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Flanked
by the soaring Western Ghats on the East and caressed by the mighty
Arabian Sea on the West, Karnataka’s 320km long coastline is dotted with
pristine beaches and scores of antiquated temples. Many of these beaches
and temples are unknown, unsung and unexplored- and that is their
biggest attraction.
Karwar
With
gentle waves, miles of golden sand, a tranquil ambience and acres of
emerald foliage, Karwar has all the makings of the perfect seaside
holiday destination. The captivating landscape is ringed with rugged
hill ranges, thick woods and mysterious valleys. This paradise is said
to have inspired the great Indian writer Rabindranath Tagore to pen his
first play. The area’s historic attractions are the Sadashivgad hill
Fort with a Durga Temple, the unique Octagonal Church, the 300 year Old
Venkatramana Temple with ochre paintings and the Naganath Temple. Of the
five islands off the coast of Karwar, Devbagh is easily the most
enchanting.
Best Season:
September to mid May
Kurumgad
Just
4km from the mainland, this tortoise-shaped island is renowned for the
hilltop Narasimha Temple, which attracts thousands of devotees during
the annual jatra held on Pushya Purnima every year in early January.
Kurumgad is steeped in history complete with the remains of a fort and
ports for cannons.
The
island affords a breathtaking view of the sea, sand and the neighboring
islands. Kurumgad also offers visitors a whole kaleidoscope of exciting
activities such as trekking, fishing, dolphin and seal-spotting, boat
rides to neighboring islands, diving, snorkeling, treasure hunts, guided
tours and star gazing.
Gokarna
With its narrow streets, traditional houses and temples, this unassuming
town has become the favorite haunt of pilgrims, Sanskrit scholars and
beach-buffs. Locally, it is believed that Gokarna derives its name from
a legend in which Lord Shiva emerged from the ear of a cow. Literally
meaning ‘cow’s ear’, this village is formed by the ear-shaped confluence
of two rivers. Om Beach, one of Gokarna’s five acclaimed beaches,
takes the shape of an ‘Om’, a spiritual symbol. The other beaches,
wedged between cliffs that protrude into sea like graceful fingers, are
Gokarna, Kudle, Half Moon and
Paradise.
The drive up the winding path that leads to Gokarna is a scenic delight
with the rocky Western Ghats on one side and the Arabian Sea on the
other. Here, the opportunity arises to experience the famed Karnataka
hospitality in friendly guesthouses run by localities.
Best
season: Year-round.
Murudeshwar
Murudeshwar is essentially for lovers of solitude. For those moments of
inspired introspection, there are beachside hillocks with the perfect
view of waves crashing and spraying on the rocks. The beaches, the
Shiva Temple and the tallest Shiva statue in India- they all add to
the meditative ambience of the place.
St.
Mary’s Island
This delightful getaway is 30 minute boat-ride from
Malpe
Harbor. This palm-fringed island is 300m long and 100m wide and has
unique basalt rock formations jutting out into the Arabian Sea in
intriguing shapes. The Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama is said to have
placed a cross here in the 15th century.
Marwanthe
Marwanthe is a scenic seaside town where the West Coast Highway snakes
its way along the coast on one side, and the picturesque Kodachadri
Hills forming a backdrop to the
Sauparnika River
on the other. Marwanthe wears the look of a fairyland, especially at
sunset, when the sky turns crimson and the golden rays of the sun are
reflected in the sea as well as the river.
Baindur,
a hamlet 45km from Marwanthe with a lovely beach nearby,
Ottinane with its overhanging cliffs and romantic sunsets and the
Belaka Theertha Falls- are the other scenic attractions in the area.
The region is also a well-known destination for water enthusiasts.
Best
season: August to March.
Bhatkal
Bhatkal, the main port of the Vijayanagar Empire in the 16th
century is located just 16km from Murudeshwar at the
southern-most point of the district. It has two small but interesting
temples- the Jain Chandranath Basadi and a 17th
century Vijayanagar Temple with intricate carvings typical of the
period.
Best season:
August to March.
Malpe
At the mouth of the
Malpe River,
about 6km from Udupi, is the natural harbor and important fishing
centre of Malpe. Endless stretches of golden sand, graciously swaying
palm trees, clear blue skies and the gentle murmur of the sea set the
perfect mood for an idyllic holiday. Across the bay is the island of
Darya
Bahadurbagh.
Other places of interest in the area are the Balarama Temple and
Malpe’s oldest tile factory, set up by the Basel Mission.
Kaup
Situated 12km south of Udupi, on the West Coast Natonal Highway,
Kaup has a lovely beach, an ancient fort and an old 100ft. high
lighthouse. The two temples of Goddess Mariamma and the Jain
Basadis are the other must-see spots in kaup.
FOR
FURTHER DETAILS OF HOTELS, SPONSORING AND TOUR PACKAGES CONTACT US AT:
info@mahamasthakabhisheka.com
info@jainheritagecentres.com
travel@mahamasthakabhisheka.com
Information Sources:
WWW.JAINHERITAGECENTRES.COM & DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM,
GOVERNMENT OF KARNATAKA
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