Ask anybody if they know of any tourist hotspots in Karnataka and they’ll talk about Bangalore and Mysore (while pointing out that they aren’t exactly hot). The slightly more knowledgeable may point towards the ruins of the Vijayanagar kingdom at Hampi. Ask them about Karnataka’s beaches and they’re sure to lift their eyebrows and want to know if you’re not getting your geography a little mixed up and don’t you really mean Goa?

While there’s no denying that Goa has earned its place as the original beach-comber’s paradise, those looking for a little more sedate sea ‘’ sand fun could do worse than look at the IT state and its virgin beaches that can rival Goa’s in beauty any day. Here’s looking at some of the state’s best beaches:

Karwar:

Bang on the border between Goa and Karnataka, Karwar is often a pit-stop for those on their way to Goa from the state. But with rising popularity, it’s beginning to go the hip way, with beach shacks and adventure sports activities.

Karwar is sandwiched between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea. Tagore visited it once and it is said to have inspired him to write one of his plays (there’s even a Rabindranath Tagore beach).

While one can stay close to Karwar beach, the more adventurous can head for beautiful Devbagh, one of the many islands dotting the coast. Jungle Lodges and Resorts runs a beach resort on the island — affordable tariffs and activities like snorkelling, diving and beach volleyball.

How to get there: Karwar is connected by road to Bangalore, Goa, Chennai and Mangalore. The Konkan railway connects it to Delhi, Mumbai, Mangalore and Cochin.

Where to stay:

The Estuary View Resort, phone: 08382594277.

Devbagh Beach Resort, Kodibagh, Karwar, phone: 08382-226596, 98452 24432

Gokarna:

Gokarna, meaning ‘cow’s ear’ is supposed to be the place Lord Shiva emerged from the sea according to one of the Puranas. While it continues to be a religious town, its beaches are finding favour with Bangalore’s jaded-with-Goa crowd. The new Om Beach Resort here is also reportedly pulling in the crowds.

No wonder, for Gokarna boasts of no less than four great beaches — Om beach, Kudle, Half-moon and Paradise. During ‘season’ (any time besides the monsoon) shacks have started opening up on Om beach, and the right time to hit it is now.

Situated along the Karwar coast, Gokarna is about 450km from Bangalore.

How to get there: It’s 60km by road from Karwar. The nearest rail-head is Gokarna Road (10km) — most Konkan Railway trains stop here — and the nearest airport Dabolim (Goa) at 150km.

Where to stay:

The Om Beach Resort, phone: 08386-257052,257718, 09448579395.

Hotel Gokarna International, phone: 08386-657368, 656848

Mangalore:

With its clean, unexplored beaches, the port-city of Mangalore is a well-kept secret. In spite of being a thriving business town, Mangalore continues to retain an old-world charm with its winding streets, quaint houses, temples and beaches.

Ullal beach, about 12km from the city centre, is the main draw. Famous for its casuarina groves and white sand, Ullal also boasts of beach cottages run by the Taj group and another private player. Other Mangalore beaches are Suratkal, Taneerbhavi and Panambur.

How to get there: Well connected by air, road and rail with most major cities.

Where to stay:

Taj Manjarun, phone: 0824-2420420

Summer Sands Beach Resort, phone: 0824-2467690

Malpe and St Mary’s Isles :

On the western coast of Karnataka, near Udupi, is the small fishing village of Malpe, a natural harbour with a fabulous beach. A boat-ride away from Malpe are the St. Mary’s Isles. Legend has it that Vasco Da Gama dropped anchor here on his way to Calicut. These are ideal for a walk around the coconut groves that dot most of them, and for sea-bathing. They’re also of geological interest, as they are noted for their basalt rock formations (the only spot in India with such extraordinary formations).

How to get there: About 420km from Bangalore by road, 6km from Udupi. Nearest rail-head is at Udupi and the nearest airport at Mangalore (66 km).

Where to stay:

Hotel Karthik,Main Road, Malpe, phone: 0820-537887