Kashmir, the land of snowcapped mountains, friendly locals and moreover, unending picturesque beauty. While you might think Kashmir is equal to snowy mountains, it’s actually synonymous with heaven on earth. Karnataka has its own version of Kashmir in a gorgeous coastal town surrounded by the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea. And while Karnataka’s Kashmir, Karwar is devoid of mountains, it’s full of beaches, and of course, full of heart. Travel enthusiasts, if you’re looking for a slice of heaven in South India, then dive deep into this secluded beach town which offers you scenic landscapes, historic monuments, delicious food and adventure sports. So, let’s give you many more reasons why Karwar must be on your wishlist.
Karwar: The Kashmir Of Karnataka, As Termed By Rabindranath Tagore
The coastal town of Karwar is situated in the border of Karnataka and Goa. Surrounded by the lush greenery of the Western Ghats and the calm blue waters of the Arabian Sea and the Kali river, this place is nothing short of breathtaking. Interestingly, Noble laureate Rabindranath Tagore visited Karwar to meet his uncle, Devendranath Tagore. His uncle was posted in Karwar as the district collector. Tagore was truly taken aback by the beauty of Karwar beach and the surrounding areas. So much so, that he termed, Karwar as the Kashmir of Karnataka. And Karwar inturn named a beach after the eminent personality. Till date, a visit to Karwar is incomplete without heading to the Rabindranath Tagore Beach.
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Multicultural Destination & A Photographer’s Paradise
This port city is a multicultural destination. There are communities which speak Konkani, Kannada and Marathi. Karwar is a natural harbour. And it’s also a town with a rich history, that extends back to the 15th century. Since Karwar is a coastal city, many people are involved in fishing, manufacturing and also jewellery designing. It houses plenty of picturesque beaches, devoid of commercial tourism. They are serene, clean and offer lots of peace and quiet. Karwar is a photographer’s paradise. And it offers something for everyone, even adventure enthusiasts.
Also Read: I’m From Mangalore And Here’s Why I Feel It’s One Of The Most Underrated Beach Destinations In India
Karwar Houses Plenty Of Gorgeous Beaches
Karnataka proudly houses 2 Blue Flag certified beaches, Padubidri and Kasarkod Beaches. The state also has one of the most underrated beach destinations in India, Mangalore. So, beach lovers, Karwar, the Kashmir of Karnataka also has its fair share of the most beautiful and serene beaches you’ve ever seen. Devbagh beach offers you golden sands, calm blue waters, coupled with the backdrop of white seagulls flying during sunset. At Koodi Bagh Beach you can laze around on the white sands, and get a good view of fishermen busy at work on the sandy beach.
And if you want to visit a unique beach, then Tilmati Beach is your abode. This beach is covered basaltic with black coloured sand, which resembles black sesame seeds. Since it’s worth the wait, the only way you can reach here is by a picturesque hike. Let’s tell you, Tilmati Beach will utterly take your breath away. So get ready to fill your Insta-feed with lots of pictures. Trekkers can go on an adventure to the 1800-feet tall, Guddalli Peak. Enjoy a panoramic view of the dense foliage and the Arabian distance from up above.
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Lighthouse, Islands & Picturesque Waterfalls
When it comes to getting the best views, you can also visit the Oyster Rock Lighthouse. Constructed back in the 1860s under the colonial rule, this lighthouse gives you the most beautiful sunrise and sunset views. Kali Bridge and Anashi Waterfalls are two other Karwar attractions that must be on your wishlist. While the Kali Bridge gives you the opportunity to explore an ancient attraction, the Anashi Waterfalls gives you an abundance of natural beauty and serenity. Infact, honeymooners can also visit Karwar’s beautiful islands like the Angediva, Kurumgad and Cintacor Islands which have lovely resorts too.
Delicious Seafood That Awaits You
Foodies, if you proudly plan your vacations around food, then let’s tell you Karwar has a lot of delicious meals to offer. The local cuisine of Karwar holds on to its traditional route in spite of its Portuguese influence. Coconut plays a very important role in its cuisine. Fish curry prepared with coconut and rice is one of the most popular dishes here. Since it’s a coastal town you can expect fresh fish and aromatic curry. The commonly used ingredients are drumstick, Mangalore cucumber, raw mango, coriander seeds and jackfruit.
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Now, that your food and travel preferences are taken care. Let’s remind you that Karwar is indeed the Kashmir of Karnataka, rightly termed by Rabindranath Tagore. The beaches will leave you pining for more serenity and the food will definitely leave you asking for more. So, do plan a trip here to this underrated beach destination to find out for yourself, that your slice of heaven lies in this charming coastal town of Karnataka.