Islands
Kurumgad Island
A small forested island off the Karwar coast, reached by boat from Devbagh, with a modest beach, a shrine to Narasimha and snorkelling around its rocky edges. Lying a short boat ride from the Devbagh sandbar, Kurumgad is one of a scatter of small islands off Karwar’s coast and holds an old temple dedicated to Narasimha, the man-lion avatar of Vishnu, which draws local pilgrims on specific festival days. The island’s clear shallow water and rocky fringes are used for guided snorkelling excursions run out of Devbagh, and its beach offers a quieter, more undeveloped counterpart to the mainland’s town beaches.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Overview
Lying a short boat ride from the Devbagh sandbar, Kurumgad is one of a scatter of small islands off Karwar’s coast and holds an old temple dedicated to Narasimha, the man-lion avatar of Vishnu, which draws local pilgrims on specific festival days. The island’s clear shallow water and rocky fringes are used for guided snorkelling excursions run out of Devbagh, and its beach offers a quieter, more undeveloped counterpart to the mainland’s town beaches. Kurumgad Island sits at an elevation of 14 m. The most favourable months to visit are January, March, November, and February, when conditions are best suited for sightseeing. Nearby points of interest include Mangrove Walkway, Lighthouse Point, and Siddhi Vinayak Temple. Other notable highlights include snorkelling over coral rocks off the island’s southern tip, climbing the hilltop for a 360-degree sea view, and offering prayers at the ancient Narasimha temple cave. It falls within Uttara Kannada district and Karnataka, India.
Highlights
- Snorkelling over coral rocks off the island’s southern tip
- Climbing the hilltop for a 360-degree sea view
- Offering prayers at the ancient Narasimha temple cave
- Spotting peacocks and deer along the forest trail
- Watching fishing boats return to Karwar harbour at dusk
- Swimming in the calm, shallow water off the main beach
Getting There
Things To Do
Snorkelling in the Clear Shallow Waters Off the Beach
Join a guided snorkelling trip that operates from the island’s main beach, where the water is calm and clear. You’ll see small colourful fish, coral patches, and starfish in the rocky shallows—ideal for first-time snorkellers.
2 hours
Picnic Lunch Under the Casuarina Trees
Spread a mat on the shaded patch behind the beach and enjoy a simple packed lunch of local fish curry rice or idli, which you can bring from Karwar or Devbagh. The island has no restaurants, so this is a lovely, unhurried way to soak in the sea breeze.
1 hour
Boat Ride Around the Island to See the Cliff Faces and Caves
Take a local wooden boat that circles the island, passing by its dramatic laterite cliffs and small sea caves carved by the waves. The boatman will point out nesting seabirds and explain the island’s history as a former pirate lookout.
45 minutes
Sunset Viewing from the Island’s Western Rocks
Walk to the flat rocky outcrop on the western side of the island, just past the temple path, to watch the sun sink into the Arabian Sea. The view is unobstructed, and on clear days you can see the distant silhouette of the Sadashivgad fort.
45 minutes
Trek to the Narasimha Temple on the Hilltop
Walk up the gentle, rocky path to the small but ancient Narasimha temple that sits atop Kurumgad Island. From here, you get a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea, the Karwar coastline, and the backwaters—perfect for a quiet moment of reflection.
1.5 hours (including temple visit)
Beachcombing and Shell Collecting on the Main Beach
Stroll along the island’s narrow, clean sandy beach, which is lined with casuarina trees and dotted with driftwood and seashells. It’s a peaceful, low-effort activity where you can watch crabs scuttle and spot occasional dolphins in the distance.
1 hour
Travel Tips
Start early and plan to leave by mid-afternoon to avoid heat and fatigue
The island has very little shade, and midday sun can be intense, especially for older travellers. Land on the first morning ferry, explore the fort and beaches for 2–3 hours, then return before the hottest part of the day sets in.
Wear grippy, non-slip footwear for the rocky shore and fort climb
The island has uneven stone paths, slippery moss near the water, and a short but steep climb to the old fort. Use walking shoes with good tread, and consider bringing a light trekking pole for balance, especially after rain.
Book the ferry and check tide timings in advance
The island is only reachable by private boat or ferry from Karwar jetty, and services depend on tide and weather. Confirm your return pickup time with the boat operator before you board, and avoid late afternoon crossings when seas can get choppy.
Keep a local contact number and a fully charged phone in a waterproof pouch
Mobile signal on the island is weak or absent, and there is no emergency help on site. Before departure, save the boat operator’s number, inform your hotel or group leader of your plan, and keep your phone in a waterproof case with a power bank.
Carry all your own water, snacks, and any medications
There are no shops, restaurants, or medical facilities on Kurumgad, so pack enough drinking water for the whole day and easy-to-eat snacks. Seniors should bring their regular medicines, plus a small first-aid kit with band-aids and antiseptic for minor cuts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Overnight stays are not allowed on the island as it is a protected eco-sensitive zone, and there are no hotels or camping facilities. You must leave the island by the last boat, usually around 5 PM. For a longer stay, you can base yourself in Karwar or nearby Devbagh beach resorts and do the island as a half-day excursion.
There are no permanent restaurants or shops on the island, so you must carry your own food, snacks, and at least 2 litres of water per person. Some boat operators may provide a simple packed lunch if you pre-arrange it, but do not rely on that. There are basic toilet facilities near the jetty, but they are not always well maintained, so carry wet wipes and hand sanitiser.
The best months are from October to February, when the sea is calm and the weather is pleasant, avoiding the heavy monsoon (June to September) when boat services are often cancelled. Wear light cotton clothes, a hat, sunglasses, and comfortable non-slip footwear for the climb. Also carry a light rain jacket or windbreaker, as sea breezes can get chilly even on sunny days.
You take a ferry or a private boat from the main Karwar jetty, and the ride takes around 20 to 30 minutes depending on sea conditions. Boats operate during daylight hours only, so plan to return before sunset. It is best to book through a local tour operator or the government tourism counter for a fixed schedule.
The island has a gentle, mostly flat path from the jetty to the lighthouse, but there are about 150 steps leading up to the lighthouse itself, which can be tiring. For seniors, we recommend taking it slow, carrying water, and using a walking stick if needed. The beach area near the jetty is easily accessible and perfect for a relaxed visit without climbing.
Suggested Itineraries
2 Days in Kurumgad Island
Day 1
Begin your day with a short boat ride from Karwar or Devbagh to Kurumgad Island. Spend the morning walking the sandy beach and visiting the ancient Narasimha temple, which offers a peaceful, spiritual start. In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxed snorkelling session in the calm shallow waters, followed by a leisurely evening watching the sunset over the Arabian Sea.
- Morning boat crossing to Kurumgad Island with scenic views of the coastline
- Guided walk to the Narasimha temple and a short trail around the island’s rocky outcrops
- Snorkelling trip near the island’s reef (life jackets and basic instruction provided)
- Beachcombing and birdwatching along the shoreline
- Sunset viewing from the island’s western tip, with views back toward Karwar
Day 2
After a quiet morning on the island, return to the mainland and spend the day exploring Karwar’s coastal charm. Visit the bustling Karwar fish market and the historic Sadashivgad fort for panoramic views. End with a relaxed afternoon at Devbagh beach, where you can stroll along the sand or take a short coracle ride in the backwaters.
- Return boat ride to Karwar, stopping for a quick photo at the Karwar harbour
- Visit to Sadashivgad fort and lighthouse viewpoint (gentle climb, good for seniors)
- Walk through the Karwar fish market and local bazaar for a taste of daily life
- Lunch at a seaside eatery in Karwar offering fresh fish thali or vegetarian options
- Afternoon at Devbagh beach with optional coracle ride along the Kali river estuary
- Early evening visit to the Venkataramana Temple in Karwar old town
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