Heading To Karwar For A Serene Beach Holiday? Here Are Some Spots You Cannot Miss!

Why bother with the crowded beaches of Goa and Gokarna when you can relax in the serene and beautiful shores of Karwar? The little coastal town standing at the mouth of the Kali river as it drains into the Arabian Sea is a treasure trove for any avid traveller. Here’s what you absolutely cannot miss on your trip to the quaint Konkani coast.

Karwar Beach

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What brings every traveller to this quiet town by the sea is undoubtedly its vast coastline, pristine and serene. Walk along the rolling tides at Karwar beach (officially known as Rabindranath Tagore beach) and the dazzling colours of the sunset will make for the most picturesque sights. You can walk up and down the sandy shores from one beach to the other all day and never tire of the lush green trees dotting the land while the waves crash back and forth. The Warship Museum can be a quick pit stop when you need a breather. As you head back from the beach, don’t forget to try Amrut restaurant for a hearty meal. Psst… We’ve heard some celebrities have popped in for a bite too! 

Kurumgad Island

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Earning its moniker from its tortoise-shaped outline, Kurumgad Island is just a short distance off the mainland of Karwar. Take a short boat ride from Karwar beach and you will arrive at this green oasis of tranquillity. The sprawling green foliage covering the hill is perfect for a natural retreat. The Narasimha Temple sits atop the summit, inviting pilgrims for the famous Jatra or temple fair every year in the month of January. The entire town livens up with the pomp and fare of the festivities. 

Sadashivgad Fort

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This one’s a sight for the history buff’s sore eyes. The desolate ruins were once a fortress for the Sonda dynasty, built in 1715. From the Marathas and Sondas to the Portuguese and British, the fort has passed through a number of hands since its early years. Today, it is in a largely dilapidated condition, but its vantage position at a height makes it the ideal spot to look out at the panoramic vista of the sea. The Kali Bridge sits right next to it, so you can get innumerable pictures of the river merging into the Arabian sea, bisected by the clean lines of the bridge. 

Tilmati Beach

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The beauty of this beach deserves special mention, unique as it is from all the other shores flanking Karwar. As you guessed from the name, the beauty of this beach comes from the obsidian-black sand, which looks like an expanse of black sesame seeds. But you need to earn a visit to this gorgeous stretch with a short trek first. Start off at Majali beach and soon you’ll find the sight of the smooth ebony-coloured rocks turning to fine powdery sand. The dense green cover hiding this space from the regular tourist makes it the perfect hideout for a quiet evening by the water.

Oyster Rock Lighthouse

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Fancy another boat ride? Head to the Oyster Rock Lighthouse just a short distance from the Karwar port and find the veteran lighthouse from the days of the East India Company in the 1860s. The towering structure sits atop the Devgad Island, perfect for enjoying the view of the rocks surrounded by the sea in every direction. The dome set at the peak of the tower holds the lantern, guiding sailors to the trading port for over a century. 

Gudahalli Peak

Picture Credit: I Love My Karwar/Facebook

Another hidden treasure that makes Karwar a veritable vacation spot is Guddali Peak. Located at the midpoint between the river Kali and Belikeri, the summit stands at an elevation of 1,800 metres above the sea level, granting it the spellbinding views all around. Trek your way through the lush green woods and you will be rewarded with an energizing hike that ends with amazing sights waiting to be captured through your lenses. Witness the entire expanse of Karwar or click some beautiful shots of the perfect mix of river and greenery. With so many beautiful spots on the itinerary, an unforgettable vacation is guaranteed!

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