Karwar and Gokarna Coast Escape

A curved bay of palms and fishing boats in south Goa. A short walk on the sand to stretch your legs. Swim only where the lifeguards say it is safe.

A real Indian Navy missile boat, the K94, now a museum on the beach. Walk through the decks and cabins. Usually open 10 AM to 1 PM and 4:30 PM to 6 PM, with a small ticket. The lunch break is why we come after 4:30 PM.

Karwar's long town beach, named after the poet who stayed here in 1882. A promenade, a rock garden and the sun setting behind the islands.

A quiet beach of casuarina trees on the spit at the Kali river mouth. Fishing boats come and go, and the water is calm in winter.

A ruined hill fort on the north bank of the Kali, taken by Shivaji in 1665. Walk up past the temple and the dargah for the view over the Kali bridge and the sea. The path has steps, so wear shoes with grip.

One of the oldest Shiva temples on the coast, said to hold the Atmalinga. Men must remove shirts and wear a dhoti or lungi in the inner area, no jeans or shorts. Women in saree or salwar. Lungis are sold outside. Closes at about 12:30 PM until 5 PM.

A short walk down the old temple street to the town beach.

A wide curved beach below the cliffs, with cafes for a sunset chai. Swim only where the lifeguards say it is safe.

Two bays joined in the shape of the Om symbol. Shallow water at the near end, water sports in season.

A moss covered laterite fort with moats, wells and secret passages, about 25 km from Gokarna.