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Honnavar Temple

Honnavar Temple

About:

Located in the coastal town of Honnavar in Karnataka, Honnavar Temple is a renowned pilgrimage site known for its historical significance, natural beauty, and divine atmosphere. Surrounded by scenic landscapes and lush greenery, this ancient temple attracts countless devotees and tourists from across India. It stands as a symbol of spiritual devotion and a center of cultural heritage, with its architectural beauty and historical allure captivating all who visit. The temple is nestled along the Sharavathi River and offers an immersive experience with its quiet ambiance and stunning views of the surrounding hills and river banks. During festivals and special occasions, Honnavar Temple becomes a vibrant place where rituals and prayers are conducted with great enthusiasm, showcasing Karnataka's rich traditions. Visitors here can feel a deep sense of peace and devotion. Additionally, the temple’s location near the Arabian Sea lends it a unique charm, with the cool sea breeze enhancing the sacred experience. Honnavar town itself is known for its friendly local community and hospitality, ensuring that travelers feel welcomed. Many believe that a visit to this temple provides solace and a chance to reconnect with one's spiritual self, making it a memorable experience. With its proximity to natural and cultural attractions, the temple is also an ideal destination for those looking to explore Karnataka's history and scenic beauty.

Location info:
Honnavar Temple is situated in Honnavar town, Karnataka, along the Arabian Sea coast, surrounded by lush greenery and scenic backwaters.

Climate/Weather:
Summer (March-May): Warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C. Monsoon (June-September): Heavy rainfall, making it a lush, green season but with potential travel challenges. Winter (October-February): Pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 28°C, ideal for visits.

History of Kaivara Temples:

Honnavar Temple has a deeply rooted historical significance, dating back several centuries. It was initially established as a center for religious and cultural activities, gaining prominence as a revered site. The temple showcases the architectural styles of the Dravidian era, with intricate carvings, sculptures, and architectural marvels reflecting Karnataka’s ancient craftsmanship. According to local legends, the temple was established by early settlers who revered the divine power associated with the land. Over centuries, Honnavar became a vibrant port town due to its strategic location on the western coast, and the temple served as a sanctuary for travelers, traders, and pilgrims alike. It has seen periods of patronage from various dynasties, contributing to its rich cultural heritage. Today, the temple stands not only as a place of worship but also as a symbol of the town’s historical journey, providing insight into the region’s religious and architectural evolution. Its historical significance has been preserved through renovations and regular maintenance, ensuring that visitors can witness a piece of Karnataka’s rich spiritual history.

Interesting things to do:
Participate in Rituals: Engage in the daily rituals and ceremonies conducted within the temple premises to experience the local culture. Nature Walks: Explore the scenic riverbanks and take in the lush surroundings through nature walks, especially enjoyable during the monsoon. Photography: Capture the temple's beautiful architecture and the natural landscapes around Honnavar.

If you are a naturalist, you must study sericulture and horticulture and this place is a host many exotic flora and fauna. The place has many small scale industries flourishing in the business of sericulture and horticulture.

Interesting things to Visit:
Apsarakonda Falls: A popular waterfall located near Honnavar, known for its tranquil setting and natural beauty. Sharavathi Backwaters: A scenic location where visitors can enjoy boating and the serene beauty of the river. Idagunji Ganapati Temple: A nearby temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, attracting devotees and tourists.

Aranya Rama Temple: Close to the Amaranarayana is another small shrine dedicated to Lord Rama, where he resides with Sita devi and Lakshmana.

Bheemeswara Temple: Mythology has it that Bheema killed the Rakshasa Bakasura when the Pandavas were in exile here thereby relieving the citizens of this place of a tyrant. To honor this deed a temple was built here for Bheema which is the Bheemeswara Temple.

Mobile range info:
Mobile connectivity in Honnavar is generally good, with most major networks providing stable coverage within the town and around the temple.

How to reach Kaivara Temples?
Nearest Railway Station: Honnavar has its own railway station, providing connectivity to cities like Mangalore, Mumbai, and Goa.
Nearest Airport: The nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport, around 180 km away, with regular flights connecting major cities.
Road Transport: Honnavar is accessible via NH-66, making it well-connected to nearby cities like Mangalore, Karwar, and Hubli by road.

Nearest Visiting places:

Nandi Hills: A popular hill station near Bangalore, known for trekking and scenic sunrise views, around 45 km from Kaivara. Chintamani: A town with ancient temples and markets, located about 20 km away. Chikkaballapur: Known for its temples, hills, and scenic beauty.

Nearest Petrol Pump:
The nearest petrol pumps are located in Chikkaballapur and along the highway from Bangalore to Kaivara, ensuring convenient refueling options for travelers.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation nearby Kaivara Temples:

Chikkaballapur: Offers a range of budget accommodations and guesthouses. Bangalore: Provides more extensive accommodation options, including budget lodges, mid-range hotels, and luxury accommodations. Local Lodges: Limited but affordable guesthouses and lodges are available in and around Kaivara for a short stay.

Things to carry:
Comfortable footwear for temple visits and nature walks. Modest clothing suitable for temple visits. Water bottle and light snacks. Camera or smartphone for capturing scenic views and temple architecture. Personal hygiene essentials and a small first-aid kit.

Tips & Suggestions for Kaivara Temples:
Winter is the best season to visit due to pleasant weather. Dress modestly when visiting temples to respect local customs. Try to visit early in the morning for a peaceful experience at the temples. Respect the sanctity of the Kaivara Thatha Samadhi and other religious sites. Avoid littering and help maintain the cleanliness of the temples and surroundings.

Help Line/Phone Number:
Honnavar Tourism Office +91-80-2235-2828
Nearest Hospital:Chintamani

Honnavar Temples Nearest Attraction
Basavaraja Durga Island
The Island of Basavaraja Durga is about a km from main land off Honnavar. You can reach the island through boats and small coasters. The landing place is at the south end where there is a ruined fort with eight mounted guns.....more
Darya Bahadurgadh Island
Darya Bahadurgadh Island : Daria-Bahadurgad Island the northern-most island also close to near Udupi or Malpe is famous for its export of processed fish. While on this Island you can visit the Balarama Temple and Malpe's oldest tile factory....more
Devbagh Island
Karnataka's undiscovered gem, Devbagh is a destination with a difference. Pristine beaches, casuarina plantations and an eco- friendly environment beckon the adventurous tourist. SUSHEELA NAIR writes about this romantic getaway which offers complete privacy and solitude....more
Karwar Island
Karwar is a port town situated 100 Km from Goa and 260 Km north of Mangalore. Tucked between the sea on one side and the Western Ghats on the other, Karwar is an unexplored destination.....more
Kurumgad Island
Kurumgad Island is a remote haven, located 4 km into the Arabian Sea from Karwar. This tortoise-shaped island, 6 km from Baithakola in Karwar harbor, offers a beautiful view of the sea. Tourists can enjoy exotic beach walks, nature walks, swimming, fishing, bonfires and barbecues, dolphin spotting, boat rides and snorkeling....more
Sadashivgad Island
Sadashivgad is a small village across the Kali river from the town of Karwar in Uttara Kannada. There is an abandoned fort built circa 17th century, and a temple to goddess Durga. The hill on the island offers spectacular views of the Kali river and Arabian sea.....more
Sanyasi Island
Sanyasi Island:Most of the Island resorts provide a complimentary boat trip to the Sanyasi Island. There is an interesting legends about this Island, in ancient times, a sage sought refuge on this island for penance and hence the name.....more
Gokarna Temples
Gokarna situated in coastal Karnataka is 453 kms from Bangalore and about 55 kms from Karwar, the District headquarters. It is described as a Shaiva Centre, as important as Kashi and Rameshwar. History has it that the Atmalinga brought by Ravana got struck here and his efforts to extricate it resulted in his throwing the coverings of the Linga to Dhareshwar, Gunavanteshwara, Murdeshwar and Shejjeshwar temples (the last places is very near Karwar)....more
Banavasi Historical
Located on the border of Uttara Kannada and Shimoga districts, the ancient temple town of Banavasi has been a great religious hub for ages. The fact that it is regarded the most ancient city of India after Varanasi, speaks volumes about rich heritage of Banavasi.....more
Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary
Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is located on the banks of River Kali, amidst thick forests and hills of Uttara Kannada District. The sanctuary is at a distance of 125 kms from Goa, 117 kms from Karwar, 95 kms from Belgaum and at 400 kms from Banglore.Dandeli offers you much more than the sundry outings and picnics.....more
Anshi National Park
Anshi National Park is Karnataka In the district of Uttar Kannada Anshi National Park is located. The scenic beauty of this park is non-parallel. An animal lover will definitely fall in love with Anshi National Park. The flora of this place has been blessed with plants like eucalyptus, bamboo, teak, xylia xylocarpa, silver oak, bauhinia and others.....more
Bhatkal Archeology
The west coast style of south India starts from here. The roofs of the buildings are steep since it rains heavily in the western Ghats. They are mostly wooden constructions as in Kerala. In Karnataka , stone structures are prominent....more
Benne Hole Falls
This glorious water falls is formed from the tributary of river “Aghanashini”, which flows in the Devimane Ghats region of the Western Ghats. The height of the falls is about 200ft. Benne Hole means big stream in Kannada. About 21kms from Sirsi to Kumta is place called Kasage, which is 6kms from the waterfalls....more
Burude Falls or Dodmane Falls
This wonderful waterfall is around 20+kms from Siddapur and 55+kms from Sirsi, on Siddapur-Kumta road. The way to get down to the river is through a small creek which is dry in summer. And which will be full in rainy and winter seasons which makes the entry to the waterfall and the valley impossible.....more
Lalguli Falls
On your trip to Karnataka you can choose to visit its cascading waterfalls. The Western Ghats rising to an average of 900m converges into the Nilgiri Hills and offers to Karnataka a plethora of thundering waterfalls plummeting down from great heights.....more
Magodu falls
Karnataka is well known for its cascading waterfalls. Being the eight largest state in India in terms of area, Karnataka not only has historical monuments dating to 7th century but it boasts of beautiful unspoilt hill stations. While vacationing in the remote hills of the Karnataka, you will be taken aback with the breathtaking view the waterfalls in Karnataka offer.....more
Satodi falls
From Yellapur, take the highway towards Hubballi (Hubli) [opposite direction of Magod Falls] and then turn left towards Ganesh Gudi (do not confuse this for Ganesh Gudi near Dandeli) immediately after the petrol bunk. An arch at the beginning of this road is a good landmark for the road to Sathodi Falls.....more
Shiv Gange Falls
Shiv Gange Waterfall is situated on the border of threee taluks of North Kanaradistrict(Sirsi, Yellapur, Ankola). The water falls plunges from about 200ft, providing a picturesque view and pleasand trek. In the middle of the river is Ganesha temple, on the upstream.....more
Unchalli Waterfalls
The river Aghanashini, originating from the Western Ghats, makes a spectacular waterfall called Unchalli. The spot is around 30 km from Sirsi and 35 km from Siddapura. Jeep is the best mode of transportation. Buses operated by Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation will arrive up to Heggarani, from where one has to walk a few kilometers.....more
Vibhooti Falls
Vibhooti is one of the beautiful waterfalls of the Western Ghats. It is about eight kilometers from Yana, in Uttara Kannada District of Karnataka. The adjoining areas of the waterfalls are dotted with huge rocks, apart from a lime stone rock structure from which Vibhooti got its name.....more
Waate Halla / Hole Falls
This beautiful waterfall is at few kilometers distance from Unchalli Falls. A tributary to the Aghanashini River makes this wonderful falls some 30km away from the Sirsi Town falling from a height of around 100+feet....more
Kali River
The Kali River or Kalinadi is a river flowing through Karnataka state in India. There are many dams built across this river for the generation of electricity. The river has its origin in the Western Ghats and flows westwards to join the Arabian Sea near the town of Karwar....more
Bhatkal Beach
Indian Beach Tours, offers a look-in into the beautiful and attractive Bhatkal Beach, located in Karnataka, India. Indian Beach Tours offers information about Bhatkal Beach, located in Karnataka, in India.....more
Karwar Beach
Karwar is the capital of Uttara Kannada district in Karnataka, India; it is a small seaside town situated on the west coast of the Indian subcontinent. The town lies about 15 kilometres south of the Karnataka-Goa border. Karwar is a port town situated 100 Km from Goa and 260 Km north of Mangalore.....more
Kudle beach
One of the most beautiful and safest beach of gokarna to swim (Expert Swimmers only). The best place to visit this place is from December to March, ,most of the people who visit this place is gohras and gohris. please take enough water and food as the food and water avilabe near the beach is not so good, the best place to buy is from gokarna town.recently two students from manipal got drowned here.....more
Murudeshwara Beach
Murudeshwara is a town in the Bhatkal Taluk of Uttara Kannada district in the state of Karnataka, India. "Murudeshwara" is another name of the Hindu god Shiva. Famous for the world's tallest Shiva statue, this beach town lies on the coast of the Arabian Sea....more
OmBeach
Gokarna is about 200km north of Mangalore (7 hr by bus) and 56km southwest of Karwar on the seashore. According to the Gokarna Purana, “By mere entrance into this Ksetra (holy place), one becomes liberated from hundreds of sins, including even brahma-hatya (the killing of a Brahmin).”....more
Attiveri Bird Sanctuary

Attiveri Bird Sanctuary is around 15 km from Mundgod in Uttara Kannada District of Karnataka. from Hubli-Dharwad it is 43 km away.Spread over an area of about 2.23 sq km, the sanctuary is located in and around the Attiveri reservoir. The part of the sanctuary surrounding the reservoir has riverine and deciduous forests.....more

Kadra Dam
Kadra Dam is situated in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka state in India. The dam is constructed across river Kalinadi. The dam was primarily built as hydroelectric project for supply of water to turbines of electric power generating station....more
Kodasalli Dam
Kodasalli Dam is constructed across Kali river also called Kali nadi, flowing in Joida taluk of Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka state in India. Karnataka Power Corporation had built this dam and the electric power generating station successfully serves the purpose of a Hydroelectric Power station....more
Supa Dam
Supa Dam is built across Kalinadi ( Kannada ) or Kali river in state of Karnataka in India. The dam is situated in Joida taluk of Uttara Kannada district. The power house at the foot of the dam has two electricity generators of fifty megawatt each. The electricity generated is supplied to different parts of Karnataka.....more
Yana Hills
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Banni falls

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Island of Mallikurve
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Murudeshwar Temples
....more