Honavar

Honavar (Honnavar, Honawar) is a port town in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka and a place of great historical relevance. Honnavar means "Land of Gold". Honnavar was known for its gold in the olden times. Distance from Honnavar to Bangaramakki Veeranjaneya Temple, Sri Veeranjaneya Temple, Bangarmakki, Talook Honnavar, Gersoppa is 33.2 km and travel time is around 43 min via NH206.



The first ever historical reference about the Honavar town appears in the works of the Greek author Periplus (AD 247) and it was called Naour. It was mentioned as the first port of Limurike in Tamil country.

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 Tippoo Sultan.

Don't miss Apsara konda, Rama thirtha, Karikanamma Temple, Sharavathi View behind SDM College, Kasarkod Beach, Colonel Hill, Country Boat ride from Kelaginapalya, Konkan Railway Bridge & Tunnel during your Honavar

How To Reach Honavar

By Bus: There are two National Highways that pass through Honnavar:
* NH-17 (Panvel - Edapally): Mumbai, Panjim, Karwar, Udupi,Mangalore and Ernakulam can be reached by this road
* NH-206 (Tumakuru - Honnavar): Bengaluru, Tumakuru, Arsikere, Bhadravati, Shivamogga, Sagar and Jog Falls can be reached by this road.

By Rail: 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. There is also a proposal to connect Honavar and Talguppa in Shimoga district by a new railway line, which will be a shorter alternate rail route between Mumbai and the southern part of India.

By Air: Nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport and Panjim International Airport (Goa)