This eco-friendly beach developed from the huge park in this village that was redeveloped by the forest committee of Kasarkod village, the forest department, and the tourism department. The beach was developed to encourage eco-tourism in Karnataka and to attract tourists from all over.
The Kasarkod beach stretches up to a distance of 5 Kilometers. This virgin beach is covered in white sand and surrounded by Casuarinas. The scenic beauty and peace that surrounds Kasarkod offer a great experience to those who chose to walk along this beach.
Compared to most of the popular beaches in Karnataka, this one is not the least bit crowded. This would be the perfect destination for someone who is looking for some peace. Public transport is not available to this beach but taxi services are.
Kasarkod Beach And The Blue Flag Certified
Kasarkod beach received the Blue Flag Certification in October 2020 from the Foundation for Environment Education in Denmark. The certification was the result of the relentless effort put in by the Department of Tourism and Uttara Kannada District Administration.
The beaches nominated for this certification gets inspected by the Foundation for Environment Education. The eco-label is awarded to those beaches that have successfully fulfilled all the criteria set by this international foundation.
Read: Padubidri Beach In Udupi – A Mix Of Peace And Adventure
The Criteria For Receiving This Certification
Marinas, operators for sustainable development and beaches that ensure uncompromising standards of safety, environment, education, and accessibility are awarded the Blue Flag Certification. 33 criteria set by this foundation are assessed during the inspection. The criteria include-
- Management and conservation of the environment
- Quality of bathing water
- Safety
- Available services
- A separate wing for cleanliness
- Drinking water supply
- Lifeguards
- Chairs and benches
- Play equipment for children
Amenities In Kasarkod Beach, Honnavar
Some of the important amenities available at the Kasarkod beach are the following.
- Solar power plant
- Solar lighting facility
- A solid waste treatment plant
- Greywater treatment plant
- Filtered drinking water facility
- Disabled friendly toilets
- Disabled friendly equipment
- Clean changing rooms and washrooms
- Arrangements for seating
- Organized facility for parking
- Watchtower
- Children’s play area
- Gymnasium
- A safe zone for swimming (750 meters in length)
A thorough assessment of the developments and services at the Kasarkod beach was conducted by the international foundation before being chosen for the Blue Flag Certification.
The Attractions in Kasarkod Beach, Honnavar
This enchanting white sand beach is well known for its scenic beauty. Kasarkod beach is the perfect destination for someone looking for a peaceful break from their hectic routines. Though the beach attracts several tourists from all over the country it is less crowded compared to the other popular beaches along the Konkan coastline.
Park
The park attached to this beach has much to offer to travelers.
- The park is open from 8 am- 6 pm every day
- An entry fee is charged
- Rs 10/- for adults
- Rs 5/- for children
- An excellent children’s play area
- A beautiful and well-kept garden
- Park benches and other arrangements for seating
- Boating facility
- Pergola
- Clean bathrooms and toilets (Pay and use)
- Canteen and food stalls
- Drinking water
Kasarkod Boating Center
This boating center gives you a perfect backwater boating experience along with bird-watching.
- Takes you through a trail of mangroves
- Plenty of birds live in this area
Deluxe Swiss Cottages
There are two beautiful Deluxe Swiss Cottages situated amid the Casuarina forest which are available for tourists and travelers. Bookings have to be made before your journey.
Casuarinas – The Multi-Cuisine Restaurant
In November 2013 a multi-cuisine restaurant was also opened in Kasarkod beach. The restaurant focuses mainly on the special culinary delights from that particular region and the popular dishes from the western coast.
Other Attractions In And Around Kasarkod Beach
There are a few other must-see places that are close to Kasarkod.
Sharavathi River And Estuary
Sharavathi River and estuary are one of the most popular attractions in Honnavar.
- The Sharavathi river meets the Arabian sea at this point
- Several islands have formed in this area
Mavinkurva Island
The largest island formed along this estuary is the Mavinkurva Island and is the most beautiful of all islands surrounding that area.
Higund Island
This is another island known for its scenic beauty that lies in the river Sharavathi. You have to travel 3 kilometers along the Bangalore-Honnavar NH and then take a local boat from either the Kodani village or the Adkar village. The breathtakingly beautiful sunset on this island is truly an experience of a lifetime.
Basavaraja Durga
Another popular destination is the Basavaraja Durga a fort situated on one of the islands.
- It is situated on an island of 19 hectares in the Arabian sea
- Lies at a distance of 3 kilometers from the Sharavathi estuary
- You can reach there only by boat
The fort was built by the Vijayanagara Empire. It was captured later by Shivappa Nayak a Keladi ruler in the year 1690. He renamed the fort Basavaraja Durga in the memory of Basavaraja a Keladi Prince.
Ramathirtha
Another beautiful location that lies on the Honnavar- Chandavar road is the Ramathirtha.
- This is around 3 kilometers from Honnavar
- Ramathirtha is a water tank (Pushkarni)
- This spacious tank is 50 steps below ground level
- Water from a particular height falls into the tank from two different points
- Ramathirtha and Laxmanathirtha are the two points
According to the local legend Sri Rama, his wife Sita Devi and his brother Laxman had taken a holy dip in this water tank. This happened during their period of exile.
How To Reach Kasarkod?
You can travel to Kasarkod village in Uttara Kannada by rail, by road, and by air.
By Air
The following airports lie close to Kasarkod are Hubli Airport (179 kms), Mangalore International Airport (181 kms) and Belgaum Airport (247 kms)
By Rail
The railway stations that lie nearest to Kasarkod are Honnavar Railway Station (8.8 Kms) and Manki Railway Station (14 Kms).
By Road
The state transport agency to Uttara Kannada district is the NWKRTC (North West Karnataka Transport Corporation). The excellent network of NWKRTC connects all villages and towns within this district. Besides, there are regular intrastate and interstate services as well.
The main National Highway to reach Kasarkod in Uttara Karnataka is the NH 66.
Regular private bus services are available between villages and towns in Uttara Kannada and to other districts and states as well. One can also rely on private taxi services to travel to Kasarkod village or choose to travel by your private vehicle.
Once you arrive at the airport/Railway Station/ Bus Station you’ll have to hire a cab from the local tour operators to arrive at your destination in Kasarkod.
Also See
- 10 Spectacular Beaches to Chill out near Mangalore
- Beaches in Karwar – Among the Sun and Sand
- The Beaches of Gokarna – A Trip to the West