Karwar is a port city with scenic beaches surrounded by casuarinas trees along the Arabian sea coastline. Located 15kms away from Goa, on the west coast of Indian Peninsula, It is both a natural harbour as well as a town with a history that goes back to the 15th century.
Karwar is a multicultural destination with Konkani, Kannada and Marathi speaking communities. It is also famous for the historic monuments and is a photographer’s paradise owing to the brilliant architecture of monuments and scenic landscapes that are in this region. With Snorkelling, scuba diving and surfing, Karwar is an ideal place for adventure tourists as well.
Places to Visit
Kurumgad Island
Shaped like a tortoise, this island is home to the Narasimha temple which is a famous pilgrimage spot in the area.
A deserted lighthouse is also present on this island which has its own historic background. Various activities like water sports, fishing etc can be enjoyed here.
Karwar Beach
Karwar beach is a collection of beaches in the city of Karwar. It occupies the region between the Sahyadris along the coastline of the Arabian Sea. Karwar is a perfect beach destination because tourists get to visit five beaches while exploring the town. It is famous for eco-tourism and nature lovers frequently visit the city for vacations. The beaches are relatively less crowded compared to the other commercialized beaches of India. Balmy sunsets are a true treat to the eyes in the shimmering golden sand, pristine waters and playful waves of the Arabian Sea. Whether it is just a weekend getaway or a proper vacation, tourists must visit the Karwar Beaches.
Karwar beaches make for a quaint little holiday spot suitable for one and all. The entire Karwar coastline is a set of five beaches – Devbagh Beach, Binaga Beach, Karwar Beach, Majali Beach and the Tilmatti Beach. Tourists can enjoy a wide variety of water sports here such as banana ride, motorboat, and jet scooter or take a stroll along the coastline of Karwar or relax with family and friends on the golden beaches. The picturesque location and the natural beauty of Karwar are sure to make you fall in love with it. This is one reason why photography enthusiasts frequently visit the beaches to capture breathtaking pictures. This quaint, simple and charming beach destination is a must-see for one and all. Once here, you would want to come back again and again.
Sadavshivgadh Hill Fort
This fort is built atop a hill on the north bank of the Kali river, hence giving a beautiful view of the setting sun.
It is mostly in ruins, having been pulled apart by the British, after multiple change of hands. The Durga temple is situated in this fort, the Shantadurga deity being installed by Shivaji for the locals to worship.
Devbagh Beach
Perhaps one of the most famous beaches in the state of Karnataka, Devbagh beach is a nature lover’s paradise. Sun, sands and the sea – isn’t that what beaches are all about? This quiet seaside in Karwar may seem like the typical beach experience at first glance, yet it offers so much more. With white seagulls flying across the backdrop of a softly lit coral sky, this destination creates a delightful view that can be cherished for long after you leave. The river Karli meets the Arabian Sea at this spot, which together with the pristine beauty of surrounding mountains makes for a splendid sight.
The beach is an untouched beauty, sandwiched between the magnificent Western Ghats and the mighty Arabian Sea, where one can still hear the gentle crashing of the waves, and watch the majestic sun disappear into the ocean giving way to a velvety moonlit night.
Along with its enchanting splendour, one can also try their hand at some thrilling adventure sports such as jet skiing, parasailing, parachute riding, banana ride, speed boating among many others. And if you’re in luck, you might even spot a dolphin or two while on an expedition into the waters! Whether you choose to stay at a grand Resort or a simpler homestay, Devbagh has a treat for everyone. All in all, if a quiet, leisurely outing by the sea with a pinch of adrenaline is your idea of a vacation, Devbagh beach is the place to be.
Majali Beach
This is the one of the best places to visit in Karwar, owing to the scenic beauty, sea-facing housing facilities and the water sports. Bird watching and fishing can also be enjoyed by the tourists.
Guddalli Peak
Once a summer retreat for the British, Guddalli Peak is one of the tallest peaks of the Haidarghat mountain range. At 1800 feet above sea level, the mountain peak is famous for its picturesque beauty and a resplendent top view of the dense foliage, River Kali, River Belikeri and the Arabian Sea at a distance. It is a well-known attraction amongst trekkers too for its 5 kilometre long stretch through the jungle to reach the peak.
Oyster Rock Lighthouse
Oyster Rocks are a group of rocks on Devgad Island around 11 km from Karwar in Karnataka. Devgad is the highest rock formation of the same which is also home to the magnificent lighthouse. Also known as Devgad Island Lighthouse, Oyster Rock Lighthouse is the prime attraction on the island of Devgad. Constructed in the 1860s by the British, this lighthouse became functional from 25 March 1864.
Boasting of stunning colonial architecture, the towering lighthouse has a dome crowning it through which the tourists can see the entrance to the lantern room. It is a perfect place to watch the sunrise and sunset moments. Besides, the top of the tower offers enchanting panoramic vistas and the view of the city below. In addition to that, you can also try sports adventure activities like scuba diving and snorkelling at the site. Oyster Island can be reached in machine boats from the Karwar Port.
Kali Bridge
Kali Bridge stretches over the region where the mesmerising River Kali meets the magnificent Arabian Sea. The bridge was built in 1983 to connect the states of Karnataka and Goa. Tourists often visit the attraction for the splendid view of the merging water bodies and the Sadashivgad Fort located a little distance away from the bridge.
Shopping In Karwar
Karwar is quite famous for its fine muslin cloth, so this should be the topmost commodity on your shopping list. Karwar is also quite well known for beautifully carved sandalwood and incense sticks. You can also buy silk sarees here, and have a look at the weavers working their magic on the sarees as well. This destination has quite a few handicrafts and souvenir shops where you can buy a thing or two for your loved ones. Besides these, you can also buy jewellery and scented oils.
Kot Shiveshwar
This fortress was built on strategic purposes to protect Northern Canara regions, by the Bijapur Sultanate. It is a ruin today, although some features like a tunnel and graveyard are discernible.
Must Try Food in Karwar
1. Taj Food Corner
2. Welcome Dine
3. Upahara Darshini
4. Hotel Karawali
5. Annapoorna Biryani Paradise
6. Ajivi Ocean
7. Hotel Amrut
8. Swetha Lunch Home
9. Gourish Restaurant
10. Upahara Darshini
How To Get Here
The nearest airport is Dabolim Airport, Goa (97 km). Karwar has its own railway station where most trains halt. Local bus services are available at regular intervals fron Madgaon, Gokarna and other nearby places.
By Air
The closest airport to Karwar is the Dabolim Airport, located in Goa. It is only two hours away from Karwar. The Dabolim Airport is an international airport. It is well linked to other major cities of the country through Air India, Spice Jet, Go India, Jet Airways, Indigo and Jet Konnect.
Nearest Airport: Goa International Airport – 71 kms from Karwar
By Road
There are buses going to and fro from Goa to Karwar frequently. There is also a bus service from Bangalore, Mumbai and other metropolitans.
By Train
There is Karwar Railway Station in Karwar. The station is very well linked to all the major cities of the country.