Things to Do in Honnavar – A Simple and Friendly Travel Guide

Things to Do in Honnavar: Honnavar is a peaceful coastal town in Karnataka, known for its quiet beaches, green forests, and calm backwaters. It is not as crowded as Gokarna or Murudeshwar, which makes it a good place if you like slow and simple travel. The town sits between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, so you get both sea views and forest views in one place.

Many people visit Honnavar for its clean beaches, small waterfalls, old temples, and relaxing boat rides. The town still has a local feel, and most places are easy to explore in two or three days. If you are planning a short break, this guide will help you find the best things to do in Honnavar.

This article uses simple words and includes all important things to do in Honnavar, along with tips, timings, and small notes that help real travellers.

Beaches in Honnavar

Honnavar has some of the cleanest beaches on this part of the coast. They are quiet, not crowded, and good for families as well as solo travellers.

Eco Beach (Kasarkod Beach)

Eco Beach is one of the most famous places in Honnavar. It has Blue Flag certification, which means it is clean, safe, and eco-friendly. The sand is soft, the water is gentle, and the area is managed well with proper cleanliness rules.

What you can do here:

• Walk on the long stretch of beach
• Sit and relax under the shade
• Enjoy the small garden and play area
• Watch sunset from the lighthouse
• Take simple photos because the beach looks neat and natural

Why people like it:
The beach is peaceful. There are no loud crowds or too many stalls. Most travellers say they enjoy the fresh wind and the open space.

Useful details:

• Entry: Free
• Parking: Small fee
• Best time: Morning and sunset

Apsarakonda Beach

Apsarakonda Beach is about 8 km from Honnavar. It is quiet, has small cliffs, and feels almost hidden. The beach is close to Apsarakonda Waterfall, so you can visit both places together.

Things to enjoy here:

• Walk near the rocks
• Watch small waves crash against the shore
• Spend calm time in the evening
• Enjoy local kite flying scenes during weekends

The beach is better for relaxing than swimming because the waves can get strong at times.

Waterfalls and Nature Spots

Honnavar sits near the foothills of the Western Ghats, so you will find small and big waterfalls in the area. These spots are good for simple hikes, family trips, and nature photos.

Apsarakonda Waterfall

This waterfall is near the beach of the same name. A short walk takes you to the falls. It drops into a small pool surrounded by green trees. The place is simple but beautiful, and many families come here for a quick visit.

What makes it nice:

• Small caves known as Pandava Caves
• A temple close by
• Easy to reach
• Pleasant atmosphere

Morning hours are better because it gets crowded later.

Gersoppa (Nagire) Falls

Gersoppa Falls is around 30 km from Honnavar. The falls are tall and split into multiple streams. You can watch them from the viewing area or walk down the steps for a closer look.

You can enjoy:

• Wide valley views
• A hanging bridge nearby
• Walks around old ruins and small Jain temples

This area is scenic and good for travellers who enjoy nature more than typical tourist spots.

Temple Visits in Honnavar

Honnavar has many old temples, some inside small forests or on hilltops. These places are peaceful and good for travellers who like calm spots.

Kodlamane Vishnumurthy Temple

This temple is around 16 km from Honnavar. You need to walk a short path through trees to reach it. The area is very quiet, and many visitors say the surroundings feel soothing.

Why visit:

• Surrounded by greenery
• Good place to sit quietly
• Simple and spiritual atmosphere

Karikanamma Temple

This temple is located on a hill. You need to climb steps, but the view from the top makes it worth the effort. You can see forests, hills, and the sea from the top.

Good for:

• Sunset views
• Photography
• A quiet break from busy areas

Benne Mahaganapati Temple

A small but popular temple. People visit it especially during local festivals. The location is simple, and the temple has an old charm.

Mangrove Boardwalk and Backwaters

Honnavar’s backwaters are one of its biggest highlights. The town has a wide mangrove forest, calm rivers, and small islands that give it a unique coastal flavour.

Sharavathi Kandla Mangrove Boardwalk

This is one of the most visited places in Honnavar. The wooden boardwalk goes through a mangrove forest. It is about 1 km long and very easy to walk.

What you will see:

• Mangrove trees with special roots
• Small fish and crabs
• Birds like herons and kingfishers

Why this place is famous:
It is calm, clean, and educational. There are signboards explaining about the forest.

Timings:
Morning to evening

Basavaraj Durga Island

This is a small island with an old fort. You can reach it by ferry from Honnavar. The fort is simple and not commercial, but the island has fresh air and beautiful views. Many travellers visit just for the boat ride.

Things to do:

• Walk around the fort area
• Enjoy sea breeze
• Take boat photos
• Spend quiet time in open spaces

Sharavati Backwater Cruises

Many local operators offer backwater rides. The boat goes slowly through narrow water channels, coconut trees, and mangrove patches.

A sunset cruise is the best time if you want peaceful views.

History and Local Culture

Honnavar was an active port in old times. Today, you can still find reminders of that past.

Basavaraj Durga Fort

The fort is on the island described above. It was built centuries ago and offers views of the sea and the mainland. Even though the fort is in ruins, it still has charm.

Colonel Hill Memorial

This is a small memorial on a hill. There is nothing too fancy here, but it gives a full view of the surrounding area and is a nice place for a short break.

Food in Honnavar

Honnavar is a coastal town, so seafood is very common. Many small eateries serve fresh fish at simple prices.

What to Try

• Pomfret fry
• Prawn dishes
• Kingfish fry
• Mackerel curry
• Simple Konkani-style meals

Vegetarians will also find plenty of options, especially at local messes and South Indian restaurants.

Popular Places to Eat

• Small family-run seafood places
• Roof-top cafes with sea views
• Local sweet shops selling goli baje and mango sheera

Food in Honnavar is more homely than commercial. That is what makes it nice.

Festivals and Local Events

If you visit during festival season, you can enjoy local culture more closely.

Common festivals:

• Karavali cultural events
• Temple festivals with music and processions
• Seafood events during peak season

You will often find dance shows, food stalls, and small markets during these times.

Suggested Honnavar Itinerary

Here is a simple plan to help you use your time well.

1-Day Trip

• Eco Beach
• Apsarakonda Waterfall
• Apsarakonda Beach
• Mangrove Boardwalk

2-Day Trip

Day 1

• Eco Beach
• Lighthouse sunset
• Local seafood meal

Day 2

• Gersoppa Falls
• Karikanamma Temple
• Backwater cruise

3-Day Trip

Add:

• Basavaraj Durga Island
• Heritage walk
• Extra time at beaches

Quick Overview of Places

Place	Best For	Time Needed	Notes
Eco Beach	Relaxing, walking	1–2 hours	Very clean and calm
Apsarakonda Falls	Nature, photos	1 hour	Near the beach
Mangrove Boardwalk	Slow walk	45 mins	Good for families
Karikanamma Temple	Views	1 hour	Hilltop location
Gersoppa Falls	Scenic nature	Half day	Best in monsoon
Backwater Cruise	Sunset views	1 hour	Peaceful ride

Best Time to Visit

• October to March is most comfortable.
• Monsoon is good for waterfalls but roads may get wet.
• Summer can be warm but beaches stay pleasant in evenings.

How to Reach Honnavar

• By Train: Honnavar Railway Station is well connected.
• By Road: Buses available from Bengaluru, Mangaluru, Udupi, Karwar.
• By Air: Nearest airports – Goa and Mangaluru.

Autos and taxis are easy to find for local travel.

Where to Stay

Honnavar has homestays, small resorts, and budget hotels.

Types of stays:

• Sea-view homestays
• Simple lodges near the bus stand
• Resorts on the outskirts

Prices usually start from INR 1000–3000 per night.

FAQs About Honnavar

1. Is Honnavar safe for families?

Yes, it is a very calm town with safe beaches and friendly locals.

2. Can I swim at the beaches?

Eco Beach has gentler waves. Some areas may not be safe during high tide.

3. How many days are enough for Honnavar?

Two days are good for a relaxed trip.

4. Is Honnavar crowded?

No, it is quieter than most coastal towns in Karnataka.

5. Are waterfalls active all year?

They are best during the monsoon and a few months after.

Honnavar is a simple and peaceful place that offers clean beaches, green mangroves, waterfalls, temples, and quiet backwaters. It is perfect if you want to slow down, enjoy nature, and spend time away from busy tourist spots.

This list of things to do in Honnavar covers the town’s best experiences in easy language. Whether you enjoy nature, food, small walks, or slow boat rides, Honnavar has something for everyone.

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