A
pristine slice of India's 7,600 km coastline gives Karnataka - India's IT
hub - more reasons to flaunt her assets, apart from her coffee and
sandalwood. A plethora of gorgeous beaches are braided to Karnataka's share
of 320 km long and 48 - 64 km wide coastline between the Western Ghats and
the Arabian Sea, forming an exotic refuge for tourists across the nation and
abroad to 'bask' their worries away.
Bask In The Beaches
A baked sun melting into the dazzling turquiose waters, tiny yachtes and
swaying palm trees silhouettes - this isn't some picture postcard extempore
- the sequestered beaches of Karnataka are not just a feast to the senses
but a veritable respite from the crowded beaches of Goa. Even the most
visited beaches are the ones where you can draw your own space and relax.
Malpe Beach
Just 6 km from the popular town Udupi is the beatific Malpe Beach famous
for the exotic St Mary's Island, a boat-ride away.
Bhatkal Beach
A 16-km drive from Bhatkal brings you to the sprawling sands of its
treasure trove - the beach and the ancient temple roosted on a small hillock
by the shore.
Maravanthe Beach
This is where the West Coast Highway cruises along with the Arabian Sea on
one side, and the river Sauparnika serpents against a verdant mountainous
backdrop on the other. The beach forms an ideal jaunt for tourists with an
ardour for adventure sports or looking for a languid vacation.
Murudeshwar Beach -
A
lore says that the place was sanctified by the "Panchakshetras"
(Five Holy Places) of Mahabaleshwara. And the intricate stone carvings and
statues about the place seems to have survived the lore. The beach is
impeccable fun.
Karwar Beach
Karwar, 100 km from Goa, has all the makings of a perfect holiday
destination - gentle waves, palm-laced beaches, a benign sun, glistening
sands, peaceful alleys - what more can you ask for?
There's more to the coastline.....
What makes the Carnatic beaches special is not just the unparalled
ambience, coastal Karnataka is a stronghold of Hindu and Jain pilgrimage.
Udupi (Krishna Temple and the Ashta Mathas), Dharmasthala (Jain Temples),
Horanadu (Goddess Annapoorneshwari Temple), Kateel (Durga Parameshwari
Temple), Gokarna (Vedic studies), Sringeri (first of Shankaracharya maths),
to name a few. The Vijaynagar temple ruins are strewn in Bhatkal, Kumta,
Shirali and so on.
What more to check out in Karnataka
Apart from the beaches, check out their delectable cuisine like Bisi bele
bath, Uppittu, Mysore masala dosa and sweet dishes such as Obbattu or
Holighe served on traditional patravali (banana leaf) or muttuga (leaves
stitched together).
Nature enthusiasts have 22 National Parks and wildlife sanctuaris waiting
to be explored. The 1600 km stretch of the Western Ghats from Maharashtra to
Tamil Nadu has a major chunk (60%) in Karnataka housing the evergreen
forests of Nagarahole, B.R. Hills, Male Madeshvara hills, deciduous forests
of Bandipur National Park and Nugu in Karnataka, all hewn with wildlife,
viz. 6000 elephants (2004 census), tigers, gaurs, endangered lion-tailed
macacque, Nilgiri Langur, Great Indian Hornbills and 500 other species of
birds and what not. Wildlife at Bhimeshwari, Ranganthittu Bird Sanctuary,
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary and Kabini too attract a constant tourist bee-line
for safari expeditions, angling, wildlife photography and so on. Besides,
they command a majestic view of the Arabian sea devouring the vermillion
sun. Check out our itineraries that has a blend of the best beaches.
