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2 Days in Karwar

Planning 2 days in Karwar? Karwar, a coastal town in Karnataka where the Kali River meets the Arabian Sea, offers serene beaches, island escapes, and a gateway to the Western Ghats' Anshi National Park. This 2-day itinerary balances seaside relaxation with wildlife adventure. It includes a detailed day-wise schedule, activities, meal suggestions, transportation tips and an estimated budget to help you plan your trip with less guesswork.

Day 1: Town Beaches and Island Escapes

Day 1

Explore Karwar's historic town beach, now known as Rabindranath Tagore Beach, then take a boat to the secluded Devbagh Beach sandbar. In the afternoon, visit Kurumgad Island for its forested trails, Narasimha shrine, and snorkeling.

Activities

Morning walk at Rabindranath Tagore Beach
Boat ride to Devbagh Beach and sandbar exploration
Visit Kurumgad Island and Narasimha shrine
Evening stroll at Karwar Beach and Sadashivgad viewpoint

Meals

•Breakfast at a local Udupi restaurant
•Lunch at Jungle Lodges Devbagh resort
•Dinner at a seafood restaurant in Karwar town

Day 2: Anshi National Park Excursion

Day 2

Drive inland to Anshi National Park, part of the Kali Tiger Reserve, a dense Western Ghats rainforest. Enjoy a guided nature walk or safari, spotting wildlife like the rare melanistic leopard, and visit the Kali River viewpoint near the Sadashivgad bridge on your return.

Activities

Early morning drive to Anshi National Park
Guided nature walk or jeep safari
Birdwatching and wildlife spotting
Return drive with stop at Kali River viewpoint

Meals

•Packed breakfast from Karwar
•Lunch at forest lodge or picnic
•Dinner back in Karwar

Detailed Timeline

Day 1

8 activities

Morning

07:00 AM

Sunrise walk at Rabindranath Tagore Beach

Start your day with a peaceful walk along the palm- and casuarina-lined shore. The beach is free and uncrowded in the morning. Look for the statue of Tagore and enjoy the gentle waves of the Arabian Sea.

08:30 AM

Breakfast at a local Udupi restaurant

Head to a traditional Udupi eatery in Karwar town for a South Indian breakfast. Try idli, dosa, and filter coffee. Budget around ₹100-₹150 per person.

09:30 AM

Boat ride to Devbagh Beach

Take a short motorboat from Karwar jetty or from near the Kali river mouth to Devbagh, a sandbar where the river meets the sea. The ride offers views of the harbour and Project Seabird naval base. Boat costs ₹200-₹400 round trip.

10:30 AM

Explore Devbagh sandbar and watersports

Walk the long sandy stretch of Devbagh Beach, backed by casuarina trees and the calm river on one side. If you're adventurous, try kayaking or jet-skiing at the Jungle Lodges camp (activities cost extra). Relax on the beach or swim in the gentle river currents.

Afternoon

01:00 PM

Lunch at Jungle Lodges Devbagh

Have a buffet lunch at the Jungle Lodges & Resorts resort, which serves local coastal cuisine including fish curry and rice. Non-guests can often dine with prior arrangement; cost around ₹400-₹600 per person.

02:30 PM

Boat to Kurumgad Island

From Devbagh, take a boat to Kurumgad, a small forested island about 20 minutes away. The island has a small beach and a shrine to Narasimha (an avatar of Vishnu). Boats can be arranged from Devbagh or Karwar; expect ₹300-₹500 per person.

03:30 PM

Snorkeling and island exploration

Snorkel in the clear waters around Kurumgad's rocky edges, where you might spot small fish and coral. Walk the short trail to the Narasimha temple, enjoying views of the coast. Carry your own snorkel gear or rent from the boat operator.

05:30 PM

Return to Karwar and visit Sadashivgad viewpoint

Boat back to Karwar, then take an auto or taxi to the Sadashivgad hilltop, which overlooks the Kali river estuary and the Sadashivgad bridge. The viewpoint is free and offers a stunning sunset panorama. End the day with a seafood dinner at a town restaurant.

Day 2

8 activities

Morning

06:00 AM

Early morning drive to Anshi National Park

Depart Karwar by private taxi or bus towards Anshi, about 60-70 km inland through the Western Ghats. The drive takes 2-2.5 hours. Hire a taxi for the day (₹2,500-₹3,500) or take a state bus to Anshi village and arrange a local guide.

08:30 AM

Arrival and entry formalities at Anshi National Park

Reach the park entrance at Anshi or the Kali Tiger Reserve range office. Pay entry fees (Indian ₹200-₹400, foreigners higher) and hire a naturalist if required. Note that safaris may need prior booking; check with the forest department.

09:00 AM

Guided nature walk or jeep safari

Join a guided trek or jeep safari into the dense rainforest. Keep an eye out for black leopards, though sightings are rare. More common are hornbills, macaques, and deer. The forest is lush and humid; carry water and insect repellent.

Afternoon

12:30 PM

Picnic lunch or packed meal

Enjoy a packed lunch you brought from Karwar, or if available, eat at the forest rest house (with prior permission). Respect the park rules: no littering, stay on designated trails. Relax under the canopy listening to bird calls.

02:00 PM

Continue wildlife spotting and waterfall visit

In the afternoon, explore another trail or visit a small waterfall within the park (depending on season and permissions). The park is home to many endemic species; your guide can point out medicinal plants and ancient trees.

04:00 PM

Depart Anshi and drive back to Karwar

Begin your return journey, stopping at viewpoints along the Kali river. The drive is scenic, with winding roads through the Western Ghats. Keep your camera ready for panoramic shots.

Evening

06:00 PM

Stop at Kali river viewpoint near Sadashivgad

On the outskirts of Karwar, pause at the Sadashivgad bridge viewpoint to see the dark-tinted Kali river estuary merging with the sea. This is a great spot for photos as the sun sets.

07:30 PM

Dinner in Karwar town

Return to Karwar and enjoy a final seafood dinner at a local restaurant. Try Karwar's famous fish curry with rice or neer dosa. Reflect on the mix of coastal and forest experiences.

Food Recommendations

Hotel Sagar Kinara

Coastal seafood

Must Try: Karwari fish curry with rice, neer dosa

₹300-₹600 per person

Udupi Krishna Bhavan

South Indian vegetarian

Must Try: Masala dosa, filter coffee

₹100-₹200 per person

Jungle Lodges Devbagh Restaurant

Buffet with local specialties

Must Try: Fish tandoori, vegetable korma

₹400-₹700 per person

Transportation Tips

Karwar is well-connected by train (Karwar Railway Station) and bus to major Karnataka cities; the nearest airport is Dabolim in Goa (about 90 km away).
For island hopping, hire a private boat from Karwar jetty or Devbagh; negotiate the fare and confirm life jackets.
To reach Anshi, hire a private taxi for the day from Karwar (₹2,500-₹3,500) or take a KSRTC bus to Anshi village and then a local jeep.
Within Karwar, auto-rickshaws are cheap for short distances; for Sadashivgad viewpoint, take an auto or taxi (₹100-₹200 one way).