Home to many waterfalls, temples, forests and beaches, Uttara Kannada is a paradise. Karwar is the capital and central point for most connections. Gokarna, Karwar, Honnavara, Murdeshwara for beaches; Yana, Dandeli for nature; Idagunji Sirsi for temples; Sadashivgad, Mirjan for forts; Unchalli, Magod, Sathodi, Vibhuti for waterfalls; are the most prominent places to visit in Uttara Kannada
The best way to navigate is hire a taxi from any city centre, negotiate on day-rates basis places you want to cover. Typical package is 300 km per day at INR 4500 including tolls, parking, driver fees
Dandeli
About 80 km from Hubli, known for its forest stays and white water rafting (Class III) at Kali river. The Anshi National Park is home to many animals like crocodiles, and birds like hornbills. Kali Adventure Camp is a popular place for stay
Karwar
The capital and home to Sadashivagad fort, serene beaches, and a port
Sathodi falls
Near Kodasalli dam, this waterfall is amidst thick forests. You will have to take the Yellapur – Dandeli road, take a turn near Kalamatha temple and go in for 25 km. The falls is quite wide, with large volume of water flowing
We had reached almost during sunset. As we returned, we were told there was a tiger sighting which scared the hell out of us. Visit during morning day light hours only. It gets pretty dark quickly in the evening and it is difficult to find your way out. The walking trail in the middle of the forest is very scenic- you can spend almost the whole day here. There are a lot of butterflies around
Magod falls
Two step falls by Bedthi river, located 20 km from Yellapura, one of the highest in the region. You can only see the falls from the view point, there is no path to head down
Sahasralinga
Translates to “Thousand Lingas” that are carved on the rocks with Shalmala river flowing on them. It is 14 km from Sirsi. The place is similar to Kbal Spean in Cambodia, with a similar setting of linga on rocks, amidst the forest along side a river
Yana
Yana is home of one of the most unique rock formations in the world. Situated in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, this place is home to rocks, caves and temples amidst the forests of the region. The rocks are similar to karst limestone rocks of Vietnam, but they are much spikier and taller here. There are 60+ rock structures in this region, spanning 300-400 feet in height. The place cannot be captured in pictures, you have to be there to experience the magnitude
Yana is 25 km from Kumta, 40 km from Sirsi. 50 km from Gokarna, 250 km from Mangalore. The beast time to visit is post monsoons from September- January when the weather is not too hot and there is greenery all around. Mabagi is the nearest village with eateries. Vaddi side is the entrance point
There are two main areas- Bhairaveshwara Shikhara and Mohini Shikhara. You can visit the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. During rainy season, the water from the rocks drips over the linga. As per legend, Bhasmasura, a demon was reduced to ashes here by Vishnu, who took the form of dancer Mohini. The temple is revered among locals with grand celebrations during Shivaratri
“Nammoora Mandara Hoove”, a Kannada movie was shot here post which this place became popular and infrastructure developed to reach the rocks. You can see bat colonies who have made these caves their homes
You can try Kokum Sharbat/soda at the shops near parking, a local specialty. The overall hike is about 1.5 km each way., with about 400 steps overall
The Chandihole stream nearby joins the Aghanashini river. Aghanashini river delta is another unique destination in itself, with one of the largest river islands where it joins the sea near Gokarna
There are other smaller waterfalls like Karadi and Vajragundi nearby
Vibhuti falls
Has a natural swimming pool at the bottom, about 8 km from Yana in Angadibail region. Mabagi is the nearest village
Gokarna
Famous for its beach, shaped like the letter Om. The temple is quite revered with Hindus performing last rites of dear ones here. The linga is shaped like Cow’s ears giving the name to the town
Om beach, Kudlee beach, Paradise beach are quite popular with foreigners and Indians alike. Maha Ganapati temple and Mahalingeshwara temple are the main places of worship
Gokarna station is on the Konkan railway route with a stop on its own. It is an overnight journey to reach here from Bangalore, and half a day from Goa/ Mangalore. Zostel is a nice play to stay cheap
Apsarakonda falls
This falls is 15 mins from Honnavara and 1 hour away from Gokarna. There is a mountain Apsara Betta, small lake close to the beach nearby
Mirjan fort
Built in the 16th century, this fort is quite close to the sea, at the mouth of Aghanashini river. The fort develops a green cover during the rainy season which is quite a spectacle. The fort has a watch tower, a well and many room like structures inside
Sirsi
Home to Marikamba temple. The temple is visited by locals specially if they have skin diseases like chicken pox, measles. Another temple which is 30 km on Soraba highway is known for architecture- Madhukeshwara temple at Banavasi built by Kadamba dynasty
Unchalli falls
About 60 km from Kumta, with a 350+ feet drop of water. You can spend half a day here enjoying the scenery
Idagunji
15 km from Honnavar, 30 km from Murudeshwara, home to famous Ganapati temple
Murdeshwar
Home to a large temple with a 250 feet Gopura, a large Shiva statue – one of the tallest in the world. The gopura has 21 floors, you can take a lift to reach the top and get wonderful views of the sea
Murdeshwara is about an hour away from Gokarna. It is also the base to reach Netrani island, which is popular for Scuba diving