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Karnataka Beaches

The 320-km long coastline of Karnataka is enriched with picturesque beaches that provide an idyllic getaway for weary souls looking forward to unwind amid enchanting locales. Miles of silver sand and the azure waters of the sea beckon those craving for an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city life.

While the secluded beach of Devbagh will bring tranquility to your heart with its unspoiled charm, the majestic sunset of the Marawanthe beach will prove to be an enthralling sight. The unique basalt rock formations of St Mary's Island will make you marvel at the whims of nature.

Besides strolling in these scenic beaches, one can explore the sacred temples and other monuments that dot the local towns. Mingle with the native folks to enjoy a sip of the indigenous culture.

Devbagh Beach

Devbagh Beach KarnatakaThe picturesque Devbagh beach is located on an island that can be reached by speedboats from the Karwar coast. This secluded beach dotted with casuarina groves provides the perfect getaway from the din of city life. Sparkling azure waters and the ivory beach will soothe your weary soul.

Devbagh beach is the ideal retreat for people looking for some seclusion and tranquility. Cut off from the mainland, you can laze around, lie in a hammock or soak in glorious sunshine. Live in tented cottages or huts and marvel at the wonders of nature beneath starry skies.

Besides strolling around in these sun-kissed beaches, you can frolic in the blue seas and enjoy exciting water sports. A tiny secluded cove on Lady's Island serves as the hub of these activities and even non-swimmers are encouraged to snorkel, wearing life- jackets. Dive deep into the seas and explore the exotic ocean life.

Karwar Beach

Karwar Beach KarnatakaThe unspoiled, secluded beach of Karwar is an ideal destination for vacationing and recreation. This scenic beach lies on a thin strip of tropical sand tucked away between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea. The palm fringed ivory beaches and the serene ambience of Karwar provides a perfect retreat for avid tourists.

The idyllic setting of the Karwar beach inspired Rabindranath Tagore to write his first play. The Devbagh beach, located about 3 kms away, is among a number of small islands on the horizon and popular center for diving and snorkeling.

The Dandeli Game Park, the Sadashivgad Hill fort devoted to Goddess Durga, the Octagonal Church and the Naganatha temple are some of the nearby tourist attractions. The 300 hundred years old Venkataramana temple located here exhibits some fine ochre paintings.

Marawanthe Beach

Marawanthe Beach Udupi KarnatakaOne of the most scenic beaches in Karnataka, Marawanthe beach is located 50km from Udupi along the NH-17 bordered by the Arabian Sea on one side and the Souparnika River on the other side. This stunning stretch of land of golden sands and blue water is an ideal spot for unwinding.

If the captivating beauty of the Marawanthe landscape leaves you spellbound, the fabulous sunset will make you stay here forever. As the sun fades in the horizon, the sky turns crimson and the golden rays of the sun are reflected in the sea as well as the river. The serene beauty of Maravanthe has made it a popular picnic spot for the locals.

Baindur, a hamlet 45 kms from Marawanthe, has another picturesque beach. A further drive will take you to the Belaka Theertha Falls near Baindur. Illuminated by streetlights, Marawanthe turns into a cool nightspot after dark.

Murudeshwar Beach

Murudeshwar Beach KarnatakaLocated around 165km from Mangalore, the temple town of Murudeshwar is also known for its picturesque beaches. Dotted with coconut and areca groves, the Murudeshwar beach is surrounded by the sea to the west and undulating hills to the east. While the sacred shrine is thronged by devout worshippers, the beach is an ideal refuge for vacationers.

The Murudeshwar temple situated atop a small hill called Kanduka Giri is a major tourist attraction. The temple is ornamented with Chalukya and Kadamba sculptures in the Dravidian style and is believed to be located on the spot where Ravana flung the cloth covering the Atmatlinga at Gosrakana while lifting it.

A huge 15 m. statue of Shiva towers over the town and has an overwhelming presence. The statue, which is only a couple of years old, is in a complex which encompasses the 500-year-old Shiva temple. The huge fort located nearby the temple is believed to be renovated by Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore.

St. Mary's Island Beach

St Mary's Island Beach Udupi KarnatakaLocated 58 km north of Mangalore, the St. Mary's Island beach is special for the unique formation of basalt rocks which have crystallized into columns and split into vertical hexagonal blocks. This group of islands is accessible by ferry from Malpe which is a major fishing harbor.

Contrary to other beaches with endless stretch of golden sand, St Mary's Island's rocky terrain does not encourage swimming or strolling along the shores. One can only gaze around and marvel at the idiosyncrasies of the expansive rock formations strewn around the beach.

St Mary's group of islands got their name courtesy Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama who descended on these islands in 1498 before he reached Calicut. Gama called one of the islands "El Padron de Santa Maria." The 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 color.