Karwar, Karnataka

Karwar is a tranquil port town with a pleasing ambience situated 100 kms from Goa and 260 kms north of Managalore based in South India. It is the administrative headquarter of the Uttar Kannada district in Karnataka. A seaside town based on the banks of Kali River which flows along the western coast of the Indian peninsula, the quiet town of karwar is an ideal holiday destination for those who are enamored by the sight of water bodies and deep-blue beaches. Karwar lies at a distance of 15 kms from south of the Karnataka-Goa border and 519 kms northwest of Bangalore. The present day Karwar town is an entirely new settlement.

The historical significance of Karwar can be traced back to the colonial era in India. The British used made this town their district headquarter in 1862. It was frequented by Arabs, Dutch, Portuguese, French and later, the British as it has been an ancient site of sea trade. Ibn Battuta, the Moroccan scholar and traveler, has passed through this route during some of his journeys. The town fell under the Bombay presidency ruled by the British and was described as a first rate harbor between Bombay and Calcutta. The name 'Karwar' was earlier spelled as 'Carwar'. 

Transport

Places to See:

Beaches

Karwar is most famous for its exotic beaches and they are many in number. The Devabag beach is a small paradise located on an island amidst the casuarinas. The locales of the beach are serene and peaceful which makes for a perfect retreat into the quiet arms of nature. Another beautiful and welcoming beach in the town is the Karwar beach, also known as Rabindranath Tagore Beach which is highly frequented by visitors. Golden sands and tranquil locales of this secluded island are perfect to spend a quiet holiday. 

Magod Falls

Magod falls are one of the biggest tourist attractions around Karwar located at a distance of 80 kms from the place. Magod falls are formed by the cascades of river Bedthi. Surrounding the spectacular falls are dense and serene jungles that enhance their beauty. There are many other tourist attractions around the Magod Falls. Jenujalugudda, hill lock near Magod falls is much frequented tourists. 

Ullavi & Gokarna

Mahabaleshwara Temple

For the devotees of lord Shiva, Gokarna is a pilgrimage as important as Kashi and Rameshwaram. The Mahabaleshwara temple is the main attraction of Gokarna. It is believed that the Shiva Idol kept inside the temple is a good 1500 years old. 

Two other temples known as Bhadrakali temple and Venkatramana temple attract tourists in a similar way due to their immensely popularity. Ullavi situated at a distance of 75 kms from karwal, is another important pilgrimage destination frequented by tourists. There is regular transport facility available from Karwar to Ullavi. 

Binaga Bay

Binaga bay is a naval base for the Indian Navy which carries out operations from here for a project called Seabird. The navy opens its portals for common people for a week in December when the Navy week is celebrated. Educational and tourist groups visiting the base are allowed to free roam and seen around the Naval Base known as INS Kadamba............
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