby village called “Kadwad”, which is a Konkani word, Kad” means last and “Wad” means area. Since, this place is in the corner, where river Kali meets the Arabian sea. During ancient times this city was used for Seatrade and spice trade by Britishers, Portuguese, French, and Dutch. It is a multicultural destination with Kannada, Konkani and Marathi speaking people living together by spreading prosperity across.
If legends are to be believed, then Rabindranath Tagore had spent some quality time with his brother and penned a few poems here. Hence, a beach has been named after him as gratitude.
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Best Places To Visit In Karwar
Sadashivgad Fort Karwar
Fort was built by Rajah Basavalinga of Sonda dynasty in the year 1715 on top of a hillock. Later, it changed hands from Marathas, Portuguese, Dutch, and finally to Britishers. This historic site is amidst the thick green forest, where River Kali meets the Arabian sea.it.Hence, it offers a stunning view of landscapes around it and dramatic sunsets that take the breath away. It also houses a Durga Devi temple which was built during ancient times.
Guddalli Peak Trek In Karwar
Standing tall at 1800 ft above sea level, this is the topmost spot of Karwar. You need to trek for 6 km in the dense forest to reach the peak. The view of Bluish Arabian sea on one side and laidback town on the other side from the top is true bliss. Make sure you are on the peak before 6 Pm to watch the huge fireball taking a dip in the Arabian sea.
Devbagh Beach Karwar
Undoubtedly, one of the most scenic beaches with blueish water, golden sand, casuarina trees, seagulls flying over you, and long stretched beach. Devbagh beach is sandwiched between evergreen western ghats and the Arabian sea, which adds to enormous beauty to it. This beach is located near the junction where the Arabian sea meets River Kali. If you are lucky, then you can spot sandbanks at Devbagh beach during winter. Lastly, never miss the sun bidding adieu for the day by slowing hiding behind the beautiful Kurumgad Islands
Furthermore, this beach is also famous for water activities like snorkelling, surfing, banana boat rides and scuba diving.
Kurumgad Island
Untouched tortoise shaped island visible from almost all the beaches in Karwar. Kurumgad islands are just 1 km from Devbagh beach and you need to rent a boat to reach the islands.
The island is home to the famous Narasimha temple which is visited by thousands of devotees every year. You can try fishing, trekking, snorkelling, and stroll through the deserted lighthouse present on the island.
Warship Museum
INS Chapal a warship of Indian Navy is decommissioned and is converted into a museum. This warship museum is located on the Rabindranath Tagore beach in Karwar. You can spot mannequins dressed-up as sailors, captains, and ship crew on the outside of the ship. On the other hand replicas of many missiles that were used during wars are displayed inside the ship. Not just this. It also showcases the Karwars aquatic life with a wide variety of fishes displayed inside huge aquariums.
Warship Museum Timings: 9 Am to 8 Pm on all days.
Karwar Port
Kawar has a weather natural post that spreads across 355 metres. And, it has the capacity to accommodate two ships at a time. You will get permission to visit the port any time of the day except for when the ships are loading or unloading the goods.
Shadashivgad fort, Devbagh Beach, Guddalli peak, Kurumgad Island, Karwar port, Manjali beach, Tilmati beach, and Warship museum are some of the places that got to be on your list when you head to Karwar next time. And, if you are an adventure freak, then there is a huge list of things you can try like snorkelling, scuba diving, surfing, banana boat rides, and jet scooter rides.
Indeed, this place is for people who want to stay away from crowds and relax on pristine beaches. And, not for people who want to party all day, like in Goa.
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