Kanara

Kanara is a coastal region along the Arabian Sea that stretches for several hundred kilometers. The area features mountainous terrain with dense forests that descend to beaches and coves where small ports and villages are scattered.

The area held strategic importance over several centuries as it controlled trade routes and attracted maritime powers. Its location made it a contested territory as different rulers sought control of the valuable coastline.

The area is home to fishing communities and their strong traditions tied to the sea. People maintain age-old practices in boat-building and net-making that shape daily life along the coast.

The region is best visited during the drier months from November to May when rainfall is lighter. Coastal areas are easily reached by boat, while inland zones are accessible through hilly roads that require careful driving.

The region produces specialized varieties of black pepper and spices that have entered global trade for centuries. This long history of spice cultivation has shaped the local economy across generations.