The coast of Karnataka between Karwar and Udupi is about as varied as Indian beaches get: rocky coves near Gokarna, long open sands near Honnavar, temple beaches at Murudeshwar and busy city beaches near Udupi. Here they are from north to south, with the distance from Hotel Pumerai in Honnavar where we have measured it.
A word on safety first. The Arabian Sea along this coast has strong currents, and swimming is unsafe during the monsoon (June to September) and whenever red flags are up. Swim only where locals and lifeguards say it is safe.
Karwar: Rabindranath Tagore Beach and Devbagh
Karwar, the district headquarters near the Goa border, has a long town beach named after Rabindranath Tagore, who wrote about Karwar's coast, and the quieter Devbagh beach across the Kali river mouth. It is the furthest beach on this list from Honnavar; use the route link on our location page for the drive time.
Gokarna: Kudle, Om, Half Moon and Paradise (48 km)
Gokarna's four southern beaches are linked by a coastal trail. Kudle is long and sheltered, good for sunset; Om Beach, named for its shape, has cafés and road access; Half Moon and Paradise are small coves reached on foot or by boat. Go between October and March, when the trail is dry.
Kasarkod Eco Beach (5 km)
Honnavar's own Kasarkod is one of India's Blue Flag certified beaches, which means clean sand, facilities and safety standards checked every year. It has a boardwalk, casuarina trees and a wide open beach that is quiet on weekdays. It is the closest beach to Hotel Pumerai, an 8-minute drive.
Apsarakonda (7 km)
A small waterfall and cave on a wooded hill above the sea, with a short beach below and a sunset point on the rocks. It is more of a viewpoint than a swimming beach, and a pleasant hour before dinner.
Murudeshwar Beach (26 km)
The beach below Murudeshwar's temple and Shiva statue is lively in the evenings, with fishing boats at one end. Boats for Netrani Island's coral reefs leave from Murudeshwar in the dry season, which is the best snorkelling and diving on this coast.
Maravanthe
South of Bhatkal, in Udupi district, NH-66 runs on a narrow strip with the sea on one side and the Souparnika river on the other. It is one of the most photographed stretches of road in India; stop for a walk on the sand and the view across the river.
Malpe and St Mary's Island, Udupi (about 130 km)
Malpe is Udupi's main beach and fishing harbour, and boats from here run to St Mary's Island, known for its columns of volcanic rock. Combine it with the Sri Krishna Matha in Udupi; Udupi is 130 km from Hotel Pumerai, about 2 hours 15 minutes.
If you only have one evening, go to Kasarkod for an easy sunset 5 km from the hotel. With a full day, Gokarna's beaches reward the drive; with two, add Murudeshwar and Maravanthe on a trip south.