Tonka beach is one of Karnataka’s most beautiful and remote beaches. It is located in Honnavara of Uttara Kannada district. The famous river Sharavati meets the Arabian Sea at this beach’s delta point. It is close to the well-known Eco beach of Honnavara.
How to reach Tonka Beach?
Location: Tonka Beach, Fisheries Harbour Rd, Kasarkoda, Karnataka 581342
You can use the following options to travel down to Honnavara and then take a taxi or an Auto rickshaw to the beach. The beach is just 5km away from Honnavara KSRTC bus stop.
By Air: Although Honnavara lacks an airport, you can fly to Mangalore (IXE, 180 km) or Hubli (HBX, 190 km) and then take a taxi or bus to Honnavara.
By Train: Honnavara has a railway station, and a number of Konkan Railway trains stop there. The beach is around ten kilometres from the railway station.
By Road: Buses from the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) run frequently to Honnavara. In addition, there are numerous private buses that run every 5 minutes. Although National Highway 66 is a four-lane highway, coming by private vehicle is also an option.
How did we Travel: Honnavara is Sneha’s (my wife’s) birthplace, and we visit there frequently. It wasn’t tough to travel in our private vehicle to the Tonka Beach
Confluence of Sharavati River and Arabian Sea
Tonka Beach Delta Point, where the mighty Sharavati River meets beautifully with the huge Arabian Sea. This natural wonder exemplifies the Indian subcontinent’s stunning magnificence.
The Sharavati River originates in the Western Ghats of Karnataka at Ambu Teertha near Humcha and travels through lush woods and cascading waterfalls (Jog Falls) to its dramatic finish at Tonka Beach Delta Point. The meeting of this powerful river and the Arabian Sea generates a remarkable contrast between freshwater and saltwater, resulting in the formation of a unique ecosystem rich in species.
Tonka Beach Delta Point is a haven for a variety of fish, birds, and other wildlife. In brackish waters, Mangrove Forests grow, providing a safe habitat for a variety of aquatic species. It is also a safe habitat for more than 300 Olive Ridley turtles. Every year, they lay eggs on the coast of this beach, and the number is growing.
What exactly are Olive Ridley Turtles?
Olive Ridley turtles, scientifically known as Lepidochelys olivacea, are amazing species that reside in the world’s warm waters, enthralling environmentalists and wildlife enthusiasts alike. These gorgeous sea turtles are known for their distinct behaviors and spectacular mass nesting events.
Olive Ridley turtles are found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic Oceans and are distinguished by their olive-green carapace (shell). They are famous for their incredible migrations, which cover hundreds of miles between feeding and nesting locations. The arribada, an event in which thousands of female Olive Ridley turtles arrive at the same time to deposit their eggs, is one of nature’s most breathtaking sights. This mass nesting phenomenon occurs on specific beaches, attracting scientists and tourists to witness nature’s magnificence. Tonka Beach is one of such beaches.
These sea turtles are not only beautiful to look at; they also play an important role in sustaining the health and diversity of our oceans. Here’s why Olive Ridley turtles are critical to ecosystem balance.
- Control of Jellyfish Population: Olive Ridley turtles are predominantly carnivorous and eat jellyfish as part of their diet. This is especially relevant since unmanaged jellyfish populations can skyrocket and disturb marine food networks. Olive Ridleys help manage jellyfish populations by hunting on them, reducing overcrowding and potential ecological damage.
- Nutrient Cycling: Olive Ridley turtles place their eggs in sand nests when they nest on beaches. When these nests hatch and make their way to the sea, they carry a plethora of nutrients, including organic matter and minerals, which replenish the beach ecology. This nutrient cycle helps to maintain the health of coastal habitats.
- Beach Erosion Control: Olive Ridley turtles’ excavating and nesting efforts can help to stabilise sandy shorelines. They indirectly help to minimise beach erosion by digging pits and burrows, which is critical for the protection of coastal habitats and communities.
- Biodiversity: Olive Ridley turtles in coastal locations provide a patchwork of habitats that benefit a variety of animals. Crabs, birds, and other species use nesting beaches for protection, contributing to the total richness of these areas.
- Tourism and Conservation: These turtles attract ecotourism, which can benefit local people economically. This, in turn, incentivizes the preservation of breeding beaches and marine ecosystems.
The difficulties encountered in conserving Olive Ridley Turtles at Tonka Beach
Olive Ridley turtles endure several risks despite their extraordinary adaptation. Pollution, habitat damage, and entanglement in fishing gear all endanger their lives. Conservation activities are critical in order to protect these endangered species. Nesting beaches are frequently watched, and hatchlings are aided in safely reaching the sea.
Local fisherman and wildlife enthusiasts in and around Honnavara are working hard to save these turtles. Tonka Beach is being considered for a commercial port. If this project is implemented, all turtles will lose their habitats. They will never lay eggs at Tonka Beach again. Despite strong local opposition, the port project is not being abandoned.
The Pledge: Nature lovers and locals have decided to write a letter to our Prime Minister Modiji. Modiji, as a nature lover, has the ability to resolve this issue. If he visits Tonka Beach and releases Olive Ridley hatchlings into the water, he will provide irrefutable confirmation of the turtle nests’ existence.
On that note, the Honavar Foundation is offering everyone the opportunity to write a free letter to the PMO. The foundation is looking after for all fees. All you need to do is [Click Here] and fill in the form to write a letter to the Prime Minister.
Organisations and communities all across the world have worked to promote awareness and protect the Olive Ridley turtle. We can secure the survival of these amazing species for future generations by maintaining their role in the complicated web of marine life and appreciating their enduring beauty and resilience in our oceans.
Also Read: Places to visit in Uttara Kannada
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Amazing Article
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