Lying a short boat ride from the Devbagh sandbar, Kurumgad is one of a scatter of small islands off Karwar’s coast and holds an old temple dedicated to Narasimha, the man-lion avatar of Vishnu, which draws local pilgrims on specific festival days. The island’s clear shallow water and rocky fringes are used for guided snorkelling excursions run out of Devbagh, and its beach offers a quieter, more undeveloped counterpart to the mainland’s town beaches. Kurumgad Island sits at an elevation of 14 m. The most favourable months to visit are January, March, November, and February, when conditions are best suited for sightseeing. Nearby points of interest include Mangrove Walkway, Lighthouse Point, and Siddhi Vinayak Temple. Other notable highlights include snorkelling over coral rocks off the island’s southern tip, climbing the hilltop for a 360-degree sea view, and offering prayers at the ancient Narasimha temple cave. It falls within Uttara Kannada district and Karnataka, India.
State: Karnataka
Ideal Duration: Half Day
January, March, November, February
Overnight stays are not allowed on the island as it is a protected eco-sensitive zone, and there are no hotels or camping facilities. You must leave the island by the last boat, usually around 5 PM. For a longer stay, you can base yourself in Karwar or nearby Devbagh beach resorts and do the island as a half-day excursion.
There are no permanent restaurants or shops on the island, so you must carry your own food, snacks, and at least 2 litres of water per person. Some boat operators may provide a simple packed lunch if you pre-arrange it, but do not rely on that. There are basic toilet facilities near the jetty, but they are not always well maintained, so carry wet wipes and hand sanitiser.
The best months are from October to February, when the sea is calm and the weather is pleasant, avoiding the heavy monsoon (June to September) when boat services are often cancelled. Wear light cotton clothes, a hat, sunglasses, and comfortable non-slip footwear for the climb. Also carry a light rain jacket or windbreaker, as sea breezes can get chilly even on sunny days.
You take a ferry or a private boat from the main Karwar jetty, and the ride takes around 20 to 30 minutes depending on sea conditions. Boats operate during daylight hours only, so plan to return before sunset. It is best to book through a local tour operator or the government tourism counter for a fixed schedule.
The island has a gentle, mostly flat path from the jetty to the lighthouse, but there are about 150 steps leading up to the lighthouse itself, which can be tiring. For seniors, we recommend taking it slow, carrying water, and using a walking stick if needed. The beach area near the jetty is easily accessible and perfect for a relaxed visit without climbing.