Top 10 beaches of Karnataka

Karnataka is in the Southern-West region of India. Therefore, one might think that the place might only be growing tall trees under the scorching heat. However, that is not true. Being one of the larger states in the country, it has a lot to offer – from its biotechnology, software industry, mouth-watering cuisines to some of the best places for tourists to visit. It goes without saying that the place is blessed with a far and varying range of geography.

It entails a long history, which marks the place as being religiously as well as culturally important. If these aren’t enough reasons for one to consider Karnataka as the top attractive domestic and foreign tourist spot, then we don’t know what is. Lined with ancient and historic monuments within modernized cities, lush-green hill stations, scenic landscape and the beautiful beaches of Karnataka.

A little history of Karnataka

Karnataka ranks fourth in the list of most popular tourist destination in India. It is among the few states in the country that has the highest number of nationally-protected monuments. Karnataka has over 752 protected monuments and over 25,000 monuments which still haven’t received the much-deserved branding. State Directorate of Archaeology and Museums is responsible for protecting these monuments.

Understanding it’s geography

Karnataka has Andhra Pradesh on the East and the Arabian Sea to the West, that plays the role of delivering an abundance of water to the state. Maharashtra comes to the North of Karnataka, with Goa located on the North West. Tamil Nadu and Kerala fall to the South East and South West respectively. The colourful state is home to a 320-kilometer long coastline that helps it emerge as a popular beach destination in India.

Following given are the top beaches of Karnataka that one must visit

Gokarna Beach

Situated in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, Gokarna is a small beach town that has a plethora of experiences to offer to its visitors. The primary attraction at Gokarna is the Mahabaleshwar temple, which holds utmost religious importance for Hindus specifically. The place has a lot to offer in terms of anyone looking to experience calmness and peace at one of the top beaches of Karnataka. Apart from the Mahabaleshwar temple, there are numerous other ancient temples in town that you can visit. Visit Gokarna during the Shivratri festival as the entire town is lit for four days straight.

Kaup Beach

Kaup beach is located in the Udupi district of the Karnataka. For a place not that big in size, it is often found crowded with international and Indian tourists making it one of the highest populated beaches in Karnataka. One of the main reason why Kaup is considered as one of the top tourist places in Karnataka thanks to the 100-feet high light-house and a ruined fort which ensures a mystic feel. Readers must take note that the best time to visit Kaup is between the months of October and December. You can easily fly to the place as the nearest airport is only 50-kilometers away in Mangalore. Meanwhile, Bangalore is roughly 410-kilometers away from Kaup beach.

Karwar Beach

Karwar beach town is located in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka state and is among the very few towns in the state that enjoys the seaside. Since it is situated on the West coast of India, Karwar beach is linked to the banks of Kali River as well. Another beach that is just as beautiful as Karwar beach is the beach of Devbagh. Readers must note that the best time to visit Karwar is between the months, September to May. There are many other main attractions at the town of Karwar. The list is expansive. Following given are some of the crucial spots to visit: Sadashivgad Hill Fort, Naganatha temple Durga Temple, Octagonal Church and the 300-year-old Venkatrama temple.

Kudle Beach

Kudle beach can be found cuddled up in the small town of Gokarna. Gokarna is a small beach town that has a plethora of experiences to offer to its visitors. Kudle beach is among one of the four beaches that can be discovered in the town of Gokarna. The best time to visit this place is between the months, December to March. Kudle beach is one of the top tourist places in Karnataka because of the peaceful vibe that it has to offer.

Malpe Beach

Malpe beach is undoubtedly among the top beaches of Karnataka state. The place is situated merely 6-kilometers away from the Udupi district of Karnataka. The town holds importance in terms of the abundance of nature as well as for being the primary fishing harbor of the state. Other primary attractions at the Malpe beach include the temples of Balarama and Ananteshwara.

Maravanthe Beach

Visitors of Maravanthe beach believe that the place has the most spectacular view of the sunset. It is also among the most primary attractions for water sports and other sight-seeing activities. Maravanthe beach ranks in the top beaches of Karnataka because it is full of natural beauty. You cannot miss the waves crashing the shores with grace at the region.

Murudeshwar beach

Another attractive beach of Karnataka is the Murudeshwar beach, in the Bhatkal Taluk district. It is frequented by tourists from all parts of India and abroad. The  Shiva Statue which is the second largest Shiva statue in the world is the best attraction of this beach. This is one of the main reasons why Murudeshwar beach is among the top beaches of Karnataka and also one of the most famous tourist places in Karnataka as it is loved by all.

Netrani Beach

Netrani, also known as Pigeon Island, is another small island in the Arabian Sea. The main activity that makes the tourists go berserk is scuba diving. In fact, Netrani is the scuba-diving destination in India. The place is roughly 10-kilometers away from the Murudeshwar town in Karnataka. Other attractions at Netrani include its corals, scuba diving, and snorkeling.

St. Mary’s Islands

St, Mary’s Island is one of the top tourist places in Karnataka and is the most beautiful across the whole of Karnataka. The beauty that lies within will definitely leave its visitors awestruck. A group of four smaller islands forms St. Mary’s Islands. Situated in the Arabian Sea it is a part of the four geological monuments in the Karnataka state. There are a total of 26 geological monuments in India and St. Mary’s Islands is among them.

Ullal Beach

Coming to the final destination – the Ullal beach. The beach is in the oldest town in India, which goes by the same name. Therefore, Ullal beach is one of the top tourist places in Karnataka. One of the highlights of this town is that it is the main fishing spot. Located roughly 12-kilometers away from the city of Mangalore, other places that hold religious importance include Somanatheshwara temple and St. Sebastian church.

These are some of the tourist places in Karnataka along its coast

Beaches of Karnataka are some of the beautiful ones in India. We have also compiled a list of beaches along the coastline of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Konkan and of course the beaches of North Goa and South Goa.  You can reach out to us if you need help in planning the road trip or ask the community if you have any questions.