Join us on an unforgettable road trip through Karnataka’s picturesque landscapes and cultural gems. From the serene beaches of Karwar to the lush forests of Joida, we’ll explore historic sites, savor local cuisines, and create lasting memories. Embark on this adventure with us as we explore Karwar.
Day 1: February 2, 2024
The journey began at the break of dawn as the sun cast its golden hues over the horizon. With excitement bubbling in our hearts, we embarked on a road trip adventure through the picturesque landscapes of Karnataka.
Leaving the comfort of home behind at 7.30 am, our spirits soared as we hit the open road, ready to embrace the unknown that lay ahead.
The highway was shrouded in fog, I could barely see the road ahead, making each mile more thrilling as we wondered what awaited us beyond the mist.
Leaving the National Highway at Kittur, we took the state highway towards Alnavar. The change in roads brought a shift in scenery, with the state highway offering a warmer view of the countryside. The road was narrower, we rode past small villages and fields, enjoying the peaceful and scenic route.
A quick pit-stop at Alnavar to refuel my motorcycle, and we continued towards Haliyal.
With hunger gnawing at our stomachs, we stopped at Hotel Annapoorna for breakfast. The crispy dosas, fluffy idlis, and spicy chutneys were the perfect fuel for our journey. As we ate, we chatted about our plans for the day, feeling energized and ready to explore Karwar.
As we left the town of Haliyal behind, we found ourselves entering the lush, verdant stretch of forest that lay between Haliyal and Yellapur.
The canopy of trees formed a natural tunnel above us, dappling the road with sunlight and shadows. The cool, refreshing breeze carried the earthy scent of the forest, making the ride incredibly soothing.
The tranquility of this stretch was a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of the towns we had passed through. It was a reminder of the raw, untouched beauty of nature, and we felt a deep sense of peace as we rode through this green paradise.
Every turn of the road brought new sights and sounds, from the distant call of a peacock to the rustling of leaves in the underbrush. The forest seemed alive, each moment offering a new facet of its beauty.
We arrived in Yellapur at 10:45 AM and paid a visit to one of our relative’s house for a meet and greet.
After lunch, we continued our journey towards Arabail Ghats from Yellapur, where we had a delightful time meeting our relatives.
We paused briefly for tea at Hotel Navami before continuing our journey towards Ankola. Bypassing the town on NH66, we headed towards Aversa, enjoying the scenic route and the open 4-lane road ahead.
As we passed by Katyayani School on the highway in Aversa, a wave of nostalgia washed over me, reminding me of the two NCC – Navy camps I had attended here back in my school days.
Riding through the 1.5 km Binaga Tunnel en route to Karwar was an exhilarating experience. The tunnel, cutting through the rocky terrain, offered a moment of cool respite from the outside heat. As we emerged on the other side, the scenic beauty of Karwar awaited us, promising more adventures to come.
We reached Karwar just as the sun was setting and checked into Hotel Aman International, conveniently located less than half a kilometer from Rabindranath Tagore Beach.
A leisurely evening walks along the beach, soaking in the soothing ocean breeze and the calming sound of waves. Afterward, we ate some street food and walked back to the hotel.
Eager to savor the coastal delicacies, we decided to sample various seafood cuisines during our stay. We opted to parcel some delicious fish starters from the nearby hotels, Amrut and Sai, ensuring we could enjoy the flavors of the sea right from the comfort of our hotel room.
Day 2: February 3, 2024
With the dawn of a new day, we embarked on another leg of our journey, eager to uncover more treasures that Karwar had to offer.
Starting the day on a delicious note, we had breakfast at Hotel Poornima and rode to Shejjeshwar Temple, the smallest of the 5 Athma Linga temples in Karnataka.
This is 5 km away from Karwar, one of the five Athma Linga shrines in Karnataka. The five Athma Linga Temples where the story dates to the Ramayan Era:
- Mahabaleshwar Temple – Gokarna, this is the Athma Linga itself.
- Shejjeshwar Temple – Karwar, is the casket in which the Athma Linga was carried.
- Murudeshwar Temple – Murudeshwar, is the cloth that covered the Athma Linga.
- Dhareshwar Temple – between Kumta & Honnavar, this is the strings of the casket that covered the Athma Linga.
- Gunavantheshwar Temple – near Idagunji. This is the lid of the casket.
The only pending on my list is the Gunavantheshwar Temple.
Riding over the Kali River bridge in search of Sadashivgad Fort, we discovered upon arrival that the fort is now owned and operated by Jungle Lodges & Resorts. Unfortunately, access to the stunning beach view from the resort is restricted to its guests.
Our exploration of Karwar led us to the Warship Museum, a fascinating attraction showcasing the region’s maritime history and naval prowess. The museum centered around the decommissioned INS Chapal (K94) Warship Museum, offered a unique glimpse into life aboard a naval vessel. Walking through the ship’s various sections, we marveled at the exhibits that detailed its history, operations, and the brave men who served on it. The immersive experience provided us with a deeper appreciation of the naval heritage of Karwar.
Adjacent to the Warship Museum in Karwar stood an impressive aircraft, adding another layer of intrigue to our visit. The plane, a decommissioned fighter jet, showcased the prowess of the Indian Air Force. We explored its structure and learned about its history and missions. This exhibit, alongside the warship, offered a comprehensive glimpse into India’s defense forces, making our visit to the museum even more enriching.
When on the coastal side of Karnataka, one shouldn’t miss two things: the delicious seafood and Gudbud ice creams, and the beach off-course.
After our museum visit, we treated ourselves to the famous Gudbud ice creams at Ashirwad Ice Cream House. This delightful dessert, layered with various flavors, fruits, and nuts, was a perfect way to cool down and refresh. Each spoonful was a burst of sweetness, making it a satisfying stop on our journey through Karwar.
For lunch, we headed to Shweta Lunch Home, renowned for its exquisite seafood in Karwar. The restaurant’s reputation for serving fresh, delicious seafood was well-deserved. This hotel was suggested by my cousin Akshay, thank you bhai.
From mouth-watering prawns and spicy fish curry to crispy fried fish and flavorful crab masala, they had it all. Each dish was prepared with fresh, local ingredients, offering an authentic taste of coastal cuisine. The extensive menu ensured that seafood lovers could indulge in their favorite dishes while also exploring new and exciting flavors.
After a refreshing nap at the hotel, we headed to the nearby Rock Garden. Situated by the sea, the garden is an impressive site constructed using rocks and stones. The various human statues throughout the garden depict the local tribal communities of Karnataka, showcasing their traditional habitats and professional lives. The detailed and lifelike sculptures offered a fascinating glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region, making our visit both educational and enjoyable.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, we enjoyed a refreshing lime soda before heading to Rabindranath Tagore Beach for some fun in the waves. The beach was a popular spot for locals, who came for evening walks with their families and pets. Kids could be seen playing football on the shores, adding to the lively atmosphere. Unlike the bustling beaches of Goa, this visit was all about simple pleasures—splashing in the waves and soaking in the peaceful, community-centric vibe of the beach.
With the day’s adventures behind us, we retreated to our hotel room, savoring parcels from Hotels Aramane and Sai, ready to recharge for the excitement that awaited us on the morrow.
Day 3: February 4, 2024
As the final day of our journey dawned, we relished every moment, cherishing the memories we had created along the way.
Starting the day with a burst of flavor, we had breakfast at New Udupi Café after the Kali River bridge, fueling ourselves for the homeward stretch.
A short visit to Ramnath Temple in Majali. The temple was serene and peaceful. We also took a stroll on the beach behind the temple, just to see the coastline.
Note: This is not the temple of the similar Ramnath deity of Goa & Kumta.
Afterward, we made our way towards Joida and Dandeli, ready to explore more of Karnataka’s picturesque landscapes before heading home.
Navigating the broken, dusty roads of Joida Ghat amidst the dense Anshi Forest range proved to be a challenging yet adventurous part of our journey. Unfortunately, our motorcycle faced multiple punctures on the rear tire, necessitating a careful ride for 30 km until we reached Joida town.
At the local garage in Joida, the mechanic advised us to replace the rear tire due to the punctures being near each other. Understanding the time constraints of ordering and transporting a new tire from Dandeli via bus, we opted to ride directly to Dandeli instead.
This decision, though challenging, allowed us to continue our journey without significant delay. Thanks to the radial tubeless tyres, I was able to ride for about 60 km on a punctured rear tyre, and that too with a pillion. MRF’s durability and design helped me continue my journey safely despite the unexpected setback.
In the middle of town, we stumbled upon a tyre shop where luck was on our side—he had a tire that matched the specifications of my motorcycle.
However, the tire shop didn’t have the necessary tools to remove the tyre from the rim. Instead, he removed the entire wheel and directed me to a small puncture shop located at the IOC petrol pump just diagonally opposite that would replace the new tyre.
Upon returning to the tyre shop with the wheel, we found that the shop owner was out for lunch. Making the most of the situation, we decided to have our lunch at Hotel Aditya in Dandeli.
Over lunch at Hotel Aditya in Dandeli, I took the opportunity to share fond memories of my multiple family visits to Dandeli, my birthplace, with my wife. It was a nostalgic moment, reminiscing about cherished times spent in this scenic town.
From Dandeli, we rode through Haliyal and followed the same route towards Alnavar, making a brief pitstop for tea along the way in Alnavar. Continuing, we passed through Kittur before finally heading back home to Belgaum, concluding our memorable journey of 505 km through Karnataka’s beautiful landscapes in Karwar.
Until the next adventure awaits, we carry with us the memories of our journey, a testament to the timeless allure of travel and the boundless wonders that await those who dare to explore.
Warm Regards,
Gokool Kini
(Soul Warrior)
Also Visit: The Western Ghats and trails from the Malenadu Region.
