State: Karnataka

District: Uttara Kannada

Main languages: Kannada, Konkani /Marathi

 

Karwar is the capital of Uttara Kannada district in Karnataka and is a small seaside town situated on the west coast of the Indian subcontinent. This city is located about15 kilometers south of the Karnataka-Goa border. The city has various sacred pilgrim centres and some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. The Indian poet and Nobel Prize Winner, Rabindranath Tagore was inspired by the beauty of the region. The town gets its name from Kadwad, a far off village & the English factory at Kadwad. The city had been envisaged by the British and broad roads and pathways have been made here. The Konkan Marathas, Halakki Vokkaligas, Bhandharis, Kombarpaiks, Kharvis or the Harikantras, Kunbis and Padthis are the natives of Karwar. The British had also made this region their headquarters in 1862. Karwar is the safest port to the south of Bombay and projects the five islands of Anjidiv, Kudumgad, Dev gad, Mogral and Shamshigudda, which protect the port from heavy winds.

 

Culture:

 

Due to the presence of the British and also being next to the then Portuguese-controlled Goa state, this region has the influence of since the 18th Century. There are many Christians who fled the Portuguese Inquisition. Even the Muslims form a part of the trading community and have settled here from the Deccan kingdoms and are known sea-farers. Due to Muslim influence here, Karwar port is known as "Baithkol" meaning the House of Safety. 

 

Geography:

 

Karwar is a small town with lovely beaches and sunrise points. The shadows of the Western Ghats loom across the other here and the city straddles both mountain and sea. Karwar has overwhelming beauty with the sea on one side and the mountains on the other. It is also rich in flora and fauna with some undiscovered beaches.

 

Climate:

 

Karwar experiences a humid climate through out the year with rains from the monsoons. The city has a pleasant weather mainly due to the mountains on one side and a cool breeze is always soothing the mind.  

 

Demographics:

 

As per the 2001 India census, Karwar had a population of 62,960 with 52% males and 48% females. Karwar has an average literacy rate of 82%.

 

 Economy:

 

Due to its strategic sea location and port, Karwar mainly indulges in sea trade and export. The region is also a vital fishing area and the rich flora here helps agriculture to prosper as an industry. Other sources of income include animal Husbandry, Sericulture, Horticulture, Beekeeping and Leather Works etc. Navy and nuclear plants are also being set up here.

 

Tourism:

 

There are various beaches to see in Karwar and one cannot help but want to spend the entire day surfing in the cool waves of the ocean. Other tourist spots include Rabindranath Tagore Beach, KarwarA bay, which is also a naval base, Arga Beach, Anjadiv Island and many more place are some common attractions here. All together there are about 68 waterfalls here. 

 

Transportation:

 

The nearest airport here is Goa but the city is well connected through roads and railways. 

 

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