Honavar

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name = Honavar
type = Town
locator_position=right
state_name = Karnataka
district = Uttara Kannada
region = Kanara
civic_agency = Honnavar Town Panchayat
latd = 14.28
longd= 74.4439
altitude=2
population_as_of = 2001
population_total = 17,833
area_magnitude =
area_total =
area_telephone = 91-8387
postal_code = 581334, 581395
vehicle_code_range = KA 47
official_languages = Kannada, Konkani
distance_1 = 185
distance_2 = 430
distance_3 = 195
direction_1= south
direction_2= northwest
direction_3= north
destination_1 = Panaji
destination_2 = Bangalore
destination_3 =Mangalore
footnotes =

Honavar or Honnavar (Kannada: ಹೊನ್ನಾವರ) is a port town in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, India. The town is the headquarters of Honnavar taluk.

History

The first ever historical reference about the Honavar town appears in the works of the Greek author Periplus (AD 247) and it was called Naour.Fact|date=April 2008 It was mentioned as the first port of Limurike in Tamil country.

In the 10th century text "Jain Ramayana", the town is mentioned as Hanuruha Island. References about the town are also available in the works of Abu al-Fida (A.D.1273-1331), an Arab Geographer as well as that of Ibn Batuta who described it as the city of Hinaur.

Honavar or Onore, was a notable seaport of British India, in the North Kanara district of Bombay. It is mentioned as a place of trade as early as the 16th century, and is associated with two interesting incidents in Anglo-Indian history. In 1670, the English factors here had a bull-dog which killed a sacred bull. An enraged mob killed 18 people in retaliation . In 1784 it was defended for three months by Captain Torriano and a detachment of sepoys against the army of Tippoo Sultan.

Geography

It lies on the coast of the Arabian Sea and on the banks of the river Sharavathi, forming an estuary. It lies midway between Goa and Mangalore. Some of the important places around Honnavar include the towns of Murudeshwara and Idagunji, both places of religious importance and Karikanamma, a scenic mountain that has the breathtaking view of the Arabian sea.

Honavar also has a port that was one of the most important ones on the west coast of India during the time of Marco Polo.

Demographics

As of 2001 India census [GR|India] , Honavar had a population of 17,833. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Honavar has an average literacy rate of 78%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 83%, and female literacy is 74%. In Honavar, 11% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Transportation

Road

There are two National Highways that pass through Honnavar:
* NH-17 (Panvel - Edapally): Mumbai, Panjim, Mangalore and Ernakulam can be reached by this road
* NH-206 (Tumkur - Honnavar): Bangalore, Shimoga and Tumkur can be reached by this road.

Rail

Honavar has a railway station on Konkan Railway. Honavar Railway Station is about 5 kms from the centre of the town.Konkan railway's longest bridge is located in Honavar 2.065 km. (on Sharavati River)and also consists 1.75km tunnel.

Air

Nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport.

Hospitals

Honavar has one of the best medical facilities available in Uttara Kannada District of Karnataka State.
* St.Igneshias Hospital (70 beds)
* Sridevi Maternity Centre (32 beds)
* Government Hospital (30 beds)
* Sharada Nursing Home (30 beds)
* Suvidha Hospital (25 beds)
* Ramnath Child Care Centre (10 beds)
* Balkur Clinic (04 beds)

Educational institutes

* MPES Law College, Honnavar
* S.D.M. Arts, Science and Commerce College, Honnavar
* St.Anthony's College for Physical Education, Honnavar
* Government Industrial Training Institute, Honnavar
* The New English School, Honnavar
* St.Thomas School, Honnavar
* Holy Rosary Convent School, Honnavar
* Higher Elementary School, Honnavar
* St.Marathoma School, Honnavar
* Government Kasba Primary School, Honnavar

References

External links

* [http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&z=14&ll=14.276777,74.447737&spn=0.043087,0.080509&t=k&om=1 Aerial Image from Google Maps]
* [http://www.kamat.com/kalranga/karavali/honavar/history.htm A historical sketch of Honavar]
* [http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/19/Honavar.html Rain Fall and other Information for Honavar]