Two minutes from the front door, the road opens onto the Sharavathi backwaters. Fishermen push out at dawn, the mangroves turn gold at dusk, and in between there is nothing to do but sit.
Good to know
- Carry a torch if you walk back after dark.
- Ask Pauli for the spot where the kingfishers sit.
- Monsoon evenings are dramatic but bring a raincoat.
What the view points are
Tari-Bagel is the old ferry side of Honnavar, and the lane from our gate runs straight down to the Sharavathi. Where the houses stop, the river opens out: wide, slow water, mangrove islands on the far side and fishing canoes pulled up on the mud. There is no ticket counter, no railing and no crowd. These are simply the places the neighbourhood goes to watch the day begin and end.
Most guests find their way here within an hour of checking in, usually with a cup of tea. It is the easiest thing to do in Honnavar and, for many people, the part of the stay they remember.
Sunrise, sunset and what you will see
At first light the fishermen push out in narrow boats and the water is usually flat enough to mirror the palms. Kingfishers, egrets and brahminy kites work the shallows, and in the cooler months gulls gather further out towards the river mouth.
The hour before sunset is the other good time. The light comes in low from the sea side, the mangroves turn gold and the tour boats drift home past you. In the monsoon the same view is all dark cloud and fast water, which is dramatic in its own way, but keep well back from the edge.
How to do it from the homestay
Walk. It is about two minutes from the front door and there is nothing to arrange. If you want company, ask Pauli or anyone in the family and they will point out the spot where the kingfishers sit and tell you which way the tide is running.
The boat jetty is a short walk further along, so a quiet half hour at the view point pairs naturally with a morning or sunset boat ride.
Practical notes
Bring a torch if you plan to walk back after dark, as the lane is not lit all the way. Mosquitoes come out at dusk near the water, so long sleeves or repellent help. There are no shops at the water's edge, so carry your own water or tea from the house.
Make De antique Pauli's Homestay your base
A family-run heritage homestay in Tari-Bagel, Honnavar, a short walk from the Sharavathi backwater jetty. Rooms from ₹1,500 a night, home-cooked food, and Pauli arranges the boat or the car for this trip.
