Bhatkal :

Away from the din of the city and the curling smoke from industrial chimneys, Bhatkal is one of the fascinating towns to explore and rejuvenate the mind and the soul. The world describes Kashmir as a paradise with its apple orchards and gulmohur trees. Wedged between the lofty the Western Ghats and the azure Arabian Sea, Bhatkal, situated in the district of North Kanarain the state of Karnataka, India, is also a little paradise. A small town Bhatkal is located midway between Mangalore and Karwar.

Historically, it was an important port and played a vital role in trade during the glory days of Vijayanagara Empire. The Konkanis who patronized the coastal trade and amassed a lot of wealth used it for philanthropic work and temple constructions.

Bhatkal is famous for Ancient Monuments like Jamia Masjid, Sultan Masjid, Chandranath Basadi and a beautiful sight of Kadavinakatta dam built across Venkatapur River. Since this is a coastal town we can also enjoy the sight-seen of sea shore along with lighthouse.      

Facts

STD Code : 08385
Population : 60,000
Climate : Tropical climate
Language : Konkani, Tulu, Kannada.

Dotted by the calm blue seas and majestic hills, this beach is a popular tourist spot and known for the exquisite temples. Bhatkal is a prosperous town with old quaint houses sharing space along with modern designer mansions and elegant shopping complexes. Steeped in history, abounding in edicts, monuments reflecting the glory of a bygone era, the thriving town is a canvas of peace, affluence and piety.

With a multi-religious population of about 60,000, the town is often referred to as a “mini model of India” representing and reflecting infinite diversity. Besides the predominant community of Muslims and Hindus, there is a sprinkling of Christians and Jain families.

Visitors to Bhatkal go back carrying with them pleasant memories of the flora and fauna, the surreal beaches, archaeological splendors and elegant mosques. The archaeological treasures at Bhatkal speak volumes about the history of Bhatkal and they sketch its rich heritage.

The entire Bhatkal beach area with a fishing port and a lighthouse atop a hillock offers a breathtaking view. One can get a panoramic view of the villages from the lighthouse. If one looks around, the Arabian Sea with colorful fishing boats drifting and bobbing is a treat to the eyes. Here, the river Sharabi drains into the Sea.

Sights

Chandranath Basadi

The Chandranath basadi stands out as a prominent one and is also better maintained when compared to others. As the name itself suggests, the Chandranath basadi has a statue of Jain teerthankara, Chandranath. The architecture of the place dates back to the 14th century when it was said to be the capital of Salva dynasty. The basadis are housed in the Chandragiri and Indragiri hills that stand facing each other.

Jamia Masjid

By far the biggest mosque in the town, the Jamia Masjid symbolized the culture of the people of Bhatkal. Located amidst old houses on the Jamia Street, this giant imposing mosque has been renovated from the older one.The older one too had undergone two renovations. the earlier mosque, known as Jamia Masjid Qadeem is believed to have been built in 1447 A.D. an inscription in Persian dated 851 Hijri (or 1447 A.D.) found on a marble slab is still preserved. Because of its gold-plated dome the Masjid is locally called the `Chinnadapalli' (Golden mosque). The present Masjid can accommodate about 5,000 namazis at a time.  

Sultan Masjid

Sultan Mosque is the most famous one in Bhatkal and attracts the highest number of namazis at a given time. Built by Tippu Sultan in the year 1211 HI, this Dravidian style structure became the pride and envy of all the mosques.  

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