Basavaraja Durga Island

About Basavaraja Durga Island

It is situated about 3 kms from Honnavar. The island is famous for its historical Island fort, built during the regime of Shivappa Nayaka, king of Keladi dynasty. Honnavar, 90 kms from Karwar, has a laterite fort of Portuguese times. .

History

In the 10th century text Jain Ramayana, the town is mentioned as Hanuruha Island. References about the town are also available in the works of Abu al-Fida (A.D.1273-1331), an Arab Geographer as well as that of Ibn Batuta who described it as the city of Hinaur.

Honavar or Onore, was a notable seaport of British India, in the North Kanara district of Bombay. It is mentioned as a place of trade as early as the 16th century, and is associated with two interesting incidents in Anglo-Indian history. In 1670, the English factors here had a bull-dog which killed a sacred bull. An enraged mob killed 18 people in retaliation. In 1784 it was defended for three months by Captain Torriano and a detachment of sepoys against the army of Tippu Sultan.

Honnavar has also a history of having the name “Honnupura” (Kannada:?????????)which might have been a major market and export hub for gold and related things.

Honavar, once was under the ruling of queen Chennabhairadevi (Kannada:?????????????) of Gerusoppa range, who believed to be defeated British.

Nearest Visiting places

Honnavar has a laterite fort of Portuguese times. A sail upstream on river Sharavathi to Geresoppa 30 kms away, with coconut groves and lush greenery covering the banks, is a voyage to remember.
Geresoppa, the old capital of the Peter Queen Chanabhairavi has a beautiful 14th century Chaturmukha Basti.

Near Honnavar

St. Xavier Church, Chandavar
Murdeshwar
Apsara Konda
Idagunji
Basavaraj Durga Island
Karikannamma Temple
Higund
Gerusoppa
Gerusoppa Valley
Haduvalli

Basavaraja Durga (7 Kms from Honnavar) Kasarakod (5 Kms) Idagunji (18 Kms)

Connectivity: Nearest bus stop- Kalaginor. (2kms from Honnavar - Bhatkal NH 17).

Murdeshwar

16 Kms from Bhatkal to the north on Honnavar-Bhatkal NH 17. The famous Mahtobara Temple can today boast of the tallest Shiva statue in the world. The statue has special reflecting eyes, which makes statue alive. The temple on the beach itself attracts a large number of tourists because of the sea shore ambience

Nearby places to visit: Netrani Island. 18 Kms from Bhatkal south of Murdeswar.

Connectivity: 16 Kms from Bhatkal on NH

Apsara Konda, Honnavar.

8 Kms from Honnavar, near the confluence of the Sharavathi river and the Sea, there a small water fall and a pool on a hillock, called Apsara Konda. Legend says that the Apsaras (Heavenly fairies) used to come here to bathe and relax. The place truly exudes heavenly beauty. There is Devi temple and a branch of Ramachandra mutt. There are several big caves on the hillock called ‘Pandavas caves’.With a view of the river, the sea, lthe islands, l;the lush green fields and coconut groves, the Apsarkonda hillock verily offers a feast to the eyes that see.

Idagunji:

15 Kms from Honnavar and around 23 kms from Murdeswar is the ancient Idagunji Ganapati Temple. One has to take a detour from National Highway and travel around 7 kms interior to reach this beautiful temple. The temple is said to be around 800 years old, one of the oldest temples in Uttar Kannada district.

Karikannamma Temple

12 Kms from Honnavar is the Karikannamma Hill. Atop the hill which is a piece of natural beauty and offers panoramic view of the surroundings, is the temple of the deity. This deity is worshipped as different goddess by different people as Durge, Saraswati and Bhairavi. Sunset view on the Arabian sea is a enthralling sight.

Higund Island

Higund is a beautiful island in River Sharavati just before it joins the Arabian Sea. 3 kms from Honnavar - Bangalore National Highway brings you along this island. Presently the approach is from either Adkar village or Kodani village through country boat. The sunset view from this island is a lifetime experience.

Gerusoppa Valley / Reservoir

Newly constructed Gerusoppa dam has created a unique reservoir in gerusoppa valley. The breath taking view of the valley can be had from atop a observation tower constructed by Forest dept, about 10 kms from Gerusoppa towards Jogfalls. Boat cruise in the reservoir through the valley is on the anvil.

Location info

• **Address:**The Island of Basavaraja Durga is about a km from main land off Honnavar. Honnavar, 90 kms from Karwar

• District: North Kannada

• Nearest City:Honnavar

• Best time to visit: October To May

How to reach Basavaraja Durga Island

**Nearest Railway Station:**Honavar has a railway station on Konkan Railway. Honavar Railway Station is located in Karki, about 5 km from the centre of the town. Konkan railway’s longest bridge is located in Honavar 2.065 km. (on Sharavati River) and also consists of a 1.75km tunnel.

• **Nearest Airport:**Nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport. and Panjim International Airport ( Goa )

**Road Transport:**There are two National Highways that pass through Honnavar:
* NH-17 (Panvel - Edapally): Mumbai, Panjim, Mangalore and Ernakulam can be reached by this road
* NH-206 (Tumakuru - Honnavar): Bengaluru, Shivamogga and Tumakuru can be reached by this road.

Helpline & emergency contacts

• **Police Station:**Honavar

**Nearest Hospital:**Honavar has one of the best medical facilities available in Uttara Kannada District of Karnataka State.
☀ St.Ignatius Hospital (70 beds)
☀ Sridevi Maternity Centre (32 beds)
☀ Government Hospital (30 beds)
☀ Sharada Nursing Home (30 beds)
☀ Suvidha Hospital (25 beds)
☀ Ramnath Child Care Centre (10 beds)
☀ Balkur Clinic (04 beds)

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Karnataka. 4G is reliable in Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore, Hubli, and along highways. Coverage may be weaker in deep forest areas of Bandipur, Nagarhole, and certain Western Ghats sections. Most hotels, resorts, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Karnataka cuisine ranges from coastal seafood to Udupi vegetarian to Coorg’s pandi curry. Dosa, idli, bisi bele bath, and filter coffee are iconic.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Accommodation is available in the nearest town or city. Options range from budget lodges to luxury resorts. Booking ahead during Dasara (Mysore) and peak winter season is recommended.

Climate & weather

Karnataka has a varied climate from the humid coast to the dry Deccan plateau and cool Western Ghats. The best time to visit is October to March, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C depending on region. April–May is hot across most of the state (up to 38°C). The southwest monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rain to the coast and ghats but transforms the landscape — this is the best time for Jog Falls and Coorg’s lush greenery. Hill stations (Coorg, Chikmagalur) remain pleasant year-round. Bangalore has a moderate climate throughout.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available in the nearest town or on the approach road — check locally for the closest option.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not currently available for this site. Contact the venue directly or check with your accommodation for the latest accessibility details.

Rules & restrictions

Standard visitor rules apply. Check locally for any specific restrictions at this site.

Best photography spots

The best photography spots are typically during the golden hours (early morning and late afternoon). Scout the location first to identify the best angles, and consider the direction of light at different times of day.

Best time to visit Basavaraja Durga Island

October to March is the best time to visit — calm seas and pleasant weather. Avoid the monsoon season (June to September) when boat services may be suspended due to rough seas.

Timings & opening hours

Island access is typically during daylight hours (6:00 AM to 6:00 PM). Boat services to the island operate on specific schedules. Check boat timings in advance.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry fee may apply if the island is a protected or tourist destination. Boat ride charges: ₹100-₹500 per person depending on distance. Private boat charter: ₹2000-₹5000.

Duration needed

2-4 hours for a visit to the island including boat travel time. A half-day trip is usually sufficient to explore the island and return.

Safety tips

Wear a life jacket during boat travel. Follow boat safety instructions. Be careful on the island — terrain may be uneven. Carry sufficient water and food as island facilities may be limited. Inform the boat operator of your return time.

Things to carry

Life jacket (provided by boat operator), drinking water, snacks, sunscreen, hat, swimwear (if appropriate), camera, waterproof bag for electronics, and a change of clothes.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest railway station: on the Konkan Railway route. Nearest airport: Goa International Airport (GOI) or Mangalore International Airport (IXE). The nearest coastal jetty is accessible by road from the railway station.

Things to do at Basavaraja Durga Island

Explore the island’s beaches and coastline, relax on the sandy shores, swim in the sea (in designated areas), bird watch, photography, and enjoy a peaceful day away from the mainland crowds.

Things to visit & highlights

The island’s beaches, viewpoints offering sea views, any temples or structures on the island, and the surrounding coral and marine ecosystems visible in clear waters.

Frequently asked questions

How do I reach the island? The island is accessible by boat from the nearest coastal jetty. Boat services may be seasonal — check schedules in advance.

Are there facilities on the island? Facilities vary by island. Some have basic amenities while others are completely uninhabited. Carry sufficient water and food.

Is swimming safe in the surrounding water? Check local conditions for currents and marine life. Swim only in designated areas. Wear a life jacket during boat travel.

Quick facts

• Type: Tourist Attraction
• State: Karnataka
• Category: Islands

Visitor information

Please check locally for current visitor information.

Photo gallery of Basavaraja Durga Island

Photos coming soon. In the meantime, you can find images of Basavaraja Durga Island on popular travel photography sites and social media.