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Honnavar

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Honnavar Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 2-3 days

Best Time: October - March Read More

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Honnavara

Honnavar Tourism

Honnavar is a picturesque port town nestled in Karnataka’s Uttara Kannada district. Located around 450 km from Bengaluru and 160 km from Goa, it is a haven for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. The confluence of the Sharavathi River with the Arabian Sea creates a unique landscape of islands, mangrove forests, and untouched coastal stretches. The best time to visit Honnavar is between October and March when the weather is pleasant, and the region’s beauty is at its peak.

Honnavar offers distinct experiences throughout the year. Winter (October to February) is perfect for exploring attractions like the Sharavathi Kandla Mangrove Forest and Kasarkod Blue Flag Beach, offering serene escapes and outdoor activities. Summer months (March to May) are ideal for enjoying quieter beaches and indulging in local festivals and cultural events. The monsoon season (June to September) transforms the region into a lush green paradise, with gushing waterfalls like Apsarakonda becoming a major draw. Travelers should be cautious during the monsoon season, as heavy rains can disrupt plans.

History buffs will appreciate the 16th-century forts and ancient temples scattered across the town, while adventure seekers can trek to nearby secluded waterfalls and verdant hills. Day trips to the pristine islands formed by the Sharavathi estuary and visits to the hanging bridge are also highly recommended. Extended stays allow time to experience the town’s vibrant local culture and explore lesser-known gems like the scenic backwaters.

A trip to Honnavar can be comfortably planned for 2–3 days, with accommodations ranging from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts. For a unique experience, eco-lodges and river-view homestays offer a closer connection to nature. Many resorts near Kasarkod Beach provide modern amenities, while nearby towns like Murudeshwar have additional options for travelers seeking variety.

The local cuisine of Honnavar is a highlight of any visit, featuring coastal delicacies like fish curry, neer dosa, and prawn dishes. Don't miss sampling freshly tapped toddy or indulging in sweet treats like banana buns. Local markets are perfect for picking up souvenirs such as handcrafted items, spices, and coconut-based products.

Reaching Honnavar is convenient via road, rail, or air. The nearest airport is in Shivamogga that's 135 kms away and Goa (Dabolim) 160 km away. Honnavar railway station also connects to major cities. Opting for guided tours or renting local transport ensures smoother navigation through the region.

Must Know Before You Travel to Honnavar

Transportation: Public transportation is limited. Auto-rickshaws (Tuk-Tuks) are commonly used, but finding taxis or private transport in villages can be challenging.
Dining Options: Restaurants and hotels are scarce in interior areas, though locals may offer fresh and delicious seafood meals.
Cultural Etiquette: Dress modestly and respect the traditions and culture of the local villagers.
Accommodation Availability: Hotels and stays in Honnavar are limited. Book in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Travel Caution: Monsoons bring heavy rainfall to the region possibly causing travel disruptions. It's advised to check weather reports before planning.
Accommodation Tip: Stay in the main town for better convenience. Only a few lodgings are available for online bookings.
Nightlife and Timings: Beaches and most places close by sunset. The town is generally quiet at night.

More on Honnavar Travel

Beaches in Honnavar

Being a port town on the Konkan Coast, Honnavar surely has some of the most beautiful beaches in India. Kasarkod beach or the Eco beach is the most popular beach in Honnavar. The beach was given the coveted Blue Flag tag, which is awarded to the cleanest and tourist-friendly beaches with all necessary amenities. Restrooms, umbrellas, adequate signage, a children's park, lifeguards, paved walkways, and a restaurant are all available at the beach. Additionally there is a lighthouse with a fantastic view of the shoreline and ocean. There are entry fees and parking fees for the eco beach. Apsarakonda beach is a secluded beach in Apsarakonda village and is popular among photographers.

Mangroves and backwaters

Also known as Sharavathi Kandla Vana, the mangrove forests of Honnavar is about 3 km from Honnavar town, near the Eco beach. Though the mangroves were considered to be unproductive lands until the 1960s, and were cleared for commercial purposes, the efforts by the state government to revive the ecosystem through public education and reforestation of native species of mangrove trees has worked to a great extent. The main attraction of the mangroves in Honnavar is the Shatavari Kandla Mangrove boardwalk which is a wooden walkway connecting the entrance of the forest to the mangrove island until the backwaters. There are clear signages and posters explaining the significance of the place. The backwaters of Sharavathi river is also a popular tourist attraction. Boat rides through the open backwaters and through the winding coconut plantations overlooking the fishing villages are not to be missed.

Cost for Boat Ride: A boat ride can cost around INR 1000, or INR 200 per person.

Apsarakonda Village

Apsarakonda means ‘Pond of the Angels’ in Kannada, and the waterfalls and the village stand true to the name. The highlight of the village is the secluded waterfalls emanating from Jog Falls flowing down to the Sharavati river. The trek to the falls is easy and well-marked, and there’s a trail leading to the falls. There are hidden caves among the roots of the gigantic peepal tree at the base of the falls. The waters are shallow and safe for everyone. Apsarakonda monastery, Apsarakonda beach, The Pandava cave, and the Kelginoor Lagoon, and temples are other attractions in Apsarakonda village.

Temples, Forts, and Bridges

The various man-made structures in Honnavar adds on to its natural beauty. These structures have stayed comparatively intact through the ages and portrays a comprehensive history of the place. Honnavar has many temples dating back to about 2000 years ago, the most famous of which are the Kodlemani Shree Vishnumurthy Temple and the Karikanamma Temple. Chandramukhi Basadi is a 15th-century Jain Temple located in Gerusoppa Village. Colonel Hill Pillar is a 30 m high tower with the view of the Arabian Sea. One of the major architectural attractions of Honnavar is the Hanging bridge over the Sharavathi river, offering stunning views of the river and the surrounding islands. Boating is also available during the season.

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