Karwar

Karwar sits where the Kali River flows into the Arabian Sea, forming a natural harbor ringed by five wooded islands and sandy stretches. The waterfront promenade connects several docks with a small fish market and leads to a viewpoint above the water.

Portuguese traders reached this coast in 1510 and established routes for spices and timber. The British later took over the harbor and used it as a base for ships traveling along India's west coast.

The name of this settlement derives from the term 'Kade-Wada,' meaning a trading point where forest produce met sea routes. Fishermen still anchor their wooden boats along the same stretches where merchants once unloaded spices and timber.

The municipal tourism office at the RTO Office complex on Goa Main Road provides visitors with materials about nearby beaches and islands. Access to most waterfront areas is possible on foot or by local boats departing from the main dock.

Rabindranath Tagore completed his first major literary work, Prakritir Pratishodh, in 1882 during his stay here. The house where he lodged sits near the coastal road and is now used as a memorial site.

Location: Uttara Kannada District

Elevation above the sea: 9 m

Shares border with: Ponda

GPS coordinates: 14.81209,74.13192

Latest update: December 13, 2025 16:20