
Tilmati Beach
Discover Tilmati Beach, Karnataka's rare black sand gem, reached by a scenic trek offering stunning coastal views and unforgettable sunsets.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Witness the magical sunset

Tilmati Beach
Best Time
Witness the magical sunset

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Tilmati Beach, Karnataka's rare black sand gem, reached by a scenic trek offering stunning coastal views and unforgettable sunsets.
"The black sand surrounded by rocks and not crowded is the awesome thing. Calm Peace And Enjoy."

Wear sturdy shoes for trek
The trek to Tilmati Beach is scenic but can be narrow and cliff-adjacent. Good footwear is essential for safety. :athletic_shoe:
Plan for sunset return
There are no lights at night. Enjoy the sunset, but head back before it gets dark for a safe journey. :flashlight:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Unique Black Sand
Tilmati Beach
Experience the rare sight of coarse, black sand resembling sesame seeds, a truly unique geological wonder.

Panoramic Cliff Views
Cliffs overlooking Tilmati Beach
Capture stunning vistas of both the black sand beach and the seashell beach from elevated viewpoints.

Secluded Serenity
Tilmati Beach
Enjoy the peaceful ambiance of this less-crowded beach, perfect for relaxation and quiet contemplation.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
The Trek to Tilmati
Best Time for Black Sand Bliss
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear sturdy shoes for trek
The trek to Tilmati Beach is scenic but can be narrow and cliff-adjacent. Good footwear is essential for safety. :athletic_shoe:
Plan for sunset return
There are no lights at night. Enjoy the sunset, but head back before it gets dark for a safe journey. :flashlight:
Combine with Shell Beach
You'll pass by Shell Beach on your way to Tilmati. It's a beautiful spot with countless seashells. :shell:
Ask locals for directions
There are no clear signboards. Get local advice to find the best entry point and navigate safely. :information_desk:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear sturdy shoes for trek
The trek to Tilmati Beach is scenic but can be narrow and cliff-adjacent. Good footwear is essential for safety. :athletic_shoe:
Plan for sunset return
There are no lights at night. Enjoy the sunset, but head back before it gets dark for a safe journey. :flashlight:
Combine with Shell Beach
You'll pass by Shell Beach on your way to Tilmati. It's a beautiful spot with countless seashells. :shell:
Ask locals for directions
There are no clear signboards. Get local advice to find the best entry point and navigate safely. :information_desk:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are captivated by Tilmati Beach's rare black sand and the stunning coastal trek to reach it. The secluded, peaceful atmosphere and breathtaking sunset views are frequently praised. However, the lack of facilities and the need for careful navigation on the trek are noted drawbacks.
""A must-visit for adventure lovers! The unique black sand and stunning sunset are worth the trek."
Tilmati Beach truly is a hidden gem on the Karnataka coast! My visit here was fantastic. The main attraction is, without a doubt, the rare, jet-black sand that gives the beach its name ("til" means sesame seeds in the local language). It's surrounded by beautiful rocky terrain and a serene, uncrowded atmosphere that feels very peaceful.
The journey to the beach is part of the adventure. It requires a 15-20 minute hike/trek from the end of Majali beach or the nearest road point. The path can be a bit narrow and rocky in parts, so wearing sturdy, closed-toe shoes is a must (I saw someone in flip-flops struggle!). The views of the coastline and a smaller shell beach along the trail are beautiful.
We went in the late afternoon, and the sunset was absolutely breathtaking. It was a perfect spot for photography.
Important tips:
Carry your own water and snacks, as there are zero shops or facilities on the beach itself.
Plan your return before dark, as there are no lights on the path back. A flashlight might be helpful just in case.
The water can be deep in some areas, so swim with caution.
Overall, if you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience and a tranquil natural setting, Tilmati Beach is highly recommended!"
Jagadish S Chikkanargund
"Track is good enough and easy if you are frequent trekking. You will get to see shell beach while you are on the way to black sand beach."
ashpak shaikh
"The best beach I ever seen. Loved it!!!
The black sand surrounded by rocks and not crowded is the awesome thing.
Calm Peace And Enjoy.
To reach the beach there is small hiking near 1.5km its small paths need to little careful. And then you will witness the best sunset in your life.
There is no lights in the night, so return early."
Anju PM
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tilmati Beach is located about 13 km from Karwar Bus Stand. From Majali village or its bus stop, you'll need to embark on a short hike of about 1 km along a hilly and cliff-edge trail to reach the beach. Some travelers mention a 15-minute trek from Gabitwada Beach, also known as the Fisherman's point.
While direct public transport to the trailhead might be limited, you can take a bus to Majali or Gabitwada village from Karwar. From there, the trek is the primary way to access the beach.
The final approach to Tilmati Beach is on foot via a trek. While you can drive to nearby villages like Majali or Gabitwada, the beach itself is not directly accessible by car.
The trek is generally described as easy to moderate, taking about 15-20 minutes. It involves walking along a path that can be narrow and cliff-adjacent, offering scenic coastal views. Sturdy footwear is recommended.
Access can be difficult during the monsoon season due to potentially rough terrain. However, some reports suggest boat services from nearby Pollem beach might be available, but it's best to check locally beforehand.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no specific entry tickets required for Tilmati Beach. It's a natural attraction, and access is generally free.
Tilmati Beach does not have official opening or closing hours. However, due to its secluded nature and lack of lighting, it's highly recommended to visit during daylight hours and leave before sunset for safety.
No, there is no entrance fee for the trek to Tilmati Beach. The journey through the natural landscape is part of the experience.
The main consideration is the time of day due to the lack of lighting. It's also advisable to be mindful of the terrain during the trek and to respect the natural environment.
While there might not be specific 'Tilmati Beach tours,' local tour operators in Karwar may include it as part of broader Karwar or Uttara Kannada tour packages.
📸 📸 Photography
The unique black sand itself is a prime subject. Also, the cliffs overlooking the beach offer stunning panoramic views, especially during sunrise and sunset. Don't miss capturing the contrast between the black sand and the surrounding rocks.
Absolutely! Travelers rave about the sunsets at Tilmati Beach, calling them the 'best sunset in your life.' The golden light against the black sand creates a dramatic and beautiful scene.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal views and the unique beach landscape. A tripod can be useful for sunset shots to ensure stability. Some creators have used action cameras like the Insta360 X3 for immersive footage.
The contrast of the black sand against the blue sea and the rocky outcrops is visually striking. You can also capture the journey itself, including the nearby Shell Beach, which is covered in seashells.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's always best to check local rules and regulations before flying a drone in any natural or coastal area to ensure compliance.
🎫 🌊 Onsite Experience
Tilmati Beach is renowned for its distinctive black sand, which gets its color from basaltic rock. The name 'Tilmati' comes from the Konkani words 'tillu' (sesame seeds) and 'matti' (soil), referring to the sand's appearance. It's one of the rarest black sand beaches in Karnataka.
Tilmati Beach is generally described as secluded and not crowded, offering a peaceful experience. This makes it an ideal spot for those seeking tranquility away from bustling tourist spots.
The primary activities include enjoying the unique black sand, swimming in the clean waters (during safe conditions), relaxing by the sea, and taking in the stunning views. The trek to the beach is also an enjoyable part of the experience.
Due to its secluded nature, there are typically no facilities like restrooms, shops, or food stalls directly at Tilmati Beach. It's advisable to come prepared with your own water and snacks.
The water is described as clean, and swimming is possible. However, always exercise caution, be aware of the currents, and swim only when conditions are safe. Lifeguards are generally not present at this secluded beach.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Once at the beach, the black sand is a fascinating novelty for kids to explore. The clean waters are suitable for supervised swimming, but always be mindful of safety as there are no lifeguards. The secluded nature means families can enjoy a relatively peaceful time, but it also means bringing all necessary supplies like water, snacks, and sun protection, as there are no facilities available.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Adventurers
It's advisable to inform someone of your plans and expected return time, especially given the lack of facilities and lighting. The opportunity to witness a rare black sand beach and capture stunning sunset views makes Tilmati a memorable destination for independent explorers.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geology and Name of Tilmati Beach
Historically, Tilmati was known during the Maratha reign and later found itself on the border between British-ruled North Canara and Portuguese Goa. This historical context adds another layer of intrigue to the beach's already fascinating character.
The shoreline is approximately 150 meters long, offering a distinct stretch of this unusual sand. The surrounding rocky outcrops further enhance the dramatic landscape, creating a visually captivating environment for visitors.
Navigating the Journey to Tilmati
It's crucial to wear sturdy footwear for this trek, as the terrain requires careful footing. The journey provides a sense of anticipation and rewards visitors with stunning natural scenery even before reaching the main attraction. Some visitors mention encountering Shell Beach en route, a beautiful spot covered in countless seashells, adding another delightful discovery to the excursion.
Due to the beach's secluded nature and lack of artificial lighting, planning your visit around daylight hours is essential. Travelers strongly advise returning before dusk to ensure a safe trek back. While direct signboards are scarce, seeking advice from locals can help you find the most accessible and safest entry points.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit