On the northern outskirts,
this is one of the most beautiful natural beaches on this coast.
The
Karwar bay, apart from its scenic beauty, also boasts of an excellent
harbour, which is fit for use during all seasons.
The
river Kalinadi flows through the town in to the Arabian Sea. Motor
launches are available for boating up the river Kali.
The
Dargah (tomb) of Peer Shah Shamsuddin Kharobat and the naganath temple
are the main attraction here.
Karwar
town is known for its fine musline. The muslin industry was started
in 1638, by Sir William Counten, who opened a factory here.
The
town derives its name from the Ankola trees that grew in abundance.
The town is also known for the Mahamaya temple and the important role
it played during India's freedom movement.
Fifteen
km from mundgod is the attiveri Bird Santuary, which is home to nearly
79 species of birds, including migratory birds from 22 countries. The
best season to visit is from November to March.
Situated
on the left bank of the Varada River, Banvasi is a place of great antiquity.
once the capital city of the Kadambas, the ruins of a Buddhist stupa,
the Veerabhadra temple, and the several idols and jain icons.
| Dandeli
Wildlife Sanctuary (105 km) |
Dandeli,
an industrial township, is surrounded by an abundance of forest and
mineral wealth. A wildlife sanctuary is also situated here. Wild elephants,
bison, panther, tiger, sambar and chital roam freely in an area
of 270 sq km. The watchtowers inside the sanctuary are inaccessible
during the moonsoon mounths of June to October. The other tourist spots
near Dandeli are Najheri view, kawala caves, Synthery Rocks, Vincholi
Rapids, Sykesh point and the suspension bridge across the Kaneri River.
This
resort can be reached by a 10-minute boat ride from the boat pier next
to the Kali bridge in Karwar. An idel weekend getaway, swimming, beach
sports, boat cruises, jungle treks and traditional coastal cuisine
are amoung the many delights on offer here. Good accommodations is
available for tourists in the from of log huts on stilts, set amidst
breezy casuarina groves.
An
important pilgrim centre, Gokarna is famous for its murudeshwar temple,
which is located on a hillock on the beach.
An
important railhead on the newly constructed konkan coastal railway.
Honnavar is an ideal base base to explore the nearby places. Six km
from here is the Apsara konda falls (Pond of the celestial Nymphs),
set amidst picturesque surroundings with a fine becch that is famous
for its glorious sunset. Just 15 km away is Idagunji, known for its
ganapathi temple and the Fabulous costumed dance from, Yakshagana.
This
lovely beach can be reached by a 20-minute walk from Gokarna. The headland
near the beach offer a spectacular sea viwe, as it descends to the
curving sandy bay.
Located
within the Dandeli Forest, these caves shelter a 5-ft. high natural
Shivalinga.
This town is famous for the Kumbheshwara temple and
its beautifully carved sandalwood handicrafts.
| Lushington
Falls (110 km) |
This
famous waterfalls is located in Siddapur taluk, on the Shimoga border.
The falls is named after a district collector, who discovered the
falls in 1845. It is also known as Unchalli falls or Keppa jog.
Here,
the river Gangavati forms a picturesque waterfalls, leading in a series
of cascades over the cliffs in three stages and presents an enchanting
sight.
The
Tibetian Universitynear Mundgod offers study and research facilities
in Buddhist Philosophy to students from all over the world. This place
is also ffamous for the Ayurvedic dispensary run by Tibetans and the
fine Tibetan Carpets woven by the community here.
This
secluded beach is called so because it resembles the auspicious hindu
Om sign. It is a perfect Getaway.
One
of the most picturesque spots in this region.
A tranquil
town, dotted with terracotta-tiled houses, Sirsi is famous for its
Jain Basadis (temples) and ancient hindu temples.
This
scenic spot offers a spectacular view of the beautiful Kali river valley.
This
500 ft. high rock is flanked by nature caves and a waterfalls, at whose
base the Keneri River flows. The picturesque spot at the foot of the
falls is a fine picinic spot.
| Ulavi
Chennabasaveshwara Temple |
A major
pilgrim centre for Veershaivas, an annual car festival and shandy are
held here in February-March.
Yana,
also known as Bhairavakshetra, is an important pilgrim centre, situated
in a beautiful valley between the Jaddi ghat and the devimane ghat.
To reach this place, one has to trek a distance of about 10 km by foot
amidst thick forest. The hills provide a fine view of the yana valley.
A hillock, rising about a hundred metres high,contains the shrine of
Bhairaveshvara. On the occasion of Mahashivaratri, a fair is
held here every year.