Ankola
Ankola, the small town surrounded by many temples, is situated 37 km south of Karwar. This town showcases the ruined walls of King Sarpamalika's 15century fort and the ancient Shri Venkataraman temple. Near the temple there are two giant wooden chariots carved with scenes from the Epic 'Ramayana'. Ankola is also famous for Ishaad, a native breed of mango. In the month of May on Buddha Poornima, people celebrate the annual festival Bandihabba. Shivratri is another festival that is celebrated with great fervor in Ankola.

Jog Falls
Jog falls, one of the highest waterfalls in India is located 50 km from the coast, midway between Udupi and Karwar. The Sharavati river drops 253 metres in four separate falls known as Roarer, Roarer, Rocket, Raja & Rani. The highest is the Raja with a fall of 253 metres and a pool below 40 metres deep. The 50km long Hirebhasgar Reservoir and the Linganamkki dam regulates the flow of the Sharavati river to generate hydro electricity. The Inspection Bungalow has excellent views. During the monsoon season, the falls present a spectacular sight. The best time to visit is late November to early January. Reserve in advance for overnight stay. Read More

Gokarna
Located 56 km away from Karwar, Gokarna is a temple town as well as a well-known center for Sanskrit learning. Gokarna which literally means cow’s ear is known as the 'Kashi of the South' with its temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that Lord Shiva materialized from the ear of a cow. This town situated along the Karwar coast between Gangavali and Agnashini is famous for the Mahabaleswara temple dedicated to Lord Shiva with the Atmalinga (a revered Shiva Lingam). There is an enormous chariot, which is taken out in a procession on Shiva's birthday in February. The Tambraparni Teertha or river here is considered sacred to perform rites for the dead. Gokarna is also famous for its beautiful deserted beaches like Kutle, Om, Half moon, Paradise etc. which rival even Goan Beaches.

Yana
Situated 60kms from Karwar, Yana or Bhairavakshetra is a deserted town ship and an important pilgrim centre with unique rock formations. A popular rock-climbing haunt located in a beautiful valley of the Western Ghats, one has to trek a distance of about 10kms from ‘Vaddi Cross’, amidst thick forest to reach Yana. There is a shrine of Bhairaveswara on a hillock 120metres high. Water from the projecting rock trickles on the Shivalinga and the devotees consider this as Gangodbhava water. Mohini Shikara, a peak 90-meter high is another attraction of this place. The idol of Goddess Parvati can be seen at the bottom of this peak. A fair is held here during Shivaratri. One could also enjoy a small waterfall near by.

Ulavi
The famous pilgrim centre Ulavi is located 75 kms from Karwar (via Kumbarawada). The devotees of Lingayat faith come here to pay homage at the samadhi of Veera Shiva Saint Channabasavanna, who took refuge here from the army of 'Kalachurias'. Ulavi ‘Jatras’ attracts devotees from all over. Akka Nagalambike cave named after Nagalambike, Channabasavanna's mother is another major places of attraction here. Situated in the Western Ghats, the thick forests in Ulavi houses tiger, cheetah, elephant, sarang, cobra besides other wild animals. It is best to travel to Ulavi in ones own vehicle.

Honavar
The port town of Honavar on the banks of the river Sharavati, is located 90 km from Karwar and is an important tourist spot. It has been known as a major trade center from the 16th century itself. Honavar aka Honnavar or Onore was also known earlier as Honnupura which indicates that this place once may have been a center for gold trade. Ruins of a Portuguese fort is found here and another fort in Basavaraja Durga Island, amidst the sea, which can be reached by a sail upstream river Sharavathi. Veeranjaneya temple Gerusoppa, Subramanya Kshetra Mugva, Rama theerta and Apsarakonda are some temples near Honavar, where devotees can make a visit. Maruti Temple or Mukhyaprana Laxmi Venkatesh Temple that possesses a history of 800 years is only 20 km away from here. NH-17 and NH 206 passes through Honavar. Geresoppa the old capital of the Queen Chanabhairavi, 30 kms from here has a beautiful 14th century Chaturmukha Basti. The boat trip to Gerosoppa with coconut groves and lush greenery lining the banks is memorable.

Dandeli
Located 93 kms from Karwar, Dandeli is a popular holiday resort and an industrial township. According to legends, the town is named after the local deity Dadelappa. The cave with Shivalinga-like laterite formations is worth a visit. It is also known for the wild life sanctuary which is considered to be the largest in Karnataka. The sanctuary in an area of 207 Sq.Kms abounds with a variety of rare animals and birds. The watchtower inside the sanctuary is inaccessible during the monsoon months of June to October. Visitors can enjoy nature walks, boating, bird watching, crocodile spotting and angling trips here. This forest region is famous for its paper, plywood, teakwood and Ferro-manganese factories. Read More

Lushington Falls
110 kms from Karwar, the famous Lushington Falls or Unchalli Falls is located in Siddhapur Taluk on the Shimoga border. The falls where the river Aghanashini thunders down from a height of 116 meters is named after a District Collector who discovered it in 1845. Situated amidst the thick forests of the Western Ghats, this waterfall with all its natural beauty is also known as Keppa Joga for the boisterous sound it makes. October to January is the ideal time to visit this scenic waterfall.

Magod Falls
Located 125 kms from Karwar, Magod is a group of waterfalls. The river Gangavathi emerging from the Western ghats takes a leap into a chasm of 183metre (600 feet) down, in a series of cascades over the cliffs presenting an enchanting sight. The Bedti River falls from a height of 200 m. Kavade Kere, a beautiful lake spread about 60 acres in area can be found on the way to the waterfalls. Jenukallugudda (honey rock hillock) is another tourist attraction nearby. Yellapur is the nearest railway station to Magod Falls. One could reach here easily by road also. As many interesting sights are on the way to Magod falls, it will be advisable to take ones own vehicle so that one can enjoy the travel leisurely.

Murudeshwar
Famous for its Shiva temple, Murudeshwar is a major tourist place located 120 km from Karwar. Surrounded by the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, this place is situated between Honnavar and Bhatkal. The history of the temple dates back to centuries. The 123 feet height idol of Shiva in this temple is considered to be the tallest Shiva idol in the world. The beauty of the sunset from here is spectacular. The fort behind the temple is believed to be built by Tippu Sultan and is another important tourist spot in the area. No train service is available to this place. From Karwar one should take Kumata - Honnavar - Murudeshwar bus service.

Bhatkal
The major port of Vijayanagar Empire in the 16th century, Bhatkal is located 135 km from Karwar. The ancient historic town has temples in the Vijayanagar style of architecture and many interesting Jain monuments. Solesvara Temple is considered as the oldest temple, build in the 10th century by the Chola dynasty as a sign of their victory. The 17th century Hindu temple here in Vijayanagar style has beautiful animal carvings.16 kms away is the shore temple of Shri Murdeshwar. The temple attracts a lot of devotees and tourists. The Manglore airport is the nearest airport to Bhatkal and it has its own railway station. The NH 17 passes through Bhatkal.

Banavasi
The ancient temple town mentioned in the Hindu epics- the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, Banavasi is located on the left bank of Varada River, 140km from Karwar. Once the capital city of the Kadambas, the main places of interest here are the Madhukeswara temple built in the 9th century, the ruins of a Buddhist stupa, the Veerabhadra temple, several idols and Jain icons. Kadambotsav, the annual festival conducted by the State Government is celebrated with great enthusiasm. It is the hub of cultural programmes especially Yakshagana along with Dance, Music and Art Exhibitions. Banavasi has the rain forests of the Western Ghats. Banavasi has no lodging facility and Sirsi, the nearest town is 18 km away.