Leisure & Travel

High potential charmof coastal KarnatakaDespite being endowed with a 320 km western seaboard coastline, beach tourism is a non-starter in the southern state of Karnataka. An ambitious blueprint has been drawn up to correct this anomalyThe southern state of Karnataka (pop. 56 million) attracts an estimated 25 million tourists annually from across the country and abroad, drawn by its exotic flora and fauna, wildlife, heritage buildings, and its famous annual ten-day Dasara festival in Mysore. But despite being naturally endowed with a 320 km western seaboard, beach tourism is a non-starter in the state. This anomaly has prompted the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) to finalise a blueprint (with a budget of Rs.100 crore) to develop modern infrastructure, roads, new hotels, resorts and supplementary facilities in the coastal towns of Mangalore, Marwanthe, Murdeshwar, Gokarna and Karwar. “Karnataka has numerous beaches to offer respite from the daily grind. These golden beaches, friendly coastal folk and delectable cuisine can attract a large number of tourists and create considerable employment in the region. That‚s why the state government is funding KSTDC‚s coastal development plan,” says Sri Ramulu, Karnataka‚s tourism minister. Profiled hereunder are some of Karnataka‚s most attractive coastal destinations.Karwar Situated 100 km south of Goa and 525 km north-west of Bangalore, Karwar (pop. 62,970) is endowed with rare natural attributes including unspoilt beaches along the Arabian sea, lush forests and the rugged hills of the Western Ghats to the east. This port town sited on the banks of the mighty Kali river is the administrative headquarters of North Kanara district. Complemented by salubrious weather, Karwar is the base for exploring the region‚s calm and peaceful valleys, picturesque hills, ancient temples and historic monuments. The surrounding Western Ghats offer nature walks in the wild, while the calm waters of the Arabian sea offer excellent swimming and water sports facilities.The palm-fringed beaches along the Karwar coast are relatively unexploited for those looking for a refuge from urban pressures. Devbagh Beach bordered on either side by casuarina trees offers diving and snorkeling facilities on the blue waters of the Arabian Sea. Koodi Bagh beach at the exact point where the Kali river flows into the sea, and the Kaju Bagh beach, brim with a carnival atmosphere when the local gentry congregates every evening.Karwar also hosts some ancient monuments. The Sadashivgad Hill fort crowning a rocky hill on the outskirts of town affords glorious views of the sunset and houses an ancient Durga temple inside its ramparts. The 300-year-old Venkataramana Temple in the main town contains some fine ochre paintings. Accommodation. Karwar offers a wide spectrum of accommodation options. Top-end: Sea View Hill Resort (Rs.2,475-5,400 per night), Devbagh Beach Resort (Rs.1,500-1,900), Great Outdoors Island Resort (Rs.1,100-1,550). Budget and mid-range: Hotel Navratna (Rs.250-600), Hotel Badhra (Rs.200-550), Hotel Ashok (Rs.100-450). Excursions. This coastal town offers diverse getaway options. There is the popular Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary (110 km) with several species of exotic wildlife including elephant, leopard, gaur, civet cat, wild boar, spotted deer, flying squirrel, jackal, etc.…