Karnata: Exploring Karnataka's Rich Heritage

Karnataka is the sixth largest state in India, famous for its wildlife, heritage, temples,beaches and food. The capital, Bengaluru or Bangalore, is the fourth largest city in India and now an IT boomtown. To the southwest, Mysore has lavish temples including Mysore Palace, the former seat of the region’s maharajas. The sprawling ruins of Hampi, once the medieval Vijayanagara Empire’s capital, contain Hindu temples, elephant stables and a stone chariot

Yet it also has 320kms of coastline, one long strip of pristine sand, bisected by estuaries and backwaters. The Western Ghats, recognized among the world’s top eight biodiversity hotspots, run in an unbroken line along one side of these deserted beaches. On the other, the sparkling Arabian Sea offers ample opportunities for bathing. And dotted all along the coast are majestic temples, a magnet for hundreds of thousands of pilgrims every year.

Mangalore

Mangalore, officially known as Mangaluru, is a bustling port city that’s a good starting point for exploring the coastline. Begin your journey at Mangaladevi Temple, a 9th-century shrine dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Mangaladevi, after whom the city is named. Another iconic site is St. Aloysius Chapel, famous for its stunning frescoes by the Italian artist Antonio Moscheni.

For a taste of local life, visit the bustling Central Market where you’ll discover a variety of spices, seafood, and fresh local produce. Food lovers will find solace in Mangalore’s unique cuisine, which is an interesting fusion of coastal flavours. Indulge in delicacies like Mangalorean Fish Curry, Neer Dosa, and the aromatic Kori Rotti. Even better dine out under the stars on Mangalore’s long sandy beach with the sounds of sea as your background.

Udupi

The route north, crossing countless palm and mangrove fringed estuaries, is one of the most scenic in India. At 50km is Udupi, a city where the famous Masala Dosa was invented, and home to the Krishna Temple. It’s visited by hundreds of thousands of pilgrims every year, who peer through a small silver-plated window to catch a glimpse of the idol. Legend has it that it was discovered by the 13^th century Hindu saint, Madhva, inside a block of mud.

St. Mary’s Island

Udupi is not just about spirituality, it has also some of the best sandy beaches on the coast. Malpe, located just 6kms away, offers golden sands, swaying palm trees, and stunning sunsets. You can also take a 45 minute boat ride from here to Mary’s Island. According to legend, the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama first set foot here in 1498 before proceeding to the mainland.

The island is famed for its unique hexagonal basalt columns formed by volcanic activity over 88 million years ago when Madagascar separated from the Indian subcontinent. It’s also home to several bird species, making it an ideal spot for enthusiasts to observe coastal and migratory birds.

Hasta Shilpa Heritage Village Museum

A few kms inland in the town of Manipal, the Hasta Shilpa Heritage Village Museum is a collection of historical buildings rescued from the surrounding area. There are 11 traditional houses originating from the South Canara, North Canara, and Malnad regions, dating between 1705 and 1856. Notable among these is the Miyar House, constructed in 1856, which once belonged to South Canara Brahmins.

There are also three non-residential structures, dating from 1341 to 1902. A highlight is the Kamal Mahal of Kukanoor, a 13th-century edifice that served as the private office of the Vijayanagar Kingdom’s military governor. Also are two monasteries from the 16th and 18th centuries and shrines dedicated to folk deities of coastal Karnataka.

Sky Dining

50 kms north, next to Maravanthe Beach is a newly opened sky dining facility. Guests are securely seated around a table and you’re then hoisted 90 metres above the ground by a crane. On one side are panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and the tranquil Sowparnika River on the other. The food is a fusion of local and international cuisines, although some people may not have the stomach for eating at this elevation.

Karwar

At the northernmost tip of coastal Karnataka lies Karwar, a serene town that inspired the famous poet Rabindranath Tagore to write his famous poem, Prakritir Pratishodha. Surrounded by several mangrove-covered islands on one side and hills of the Western Ghats on the other, the big attraction are the long sandy beaches. No crowds here, just miles of deserted shoreline.

Take a Shikhara, a traditional wooden boat, on a cruise along the Kali River. It’s a journey into the heart of nature, where the emerald-green waters wind through mangroves and dense forests. These are teeming with birdlife, and tiny fishing villages dot the banks where life hasn’t changed for centuries.

Factfile

GO: Air India flies direct from London Heathrow to Bangalore. A scenic 9 hour train ride brings you to Mangalore.

STAY: The AJ Grand Hotel makes a good base in downtown Mangalore

The UVA Meridian Bay in Kundapur is a comfortable all-inclusive with a spa and amusement park.

Ganyam Beach Resort in Kumta is a luxury spa location with its own deserted beach.

EAT: Le Sparrow, at Panambur Beach in Mangalore, offers dining under the stars.

Seashells at Paradise Isle Beach Resort in Malpe offers good local seafood.

INFO: Karnataka Tourism has information about the state.

The Karnataka International Tourism Expo (KITE) is a yearly showcase for the state’s many attractions.

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Travel Guide to Coastal Karnataka, India

The lush green hills of the Western Ghats meet the Arabian Sea in over 300kms of Karnataka's unbroken coastline.