Best Beaches in Karnataka

No trip to Mangalore is complete without a stop at Panambur Beach. Located just north of the Port of Mangalore, Panambur Beach is home to an assortment of activities perfect for the family. A large playground filled with inflatables and rides is on the central part of the beach, and a surf school is located nearby. There are also plenty of thrills for sports fans at the beach -- the Indian Surfing Open was recently held at the Panambur Beach.

Kodi Beach, located in the quaint coastal town of Kodi, India, is a picturesque destination that offers a serene and tranquil setting. This beautiful beach stretches for approximately 1.5 kilometers, featuring soft golden sand that glitters under the warm Indian sun. The inviting waters of the Arabian Sea beckon visitors to take a refreshing dip. Kodi Beach is the perfect place to unwind and escape the pressures of everyday life.

Kudle Beach, located just outside the city of Gokarna, is a scenic getaway on coast of the Arabian Sea. The beach is typically a popular spot among foreign backpackers. However, the visitor demographics are rapidly changing as local businesses cater more towards the resort vacationer crowd. All in all, Kudle Beach is the perfect spot for those searching for a quiet and quaint beach in western India.

Om Beach is one of the best kept secrets in the Gokarna area. Popular beaches, such as Gokarna Beach and Kudle Beach, attract swathes of tourists and locals. Om Beach, on the southern end of the Gokarna Peninsula, is tucked away behind the forest. The beach is shaped like an "om," which is like two connected crescent moons. If you are looking for a unique beach away from the hustle and bustle, Om Beach should be high up on your list.

Kasarkod Beach, nestled in the charming coastal town of Kasarkoda, India, is a hidden gem offering a serene and idyllic beach experience. This beautiful beach boasts a considerable length of sandy shoreline, featuring soft golden sands that invite visitors to unwind and enjoy the picturesque setting.

Devbag Beach, situated in the charming coastal village of Majali, India, is a hidden gem along the Arabian Sea. This picturesque beach boasts a serene and tranquil ambiance, making it an ideal escape for beach lovers. The beach stretches along a considerable length, adorned with soft, golden sands that invite visitors to relax and unwind. The azure waters of the Arabian Sea gently lap the shoreline, creating a soothing atmosphere.

Located on a peninsula squeezed in by the Gurupura River and the Arabian Sea, Tannirbhavi Beach is a little stretch of land packed with excitement. With dozens of vendors, play areas for children, and a surfing school, fun opportunities can be found all up and down the beachfront. If you are interested in history, take a trip across the river to the Sultan Battery -- a fort that was built in the 18th century.

Paradise Beach, situated in the enchanting village of Mavin Sag, India, is a hidden gem that offers a truly paradisiacal beach experience. This pristine beach stretches along the shoreline for approximately 800 meters, providing a secluded and tranquil escape by the Arabian Sea. The beach boasts soft, powdery white sands that gently merge with the turquoise waters, creating a serene and inviting ambiance.

Gokarna Beach is a nice little pit stop for travelers who are finishing up a long day of sightseeing. Located near a Hindu temple, a medieval fortress, and the Gokarna Cliff, the beach is ideal for pilgrims, history buffs, and ecotourists alike. The beach is also suitable for those who just want to lie on the sand and watch the ocean.

Karwar Beach is a low key, tranquil beach on coast of the Arabian Sea in India. Though the beach itself has plenty of activities, two museums and an old fort are within sight of the beach. Lifeguards are currently being trained for the beach, so it will become more popular as it becomes safer for swimmers.

Kaup Beach is a favorite spot among the locals, but the city has plans to make the beach into a booming tourist destination. Beach facilities, such as toilets and lifeguard towers, are being constructed currently. The town of Kaup is planning to make the beach into a scuba diving destination as well.

Located in Karnataka, Maravanthe beach is a mesmerizing beauty that simply takes your breath away. Maravanthe is a small village in Kundapura, Karnataka, India, and the quaint and pleasing beach is named after this village. The beach is conveniently located on the Konkan belt of Karnataka, 12 kilometers from the nearest town of Kundapura, and 50 kilometers north of Udupi. The nearest railway station is in Kundapura and the nearest airport is in Mangalore, which is approximately 105 kilometers south of Maravanthe.

The beach is a must-see for everyone who visits Karnataka. The highlight of this unspoiled beach is the Suparnika River that flows alongside it. National Highway 17 runs at a close distance from Maravanthe beach, and the drive along this one-kilometer stretch is an experience of a lifetime. On one side is the beach with blue water splashing on the rocks nestling on the golden sand, and on the other side is the Suparnika River with the Kodachadri hills as its backdrop. This one-kilometer stretch is popular in the country as there is no other highway in India with a beach on one side and a river on the other.

The sandy shores of Maravanthe beach are protected by rocks and boulders that add to the picturesque beauty. The long shores of the beach are not accessible to the public as the tides are considered to be strong. But certain parts of the beach are made public and offer several amenities such as parking, restrooms, snack bar, beach benches, and shower. Most people prefer watching the sun, set over the horizon. The combination of the bright blue sky, glistening water, swaying palm trees, and the golden sand make this beach, the most romantic location of this coastal belt.

There are several ways to enjoy this haven. You can simply take a drive through the national highway and feel the beauty around you, or you can sink into the enthralling picture-perfect sunset there. Along the highway, you will find ample parking space that allows you to find your spot on the shores and enjoy the splashing waves. The waves that splash the rocks lined across the beach add to the awe that will forever be imprinted in your minds.

One of the first signs you will see is the warning signs that line the beach shores during monsoon season. You can sink your legs into the water, but anything beyond that is considered risky. The strong pull of the tides has claimed several lives, and the locals there do not wish to mourn anymore. However, you can enjoy the waves during other seasons when the tides are low and gentle.

Lined with palm and coconut trees, part of Maravanthe beach is devoted to beach lovers that offer several benches facing the beach. A 150-meter long platform is constructed with rocks, sturdy enough to withhold the strong pull of the water. Apart from the benches provided for your comfort, you will also find small eateries offering freshly cooked food that gets your taste buds dancing. Spicy seafood is a specialty of Maravanthe Beach, and it is just one of the foods you shouldn't miss. While you are there, make sure to sink your taste buds into the authentic Udupi food as well.

The nearest port is the Gangoli Port where tourists can request fishermen for a local fishing experience. While in Maravanthe, you can laze under the sun, go scuba diving and snorkeling, or simply take a drive along the beach. From the Belekal Theertha Falls in Baindoor to St. Mary's Island in Udupi, and from Kollur Mookambika Temple to Udupi Shree Krishna Temple, there are several tourist attractions around Maravanthe. For nature lovers and trekkers, the Kodachadri hills is a must place to visit. The breath-taking view from Sarvajna Peetha melts all the stress that one carries, and enlightens you spiritually.

Though there are a few small eateries near the beach, there are no restaurants near the shores. You can sink into authentic Udupi-Mangalore style food, North Indian delicacies, or continental delights in the small eateries. For more proper dining options, the nearest fine dining option is in Kundapura. You will find several small restaurants along the highway, but for delicious food and delightful ambiance, you can visit Coastal Curry which is famous for its ghee roast; Café Atlantis which offers tasty and healthy breakfast along with a good spread of various dishes; Shetty Lunch Home which offers authentic Udupi-Mangalore food; Udaya Poornima Restaurant which is famous for its seafood; and Kinara bar and Restaurant for beachside dining in Kundapura.

There are no resorts or hotels along the shores of Maravanthe beach. But there are several resorts close by that offer great food, ambiance, and a pleasant stay. The UVA Meridian Bay Resort & Spa, a luxurious property, can cater to all your needs. It is 3 kilometers from the lakeside Kotilingeshwara Temple and 5 kilometers from Koteshwara Beach. From hardwood floors and marble bathrooms to free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and minibars, this resort has a lot to offer. The Coqueiros Beach Cottages offer peace and privacy, so much that there are no nearby public transport options. They offer amazing service, and the place is reasonably priced as well. Blue Waters is located on the banks of the Panchagangavalli River that offers boundless hospitality. The riverside resort is 2 kilometers from the Shree Kundeshwara Temple and 7 kilometers from Kundapura train station. It is a great location overall, for sightseeing, recreation, and dining. The Sagar Kinara Beach Resort is the closest to Maravanthe beach and reasonably rated as well! Do not expect any luxury here, but the resort is clean and cozy.

What makes Murdeshwar Beach a beautiful location is not just the scenic beach, but also the gorgeous Hindu religious statue and temple. Towering over the beach is a large stone structure, called the Raja Gopura, that attracts tourists from all across India.

Someshwar Beach, located just south of Mangalore, is a great location for a relaxing afternoon. A Hindu temple towers above the northern end of the beach. Few facilities and activities are available at the beach largely because it is dangerous to swim in the nearby waters.

Ullal Beach, located just south of the city of Mangalore, is a sleepy coastal area with few amenities and activities. For purists, Ullal Beach is a dream come true. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city and street vendors, Ullal Beach offers its visitors an uninhibited, tranquil experience.

Nirvana Beach, nestled in the enchanting town of Kagal, India, is a serene coastal escape that promises a sense of tranquility and bliss. This beautiful beach extends over a considerable length, offering ample space for visitors to unwind and enjoy the breathtaking surroundings. The sandy shores boast a captivating golden hue, creating a striking contrast against the turquoise waters of the Arabian Sea.

Kapu Beach, located in Yermal, India, is a captivating coastal gem nestled along the Arabian Sea. This scenic beach stretches for approximately 1.5 kilometers and boasts soft, golden sands that gently merge with the shimmering blue waters. The beach is surrounded by lush coconut groves, creating a serene and picturesque atmosphere for visitors to relax and enjoy the natural beauty.

Malpe Beach, located in the picturesque town of Malpe, India, is a stunning coastal destination that offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. The beach stretches along the Arabian Sea and boasts a considerable length, providing ample space for beachgoers to unwind and enjoy the breathtaking views. The sand at Malpe Beach is soft and inviting, adorned with a beautiful golden hue, creating a charming and welcoming atmosphere.

Padubidri Beach, located in the charming town of Nadsal, India, is a captivating coastal destination that promises a serene and picturesque beach experience. This beautiful beach stretches along the shoreline for approximately 2 kilometers, providing a delightful expanse of soft sandy shores. The sand on Padubidri Beach boasts a soothing golden hue, creating a welcoming and inviting ambiance for beachgoers to enjoy.

Half Moon Beach, located in the picturesque town of Gokarna, India, is a crescent-shaped coastal paradise that beckons travelers with its natural beauty. This idyllic beach spans approximately 200 meters and boasts fine golden sand that glimmers in the sunlight, adding to the charm of its tranquil surroundings.