Karwar and not Goa is the preferred destination for many, this year-end - Indian Express

Karwar and not Goa is the destination for many Bangaloreans and  Maharashtrians this year-end. There has been a heavy rush of tourists here this winter season. All resorts in town are booked up to January 2. Cashing in on the sudden boom, hotels are doing good business.

It was not too long ago that Goa was considered a tourist paradise. Karwar boasts of unparallel scenic beauty. Its 5 km long silvery beach immortalised by Rabindranath Tagore, cluster of islands in the Arabian sea, Kali river and of course the Western Ghat ranges with its green canopy protruding into the sea did not attract the tourists hitherto due to lack of facilities.

The credit goes to Uttara Kannada zilla panchayat, which first mooted the idea of exploring the tourist potential of Karwar, particularly Devabag peninsula at the mouth of the Kali. Though plans were drawn up in the early nineties, no tourism projects could be taken up here due to lack of funds. It was then the Jungle Lodges and Resorts, a state government undertaking, decided to set up a beach resort at Devbag. Later, a number of private resorts mushroomed in and around the town providing the much-needed facilities to the tourists.  

It is not merely the natural splendour that attracts tourists. Karwar is ideal for seekers of peace and tranquility. It provides an exclusive escape for secrecy and solitude. It was on the beach of Karwar that Rabindranath Tagore spent a moonlit night. The beauty of the night was the inspiration for many of his literary works, Tagore wrote in his memoirs.

For adventure lovers, there are many water sports like aqua glide ride, kayaking, water scooter, speed boat ride, snorkelling and para sailing at Devbag. The rich bio diversity of Karwar attracts botanists and environmental scientists. One can ride with fishermen in their boats deep into the sea for a thrilling experience. Swimming is not dangerous in the sea, known for its sublime calmness. Karwar sea is a  natural habitat for dolphins. During the boat ride one can spot the frolicking dolphins.

Local delicacies, particularly fresh sea food is a delight. “We come here because it is a place one only dreams of. It is a fit place to relax,” says a software engineer from Bangalore.


Source - http://expressbuzz.com/states/karnataka/tagore%E2%80%99s-inspiration-is-now-tourists%E2%80%99-spot/234501.html