Karachites have access to a vast coastline full of beaches from Sea View, Sandspit, Hawke’s Bay, French Beach, Paradise Point, Sunehra, and Mubarak Village to Kund Malir, Ormara, Gwadar, and Pasni. What’s more, the Arabian Sea is dotted with small islands near the mainland, some of which include Bundal and Buddo islands, Astola Island, Churna Island, as well as Manora. Out of these, a trip to Manora is one of the most popular and economical, too, for that matter.
Below, we’ll discuss how to get to Manora and what to do once you’re there, but first, let’s talk a bit more about what Manora is all about.
About Manora
Manora, or Manoro, as it is known in Sindhi, is not really an island. It is, in reality, a small peninsula that is just off the coast of Kemari Port and was considered an island for years, since no land route was known to the spot. The surrounding seascape is full of small islands, all protecting the endangered mangrove forests. The region is home to a mixed group of people, primarily fishermen and their families.
How to Get to Manora?
People have been visiting Manora via boats and ferries from Kemari Port for years. However, very few people know that the area is a peninsula, which means that it is actually connected to the mainland by a small strip of land. This strip of land is now a well-paved road that leads from Sandspit to Manora over land, making it reachable conveniently by car.
Things to do at Manora
Since the area is scarcely populated and mostly rural, the only activities on offer here at related to the sun, sand, and the waves. Here are some of the top things to do at Manora:
- Boating
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Horse Riding
- Sightseeing
- Shopping
- Water Sports
Let’s discuss these activities in brief below.
Boating
If you’re arriving by boat, you’ve already had the experience of boating in the sea. If you arrive by road, hire a local boat to take you out and enjoy a sunset on the water along with delicious seafood.
Swimming
Manora Beach offers clean golden sands and crystal clear waters that invite you for a dip. While there are no huts or changing facilities in the vicinity, a quick swim is still possible if you plan a trip to Manora Beach in the right weather.
Fishing
The best time for fishing in the Arabian Sea is in the winter season, and there are several locations that can be called the best fishing spots in Karachi. Manora is among them with the area being home to a fishermen’s colony where fishing for the best catch of the day is their expertise.
The best way to make the most of the experience is to hire a local as a guide for the fishing trip. They will not only take you out on their own boat but will also have a better idea of where to fish for the best catch and what you can catch in the water at the time of your trip.
Horse Riding
Many of the local people head to nearby Sandspit and Hawke’s Bay to earn a living on the side by offering horse rides to the visitors at a cost. You can also find horses for hire at Manora if you want to ride away into the sunset or try your hand at the sport.
Sightseeing
Manora is actually home to a few major landmarks. The first of these is the Manora Lighthouse, which was once connected to the Manora Fort. After the area became a naval base, the fort was buried under the base, but the lighthouse remains, talking about glorious times when the port was protected by the fort, and the lighthouse helped sailors manoeuvre their boats to shore without crashing into the treacherous rocks on the shoreline.
The Shri Varun Dev Mandir is also located here, which is a place of religious significance for the Hindu community. While restoration has been done on the temple over the years, it is nowhere close to its former glory. However, it is still a site worth exploring during your day trip to Manora.
Shopping
Most of the local fishermen and their families are handy and talented, creating amazing shell crafts for sale in the local market. You will also find small dhaabas offering chai parathas for breakfast, but the shell art remains the best souvenir to take back home as a memento of your trip to Manora.
Water Sports
If you want to indulge in water sports in the area, it is recommended that you hire a tourism company offering a package that caters to your requirements. This is because private water sports equipment and activities are not allowed, and all companies offering these services have approved licenses from the local authorities.
Stay tuned to Zameen Blog for more tourism posts. Email us at blog@zameen.com with your queries and suggestions.
