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The Islands in Karnataka have a coastal allure, a riverine relaxation, and a cultural richness all in one state. Witness everything from basaltic rock formations blasted by the Arabian Sea to the quaint riverine islets adorned with lush forest vegetation. Each island is unique, with tiny fishing village settlements, monumental historical forts, Hindu temple shrines, coral reefs, and ecological backwater settlements. Some are hidden within rivers, while others open out into vast stretches of sea. Together, they create opportunities for discovery where natural settings meet history and folklore. The Islands of Karnataka deliver elements of adventure, solitude, and social/cultural exploration.
Top 10 Islands In Karnataka
These islands in Karnataka offer a variety of experiences, from beach resorts and goan-esque coastal experiences to forests along the’ edge.
1. St. Mary’s Islands
Photo: Shravan Kamath94 / Wikimedia Commons
The four small islands known as St. Mary’s Islands, located off the Malpe coast of Udupi, are Coconut Island, North Island, Daryabahadurgarh Island, and South Island. Collectively, they are one of the most distinctive islands in Karnataka. The islands are famous for the hexagonal-shaped basalt rock columns that erupt in orderly rows along the shoreline. The rocks formed millions of years ago from volcanic activity, and it is evident as visitors walk about the edges of the islands. Instead of the typical sandy beaches found in this part of India, the surface area of the islands is covered in seashells that have a variety of shapes and colours, making it unique underfoot.
Location: Off Malpe coast, Udupi district
Nearby Hotels: Paradise Lagoon Malpe, Fortune Inn Valley View Udupi, Malpe Sea Front Cottages
2. Uppinakudru Island
Photo: subin / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Uppinakudru Island is located in the Kundapura area of Karnataka state in the backwaters of the Varahi River and is surrounded by mangrove forest. The name Uppinakudru means “salt island,” as it was once a centre for trading salt by the coastal and river routes. Now the island hosts a vibrant fishing community, with fishermen still practising the important skill of boat building through generations of families. Uppinakudru is also known for its contributions to Yakshagana, which is the traditional theatrical form of coastal Karnataka and is still being pursued by several troupes, performing and preserving the art.
Location: In the Udyavara River, near Kundapura, Udupi district
Nearby Hotels: Blue Waters Resort, Kundapur, Hotel Sharon, Sai Vishram Beach Resort
3. Basavaraj Durga Island
Photo: Titas Das / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Basavaraj Durga Island is located off the coast of Honnavar and covers an area of close to 19 hectares, rising like a rocky plateau from the Arabian Sea. It is most noted for its fort, which was constructed during the time of the Vijayanagara and subsequently occupied by local rulers. Although most of the fort has collapsed/eroded, parts of the stone walls, bastions and gateways remain, and you can sense just how formidable a defensive structure it must have been. Within the fort area are small shrines that still attract devotees for some ceremonies and rituals, which keep alive a degree of spiritual continuity on the island.
Location: Arabian Sea, off Honnavar coast, Uttara Kannada
Nearby Hotels: Areca County, Hosakuli, Hotel Sagar Residency, Honnavar
4. Nisargadhama
Photo: Pexels / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Nisargadhama is a river island formed by the Cauvery, which is located near Kushalnagar in the Kodagu district. It is a small, lush green island covering an area of approximately 64 acres, consisting of dense bamboo, sandalwood, and teak. You get to Nisargadhama by a hanging bridge spanning from the riverbank. Nestled in the rich flora and fauna, as you walk along the shaded paths, you will come across deer enclosures, elephant rides, and small areas for boating, giving the area a feel of a family-friendly island. In addition, the Kauvery River flows around the island, where there are a few shallow points where you can dip your feet into the cool water on a hot, dry day.
Location: Kaveri River near Kushalnagar, Kodagu district
Nearby Hotels: Coorg Nest Cottages, Kushalnagar, Purple Palms Resort, Amanvana Spa Resort
5. Netrani Island
Photo: Subhas Nayak / Wikimedia Commons
Netrani Island, also called Pigeon Island, is an offshore island of Murudeshwar in Uttara Kannada, known for coral reefs and marine life. This heart-shaped island is uninhabited and is surrounded by steep rocks with dense flora on the top part that can be seen even out at sea. The water around it is so clear, making it one of the best islands in Karnataka to scuba dive or snorkel. Under the water, you can see schools of butterflyfish, angelfish, parrotfish, and even dolphins and sea turtles. It’s impossible to directly land on Netrani Island; however, boats anchor nearby on reefs, allowing divers to explore underwater ecosystems without concern.
Location: Arabian Sea, 19 km from Murudeshwar, Uttara Kannada
Nearby Hotels: RNS Residency Murudeshwar, Dhenu Atithya Murudeshwar, Hotel Kola Paradise
6. Pavoor Uliya
Photo: Vaikoovery / Wikimedia Commons
Pavoor Uliya is a small island on the Netravati River, next to Mangalore, and it is only accessible by traditional country boats. What is remarkable about Pavoor Uliya is that it is the only island in Karnataka that has a community that lives traditional lives. The residents are mostly farmers and fishermen who live among coconut palms and paddy fields. With no bridges or modern links to the island, lifestyles remain quiet and rooted in local tradition. You observe children playing and rowing to school across the river, families growing crops in small field areas, and fishermen sorting and prepping their nets.
Location: Netravati River, near Mangalore city
Nearby Hotels: The Gateway Hotel Old Port Road, Mangalore, Goldfinch Hotel, Mangalore, Hotel Deepa Comforts
7. Shivanasamudra Island
Photo: VasuVR / Wikimedia Commons
The Shiva Samudra Island in the Cauvery River of Mandya district is created when the river splits, forcing the twin streams to plunge into a gorge, turning into waterfalls. These waterfalls are named Gaganachukki and Bharachukki. The island is one of the most strikingly dramatic vistas of all the islands in Karnataka. The hydroelectric power station, established in 1902, is one of the first in Asia, and you can still see pieces of the original segments as you travel around. The island is dotted with small villages and temples, including many of varying ages. The ancient Ranganathaswamy Temple introduces a cultural component to the undoubtedly picturesque wonder of the island.
Location: In the Kaveri River, Mandya district
Nearby Hotels: Galibore Nature Camp (JLR), Hotel Mayura Sangama (KSTDC), Serene Valley Resorts
8. Kurumgad Island
Photo: Timothy A. Gonsalves / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Kurumgad Island is located off the coast of Karwar, in Uttara Kannada, and is shaped like a tortoise from above, which led to its name. The better-known aspect of this island is the Narasimha Temple, which attracts many pilgrims for the jatra conducted in January, where worshipers come in large groups by boat to worship. The island also has remnants of its historical past, such as the broken-down walls of an old fort, which is thought to date to the Maratha period. The rocky coastline has a few stretches of beach where you can walk and listen to the sound of the Arabian Sea.
Location: Arabian Sea, 4 km off Karwar, Uttara Kannada
Nearby Hotels: Majali Beach Resort, Karwar, Sterling Karwar, West End Karwar
9. Devbagh Island
Photo: Abishek / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Devbagh Island has a forested landscape bordered by golden beaches, surrounded on one side by the pristine Arabian Sea and the backwaters of the Kali River on the other side. This unique location allows you both sea views at sunset and still river views all in one place. Devbagh Island is mostly covered with coconut trees, casuarina, and mangrove, a quiet vegetation offering partially shaded paths that lead you from shore to shore. The resorts here offer bare huts and cottages, literally at the water’s edge, assuring you will awake each morning to the relaxing sounds of waves. You can snorkel, parasail, and fish here.
Location: Off the Karwar coast, Uttara Kannada
Nearby Hotels: Devbagh Beach Resort (JLR), Cintacor Island Resort, Hotel Premier Karwar
10. Sanyasi Island
Photo: Bella White / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Sanyasi Island is a small rocky island that is both a coastal treasure and a pilgrimage site located close to Murudeshwar in Uttara Kannada. Its name comes from its association with ascetics who are believed to have lived and meditated here in the past. These associations add to the nature of the site today, where most of the visitors come for the beautiful and distinct natural setting. Sanyasi Island rises steeply from the Arabian Sea and is surrounded by crystal clear waters. An easy boat ride takes you to the island, and after getting ashore, there are basic and invisible paths leading upwards to small shrines where ceremonial rituals are performed from time to time.
Location: Arabian Sea, near Karwar, Uttara Kannada
Nearby Hotels: Aditi Comforts Karwar, Amrut Aura Karwar, Estuary View Resort
Karnataka’s islands show the state’s natural and cultural variety—from coral reefs and river islets to historic forts and quiet fishing villages. Some islands offer hiking and scuba diving, while others let you slow down by the river. These lesser-known spots give you a mix of adventure and peace. Plan your escape with TripXL and explore the islands in Karnataka for a journey that’s both enriching and relaxing.
Cover Photo: Manas Manikoth / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
