Karnataka boasts one of India’s longest and most beautiful coastlines, dotted with hidden, untouched beaches and stunning islands waiting to be discovered. Our adventure began with a scenic train ride from Bangalore to Mangalore. Upon arrival, we hopped into a pre-booked taxi that whisked us away to Hotel Manorama, where we quickly freshened up and had breakfast at Udupi, which was diagonally opposite, before setting out again.
Although it was October, the lingering monsoon showers made a surprise appearance, adding a fresh and magical vibe to the journey. We started by visiting Mangalore’s Kudroli Shri Gokarnanatheshwara Temple and the Ucchila Mahalakshmi Temple. From there, our real adventure kicked off — a road trip along Karnataka’s breathtaking coastal belt, weaving through pristine beaches like Kapu Beach and Delta Beach, many of which remain blissfully untouched by tourist crowds.
When we reached Kapu Beach, it began to rain heavily within minutes — so much so that even umbrellas were useless. Drenched to the bone, we somehow managed to get back to our cab and grabbed some hot corn, then continued driving alongside the shoreline until we reached Delta Beach.
Luckily, by the time we arrived at Delta Beach, the rain had stopped. We wandered onto the beach to capture a few pictures at the mesmerizing spot where the river meets the sea. As dusk slowly set in, we made our way back to the cab, ready to continue our road trip towards our night halt at Murudeshwar, passing through the scenic beauty of [Maravanthe] — a sight we sadly missed experiencing in daylight.
Exploring Coastal Karnataka – Day II
We began our morning with a short walk to Murudeshwar Beach, just a stone’s throw from our hotel. The beach, however, was already overcrowded with tourists and honestly, it didn’t feel very inviting. After a brief stroll, we decided to head back to our room to freshen up and get ready for the day’s adventures.
Our first stop was the iconic Murudeshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is famous for its striking 20-foot-tall granite lingam and the majestic 123-foot-tall statue of Lord Shiva that towers over the complex. The temple also features a 20-story Gopura (gateway tower) equipped with both stairs and a lift. We took the lift to the top and were rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the town and the endless stretch of the Arabian Sea.
About 19 kilometers from Murudeshwar lies Netrani Island, known for its vibrant marine life and incredible scuba diving and snorkeling experiences. Unfortunately, due to weather conditions, the island was closed to visitors, so we shifted our plans and headed to Apsarakonda Falls instead.
Tucked away from the usual tourist trail, Apsarakonda is a serene waterfall with crystal-clear water that shimmers green, reflecting the moss-covered surroundings. After a short climb of about 150 steps, we reached the falls, where the peaceful setting made it feel like a hidden gem.
Next, we drove to the Sharavathi Kandla Mangrove Boardwalk, a unique experience that let us wander through a mangrove forest via a well-paved wooden walkway. Walking among the dense mangrove trees with their intricate roots submerged in brackish waters, accompanied by the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves, felt almost dreamlike — an utterly magical experience.
From the boardwalk, we made our way to the Sharavathi Backwater Boat Ride. Several brightly decorated boats were lined up, and after a little negotiation, we set off on a one-hour journey. The river looked stunning under a cloudy but bright sky, with hundreds of coconut trees lining the banks, welcoming us to the serene landscape.
The boat ride was enchanting, especially as we glided through narrow creeks bordered by mangroves before emerging into the wide-open river. Towards the end of the ride, the boatman took us to a small island selling snacks and coffee — an obvious tourist lure that we politely declined. Throughout the ride, our boatman even helped us pose for plenty of beautiful pictures! After this soulful experience, we headed to our next destination: Mirjan Fort.
Covered in a vibrant blanket of green moss and wildflowers from the recent monsoon, Mirjan Fort looked straight out of a European fairy tale. Built with laterite blocks, the fort boasts high walls and strong bastions and once served as a key port for overseas trade. Now maintained by the ASI (Archaeological Survey of India), it remains wonderfully offbeat despite being close to touristy Gokarna. We spent a peaceful hour wandering through the fort, taking photos and soaking in the cool breeze, reluctant to leave — if only the rain gods had held back!
As we got back into our cab, it began to pour. Undeterred, we continued on to the Gokarna Temple, another shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Although there was a long queue, we didn’t mind — the day had already left us feeling fulfilled. After offering our prayers, we walked towards the beach, only to see heavy rain clouds fast approaching.
Without wasting any time, we called our cab and started our return journey to Murudeshwar, reaching our hotel for a cozy night’s stay, ending a day packed with beautiful memories.
Day III – Coastal Karnataka Temples
The day began with a sense of devotion and anticipation as we set out for a spiritual journey. Our first stop was the renowned Shri Idagunji Mahaganapathi Temple (Honnavara). From there, we went to Mookambika Temple, nestled amidst serene surroundings. The temple exuded an air of calm. We decided to have breakfast before visiting the temple. I couldn’t help but notice the popularity of puttu, a traditional Kerala delicacy, among the visitors — it was a delightful and unexpected treat.
After a long queue and wait, from Mookambika, we headed to another sacred site — Anegudde Sri Vinayaka Temple — where we were served a simple yet fulfilling lunch, typical of temple hospitality.
Next, our journey brought us to the Shri Krishna Temple, Udupi, famed for its timeless architecture and spiritual essence. Continuing, we visited the Sree Durga Parameshwari Temple, a revered site known for its powerful deity. The experience was both humbling and uplifting, as each temple added its own unique charm and tranquility to the journey.
As the day began to wind down, our driver suggested a detour to Panambur Beach. It wasn’t part of the plan, but we welcomed the idea. When we arrived, the golden sands stretched before us, kissed by the gentle waves of the Arabian Sea. The sun, hidden behind clouds for most of the day, finally graced us with its presence, painting the horizon with hues of orange and pink. We strolled along the shore, letting the cool waters lap at our feet. The sound of the waves and the sight of the setting sun provided a perfect, serene conclusion to a day filled with spiritual and natural beauty.
Pictures
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