Karnataka is definitely not known for its beaches, but it does possess some serene sandy shores beautified with coconut groves and green hills. Only the western part of Karnataka shares the coast with Arabian Sea having a coastline of about 320 km. Therefore, beaches in Karnataka are famous for the beautiful view of sunset. Local as well as foreign tourists choose the Karnataka beaches for an escape from the busy urban life.

Mangalore

Mangalore, the major port city of Karnataka lies on the southern part of the state having Arabian Sea on its west and Western Ghats on its east. The sea shore of Mangalore boasts of having beautiful beaches. Surathkal is one such area having a couple of cool beaches. These are the beach near the Sadashiva Temple, beach of NITK and beach in Sasihithlu village which is about 5km from Surathkal. Panambur sea port is near to Surathkal railway station and another beautiful is at Tannirbavi which is south of Panambur Sea port. Someshwara Temple built by the queen, Abbakka Devi and ruins of her fort and palace can be seen 9km away from Mangalore at Someshwar. Swaying Palm groves and endless sandy sea shore is the peculiarity of the beach here. Ullal beach (5km from Mangalore) and Mukka beach are the other famous beaches in Mangalore which offers great views of sunset in the gorgeous Arabian Sea.

Murudeshwara

Murudeshwara temple is a famous Hindu temple that lies in the beauteous shore of Arabian sea. The worlds’ second tallest statue of Murudeshwara, another name of Lord Shiva is here. It is 16 km from Bhatkal and 165 km from Mangalore. The temple and the Shiva statue are built in a hill called Kanduka which is surrounded by Arabian Sea on three sides. An ancient fort is also found here behind the temple which is believed to be renovated by the renowned King, Tippu Sultan. The scenic beauty of the sea, swaying coconut groves, green hills and the tall tower of the temple is a spectacular sight and that makes Murudeshwara beach a popular one. It is believed that the Murudeshwara temple is built near the Pranalinga of God Shiva which was destroyed and thrown by King Ravana. It is well connected by road and several buses run to Murudeshwara from Mangalore.

Gokarna

Om Beach, Gokarna 240 km north of Mangalore and about 59 km from Karwar lies the famous Gokarna beaches. This place is famous for its picturesque blue sky, landscapes and ancient temples. The famous Om beach is about 6 km from Gokarna. This beach is famous for its distinct shape of ‘Om’- the spiritual symbol of Hindus. Om beach is a must see beach as it is the only naturally Om shaped beach in the world. The name Gokarna means ‘cow’s ear’, so some believe that this beach is in the shape of an ear. Other beaches in Gokarna are the Gokarna beach, Kudle Beach, Half-moon Beach and Paradise Beach (Full moon beach). Lord Mahabaleshwara temple is the most popular temple here which is visited by thousands of devotees. The drive to Gokarna is a beauty to the eyes as you can see green hills of the Western Ghats on one side and the blue Arabian Sea on the other. You can reach Gokarna by driving through NH-17 or several buses run from cities like Bangalore, Mangalore and Goa.

Malpe

Malpe beach is just 6km by road from famous Udupi town. It is at the mouth of Udyavara River also known as Malpe River. This beach is famous for the scenic beauty of the beach, golden sands, dancing palms and rocky islands. The islands are Daria-Bahadurgad, Daria-Gadara-Kallu and Kari Illada Kallu. St. Mary’s Island is another tourist attraction which was formed by volcanic rocks. Boat rides to these islands assure a different experience to the tourists. Vadabhandeshwara temple and Anantheshwara temple also attracts a lot of tourists.

Kaup

Kaup beach is situated at a distance of 12 km from Udupi and 60 km from Mangalore. It has a cool blue beach with gentle tides flowing to the white sandy shore and rocky islets at one end. This beach is referred by many tourists as a perfect picnic spot. The old 100 feet tall lighthouse atop the rocks gives an endless view of the seashore. You can also visit a ruined ancient fort nearby.

Maravanthe

Maravanthe beach having gentle tides and serene ambience attracts lots of tourists to watch the golden red sky during sunset. This beach is 50 km from Udupi and has an endless stretch of golden sand and swaying palm trees. Another popularity of this beach is the wonderful sight of holy Souparnika River on one side and Arabian Sea on the other. It is safe to engage in water sports activities here as the sea is not rough. You can also visit the Belkal Theertha falls and Byndoor beach near Baindur.

Karwar

Karwar is a nice beach which is 100 km away from Goa and 268 km from Mangalore. This beach is a perfect blend of sun, sea, sand and hills. The beauty of surrounding green hills and some small islands around make this beach a unique one. The renowned Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore wrote that, “The sea beach of Karwar is certainly a fit place in which to realise that beauty of nature is not a mirage of imagination, but reflects the joy of the infinite and thus draws us to lose ourselves into it.” It is said that the beauty of the Karwar beach inspired him to write his first play. The Sadashivgad Hill fort with a Durga temple situated near the Kali River Bridge is a major tourist destination near the beach. The octagonal shaped Church, Kurumgad Island and the ancient Venkataramana Temple are other spots of interest. You shouldn’t miss the sea food delicacies of Karwar. Kurle Ambat (Crab dish), Tisaryachi Ekshipi, Bangada Fry and Gujjo are the popular ones. The nearest railway station is the Karwar station in Konkan route.