Lord Shiva at the feet of Kalika Devi

Ever seen any statue of  Lord Shiva where he is being crushed by Kali?

We also hadn't seen any such idol or depiction till we travelled to a remote island in the middle of Kali River near Karwar in Karnataka.

How to Visit?

This picture story takes you to Kalika Devi Temple on an island. Only way to reach the island is by a boat. Boat rides are available from Nandangadda Boat Point 12 kms north-east of Karwar town. See the picture of Navy Veterans wading through knee deep water. We also share a map below.

The other option is to take a longer boat ride from Deobagh Beach side. For the guests staying at Jungle Lodges and Resorts at Deobagh Beach, a boat ride is included in the package. We, few Navy Veterans took the ride in a swanky motor boat. See the map and the video below.

Sharing below a short 12-sec video clip of our boat ride.

Significance

Kali island has a temple and a statue of an angry Kalika Devi crushing Lord Shiva under her feet! Unbelievable, isn't it?

Legend has it that Lord Shiva lies at the feet of Goddess Kali to pacify her uncontrollable rage after the battle with the demon Raktabija. Seeing her destructive rampage threatening the universe, Shiva laid himself in her path. When she stepped on his chest, Kali instantly realized she was standing on her husband, bringing her fury to a halt. See a series of pictures below.

Boat Ride

The boat ride is subject to the weather conditions. We were lucky to get an exclusive ride. It was heartening to see the life jackets for all passengers in good working condition. We had to navigate under Kali Bridge on NH-66 with a long span. The visit to the island has to be timed with the tide timings. The water level on the stony pathway to the island changes with the tide. See the pictures below.

Kali Matha Island

It is a small island. We had to anchor on a shallow patch and then wade through knee deep water. The island also has a 240-metres boardwalk to observe the mangroves. However due to damages, it was closed. Pictures below.

Kalika Devi Temple

It is a small temple with two wells for drinking water. Our guide from the Resort accompanied us to the island. A pujari and his dog stay on the island. The temple has large following.

Deobagh Beach

It is a beautiful beach. As stated earlier, we had stayed at the Jungle Lodges property on the beach. We will bring you an exclusive story on the beach, the resort and the views all around.

Stories of Other Island Locations

Ghumakkad has visited many islands in India and overseas. Sharing below the links to few of the stories of 'island attractions'. Click the link to browse the picture story.

Bhavani Island An Ideal Getaway - Another island named after Goddess Durga. The story shows the tree houses and water sports on the island in River Krishna near Vijayawada.

Laknavaram Lake Resort - Picture story with videos shows you the lake resort accessible through a suspension bridge. Guest rooms are on stilts in water!

Ruins of Ross Island - Picture story of an island just two kms east of Port Blair. The ruins speak to you. The island has since been renamed as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep.

War Memorial on an Island - Picture story of Anjadip War Memorial which commemorates the battle of Anjadip, 1961.

We end with Ralph W Sockman's quote on islands which says, "The larger the island of knowledge, the longer the shoreline of wonder." 

Islands have their own attraction. Whether it is a river island or an island at sea, the thrill starts with the boat ride. Do take an island holiday in India. So many locations some of which we have shared above.

In the ongoing vacation season, happy travelling.

Thanks for browsing. Do leave a comment and stay connected.

   - Harsh-the-Ghumakkad/ Secunderabad and Karwar/ 18th May 2026

#KaliRiver #KalikaDeviTemple #Karwar #LordShivaAtTheFeetOfKali #Destruction #Rage #Durga #MaaKali #BoatRide #KaliBridge #NavyVeterans #Reunion #DeobaghBeach #JungleLodges #GhumakkadHarsh #ghumakkadhb #Islands #IslandOfKnowledge

Hiking in Hampi

Hampi and hiking? Yes there are good trails for hikers of all ages. Like the one we did-- suitable for 65-year old 'youngsters'!
Hampi conjures up images of World Heritage site with ruins of five hundred year old Vijaynagara empire. Of course Hampi gives you that experience. But Hampi goes beyond. This story illustrates the adventurous dimension of Hampi and it's challenging terrain.

Those who would like to know Hampi's location etc, read the story Hampi Vitthala Temple. And who are these hikers in their late sixties-- click the post Hyderabad to Hampi.

Pictures will speak for themselves. As always, click on any picture and view it as a slide show on your large screen.

Please see the short 30-second video below showing the rock face against blue skies.

Huge boulders, tiny humans!

How does it feel when you reach the top? What is the view all around? A 40-second video for you:

Once you reach a hill top or a summit, you first catch your breath. Then take a view all around. Nature engulfs you in it's enormity. When asked 'Why do people climb mountains?', Edmund Hillary's famous reply comes to my mind 'Because it is there'. But having been a wanderer (Ghumakkad) all these years, I would like to add that we climb the mountains not to conquer it but to conquer ourselves. Am sure my fellow hikers will agree.

Anjaneya Hill with Anjaneya temple in the picture below.

We noticed a unique fenced garden on this trail maintained by Karnataka Forest Department . It can be called a 'Zodiac' garden as it cultivates 12 different plants associated with each Zodiac sign. Another example of 'Ancient Wisdom' which thrives in India!

Where was the fourth traveller on the hike? Well, Neeta had to rest her aching knees and she stayed back at Durga temple from where the hike started. A picture of our rendezvous (RV in military parlance). 

Few pictures of initial climb from car parking to Durga temple which has lot of 'manyata' मान्यता -- i.e. faith by devotees.

Durga Temple and its surroundings were kept very clean. No plastics, no garbage. Impressive to say the least.

Durga temple, Bali Parvat, Sanapur Lake for Coracle boating and Anjaneya Hill are all located on the northern shore of Tungabhadra river which is not so frequently visited by the tourists. Whereas all the monuments like Vitthala Temple, Royal Chariot, Royal Enclosure, Lotus Mahal etc are located on southern flank of the river (most visitors to Hampi see the southern part only). See the map below courtesy www.laya.co.in.

So the next time you are in Hampi, do plan a hike in the northern part besides visiting the monuments and sites there.

In the next part of the story, we will take you to some more monuments and sites on both flanks of river Tungabhadra. 
Bye till then.

Postscript: Ghumakkad has shared a set of ten stories on Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You may browse it by clicking the following links:

Hyderabad to Hampi

Vitthala Temple and Stone Chariot Hampi

Lotus Mahal Hampi

Sunset Point Hampi

Coracle Boating near Hampi- not for the weak-hearted

Hiking in Hampi

Confusion at Hampi- Ugra or Lakshmi Narasimha

Women Warriors of Hampi

Virupaksha Temple Hampi

Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary

Thanks for browsing.

   Harsh-the-Ghumakkad/7th May 2017