In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to feel drained and disconnected. Sometimes, all we need is a peaceful escape to recharge—and Karwar, Karnataka, offers just that. With its unspoiled beaches and the serene hills that embrace it, the Karwar district is a hidden gem waiting to be explored.
Whether you’re looking for a solo getaway to unwind by the tranquil sands or planning a family vacation to discover one of Karnataka’s best-kept secrets, the city promises unforgettable memories. Use this guide to plan your perfect trip to Karwar today. Book a car rental in Bangalore with Savaari and travel conveniently to Karwar in chauffeur-driven cabs.
Table of Contents
- Things to Do in Karwar
- About Karwar
- How to Plan a Trip to Karwar?
- Accommodation: Hotels and Resorts in Karwar
- Other Road Trips from Karwar
- Useful Links
Things to Do in Karwar
The Karwar district is filled with numerous sites worth seeking adventure in, but picking the one that fits your level of challenge and excitement is what will make your trip truly great. Here’s a look at some must-visit spots that are sure to leave you speechless:
- Oyster Rocks Light House: The Oyster Rocks Light House, primarily designed for navigation, was constructed during the British reign. Today, however, the structure also serves as a tourist spot for many travelers in the region. The scenic views from the lighthouse—where the sky meets the sea—make it a prime spot for photography and sightseeing.
- Entry Fee: INR 5,000 – 6,000 (By Boat – for 6 People)
- Timings: 09:00 AM – 05:00 PM
- Open Days: Every day
- Devbagh Beach: The Devbagh Beach remains one of the top places to visit in Karwar, due to its immersive beauty. In fact, this is one of the most famous beaches in Karnataka, where people can swim and indulge in water sports, including banana boat rides, parasailing, kayaking, snorkeling, speedboat rides, and even fishing.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: Open 24 Hours
- Open Days: Every day
- Kurumgad Island: Kurumgad Island Karwar, accessible by boat, is a gem for those looking to explore a mix of culture and nature. The island is home to the famous Narasimha Temple, attracting pilgrims from all over. But even if you’re not here for the spiritual experience, the lush surroundings and water sports make it a must-see for nature lovers.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: Open 24 Hours
- Open Days: Every day
- Koodi Bagh Beach: Koodi Bagh Beach is another famous beach in Karwar district. It is relatively less crowded, which allows tourists to enjoy the experience to the fullest. Jet skiing and scuba diving are common activities here. From here, you can view the Kali River blending into the Arabian Sea, framed by palm trees and lush greenery.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: Open 24 Hours
- Open Days: Every day
Shopping in Karwar
The city is known for many things, including its fine-quality muslin cloth, sandalwood incense sticks, silk sarees, and other handicraft traditions. Here are the major shopping centers to help you find your favorite items:
- Cauvery Arts & Crafts Emporium: Located on the Sayaji Rao road in Karwar district, Cauvery Arts & Crafts Emporium is known for selling authentic handicrafts. You can admire the local craftsmanship and pay a reasonable price to purchase your favorite works.
- Sheshraj Mall: If you are looking for a mall that offers both general items and regional specialties, this place is for you. At Sheshraj Mall, you can easily find the most commonly required items at affordable prices.
Nightlife in Karwar
After a thrilling adventure throughout the day, you can also expect your nights in Karwar not to be any less vibrant. Here are the best places to relish your nightlife:
- City Resto Bar: City Resto Bar is known for its exotic ambiance and flawless services. Known for its delectable fish dishes, it also serves some of the finest wines and cocktails in Karwar, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy the evening.
- Wine Palace (Wine Boutique): If you’re a wine enthusiast, Wine Palace is a must-visit destination for you. This boutique wine store offers a wide selection of local and international wines, perfect for those looking to sip and savor in the evenings. Whether you’re in the mood for a quiet drink or picking up a bottle to take home, it’s a stop worth making.
Places to Visit in Karwar
Source: Deccan Herald
The region is filled with delights to visit and experience, be it the Karwar beaches, waterfalls, or even simple trek trails. Here are the top places to visit in Karwar:
- Tilmati Beach: Accessible only after a short but rewarding climb, this beach is specifically meant for those looking for adventurous trips. The beach is filled with basaltic black sand, which gives it a striking, almost otherworldly appearance. It’s particularly breathtaking during twilight, making it the perfect spot for capturing stunning photos.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: Open 24 Hours
- Open Days: Every day
- Anashi Waterfall: Anashi Waterfall, standing at a height of 40 feet, offers a pleasant picnic spot. In addition, the pool below is perfect for swimming. Visitors can also indulge in cliff jumping and rappelling. Since the place surrounding the falls is densely forested, people can enjoy watching the local flora and fauna.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: Open 24 Hours
- Open Days: Every day
- INS Chapal (K94) Warship Museum: The INS Chapal Warship Museum offers tourists an insight into the history of the Indian Navy and some of its missions. One example is the INS Chapal, which the tourists learn about in the documentary shown and also get to see the real model, which was kept here after it was decommissioned.
- Entry Fee: INR 15 (per person)
- Timings: 09:30 AM -12:30 PM; 02:00 PM – 05:00 PM
- Open Days: Every day
- Majali Beach: Another beach on the coast of Karwar, Majali Beach, is connected to the town, from which it derives its name. Tourists can learn about the local life here and even dip themselves in the brine waters of the beach. This beach is relatively more tranquil than others and offers fewer tides. Visitors can go on boat rides to watch dolphins around these waters as well.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: Open 24 Hours
- Open Days: Every day
- Durga Bhavani Temple: Also known as the Shri Durga Devi Temple, this shrine is about 6.5 Km from Karawar’s main bus stand. The main deity at the temple is Goddess Durga, worshipped atop the hill of Sadashivgad. This temple was constructed on the northern bank of the River Kali and offers a serene pilgrimage.
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 09:00 AM – 01:30; 04:00 PM – 08:00 PM
- Open Days: Every day
Places to Visit Near Karwar
Here are some of the top places to visit near Karwar:
Gokarna
Another coastal town located 56.2 km from Karwar, Gokarna offers several beaches and activities such as surfing and swimming. People also visit the famous beaches of Gokarna, such as Om Beach, for spiritual retreats and yoga.
Dandeli
Located about 104 km from the main town, Dandeli offers an adventurous trail among dense forests and hills. The best activities in the area include kayaking, safaris, and even trekking. Nature lovers can come here to birdwatch or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Goa
Located only about 77 km away, Goa is one of the most famous places to visit near Karwar. Tourists can enjoy coastal serenity, buzzing nightlife, and colonial Portuguese architecture, which remains to this day.
Savaari Recommends: Places to Eat in Karwar
As much as the city offers destinations to capture beautiful pictures of, it also gives tourists a chance to experience some of the best exotic food. Thus, here are the places to eat in Karwar:
- Rasa: This family restaurant is known for its warm, aesthetic ambiance and delicious meals. It offers standard Indian meals from various cuisines, such as North Indian and South Indian, and it also serves drinks such as lassi, coffee, tea, and other aerated drinks.
- Oceandeck Seafood Restaurant: This restaurant specializes in serving seafood with authentic flavors, whether you’re looking for clams, prawns, fish, or crabs, this restaurant serves the best seafood dishes.
- K Plus Veg Restaurant: A haven for South Indian cuisine, K Plus Veg serves a variety of dishes perfect for every craving. People can expect vegan options here. Special North and South Indian thalis are also served, along with desserts.
- Swetha Lunch Home: This is yet another seafood restaurant with options for prawns, squid, crab, and other seafood. It also offers other non-vegetarian options, such as egg, chicken, and mutton. In vegan options, people can expect mushroom and paneer variations.
About Karwar
Karwar, located in Uttara Kannada district, serves as the district headquarters. It is situated at the mouth of the Kali River and touches the coast, offering some of the most mesmerizing beaches in the region.
The city was originally a port city and operated as one of the most perfect natural all-weather ports in the Western Ghats. Even today, its coastline plays a key role in supporting trade for the Karnataka government. It remains connected to Mumbai and Kochi via the National Highway 66, making it accessible to travelers.
History of Karwar
The Karwar town was developed after the revolt of 1857 against the British. It was dubbed the Kashmir of Karnataka, and even today continues to bear the name.
Before the development of the township, it was under the rule of scattered rulers, such as Sadhashiv Nayak and the Maratha Confederacy. However, after the mutiny in 1857, the British decided to divide the erstwhile Canara district into two parts and made Karwar the headquarters of North Canara.
Lesser-Known Facts About Karwar
Here are some of the lesser-known facts about this region that are worth igniting your curiosity:
- Karwar was known as Cintacora, Chittakula, Chitrakul, or Sindpur by the Portuguese.
- At the beginning of the 18th century, it was part of the Maratha Empire.
- During World War II, it became a training ground for the Indian Navy.
Things to Do for Free in Karwar
Here are a few things you can do for free here and make memories for a lifetime:
- Dive In: Karwar’s stunning beaches are perfect for swimming, surfing, or simply snapping great photos.
- Go on Adventurous Hikes: Surrounded by hills and valleys, Karwar offers great hiking and trekking opportunities for adventurers of all levels.
How to Plan a Trip to Karwar
Planning a trip to this charming coastal destination may take quite some time, but it is definitely worth it. However, it’s good to jot down the top places to visit in Karwar and make a route map to keep you on track while traveling.
Start by choosing a place to stay, then find a restaurant that suits your tastes and is easily accessible. From there, pick your top spots to explore, and you’re ready to go. Pack your bags with the essentials and book your tickets to Karwar—adventure awaits.
How to Reach Karwar?
Here are the different routes to reach Karwar via train, road, and flight to keep your journey hassle-free:
By Train
The closest railway station to Karwar is the Karwar Railway Station, about 6 kilometers away. After getting off, tourists can book a car rental in Karwar with Savaari to reach the place.
- Nearest Railway Station: Karwar Railway Station (6 km)
- Travel Time: 14 mins
By Road
Karwar is well-connected to major cities like Goa via National Highways, with a minimal distance of just 77 Km. Traveling to the city is convenient and hassle-free, ensuring a smooth journey for visitors. Book a car rental in Goa with Savaari for a hassle-free ride to the beautiful coastal city.
- Nearest Major Cities: Goa (77 km); Hubli (165 km)
- Travel Time: Goa (1 hr 53 mins); Hubli (3 hr 26 mins)
By Flight
You can reach the city by boarding a flight at the Dabolim Airport, about 90.6 kilometers away. After that, you can book an airport taxi in Goa with Savaari and head to any destination of your choice.
- Nearest Airport: Dabolim Airport (90.6 Km)
- Travel Time: 2 hr 10 mins
Things to Do Near Dabolim Airport
Here are some things to do near Dabolim Airport:
- Bogmalo Beach: The airport is located only 2.4 km from the Bogmalo road leading to Bogmalo Beach on the coast of Goa. Take a walk along the coast and enjoy the calm waters.
- St. Andrew’s Church: The church is located about 4.2 kilometers from the airport and offers a chance to look at Portuguese architecture up close. Plus, you can explore the nearby markets for some local flavor.
Best Time to Visit Karwar
The best time to visit Karwar is from November to April, when the weather is comparatively pleasant, with neither too much cold nor heat. People can enjoy going to beaches and hiking in this weather. However, it’s advisable to avoid the summer months of May and June due to the extreme heat and humidity from the coastal winds.
Hotels and Resorts in Karwar
Here are some of the best hotels and resorts in the town that guarantee a safe and convenient staycation with hospitable services:
| Hotel/Resort Name | Address | Contact |
| West End Hotel | Sea Shore Road, 604/ 1, Dr. Pikle Road, near DHO Office, opp. SBI & More Super Market, Kodibag, Karwar, Karnataka 581301 | 098452 23730 |
| Amrut Aura | Main Road, next to Amrut Jewellers, Karwar, Karnataka 581301 | 078996 28831 |
| Sterling Karwar | Toll Naka, 17 Landmark, National Highway, Sadashivgad, Karwar, Karnataka 581352 | 079 6979 2017 |
Highest Rates Road Trips from Karwar
After exploring here, taking a road trip to nearby cities and towns might be the best addition to any journey. Here are the best places to visit after Karwar:
| Destination | Distance by Road (approx.) | Time taken | Price |
| Karwar to Goa | 77 km | 2 hours | ₹4255 |
| Karwar to Hubli | 164 km | 3.5 hours | ₹3648 |
| Karwar to Gokarna | 56.6 km | 1.5 hours | ₹2789 |
| Karwar to Dharwad | 170 km | 3.5 hours | ₹3408 |
Exploring the Karwar leaves you with rich experiences of mesmerizing sunsets and sunrises on the beach, immersive trips to naval museums, exciting treks and hikes, and, most importantly, long road trips. However, navigation and accessible transportation might cause a delay in the trip. To avoid this and enjoy your journey, you can use the Savaari car rental app, which allows you to book cabs anytime, anywhere, at reasonable rates!
Useful Links
Last Updated on March 18, 2025 by V Subhadra
