• This photo feature tells why coastal Karnataka is a destination that is waiting to be explored. It is a great alternative to Goa.

Karnataka has a pronounced coastline of pristine clean beaches and blue waters that run across Uttara Kannada, Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts. In most part of the northern half of this coastline, the proximity of the foothills of the Western Ghats to the shores presents landscapes that blow your mind.

Setting sun at Paradise beach. Beaches of Gokarna have a hill along the coastline.

Several rivers empty themselves into the Arabian Sea in this region and their estuaries are dotted with mangrove islands. These estuaries and the backwaters offer kayaking and rafting opportunities, while not too far away one gets to see tourists trying their hands at jet skiing in the sea.

For tourists from Bangalore, the coastal towns and cities (Karwar, Gokarna, Ankola, Kumta, Honavar, Murudeshwar, Baindur, Udupi, Mangalore) of Karnataka are great alternatives to Goa. Clear white beaches, the undulations of the foothills of the ghats sticking into the sea, NH66 separating the Arabian Sea and the backwaters of the Souparnika river, make a trip to these regions a getaway to remember.

A drive from Bangalore or a bus or train ride is an experience in itself. It starts from the edge of the Deccan plateau, meanders through the alluring ghats and descends on the coast. One can plan stops on the way at places like Bhadra, Kudremukha, Agumbe, Dandeli etc., to enjoy some extremely scenic breaks in the Western Ghats amidst some of the most bio diverse forests of India. I am now sharing some pictures.

Sights like this take the weariness off the drive from Bangalore.

A leisurely sunset across the beach in Baindur.

The pristine blue of the Arabian sea at the Maravanthe beach.

The Maravanthe beach right on NH 66

The backwaters of Souparnika, right across NH 66, at Maravanthe.

An old dwelling in a coastal village.

Docked fishing boats in the backwaters at close of day.

A fishing boat, a petite village house, coconut groves and reflections sum up the life on the coast.

Fishing boats line a beach on the Karwar coast.

A section of the Konkan Railways near Karwar, skirting ripening paddy fields.

Yana Rocks-a visit to these crystalline karst limestone rocks & caves in Uttara Kanda is a must

The Sharavathi valley as the river approaches the famous Jog falls.

Rolled hay presenting an interesting sight during the drive. 

To read all travelogues by author  Except first picture, all pictures by author 

To read all articles in Travel and Yatras section

Also read

1. What to see in Udupi

2. Album Murdeshwar

3. Album Gokarna Beaches

4. Album Udupi Temple

5. Album drive thru Western Ghats

6. A week in coastal Karnataka