All you need to know about Honnavara

Exploring Honnavar’s History:

Honnavar, a small town by the sea in Karnataka, has a long history. Many years ago, it was an important place for trading near the Arabian Sea. People from different places came here to exchange goods and ideas. Honnavar was like a busy stop on a road for boats. It was close to Goa, another big trading place. The town’s location was not only good for business but also beautiful, with the sea on one side and a river on the other. People made a living by fishing and doing jobs related to the sea. Today, Honnavar shows how coastal communities have stayed strong over time. They’ve kept their old ways while embracing new ones. The town’s mix of history and beauty makes it special for anyone interested in Karnataka’s coastal past.

How to reach Honnavar?

By Train: If you prefer traveling by train, there are a few options to reach Honnavar. You can catch trains like Yeshvantpur Karwar Express, Kannur/Karwar Express, and Sharavathi Express. These trains run from  Yesvantpur Junction and stop at Honnavar station. To know the train schedule and book tickets, you can visit the official Indian Railways website or use online booking platforms.

By Road: Traveling by road is another convenient option. Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) operates buses from Bangalore to Honnavar. Additionally, private bus operators offer services from Bangalore to Honnavar. You can book tickets through their websites or online

By Air: Unfortunately, Honnavar doesn’t have an airport. The nearest airports are in Mangalore and Goa. If you’re coming from Bangalore, you can fly to either Mangalore International Airport or Goa International Airport. From there, you’ll need to continue your journey to Honnavar by road or train. You can hire a taxi or use a pre-booked cab service to reach the Mangalore bus stand or railway station. Then, you can take a bus or train to Honnavar, which run regularly and take several hours to reach.

When to visit Honnavar:

The ideal time to visit Honnavar is from September to October. During this time, the weather is just right, with temperatures ranging from 72°F to 90°F and comfortable humidity levels around 79%. It’s perfect for outdoor adventures and exploring Honnavar’s attractions without feeling too hot or sticky.

Summer Season: From January to May, Honnavar experiences warm weather with a bit of humidity. Temperatures range from 57°F to 99°F, creating pleasant conditions for outdoor activities.

Monsoon Season: In June to August, Honnavar sees some rain, but temperatures stay between 70°F to 90°F, making it still suitable for visiting. Just be prepared for a bit of wet weather.

Winter Season: November to December brings slightly warmer temperatures, ranging from 59°F to 93°F, with average humidity around 67%. It’s a great time for sightseeing and exploring the city comfortably.

Ultimately, the best time to visit Honnavar depends on what you like. If you prefer cooler temperatures or want to avoid rain, considering these seasonal patterns can help you plan your trip better.

Looking for things to do in Honnavar?

Eco Beach: Tucked away like a secret treasure, Eco Beach offers a peaceful escape. Strolling along the shore with some local snacks is a perfect way to soak in the area’s culture and natural beauty. Watching the sunset here is a breathtaking experience. And since it’s not crowded, you can enjoy the tranquility all to yourself.

Apsarakonda Falls: Apsarakonda Falls is like something out of a fairy tale, with its magical beauty and mythical stories. The name itself, meaning “the bath place for angels,” sparks curiosity. Exploring the nearby caves adds an extra layer of adventure to your visit. And in the evenings, the peaceful atmosphere makes it a popular spot for relaxation.

Hanging Bridge: Take a leisurely stroll across the Hanging Bridge and snap a selfie to capture the moment. It’s fascinating how this bridge, originally built for local use, has become a tourist attraction. Plus, its location near the highway makes it a convenient stop for travellers passing through.

Kodlamane Temple: Hidden amidst the forested hills, Kodlamane Shree Vishnurmurthy Temple feels like a journey back in time. For pilgrims seeking a serene place of worship, this temple is perfect. And the trek through the scenic surroundings adds an adventurous touch to the experience.

Sharavathi Kandla Mangrove Boardwalk: This new tourist spot, managed by the Karnataka Forest Department, offers a unique opportunity to explore mangroves. Located about 3 kilometers from Honnavar, near Eco Beach, it’s a great place to enjoy nature and learn about these important ecosystems.

Other places to visit in Honnavar:

Gokarna: Gokarna is a calm and pretty town in Karnataka, India. It used to be a popular spot for backpackers, but not as much anymore. Even though it’s not as bustling, there are still plenty of things to enjoy here. You can go surfing at the beach or visit an old temple. Gokarna has beautiful beaches and important temples to explore. Relax and enjoy the stunning sunrises and sunsets, or find peace in the ancient temples.

Kundapur: Kundapur is a well-known temple town in Karnataka, India. It’s in charge of Kundapur taluk in the Udupi District. Kundapur sits right in the middle of Karnataka’s coastal area and has beautiful backwaters lined with palm trees. It’s surrounded by the Arabian Sea and the Kodi backwaters to the west, the Panchgangavalli River to the north, and the Kalaghar River to the east.

Murudeshwara: Murudeshwara is a small town with a temple in the Bhatkala Taluk area of Coastal Karnataka. It’s right by the main road that goes from Mangalore to Karwar. This town is squeezed between the pretty Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea. The big draw here is a temple dedicated to Shiva. It’s designed in the Dravidian style, and there’s a massive statue of Shiva along with some ancient sculptures. The temple sits on a hill, giving you a great view of the sea. The highlight is the huge Shiva statue, standing about 37 meters tall, making it the tallest Shiva statue in India. The temple’s entrance tower is also impressive, being the second tallest in the country at 237 feet. You can see the grand statue shining in the sunlight from the beach. In the temple gardens, there’s a large statue of the Gitopadesha with a chariot, adding to the attraction.

Sharavathi Valley: The Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is in the Sharavathi River. Valley in Sagar taluk, Shivamogga District. It covers an area of about 431.23 square kilometers. This sanctuary is in the Western Ghats and is mostly filled with lush green forests in the valleys and some grassy areas on hilltops. Its home to a wide variety of plants and animals. You can find species like Dhoopa, Gulmavu, Surahonne, Mavu, and Nandi here. There are also animals like bison, spotted deer, tigers, and panthers.

Byndoor: Byndoor is a little village in the north of Kundapur Taluk, near Shiroor in Udupi district, around 33 kilometers from Kundapur. Like in other coastal towns in Karnataka, the beach is the big attraction in Byndoor. People love to visit it, especially because of the stunning sunset. Tourists come here for the peace and quiet. There are lots of stories about Byndoor. They say the village got its name from Saint Bindu, who meditated for a long time on Ottinene, a small hill nearby. If you climb to the top of Ottinene, you can see a great view of the sea, the beach, and the sunset.