Coastal Karnataka offers diverse experiences beyond beach walks
Travelers can explore activities ranging from scuba diving at Netrani Island to surfing at Mulki.
Coastal Karnataka features a variety of activities including surfing, scuba diving, and spotting bioluminescent plankton. At Netrani Island, located off Murudeshwar, visitors can dive to see marine life.
Mulki serves as a location for surfing and kayaking on the Shambhavi River backwaters. Near Gokarna, Nirvana and Paradise beaches occasionally feature glowing blue waves caused by bioluminescent plankton.
The region also offers spiritual and historical sites. The 13th-century Udupi Sri Krishna Temple is located near Malpe Beach, while the Mirjan Fort provides historical exploration.
Other notable landmarks include the Kapu lighthouse and the Shiva statue at Murudeshwar. At Maravanthe, National Highway 66 runs between the Arabian Sea and the Souparnika River.
Specific coastal features include the column-like rock formations at St Mary’s Island and the dark sand of Karwar’s Tilmati Beach. Om Beach is named for its shape, which resembles a sacred symbol when viewed from above.