A long strip of beach that runs till the eyes can see, pristine blue water lapping over the soft and gentle sand and receding back into the mighty Arabian Sea, a spread of green laid out in all its glory to admire and behold – this is the beauty of Karwar. Located in the Uttara Kannada district of the state of Karnataka, around 15 kilometres south of the Karnataka-Goa border, Karwar serves as an ideal vacation spot for adventurers, honeymooners and families alike.
Karwar is famously known for its exquisite beaches, picturesque scenic landscapes, blooming flora and vast green hills – all these round up the beauty that Karwar has to offer to its tourists. Regarded as the most popular tourist destination in the Uttara Kannada district, the city attracts a huge number of visitors from all over the country. Karwar is also regarded as the city that inspired the laureate Rabindranath Tagore to author Prakritir Pratishodh.
The captivating beauty that instils romance into the air, it is in honour of the beautiful place that Tagore described in his equally beautiful words: “The sea beach of Karwar is certainly a fit place in which to realise that the beauty of Nature is not a mirage of the imagination, but reflects the joy of the Infinite and thus draws us to lose ourselves in it. Where the universe is expressing itself in the magic of its laws it may not be strange if we miss its infinitude; but where the heart gets into immediate touch with immensity in the beauty of the meanest of things, is any room left for argument?”
As Karwar is situated close to the Karnataka-Maharashtra border, much of its cultural influence has been taken from the two states, Goibibo notes. The natives of the city observe several festivals – Dusshera, Diwali, Basant Panchami and Pongal among others – as a way to rejoice life and celebrate the beautifully mesmerising city they have been blessed with.
While the city is popular for people looking to kickback, unwind and spend some time away from their busy everyday lives, it also houses a plethora of temples, forts for architecture lovers and beaches. Some of these attractions include the octagonal church Sadashivgad Hill Fort with a Durga temple and 300-year-old Venkataramana temple.
Places to visit in Karwar
Of all the seaside beauty the city has to offer, Rabinranath Tagore Beach is considered the best of the lot. Known for the mesmerising view of sunsets one can witness here, with the skies glazed in a wonderful blast of yellow colour, this beach is an ideal spot for honeymooners looking to spend some private time to rejoice in their romance, TravellersDiary.com notes. The beach is also home to Karavali Utsav, a cultural socio event organised by the Uttara Kannada District Administration.
The Sadashivgad Fort, famous Goddess Durga Temple, sits atop a 200 feet high hill. Founded in 1698 by Raja Sonde, it is one of the most visited attractions in the city. A view from the pinnacle offers a scintillating sight of the entire city laid out like a beautifully kempt carpet, along with that of the Kali River.
If you fancy indulging in or want to get a bite of adventure, Kurumgad Beach is the destination for you. Located in close proximity to the backwaters of the Kali River, this beach is shaped in the form of a tortoise and has scores of exhilarating activities to satisfy the craving for an adventure – trekking, diving, snorkelling and fishing. Dolphin spotting is a popular activity that tourists and visitors can indulge in. At night, a delightfully clear sky provides stargazing opportunities.
Karwar weather
The best season to visit Karwar is during winters, which starts from the month of November until February. Temperature during this season, which arrives after monsoons, generally ranges from 17 degrees Celsius to 29 degrees Celsius. Moderate rainfall in the months between July and October give the city a vibrant, bright and fresh appearance. The summers last from April until June, with the temperature ranging from 30 degrees Celsius to 36 degrees Celsius; tourists generally avoid vacationing in this period because of the excessive heat.
Where to stay in Karwar
Taking some time out of the routine everyday life to get a slice of scenic beauty, adventure and everything that defines a perfect vacation destination warrants that you choose an ideal hotel amongst several resorts in Karwara for your stay. Not only would you want an accommodation that is situated amid delightful surroundings but also offers plentiful amenities for entertainment and leisure.
With a scenic view of the Sahyadri mountains in the backdrop, located next to the estuary where the Kali River meets the Arabian Sea, Sterling Holidays’ Emerald Bay is set amid the marine expanse that has been the pride and beauty of Karwar.
Members can opt for a Studio room, while guests can go with the Classic Room. The resort also offers a wealth of amenities and facilities – including a swimming pool and an activity center.
How to get to Karwar
Whether you prefer air or rail, Karwar is never too far away for vacationing during holidays. It is noted that the closest airport is the Dabolim airport in Goa, which is approximately 90 kilometers away. One can also reach Karwar by rail via Konkan Railways.
