Tucked between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, Honnavar is often overshadowed by nearby Gokarna and Murudeshwar, but it’s a serene gem offering rich biodiversity, backwaters, cultural experiences, and uncrowded natural beauty.
Why Visit Honnavar
– Beautiful beaches
– Backwaters
– Rich cultural heritage, ancient temples and a fort
– Delicious coastal cuisine
Apsarakonda Beach & Waterfalls
Apsarakonda means “Pond of Angels”, and as per the local legends, there was a time when the celestial nymphs bathed here. A few hidden caves near the waterfalls add to its mystery.
Sharavathi Backwaters & Island
These are formed by the Sharavathi River before it meets the Arabian Sea. Hire a local fisherman and explore floating mangrove forests and tiny uninhabited islands.
Take a walk along the winding wooden pathway at the Sharavathi Kandla Mangrove Boardwalk, where you’ll be surrounded by towering mangrove trees. This serene trail offers breathtaking views, highlighting the critical role of mangroves in coastal protection, preventing erosion, and supporting marine life. Also, be sure to check out the Samshi Hanging Bridge, situated across the Sharavathi River.
Mavinkurve Island
The island is accessible by a short boat ride and lets you explore traditional homes and experience a timeless village atmosphere.
Kasarkod Eco Beach (one of the 12 Blue Flag Beaches in India)
Insider Tip: Try fresh seafood snacks from small stalls near the beach—locals recommend the crispy squid fry. Also, visit the Tavakere backwaters for a peaceful boat ride experience.
Ramanagindi Beach (Secret Beach, 12 km)
This secluded beach is accessible via a short trek through coconut groves.
Dhareshwar Beach & Shiva Temple (15 km)
The site is renowned for its massive Shiva Lingam, believed to be self-manifested.
Baindur Beach (45 km)
Baindur Beach is popular for its bioluminescent plankton, which is mostly seen at night during specific seasons. Turtle nesting season also begins in January. The Someshwara Beach is also a lovely spot as it is less crowded. The locals can also guide you to some waterfalls located here at Baindur.
Visit an Areca farm
Take a guided tour of an Areca farm and learn about the betel nut (Paan) cultivation. Discover how the nuts are dried, cured, and prepared for trade, while also discovering the spices grown alongside Areca, including pepper, vanilla, and cardamom.
Fort, Temples and more in and near Honnavar
Chaturmukha Basadi
This site is an ancient, symmetrical Jain temple (12th or 14th century AD). It is located inside the forested village of Nagarbastikere, Gerusoppa. Although now in ruins, the architectural beauty and intricate carvings remain impressive. It was once a thriving place where sacred ceremonies or educational systems were practised, and many other broken sculptures and temple ruins can still be seen on and near the site. A history enthusiast like me can spend a whole day here.
Venkatramana Temple (5 km)
This temple is situated by a river and features intricate stone carvings as well as ancient manuscripts kept in its archives.
Basavaraja Durga Island Fort Tour (10 km by boat)
The fort offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea. This tour allows you to explore an ancient fort and temple ruins. Keep a watch for the dolphins!
Idagunji Ganapati Temple (20 km)
This temple, which is more than 1500 years old is devoted to Lord Ganesha. Carved from a single stone, the idol here stands, which is quite rare.
Mirjan Fort & Yana Caves Trek
Mirjan Fort dates back to the Keladi Nayaka period and has many secret tunnels.
About Keladi Nayakas
The Keladi Nayakas (1499 – 1763 CE) ruled in the Malnad region, parts of coastal Karnataka, and the central plains along the Tungabhadra River. Initially vassals of the Vijayanagara Empire, they gained independence after the empire’s fall in 1565. Keladi Nayakas were patrons of art and culture, and they constructed many temples, mosques, palaces, water reservoirs and mathas. In 1763, Hyder Ali defeated the Keladi Nayakas and absorbed their kingdom into the Kingdom of Mysore.
The Yana caves are made of 2 black limestone rock formations (the Bhairaveshwara Shikhara and the Mohini Shikhara (‘Shikhara’ means a mountain peak). and are surreal. It is a great trekking opportunity for nature enthusiasts, and the place will leave you spellbound.
Yana Caves and their Mythological Connection
According to Hindu mythology, the demon king Bhasmasura was granted a boon by Lord Shiva, allowing him to burn or incinerate anyone by touching their head. This power became a threat, even to Shiva himself. He had to flee from Bhasmasura and get Lord Vishnu to help. Lord Vishnu took the form of Mohini, a beautiful woman and lured Bhasmasura into a dance competition. She then cleverly struck a pose with her hand over her head and entranced Bhasmasura to do the same unknowingly placing his hand on his own head – instantly reducing himself to ashes.
It is believed that the intense fire formed and blackened the limestone formations at Yana, and the dark soil and ash around the rocks are perhaps remnants of this legendary event.
The Yana Caves Trek is a mix of rugged trails and stairs, with benches for rest breaks and water streams available along the way. Take your time to explore the caves, walk inside and marvel at this stunning formation. Yana Caves are not to be missed.
Kumta (23 km)
Famous for its Gokarna-style temple architecture and ancient rock carvings, Kumta remains a lesser-known place, waiting to be explored. Some temples in the area include Sri Kumbheshwar, Salt Ganapati, Shantika Parameshwari, Mahalasa Narayani, Shanteri Kamakshi, Kavur Kamakshi, and Shankar Narayan temples. Few temples feature the Kavi (Kaa-vi) art of coastal Karnataka and Goa, which is intricate and distinct, almost like a painting but carved onto stone.
The locals make delicious banana chips & handmade wooden toys.
Gokarna (45 km)
Visit Mahabaleshwar Temple and trek to Om Beach & Paradise Beach.
Less crowded alternatives include Baada Beach & Belekan Beach.
Murudeshwar (65 km): The Murudeshwar Temple is the world’s second-tallest Shiva Statue. With a stunning oceanfront backdrop, travel up the Raja Gopura viewing deck to capture some amazing pics.
Local Flavours to Try
- Street-side banana buns and local coastal filter coffee
- Koli Saaru (Chicken Curry, coastal style)
- Neer Dosa with Fish Curry
- Todadevu (a local jaggery-based sweet dosa)
Location & Distance Guide for Honnavar
Best Time to Visit:
- October to March: Pleasant weather, good for beach days and boat rides
- July to September: Monsoon magic if you’re okay with rains and love lush greenery
By Road: Accessible via NH-66 and well-connected
Murudeshwar: (20 km)
Gokarna: 35 km
From Mangalore: 180 km
From Shivamogga: 161 km
From Goa: 166 km
From Bangalore: 460 km
Nearest Airport: Goa – Dabolim Airport: 180 km or Mangalore International Airport: 200 km
By Train: Honnavar has a railway station and is well-connected with major towns
Some useful references:
https://www.kamat.com/kalranga/karavali/honavar/history.htm shares interesting details about the history of Honavar Town.
Learn more about Kaa-vi art.
What is a Blue Flag beach?
A Blue Flag Beach in India is a beach that has been awarded the Blue Flag certification by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Denmark. This prestigious certification is given to eco-friendly, clean, and well-maintained beaches that meet 33 stringent environmental, safety, and accessibility criteria.
Some key features of the Blue Flag Beach are:
- Pristine water quality with regular testing
- Clean and well-maintained surroundings
- Eco-friendly tourism practices (no plastic waste, waste management systems)
- Lifeguards and safety measures for visitors
- Accessibility features for differently-abled visitors
- Conservation of biodiversity and natural habitats
List of Blue Flag beaches in India
1️⃣ Shivrajpur Beach – Gujarat
2️⃣ Ghoghla Beach – Diu
3️⃣ Kasarkod Beach – Karnataka
4️⃣ Padubidri Beach – Karnataka
5️⃣ Kappad Beach – Kerala
6️⃣ Rushikonda Beach – Andhra Pradesh
7️⃣ Golden Beach – Odisha
8️⃣ Radhanagar Beach – Andaman & Nicobar Islands
9️⃣ Kovalam Beach – Tamil Nadu
🔟 Eden Beach – Puducherry
Feature Image Copyright Pexels
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