Uttara Kannada District, Karnataka

Location: Uttara Kannda is located on the north western tip of Karnataka. It shares border with Goa and Belgaum district in the north, Dharwad and Haveri district in the east, Shimoga and Udupi district in the south and Arabian sea in the west.

District Headquarter: Karwar

Distance: Karwar is 217 km from Mangalore, 425 km from Bangalore, 110 km from Panjim, 168 km from Hubli

Journey time: 12 – 13 hrs by bus

How to reach there:: BY KSTRC buses from Bangalore, Mangalore, Mysore etc, by train from Mangalore (Konkan railway), private buses or private vehicle.

Route:

1. Bangalore – Tumkur – Chitradurga – Hubli – Yellapur – Karwar

2. Bangalore-Tumkur (NH4), Tumkur-Honnavar via Arsikere, Shimonga, Talguppa (NH206), Honnavar-Karwar (NH17),

Where to stay:

1. Devbagh Beach Resort

2. Estuary View Resort

3. Om Beach Resort

4. Swaswara Gokarna resort

Average/Budget:

1. Hotel Bhadra
Nh- 17, Near Kali Bridge, Kodibag
Karwar 581303

2. Hotel Navratna :
Opp. Geetanjali Theatre,
Karwa

3. Hotel Ashok
445, Green Street
Near Subhash Circle
Karwar,

4. Navatara Hotel
Kaikini Road
Karwar

Where to eat:

1. Hotel Super Star
Main Road, Karwar – 581301

2. Arshiya Chinese Restaurant
MG Road, Kajubag, Karwar – 581301

3. Sea View Hotel
Near Netaji Circle, Karwar – 581301

4. Hotel Udupi
Main Road, Karwar – 581301

5. Rajasthani Bhojanalaya
Laxmi Complex, Civil Court Road,
Karwar – 581301

6. Bombat Restaurant
Baitkol, Karwar – 581302

Language spoken: Kannada, Konkoni, Hindi. (Understand english to an extent particularly in urban area.)

Tagore Beach

Uttara kannada district was part of the single Canara district. However, after 1860 the British birfucated the district into two parts North Canara (Uttara kannada) and South canara (Dakshina kannada) district. Uttara Kannada has rich history and was rules by enigmatic rulers like the kadambas followed by Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagar empire, the Marathas and finally into the hands of British. The combination of the western ghats and the Arabian sea makes Uttara kannada district a beautiful place.

What to see:

1. Tagore Beach, Karwar: This got its name from Kavi guru Rabindranath Tagore who visited here in the early 20th century. Tagore beach is crescent in shape and probably one of the beach in the world. It features  a recreational park, colorful music fountain, Planetarium, Toy train and  an aquarium. River Kali meets Arabian sea at one end of the beach. Viewing sunset is an unforgetable experience here particularly across the bride on river Kali.

2. Devbag: Devbag is located around 7 Kms from Karwar at the confluence of River Kali. It is a picturesque island fringed with casuarina groves. Only mode of transport is through boat from Kodibag jetty. Here Jungle Lodges & Resorts, owned by the government of Karnataka provides unique experience of living in Log huts. Ensures wonderful privacy not normally seen in tourist spots. One can try scuba diving and many other water sports.

3. Shantadurga temple, Sadashivgad: Sadashivgad is a fort located around 6 km from karwar built on one bank of kali river. The then Maratha king Shivaji after conquring Sadashivgad on 21st Feb 1665 installed the deity of Shantadurga. The view from the hill is awesome. It around 4 km from Devbag.

4. Shejjeswar Temple, Shejwad: Here the temple of Shejjeswar or Siddeswar is said to more than thousand year old. The temple is said to be one of the five temples of Gokarna mythology where pieces of Atmalinga which Ravan was carrying, fell; the other four being Gokarn, Murudeswar, Dhareswar and Gunavanteswar. Devotees visit the temple in thousands on Mahashivaratri day. It is located around 4 km from karwar.

5. Kurumgad Island: Kurumgad island is a private island located around 4 km from Karwar. The owner of the island runs a resort called The Great Outdoors. Its a awesome picnic sport and a stay at the resort could be a lifetime experience. Also, Narasimha temple located atop the hill in the island brings many people here.

7. Guddalli Peak: Guddalli peak is one of the highest peak in and around Karwar standing more than 1800 ft above sea level.  It is located around 6 km from karwar and gives a panaromic view of karwar and Arabain sea. Extremely cool round the year, it was a summer resort for the British. It is one of the highest peaks of Haiderghat range which stretches east and west between Kali river and Belikeri river and joins the Kaiga range at Kaiga. Guddehalli raises conspicuous for miles, an abrup sheet of granite with thickly wooded sides and a bare tapering point. Trekking here can be a wonderful experience.

8. Katyayani Temple, Aversa: Katyayani Temple is located around 8 km from Ankola and 25 Km from Karwar.  The ship shaped temple  is the family godess of Kharvis, a fishermen clan. It is said that the goddes was found in the sea. The godess is worshipped with great solemnity during the nine nights of ‘Navarathri’ which precede ‘Dussera’ in October. Besides Kharvis the festival is solemnly attended by many dancing-girls and Konkanis.

9. Belekeri Beach:Moving towards Mangalore from Karwar on the National Highway, you have to take a deviation after 22 kms and proceed 4 kms to reach Belekeri Beach. You will not regret the detour. The vast grass lawn suddenly drops by 50’ to the beach providing a wonderful view of the sea. The land is surrounded by picturesque mountains. Watching sunset in the evening you would never like to leave the place.

KUMTA TALUK

1. Gokarna: Gokarna also known as Dakshina Kashi is very popular with pilgrims as well as tourists.  Mythology says, Ravana kept the Athmalinga down on the ground against the instructions and could not lift it again. Hence the belief that Gokarn is Lord Shiva’s permanent abode. Kotitheertha is the holy pond near the temple. Devotees usually take bath in the pond before they enter the temple for pooja.

2. Om Beach: Om beach got it name because it resembles the shape of OM (a hindu religious symbol). Located around 11 km from Gokarna, Om beach is a clean and serene beach. Foreign tourists are a regular here because of the privacy it offers. Adjacent to this beach are Half Moon beach and Paradise beach. Kudle beach is an other beach nearby which is popular with foreigners.

3. Yana: Yana is a nature’s wonder. Known for two gigantic rock formations of a height of 90 and 120 meters called Mohini Shikhara and Bhairaveshwara Shikhara. Encircled by thickly wooded forest, it is a trekker’s paradise. You can eliminate your fatigue by bathing in the beautiful cascades coming down the hill. Bhaireshwar temple, and a cave inside the rock formation are added attractions It is located around 28 Km from Kumta and 65 Km from Sirsi. One should carry water and food.

4. Alvekodi Beach: Almost touching the Kumta town, towards south is Alvekodi village. One has to go through the fields to reach the beach. The beach is truly pristine, unspoilt. The white sand dazzles in the sun. Nearby is the Bhrahma devara gudda, with dilapidated old lighthouse. The hillock is a great picnic spot offering memorable sunset view.

5. Dhareswar: Mahadev temple located here on top of a hill said to be more than 800 years old. It appears that the construction of temple was started by Rudroji Pandit and completed by Sonappa somewhere between 1500 and 1559. The temple is built of black stone and its walls are ornamented with sculptures. Round the temple are 5 holy pools, Rudra kund, Chakra, Shankh, Vasudha and Nagatirth. A fair is held every year in the middle of January. Dhareswar is located around 8 km away from Kumta.

6. St. Francis Xavier Church, Chandavar: Chandavar once a big city, is said to have been built by a Muslim King Sarpan Malik (apparently Sherif-ul-Mulk a General of Bijapur Kingdom). The city declined during the later part of 17th century. St. Francis Xavier Church is a large Roman Catholic Church is held in great veneration by local populace of all communities. The original church of St. Francis Xavier is recorded to have been built in 1678 during the reign of Basappa Nayak of Keladi Nayak dynasty. The church was destroyed in the end of 18th century which is attributed to Tippu Sultan, and was rebuilt in 1801. The church was rebuilt a second time in 1874. The old church, though an imposing edifice was judged to be beyond normal repairs, and so a new church was built in the area adjacent to the old church.

7. Kadra: Kadra is popular due to the dam on river kali and the powerhouse. A beautiful park with fountains, cascades, caves, colourful trees and plants, rose garden, and a unique vedic garden depicting sun signs, planets, rain stars is coming up. Water sports is also being planned in the reservoir.

Nearby Kadra one can also visit Mahamayi temple. It is an ancient temple located inside forest. it is located around 33 km from Karwar.

8. Anashi Wild Life Sanctuary: Anashi pass is in the Sahyadri Range (Western Gahats) 40 Kms north east of Karwar. From Kadra to Anashi is a 10 Kms of steep ghat section, through thick forest. Motoring through the ghat is an experience in itself with thick jungle, number of big and small water falls which are feast to the eyes. Wild life abound in the area. Early mornings you are bound to came across, vixen, wild foul and flocks of peacocks. Quite often you can say hello to a panther crossing the road.

Forest department have started Anashi Nature Camp, 3 kms from Anashi in the Wild Life Sanctuary. You can enjoy the beauty of Nature in Deluxe tents (Rs.400 – 2 beds) or ordinary Tents (Rs. 200 – 2 beds) Kitchen and staff are provided and you can get the food prepared.

9. Channabasaveshwara Temple, Ulavi: Originally a temple of Chalukya style, it has been renovated and coloured. The pyre of the temple is adorned with statues of Shiva Sharanas (Devotees of Lord Shiva). A very famous Jatra is held on ‘Megha Purnima’ with great pomp. Free lunch and dinner is served to devotees every day.

Nearby around 6 kms from Ulavi one can undertake a small trekking amid hills and forests to see some interesting caves like Akala Gavi and Panchalingeshwar gavi. In Kannada Gavi means cave.

MURDESWAR

1. Mahtobara Temple: Mahtobara Temple is the tallest Shiva statue in the world with special reflecting eyes which makes the statue looks alive. It is located around 16 km from Bhatkal on Honnavar-Bhatkal NH 17.

2. Apsara Konda, Honnavar:Apsara Konda located around 8 km from Honnavar, near the confluence of the Sharavathi river and the Sea, is a small water fall and a pool on a hillock. Legend says that the Apsaras (Heavenly fairies) used to come here to bathe and relax. The place truly exudes heavenly beauty. There is a Devi temple and a branch of Ramachandra mutt. It is an awesome sight with several big caves on the hillock called ‘Pandavas caves’. With a view of the river, the sea, little islands, lush green fields and coconut groves, around.

3. Idagunji:15 Kms from Honnavar and around 23 kms from Murdeswar is the ancient Idagunji Ganapati Temple. One has to take a detour from National Highway and travel around 7 kms interior to reach this beautiful temple. The temple is said to be around 800 years old, one of the oldest temples in Uttar Kannada district.

4. Basavaraja Durga Island:The Island of Basavaraja Durga is mainly plain is located around 1 km from Honavar main land. Only mode of transport is boat. The landing place is at the south end where there is a ruined fort with eight mounted guns. The fort was built by Great Shivappa Naik of Bednur (1648-1670).

5. Karikannamma Temple:12 Kms from Honnavar is the Karikannamma Hill. Atop the hill which is a piece of natural beauty and offers panoramic view of the surroundings, is the temple of the deity. This deity is worshipped as different goddess by different people as Durge, Saraswati and Bhairavi. Sunset view on the Arabian sea is a enthralling sight.

6. Higund Island:Higund is a beautiful island in River Sharavati just before it joins the Arabian Sea. 3 kms from Honnavar – Bangalore National Highway brings you along this island. Presently the approach is from either Adkar village or Kodani village through country boat. The sunset view from this island is a lifetime experience.

7. Gerusoppa / Nagara bastikeri: Situated on bank of river Sharavati the old town of Gerusoppa also called NAGAR BASTIKERI is rich with historical monuments, the Chaturmukha basti being the most prominent one. It is a beautiful structure built in Vijayanagar style with Chaturasara plan. It has four entrances from four directions leading to garbhagrihas. There are four images of Tirthankaras, Vrishabha, Ajita, Sambhava and Abhinandan, seated in padmasana. The engravings in this basti of dwarapalas and other mural designs are well executed with refinement.

8. Gerusoppa Valley / Reservoir:Newly constructed Gerusoppa dam has created a unique reservoir in gerusoppa valley. The breath taking view of the valley can be had from atop a observation tower constructed by Forest dept, about 10 kms from Gerusoppa towards Jogfalls. Boat cruise in the reservoir through the valley is on the anvil.

9. Haduvalli:16 Kms from Bhatkal on the Bhatkal shimoga SH, Theerthankara Bastil at Haduvalli is a 14th century Jain temple. 24 Theerthankara idols are installed there. The place was formerly capital of the queen Channabyra Devi. There are two hills Chandragiri and Indragiri which attract the tourists for scenic beauty

Bhatkal

40 Kms south of Honnavar, Bhatkal was the south most port in Bombay presidency. It is place of historical and archaeological interest. There are 13 temples / bastis built during the 15th and 16th centuries. Each one is a marvel in sculpture and worth visiting. But most of them are in dilapidated state. The important ones are,

1. Adike Narayan Temple : Small stone temple. The Ashtadikpalakas are carved on the roof.

2. Kamati Narayan Temple: Built in 1550. It has an inscribed stone.

3. Choleshwar Temple: Black basalt temple with beautiful carvings built by Cholamandala. It has tamil inscriptions.

4. Chandrakanteshwar Basti: It is largest and finest Jain Temple in Bhatkal. The building is two storyed with length 112 feet and has an ‘agrashala’ and ‘bhogmantap’ The dhwaja stamb is an elegant single block 21’ high stone column raising from a platform of about fourteen feet square. Behind the basti is a smaller pillar 19’ high called ‘yakshabhrahma kambh’.

5. Venkataramana temple: It is said to be 400 yrs old. It is ornamented with sculptures.

Other temples are, Shankar Narayan Temple, Khetapai Narayan Temple, Narasimh temple, Parshwanatheswar temple, Raghunath temple, Tirumal temple, Shanteshwar temple, Shambhuling temple, Murgopinath temple, and Chaturmukha basti.

Dandeli

Dandeli, surrounded by thick jungle with River Kali dashing through furiously, is a nature lover’s paradise. Jungle Lodges Resorts has a fine tourist complex called ‘Kali Wilderness and Adventure Camp’. This is the only place in South India where tourists are offered white water rafting.

1. Bison river resort: The Bison River resort on the banks of River Kali near Ganeshgudi is another place of sojourn for the tourists. The resort offers facilities to carry the tourists to see wildlife at Phanasoli, Kavala caves etc. It also offers river rafting facilities along with JLR at Dandeli.

2. Kavala Caves: Kavala caves or Siddan cave is situated at a distance of 27 Kms from Joida and 3200 feet above the sea level. About 150 feet inside the cave a Shiva Linga is present. A small stream of water falls on the Shiva Linga, which gives the feeling that an ‘abhishekha’ is performed to Lord Shiva. Shivarathri day is when devotees come in thousands.

3. Sintheri Rocks: 20 Kms from Joida , at Sintheri Temple, River Kaseri flows with great speed before joining River Kali. Currents of water have formed beautiful rock caves and have created small cascades in the valley attracting a great number of tourists. From Dandeli village Gund is 3 kms. At Gund one has to step down some 133 steps to reach Sintheri rock which is 400 feet in height and 600 feet in width. Water flows around this sand stone round the year.

4. Dood Sagar Falls / Castle Rock: Castle Rock is border village of the district beyond which is Goa. 10 Kms from Castle rock in the middle of thick forest, along the railway track, the Doodh Sagar falls gives a feast to the tourists eyes. The area is also a “trekker’s paradise”, in every sense. %0 km by train from Madgaon in goa and Belgaum.

5. Ykes Point, Ambikanagar: Sykes Point, named after British Collector Sykes, is a breathtaking spot where one can seek unhindered view of the Kali River flowing through the valley below. Nagajhari Power house situated at the bottom of this peak can also be seen. 20 km from Dandeli and 105 km from Belgaum.

6. Sri Mallikarjuna Temple:It is learnt that this temple was built prior to the fort. It has a ‘navarang mantap’ in sanctum and Kadamba style dome. A stone writing says that Kadamba King Jayakeshi donated some lands to this temple in 1144.

7. Haliyal, Shivaji Fort:This ancient fort said to be built by Chatrapati Shivaji is beautiful image of Indian history which gives us a glimpse of the warring techniques of those times. The fort was later occupied by Sangolli Rayanna, a legendary small king, who fought with the British.

8. Sri Tulaja Bhavani Temple, Haliyal: This beautiful temple was established on 16th March 1996, by Sri Tulaja Bhavani Education and Dharmadatti trust, Haliyal, The 4 feet black stone idol of Godess Bhavani was carved in Sivar town, Kolar district. Thousands of devotees from all over Karnataka and states of Maharashtra and Goa visit this temple Everyday

Sirsi

1. Marikamba Temple, Sirsi: Sirsi is a taluk head quarters, and being on slopes of Western Ghats, is very different in weather from the coastal taluks of Uttara Kannada dist. The temple Marikamba here is one of the most popular places of religious significance. The present statue of ‘Devi’ was installed in 1669. The temple itself is more than 300 years old. The ‘Devi’ is worshipped as ‘Amba” the mother. The Marikamba jatra which is held once in every two years, is one of the largest jatras in the state.

125 Kms from Karwar via Katgal (Road SH).155 Kms via Yellapur (Better road NH + SH); 66 Kms from Kumta, 115 kms from Hubli

2. Banavasi: 24 kms from Sirsi, Banavasi is a historical village. Madhukeswar Temple and Madhumathi (Parvati) Temple are summit of Kadamba art. The tall Nandis of the temple are famous. The honey coloured Madhukeswar linga shines even in darkness. Another attraction is a stone cot carved from a singles stone and many statues of sculptural beauty. There is also a small museum. The river Varada flowing in front of the temple adds to the Ambience.

Sonda: 20 Kms from Sirsi towards yellapur is Sonda village which was the capital of Sondhe Kings. During Arasappa Nayaka II many maths wer established here. Among them Vadiraj math, Akalank math, Swarnavalli math are famous. Swarnavalli math is a seat of learning vedic scriptures

1. Sahasra Linga: Sahasralinga is situated amidst river Shalmala near Bhairumbe village.Shivalingas around thousand are believed to have been built by King of Swady to get children. There are also basavas and other artistic forms carved on the rocks of the river. It is also believed that there was a school art here in ancient times.

Connectivity: 17 Kms from Sirsi towards Yellapur(Road SH). One has to take a deviation after 15 kms towards Bhairumbe village.

2. Shivaganga Falls: 39 Kms from Sirsi, one has to cross thick forest to reach this spot. The Shalmala river falls in to a deep valley from a height of 74 meter creating an enchanting water falls. The river valley presents a captivating view. A little further from the falls is an island locally called Ganeshpal because of a small Ganesh statue in the isla

3. Kawadikere, Yellapur: Kawadikere is a beautiful 60 acre large lake surrounded by lush green hills. Situated on the bank is historic Durgadevi Temple. The temple recently underwent a renovation with beautiful statues of goddesses and angels. The temple is well frequented by devotees and tourists. it is located around 20 km from Yellapur. Read more about yellapur.

4. Jenukallu Gudda: Situated at a distance of 20 kms from Yellapur, it offers break taking view of valley covered with virgin forests and majestically flowing River Bedti. The view point is atop a sheer cliff of 450 mtrs high. People normally visit this spot at the time of sun set which transforms the whole valley to a fairy place

5. Satodi Falls: 30 Kms from Yellapur, at village Kattige, rivulet Dabbisal jumps in two stages from a height of 32 meters forming a beautiful brad water fall. Surrounded by green thick forest the waterfall attracts a large number of tourists. The expanse of backwaters of Kodasalli dam can be viewed from here and is an additional attraction

6. Unchalli falls: The rivulet that originates at Shankarathirtha in Sirsi and Manjaguni rivulet join together to form the Aghanashini river. Near Unchalli this river jumps from a height of 116 meters creating a beautiful water fall. G.D.Lushington , Collector of Canara first discovered this water fall and used to visit this spot frequently and hence this falls is also called Lushington Waterfall. It is popular among the locals as Keppa Jog (deafening) since the fall exudes a thunder like deafening noise while falling.

7. Burude Jog: 30 Kms from Siddapur a small rivulet called Ilimane at first falls to a depth of 60 meters and a little further it jumps again to a depth of 48 meters creating two beautiful water falls. The fall is in the middle of a thick forest.

8. Jog Falls: River Sharavati taking birth at Ambutirtha in Tirthahalli tq, flows towards western direction causing the world famous water fall at Jog. 22 Kms from Siddapur the Jog falls is at the border of Uttara Kannda district and Shimoga districts. River Sharavati plunges here to a depth of 252 meters in deep gorge and has created 117 meter deep well beneath. The four streams are called Raja, Roarer, Rocket and Rani. 22 Kms from Siddapur (Road SH).100 Kms from Shimoga (NH). Buses ply from almost all district headquarters

9. Attiveri Bird Sanctuary: 19 Kms from Mundgod one has to take a diversion on Mundgod – Hublic road to reach Attiveri. Migratory birds from Central Asia, Northern Africa and European countries find serene Attiveri a congenial place to breeding from October to March. Painted Storks are special attraction. Sun set view is an extravagant bonus.50 Kms from Hubli. 250 Kms from Dabolim Airport Goa.

10. Doeguling Tibetan Settlement: The Gaden Jangtse Monastic University for Advanced Budhist Learning & Practice which had become near extinct Tibet, was rebuilt on the Indian soil at Doeguling Tibetan Settlement, Mundgod. The construction of New Monastic University building started on June 1998 and was inaugurated on 19 Dec 2001. This majestic building is the biggest monastery in Asia. Inside the prayer hall is a 21’ tall statute of Lord Buddha. Besides this there are statues of Green Tara (10’), Maitrieya Buddha (15’), Manjushri Buddha (15’) and Chenrezig statue.