The fantastic dance drama form Yakshagana is what reminds us of when we hear the place named Honnavar. Yakshagana will surely entertain no matter what age you are. Honnavara is not only an entertaining place but also a relaxing lovely place with beaches, of course, beaches are love. Here we bring you the best things to do in and near Honnavara.
ApsaraKonda of Honnavara
ApsaraKonda is a small village situated in Honnavar. There is a beautiful hill, a beautiful natural pond facing the sea. People say that Angels used to come from heaven and take bath in that pond. That’s why the name ApsaraKonda and you really feel a divine beauty here. The hill and beach offer a beautiful view of the sunset. There are also a few beautiful temples and the premises are calm and serene. At the back side of the temple, there is a beautiful but small waterfall named “ApsaraKonda falls”. There is a viewpoint on the hill.
You can see a beautiful view of the beach, pond and surrounding lush green paddy fields from this viewpoint. ApsaraKonda Hill contains many small and big caves and these caves are called Pandava Caves. This place was not known to outside people for many years. That is one of the main reason it looks like untouched beauty.
Yaana Caves
If you are an adventurer, you must visit Yaana once. Yaana is a village located in forests of the Uttara Kannada district which is known for the unusual rock formations (Karst) or (Asteroid). It is located in the Sahyadri mountain range of the Western Ghats, The two unique rock outcrops near the village are a tourist attraction and are easily approachable by a small trek through thick forests from the nearest road head.
Yana is famous for massive rock; the huge rocks are composed of solid black, crystalline Karst limestone. It is also well known as a pilgrimage center because of the cave temple below the Bhairaveshwara Shikhara where a Swayambhu linga has been formed. Water drips from the roof over the linga, adding to the sanctity of the place.
Distance from Honnavara: 46 km via Kumta – Hubli road.
RamaTeertha
Rama Teertha is another beautiful location in Honnavar. It is situated on the Honnavar-Chandavar road at a distance of about 3kms. This water tank which is 50 steps below the ground level is very spacious. The water from a height falls into the tank from two different points called Rama Teertha and Laxmana Teertha. According to local traditions, Sri Rama, Sita, and Laxmana had a holy dip in the tank during their exile period. When Rama shot an arrow he created a perennial spring called Rama Teertha. Even till date water still flows after thousands of years even if there is a severe drought.
Kasarakod Beach
Firstly don’t confuse with Kasarakod and Kasaragod, because it is less known to many people. The beach is at least 8-10kms long. And all you see is the sun, sea, sand, and vegetation. This beach is an ideal place to just relax and forget the woes/worries of the busy world. You can walk on the beach to reach ApsaraKonda Waterfalls. The far end of the beach seemed to be a mirage.
When you reach the hill rock, on another side you will find the ApsaraKonda falls. Even though you can use the vehicle to reach ApsaraKonda we suggest you walk so that you can enjoy the journey on the beach. This is unique and sometimes you feel like green dessert. You can also visit Honnavar Fort which is situated nearby.
Mirjan Fort
The Mirjan Fort is located on the west coast of the Uttara Kannada. Mirjan fort has become quite a famous place after the renovation works done by the Central Archaeological Department. Seven big wells present inside in this fort are worth seeing because it has staircase kind of steps so that one can reach till the bottom of well. After the renovation, the steps to the bottom of wells is being locked and can’t go till down.
Distance from Honnavara: 36 km
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Murudeshwar Beach
Murudeshwar beach has two beautiful temples and the statues are majestic. But the beach is used for fishing and the seashore is inhabited by crabs. One can see crabs digging holes in the beach sand. Murudeshwar is another name of the Hindu god Shiva. Famous for the world’s second-tallest Shiva statue, Murudeshwar beach town lies on the coast of the Arabian Sea and is also famous for the Murudeshwar Temple.
Distance from Honnavara: 26 km
Higund Island
Higund is a beautiful island in River Sharavati just before it joins the Arabian Sea. A distance of 3 km from Honnavar – Bangalore National Highway brings you along this island. Presently the approach is from either Adkar village or Kodani village through the country boat. The sunset view from this island is a lifetime experience.
Kudle beach
Kudle Beach is one of the four beaches in south of the small town of Gokarna. The five beaches in Gokarna are the Gokarna beach, Kudle, Om, Half-moon and Paradise. The Gokarna beach forms the coast of the town while the other four beaches lie towards the south of Gokarna. Kudle and Om beach are around 6 km from Gokarna town along a muddy hill. This beach has simple accommodation featuring small huts and cafes during the tourist season.
Distance from Honnavara: 58 km
Mavinkurve Island
Mavinkurve Island is located in the Sharavati River. Being one of the great places to enjoy, Mavinkurve Island is filled with dark greenery. Once you enter this island we bet you forget the whole world and simply sail in happiness. Don’t worry. Even though it is an island, you will find some small shops and banks. It is not completely detached from the outside world.
Basavaraj Durga Islands
Basavaraj Durga Island is an island in the Arabian sea near Honnavara. There are a number of freshwater wells. The Island can be reached by boat with the help of fishing travelers by a sail upstream on a river Sharavathi. This island has a Hindu temple on its top surface constructed by ruler between the 16th and 17th Centuries.
Also Visit:
This is where the devotees can attain their hearts desires by dripping into the varied Teertha and by offering pujas to Lord Ganapati. A lake was bestowed to provide water for bathing at Ganapati’s request. It was named as “Ganeshteerth”. So according to this Purana, Lord Ganapati stayed in the place Kunjaranya which is now renowned as Idagunji
To summarize Honnavar is nothing but a lovely relaxing spot.
Nearby attractions: Murudeshwara, Kundapura, Udupi, and others.
Apart from this, there are plenty of beaches and some forts, caves, so make sure you plan a long trip to this place. Happy Exploring, Cheers!!
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