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Karnataka beaches are a thing of beauty- long serene stretches of the azure sky reflected on the lucid expanse of the sea, only to be swiftly swayed away by the temperamental tides, hillocks that open up to crescent moon shaped shores by the bay, and shallow cerulean blues that lets you wade your way closer to the horizon and its hundred different hues.
Read on to rediscover the more popular and unique beach towns along the north of Karnataka’s coastline.
A temple town, a haunt for hippies and an ideal getaway for those looking to steer clear from the Goa madness – it’s safe to say that Gokarna, as a beach town, is really something else. Take a spiritual tour of the beautiful temples or simply sprawl out at any of the quaint beaches – Gokarna Beach, Om, Kudle, Half Moon and Paradise.
Best time to visit: All year, especially during festivals like Shivaratri, when the town really comes alive.
This beach town, though less frequented by tourists, has found its place in the annals of literature. It is said that the waters of Karwar was an inspiration for Tagore to write his first play – Prakritir Prathishodha (Nature’s Revenge). The five stunning islands of this coastal town gives you a sneak peek into the raw local life by the bay. If you are pressed for time, take a tour around the islands on a speedboat, but if your itinerary has a few days to spare, then explore the islands on a paddleboat. If you can carve out time in the mornings for beautiful sunrises and a cool dip in the waters, you might just get a chance to befriend a few Dolphins from afar.
Karwar offers something for architecture lovers too with the Sadashivgad Hill Fort, the 300-year-old Venkatrama Temple, a unique octagonal church and the Naganatha Temple. Kurumgad, a tortoise-shaped island off Karwar is also a popular spot.
Parasailing in Tagore Beach and scuba diving and snorkeling at Devbagh Beach Resort are a few other attractions.
Best time to visit: September to mid-May.
This mythical town is a popular pilgrimage, as well as tourist destination. The tallest Shiva statue in the world is located by the gorgeous beach. Legend has it that Murudeshwara was where Lord Shiva was once scorned by his ardent devotee, Ravana. The sea-facing Murudeshwara Temple that houses the Shiva linga is thronged by pilgrims.
Murudeshwara also has the ideal conditions for underwater sports like scuba diving. Netrani island, just an hour away from Murudeshwara by boat is one of the best snorkelling sites.
Best time to visit: September to mid-May
Marawanthe is perfect for an idyllic retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Since this isn’t a popular tourist destination, the seascape is entirely your oyster. With the vast Arabian Sea on one side and the Souparnika River and Kodachadri Hills on the other, you couldn’t imagine a lovelier postcard setting.
A short detour from Maravanthe, are even more offbeat locations to explore- Baindur, a hamlet 12 kilometers north of Maravanthe is home to a pristine beach, while you can also choose to catch a spectacular sunset at Ottinene.
Best time to visit: August to March.