Kumta is a bustling town surrounded by Arabian Sea on the west and Aghanashini river to the north that ultimately meets the sea – creating a triple ecosystem of sea, freshwater and estuarine fishes to savour š
While I havenāt encountered a ābadā (read NOT FRESH) seafood in Kumta, one seafood restaurant stood out.
Utsav Hotel, Kumbeshwar temple road, Kumta
Popular among locals, Utsav Hotel is a small, no-frill restaurant serving delicious fare of Mangalorean-style seafood at very economical prices.
A fish thali costs INR 70 !!

- Must eat: Fish Thali, chicken ghee roast, Anjal masala fry, prawns fry
- Ambiance: non-AC, family and kids friendly
- Parking: no dedicated parking space for cars and motorcycles (motorcycles can be parked in front of the hotel, not possible for cars)
- Mode of payment: Cash, UPI
- No toilet for men and women
- No soft drinks are available
- Timings: 11:30am to 3:30pm and 7pm to 10pm (open all days of the week)
- Location: Utsav Hotel, Kumta (Google maps link)

With the main course over, next building houses a popular ice-cream shop serving delicious Gadbud ice-cream š
New Simla Ice-cream Parlour, Kumbeshwar temple road, Kumta
Hidden in a basement, they serve the best Gadbud ice-cream in Kumta.

- Must eat: Gadbud, Lighthouse ice-cream
- Ambiance: non-AC, family and kids friendly
- Mode of payment: Cash, UPI
- No toilet for men and women
- Timings: 10am to 9pm (open all days of the week)
- Location: New Simla ice-cream parlour, Kumta (Google Maps link)

After such a meal, walk down to the beach to relish the sea breeze and catch a nap under a tree š
Or if you arenāt lazy , head to the beautiful Mirjan Fort about 15kms from Utsav Hotel.
Useful Information on Mirjan Fort:
- Mirjan fort is located about 15 kms from Kumta
- Best mode of transport: motorcycle/private car , there are buses/auto-rickshaw which ply from Kumta to the fort
- There is NO entrance fee to visit the monument
- Parking: speak to the shops outside the fort to allow parking of the car, motorcycle and return the favour by buying snacks, cool-drinks, tender coconut etc
- Fort Timings: 9 am to 6 pm (all days of the week)
- Carry water, sunglasses and a hat while visiting Mirjan Fort
- Fort-tour guide: Not available


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