The Kashmir of Karnataka

Surrounded by the Western Ghats to its east, the Arabian Sea to its west, the Kali river in the north and a Harbour to its south lies the city of Karwar, headquarters of Uttara Kanada in the state of Karnataka. Karwar is also known as the ‘Kashmir of Karnataka. In his dramatic poem, ‘Prakritir Pratishodha’, Rabindranath Tagore describes the beauty of Karwar in words like "The sea beach of Karwar is certainly a fit place in which to realize 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." Karwar has bountiful destinations in its stock still unexplored by mass tourists which adds a raw beauty to it. Though Karwar has a lot to offer to the people visiting it, listed below are some of the unmissable spots.

Devbagh Beach  



Devbagh is a popular tourist destination offering numerous options to various moods of its visitors. You can relax by the beach, or enjoy a luxurious stay at the nearby beach resort or take up water sports like snorkeling, jet ski, etc, enjoy different delicacies or visit the nearby oyster rock lighthouse. There are various beach resorts and jungle resorts in the vicinity. Seagulls populate this beach and if you are lucky, one can even spot dolphins here. Famous for its golden sands, blue water and clear sky, Devbagh offers you an opportunity to witness a very beautiful sunset. There’s something here for everyone based on their interest and taste. 

Kurumgad Island 



At a distance of 4kms from the Karwar coast, Kurumgad is a charismatic tortoise shaped island close to the Devbagh beach. Devotees visit this island in huge numbers to worship at the Narsimha Temple perched on a hilltop, especially in the month of January for the annual Jatra held on Pushya Purnima. In order to reach the temple, one must cross a short trek and hence, trekkers can have a great time here. Kurumgad also offers water sports for the adventurer in you. Even though this island is located in the middle of a sea, there is a sweet water pond on the island. There is also a fort located on this island which is said to be related to the Marathas. This exquisite island can be reached by a short ferry ride that is available on the backwaters of River Kali at Karwar. 

Rabindranath Tagore Beach



The Karwar beach has been renamed after the literary mastermind ‘Rabindranath Tagore’. The Noble Laureate was visiting his elder brother; Satyendra Tagore who was posted here as the district judge in 1882 when Rabindranath Tagore came across this beach. As the beach is so scarcely populated even today, it is easier to imagine it to be much lonelier then. This tranquillity hit a nerve, that inspired the young Tagore to pen down the pulchritude ‘Prakritir Pratishodh’ (The Revenge of the Nature). INS Chapal, a Chamak class missile boat of the Indian Navy that had served in the 1971 Indo-Pak war has been converted to a museum called the Warship Museum. Replicas of the missiles and mannequins dressed in Naval Gear similar to that of the people who were aboard this ship placed strategically are worth watching and a symbol of the bravery and greatness of our Navy Officers. 

Sadashivgad Fort
Located on the northern bank of River Kali, built on a hilltop in 1715 AD by Basavling Raja of Sonda and named Sadashivgad after his father Sadashivling Raja. This fort has witnessed the change of rulers and transfer of powers between many rulers including the Marathas, the Portuguese, East India Company and the British. There’s also a temple of Goddess Durga which is believed to be built by Shivaji Maharaj for the locals. The Portuguese also called it Forte De Piro which means the Pir Fort because of the dargah located nearby.