Sharavathi Kandla Mangrove Boardwalk Honnavar

Sharavathi Kandla Mangrove Boardwalk is one of the most peaceful and unique tourist places in Honnavar, Karnataka. It is also known as Kandla Vana, Honnavar Mangrove Boardwalk, and Sharavathi Mangrove Walkway. This beautiful wooden walkway takes travellers through thick mangrove forests near the Sharavathi River and gives a completely different experience from regular beaches, waterfalls, and temples.

This is not a loud adventure place. This is a slow nature walk where you can enjoy wooden bridges, green mangrove tunnels, river views, birds, crabs, wetland roots, and calm backwater scenery. The official Uttara Kannada tourism page describes it as a wooden walkway that takes visitors into the middle of the mangrove forest and Sharavathi River, with the main attraction coming after walking around 1.5 km.

Sharavathi Kandla Mangrove Boardwalk is perfect for families, kids, couples, photographers, nature lovers, birdwatchers, school trips, eco-tourism travellers, and people doing a coastal Karnataka road trip covering Honnavar, Murudeshwar, Gokarna, Jog Falls, Apsarakonda, Eco Beach, and Sharavathi Backwaters.

📍 How to Reach Sharavathi Kandla Mangrove Boardwalk?

📌 Location: Near Eco Beach, Honnavar, Uttara Kannada, Karnataka

🚌 Distance from Honnavar Bus Stand: Around 3 to 4 km

🚆 Distance from Honnavar Railway Station: Around 5 to 6 km

🛕 Distance from Murudeshwar: Around 22 km

🏖️ Distance from Gokarna: Around 50 km

💦 Distance from Jog Falls: Around 65 to 70 km

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best For: Nature walk, photography, kids learning trip, boating add-on, family outing

⏳ Time Needed: 45 minutes to 1 hour for boardwalk only

🛶 Time Needed with Boating: 2 to 3 hours

The boardwalk is located close to Honnavar town and near the Eco Beach side, making it very easy to combine both places in one trip. Travellers coming from Murudeshwar, Gokarna, Kumta, Jog Falls, or coastal Karnataka road routes can add this place without much detour.

💡 Hidden Tip: Search for “Sharavathi Kandla Mangrove Boardwalk” or “Kandla Vana Honnavar” on Google Maps. If the route feels confusing, ask locals for Eco Beach or Mangrove Boardwalk because both are well-known nearby points.

🎟️ Sharavathi Kandla Mangrove Boardwalk Entry Fee and Timings

Sharavathi Kandla Mangrove Boardwalk is a budget-friendly tourist place. The entry fee is low, so families, students, couples, and road trip travellers can easily include it in their Honnavar itinerary.

🎟️ Entry Fee: ₹20 per person

⏰ Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

📸 Photoshoot Charges: Extra charges apply for pre-wedding shoots and professional shoots

🅿️ Parking: Available near the entrance

🚻 Restroom: Basic restroom facility available

🍵 Food: Small snacks, tea, water, and refreshments available near the entrance

⏳ Time Required: 45 minutes to 1 hour

👧 Best For Kids: Yes, but parents should hold small children’s hands while walking

Carry small cash because small counters, parking helpers, local shops, and snack stalls may not always accept online payments.

💡 Hidden Tip: Visit before 11:00 AM or after 4:00 PM. The walkway looks more beautiful in soft light, and you can avoid the harsh afternoon heat.

🌤️ Best Time to Visit Sharavathi Kandla Mangrove Boardwalk

The best season to visit Sharavathi Kandla Mangrove Boardwalk is from October to March. During these months, the weather is pleasant, walking is comfortable, and photography looks better. The greenery is also beautiful after the monsoon season.

🌦️ Best Season: October to March

🌧️ Good Greenery Season: July to September

🌅 Best Time of the Day: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM

☀️ Avoid: Hot afternoons from March to May

👥 Peak Season: December, January, weekends, long holidays, Christmas, New Year, and summer vacation road trips

🌧️ Monsoon Visit: Beautiful but slippery, so walk carefully

Monsoon gives the mangrove forest a fresh green look, but the wooden walkway can become slippery. Families with small kids and elderly travellers should avoid walking fast during rainy weather.

💡 Hidden Tip: For the best Honnavar experience, visit the boardwalk around 4:00 PM, take a backwater boat ride after that, and end your day at Eco Beach sunset.

🌳 What Makes Sharavathi Kandla Mangrove Boardwalk Special?

Sharavathi Kandla Mangrove Boardwalk is special because it allows travellers to walk inside a real mangrove forest without disturbing the wetland. Mangroves are very important coastal trees. They grow in salty and brackish water, protect the shore from erosion, and support fish, crabs, birds, and many small creatures.

The wooden walkway gives a safe and close view of this ecosystem. You can see exposed roots, muddy water channels, small crabs, wetland plants, river views, and green mangrove tunnels. It is a very good place for children to understand nature in a simple and practical way.

This is also one of the best short tourist places near Honnavar because it does not take too much time. You can easily add it with Eco Beach, Honnavar backwater boating, Apsarakonda Falls, Murudeshwar Temple, or Gokarna.

💡 Hidden Tip: Do not rush through the walkway. The beauty of this place is in slow walking, observing roots, watching small creatures, and listening to the quiet forest sounds.

👀 Things to See at Sharavathi Kandla Mangrove Boardwalk

🪵 Wooden Mangrove Walkway

The wooden walkway is the main attraction of Sharavathi Kandla Mangrove Boardwalk. It passes through thick mangrove trees and gives a forest-like experience. The walking path is narrow in some areas, so move slowly and allow others to pass comfortably.

🎟️ Entry Fee: ₹20 per person

🌅 Best Time: Morning or evening

⏳ Time Needed: 30 to 45 minutes

📸 Good For: Photos, nature walk, family trip

⚠️ Caution: Do not run on the wooden path

The curved sections of the boardwalk are especially beautiful for photos. During less crowded hours, this place feels very peaceful and refreshing.

💡 Hidden Tip: Take photos from the curved sections of the walkway. These spots give the best green tunnel effect.

🌱 Mangrove Roots and Wetland Life

The most interesting thing here is the mangrove root system. You can see roots coming out of the mud and water. These roots help the trees breathe and survive in salty water. Kids will find this very interesting if you explain it to them while walking.

🌊 Best Time to Observe: Low tide and morning hours

🦀 What You Can See: Roots, crabs, mud movement, small fish, insects

👧 Good For: Kids learning, school trips, nature photography

⚠️ Caution: Do not step into the mud

The muddy wetland area may look simple at first, but it is full of life. Spend a few quiet minutes near the root sections to notice small movements.

💡 Hidden Tip: Stand quietly near the muddy sections for a few minutes. You may spot small crabs moving between the roots.

🐦 Birds and Small Creatures

Sharavathi Mangrove Boardwalk is a calm place for birdwatching. You may see small birds, kingfishers, egrets, butterflies, crabs, and wetland insects. Serious birdwatchers should carry binoculars.

🐦 Best Time: Morning hours

📸 Good For: Birdwatchers and photographers

🎒 Carry: Binoculars, zoom lens, water bottle

🔇 Caution: Do not play loud music

The place is more enjoyable when visitors remain quiet. Birds and small creatures are easier to notice when there is less noise.

💡 Hidden Tip: Birds are easier to spot when the crowd is less. Avoid weekend afternoons if birdwatching is your main purpose.

🌊 Sharavathi River and Backwater Views

After walking through the mangrove route, you get beautiful views of the Sharavathi River and calm backwater surroundings. The combination of water, trees, wooden bridge, and sky makes this a great photo spot.

🌅 Best Time: Evening

📷 Good For: Couple photos, family photos, nature reels

⏳ Time Needed: 15 to 20 minutes

⚠️ Caution: Do not lean too much on railings

The river view section is one of the most peaceful parts of the walk. It gives a nice break after the shaded mangrove area.

💡 Hidden Tip: Evening light gives the best river photos. Keep your phone or camera ready when you reach the open water section.

🚶 Things to Do at Sharavathi Kandla Mangrove Boardwalk

🚶‍♂️ Nature Walk

Walking through the mangrove forest is the main activity here. Do not rush. Walk slowly, enjoy the shade, observe the roots, read the information boards, and listen to the natural sounds around you.

🎟️ Cost: ₹20 entry fee

⏳ Time Needed: 45 minutes to 1 hour

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best For: Families, couples, nature lovers

🌅 Best Time: Morning and evening

This is a perfect place for people who enjoy calm travel, nature photography, and quiet time away from busy tourist crowds.

💡 Hidden Tip: Wear comfortable footwear. Avoid heels because the wooden walkway can be uneven or slippery.

📸 Photography and Reels

The boardwalk is a very photogenic place in Honnavar. The wooden path, green mangrove tunnel, river view, and small bridges make it a good location for travel photos, couple photos, Instagram reels, and family pictures.

📸 Best Time for Photos: 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM and 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM

🎥 Professional Shoot: Extra charges apply

📍 Best Spots: Wooden tunnel, river bridge, mangrove island section

⏳ Time Needed: 1 hour if taking photos slowly

Photographers should avoid blocking the walkway for too long because other visitors also need space to walk.

💡 Hidden Tip: Wear light colours like white, yellow, sky blue, or pastel shades. These colours stand out nicely against the green mangrove background.

👧 Kids Nature Learning

Sharavathi Kandla Mangrove Boardwalk is a very good place for children because they can see a real mangrove ecosystem. Parents can explain how mangroves protect the coast, why roots grow above mud, and how wetlands support birds and fish.

👧 Best Age Group: 5 years and above

⏳ Time Needed: 45 minutes

🎯 Fun Activity: Spot roots, crabs, leaves, birds, and water channels

🧑‍🧒 Safety: Hold hands of small children

This place can become a simple outdoor classroom for kids if parents explain the ecosystem while walking.

💡 Hidden Tip: Give kids a small nature challenge: find 3 types of leaves, 2 birds, 1 crab, and the best root pattern. It keeps them engaged.

🛶 Honnavar Backwater Boating

Honnavar backwater boating is the best activity to add with Sharavathi Kandla Mangrove Boardwalk. The boat ride takes you through the peaceful Sharavathi backwaters, mangrove forest areas, coconut garden views, railway bridge side, lotus points, and hidden scenic spots. This is a must-do activity for families, couples, photographers, and travellers who want to enjoy Honnavar properly.

🛶 Boating Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM

🌅 Best Time for Boating: 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM

👥 Shared Boat Charge: ₹150 to ₹200 per person

🚤 Private Boat Charge: ₹1,000 to ₹1,200 for 1 hour

⏳ 1.5 Hour Private Boat: Around ₹1,500 per boat

⏳ 2 Hour Private Boat: Around ₹2,000 per boat

🌅 Sunrise or Sunset Ride: Around ₹1,200 for private ride

📸 Pre-Wedding Boat Package: Around ₹2,500 for 2 hours

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Capacity: Usually 4 to 8 people depending on boat size

📷 Best For: Family boating, couple photos, sunset ride, kids outing, nature photography

🛶 Best Boating Package to Choose

⏱️ For Quick Visit: Choose 1-hour boat ride

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 For Families: Choose 1.5-hour private boat

📸 For Photography: Choose 1.5-hour or 2-hour private boat

💑 For Couples: Choose sunset private ride

🎥 For Reels and Pre-Wedding: Choose 2-hour package

Backwater boating makes the Honnavar trip feel complete. If you visit only the boardwalk, the trip may feel short. Add boating and Eco Beach to make it a proper half-day plan.

💡 Hidden Tip: Book the evening slot around 4:30 PM. Finish the boardwalk first, take the backwater boat ride next, and end your day at Eco Beach for sunset.

⚠️ Things to Be Very Cautious and Careful About

🌧️ Be Careful During Rain

The wooden walkway becomes slippery during rain. Wear shoes or sandals with grip. Avoid running, jumping, or rushing for photos.

👧 Hold Kids Carefully

The walkway can be narrow, and some sections may have small gaps between wooden planks. Hold the hands of small children and do not allow them to run.

🌱 Do Not Touch or Break Mangrove Roots

Mangrove roots are part of a sensitive ecosystem. Do not pull, break, climb, or damage any roots or branches.

🦀 Do Not Step Into Muddy Areas

The mud near mangroves can be slippery and deep. Stay only on the wooden path.

📸 Avoid Risky Photos

Do not sit on railings, climb edges, lean too much, or block the walkway for long photoshoots.

🦟 Carry Mosquito Repellent

Since this is a wetland area, mosquitoes may be present, especially in the evening.

🗑️ Do Not Throw Plastic

Carry your waste back. Do not throw bottles, chips covers, food waste, or plastic inside the mangrove area.

⏰ Do Not Visit Too Late

Finish your visit before sunset. The mangrove area gets darker quickly, and the walkway is best enjoyed in daylight.

💡 Hidden Tip: If you are visiting with kids or elderly people, avoid monsoon evenings. Choose a dry morning visit for a safer and more comfortable walk.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Fun Activity Spots for Kids

👧 Mangrove Walk

Kids will enjoy the wooden walkway because it feels like a small forest adventure. It is safe when parents walk with them carefully.

🎟️ Cost: ₹20 entry

⏳ Time Needed: 45 minutes

👧 Best For: Kids above 5 years

🎯 Activity: Root spotting, bird spotting, crab watching

🏖️ Eco Beach Sand Play

Eco Beach is very close to the boardwalk. After the mangrove walk, take kids to the beach for sand play and sunset views.

🏖️ Best Time: Evening

🎟️ Cost: Usually free

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Good For: Family photos, sand play, beach walk

⚠️ Caution: Avoid going deep into the sea

🛶 Backwater Boating

Kids usually enjoy the calm backwater boat ride. Choose a private boat if travelling with children because it is more comfortable.

🛶 Cost: ₹150 to ₹200 per person for shared ride, ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 for private boat

🌅 Best Time: Morning or evening

🦺 Safety: Life jackets must be worn

🐦 Birdwatching Game

Carry binoculars and ask kids to spot birds, leaves, crabs, and water channels. This turns the trip into a learning experience.

💡 Hidden Tip: Carry snacks and water for kids. Do not depend fully on food stalls near the boardwalk.

🍽️ Food Facilities at Sharavathi Kandla Mangrove

Food options near the boardwalk are basic. You can get tea, water, snacks, cold drinks, and light refreshments near the entrance. For proper meals, go to Honnavar town.

🍵 Near Boardwalk: Tea, snacks, water, cold drinks

🍛 Proper Food: Honnavar town restaurants

🐟 Must Try: Fish curry meals, neer dosa, coastal meals, ghee roast, seafood thali

🥥 Quick Snacks: Tender coconut, banana chips, local fried snacks

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Tip: Carry snacks for children

🚗 Best Plan: Eat before visiting or have lunch in Honnavar town after the visit

If you are travelling with elderly people or children, do not depend on the boardwalk food stalls for a full meal.

💡 Hidden Tip: Plan your lunch in Honnavar town and keep the boardwalk for a morning or evening visit. This will make the trip easier and more comfortable.

🅿️ Parking Facilities at Sharavathi Kandla Mangrove

Parking is available near the entrance of Sharavathi Kandla Mangrove Boardwalk. Cars and bikes can be parked nearby. During weekends and holidays, the area can get crowded, so reach early.

🅿️ Bike Parking: Available

🚗 Car Parking: Available

💰 Parking Cost: Usually free or nominal

🌅 Best Time for Easy Parking: Morning before 11:00 AM

👥 Peak Crowd: Weekends, holidays, sunset time

Parking is easier during weekdays. On weekends, visitors for boating, Eco Beach, and the boardwalk may come around the same time.

💡 Hidden Tip: Park properly and do not block the road. The entrance area can become busy when boating and beach visitors come at the same time.

🚻 Restroom Facilities at Sharavathi Kandla Mangrove

Basic restroom facilities are available near the entrance area. Do not expect premium washrooms. Families with kids and elderly travellers should carry tissues, sanitizer, and water.

🚻 Restroom: Basic facility available

🧴 Carry: Tissues, sanitizer, wet wipes

👧 For Kids: Use restroom before starting the walk

👵 For Elderly: Use facilities in Honnavar town if you need cleaner options

🛠️ Improvement Needed: Better restroom maintenance is required

💡 Hidden Tip: If restroom cleanliness is important for your family, use a hotel or restaurant restroom in Honnavar town before coming to the boardwalk.

🛍️ Shopping Near Sharavathi Kandla Mangrove Boardwalk

Sharavathi Kandla Mangrove Boardwalk is not a shopping place. For shopping, visit Honnavar town, Murudeshwar, Kumta, or Gokarna.

🛍️ Honnavar Local Market: Fruits, snacks, local items, basic travel needs

🛕 Murudeshwar Shops: Temple souvenirs, shell items, beach items, small gifts

🏖️ Gokarna Market: Clothes, bags, beachwear, spiritual items, handmade accessories

🥜 Kumta Market: Cashews, local snacks, coastal products

🎁 Best Budget Buys: Cashews, banana chips, coconut products, small handicrafts, shell items

💰 Shopping Tip: Buy from town markets instead of tourist-heavy beach stalls for better prices

💡 Hidden Tip: If you want budget shopping, compare prices in Honnavar or Kumta town before buying from beachside stalls.

🏖️ Tourist Places to Visit near Sharavathi Kandla Mangrove Boardwalk

🏖️ Eco Beach Honnavar

Eco Beach is very close to Sharavathi Kandla Mangrove Boardwalk and is the easiest place to combine with your visit. It is a peaceful beach for sunset, photography, family time, and kids sand play.

📍 Distance: Very close to the boardwalk

🌅 Best Time: Evening

🎟️ Entry Fee: Usually free

📸 Things to Do: Sunset, beach walk, family photos, kids sand play

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Good For: Families, couples, children, photographers

💡 Hidden Tip: Visit the boardwalk first, then go to Eco Beach for sunset.

🛶 Honnavar Backwater Boating

This is the best activity near the boardwalk. The boating route covers backwaters, mangrove views, coconut trees, lotus points, and scenic water channels.

📍 Distance: Nearby Honnavar backwater area

💰 Cost: ₹150 to ₹200 per person for shared ride, ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 for private boat

🌅 Best Time: Sunrise or sunset

📸 Things to Do: Boating, photography, family outing

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Good For: Families, couples, photographers, kids

💡 Hidden Tip: Choose a private boat if you are travelling with kids or elderly people.

💦 Apsarakonda Falls and Beach

Apsarakonda is a beautiful place near Honnavar with a waterfall, viewpoint, garden area, and beach. It is a very good half-day spot.

📍 Distance from Honnavar: Around 7 to 10 km

🌦️ Best Time: Post-monsoon and winter

📸 Things to Do: Waterfall visit, viewpoint, beach walk, photos

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Good For: Families, couples, photographers

💡 Hidden Tip: Visit in the morning to avoid weekend crowds.

🛕 Murudeshwar Temple and Beach

Murudeshwar is famous for the huge Shiva statue, sea-facing temple, beach, and temple tower views. It is one of the best places to combine with Honnavar.

📍 Distance: Around 22 km

🌅 Best Time: Morning or evening

🛕 Things to Do: Temple visit, beach walk, photography, food near beach

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Good For: Families, temple travellers, photographers

💡 Hidden Tip: Visit the temple tower viewpoint if it is open. You can get beautiful sea and Shiva statue views from the top.

🧘 Gokarna

Gokarna is famous for beaches, temples, beach trekking, cafes, and peaceful stays. It is a great next stop after Honnavar.

📍 Distance: Around 50 km

🌤️ Best Time: October to March

🏖️ Things to Do: Om Beach, Kudle Beach, Mahabaleshwar Temple, beach trek

🎒 Good For: Couples, backpackers, families, beach lovers

💡 Hidden Tip: Stay overnight in Gokarna if you want a relaxed beach holiday.

💦 Jog Falls

Jog Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in Karnataka and is formed by the Sharavathi River. It is a must-visit if you are travelling during monsoon or post-monsoon.

📍 Distance from Honnavar: Around 65 to 70 km

🌧️ Best Time: July to January

📸 Things to Do: Waterfall viewpoint, photography, nature drive

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Good For: Families, photographers, nature lovers

💡 Hidden Tip: Visit after heavy rains for the strongest waterfall view.

🗣️Sharavathi Kandla Mangrove Boardwalk Traveller Reviews

😊 Good Traveller Reviews

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Peaceful mangrove walk near Honnavar”
Sharavathi Kandla Mangrove Boardwalk feels calm, green, and different from regular beach tourist spots. The wooden walkway through the mangrove forest gives a refreshing nature experience, especially in the morning and evening.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Best short stop for families and nature lovers”
This place is very easy to cover in less than one hour, making it perfect for families, kids, couples, and road trip travellers. The entry fee is low, the walk is simple, and the mangrove roots make the place interesting for children.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Good place for photos and reels”
The green mangrove tunnel, wooden path, river view, and backwater surroundings make this a beautiful photography spot. It is especially good for couple photos, family pictures, travel reels, and nature photography.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Boating makes the trip more enjoyable”
The boardwalk alone is a short visit, but when combined with Honnavar backwater boating, the trip feels complete. The boat ride through the backwaters, coconut trees, mangrove areas, and sunset views is a peaceful experience.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Perfect to combine with Eco Beach”
Eco Beach is very close to the boardwalk, so travellers can easily visit both places together. A good plan is to visit the mangrove boardwalk first, take a boat ride, and then enjoy sunset at Eco Beach.

😕 Bad Traveller Reviews

⭐⭐⭐ “The place feels short if you visit only the boardwalk”
Some travellers may feel that the boardwalk alone does not take much time. It is better to combine it with boating, Eco Beach, Apsarakonda, Murudeshwar, or Gokarna to make the trip more worthwhile.

⭐⭐⭐ “Can get crowded on weekends”
The walkway is narrow in some sections, so weekends and holidays can feel crowded. It becomes difficult to take peaceful photos when many people are walking in both directions.

⭐⭐⭐ “Restroom facilities need improvement”
The restroom facilities are basic and need better maintenance. Families with kids and elderly travellers may find this inconvenient during peak tourist hours.

⭐⭐⭐ “Food options are limited near the entrance”
Only tea, water, snacks, and light refreshments are available near the boardwalk. Travellers looking for a proper meal should eat in Honnavar town before or after the visit.

⭐⭐⭐ “Wooden walkway can be slippery during rain”
During monsoon or after rainfall, the wooden path can become slippery. Visitors should wear footwear with good grip and walk slowly, especially with kids and elderly people.

⭐⭐⭐ “More signboards and safety boards are needed”
First-time travellers may need better direction boards from Honnavar town and more safety boards inside the walkway. Clear signs about not running, holding children’s hands, and avoiding railings would improve the experience.

🚧 Drawbacks of Sharavathi Kandla Mangrove Boardwalk

🚻 Restrooms Need Improvement

The restroom facility is basic. Clean and well-maintained toilets are important because many families, kids, and elderly travellers visit this place.

🍽️ Food Options Are Limited

Only tea, snacks, water, and light refreshments are available near the entrance. A small clean food court with local snacks would be useful.

🪧 More Direction Boards Are Needed

Better signboards from Honnavar town, Eco Beach, and the main road would help first-time travellers reach without confusion.

⚠️ Safety Boards Should Be Added

Clear boards should be placed saying “Do not run,” “Hold children’s hands,” “Do not climb railings,” and “Do not step into mangrove mud.”

🗑️ More Dustbins Are Needed

This is an eco-sensitive place. More dustbins and plastic-free rules will help keep the boardwalk clean.

🧑‍🏫 Guides or QR Information Would Help

A small guide service or QR code audio guide explaining mangroves, birds, roots, and wetland life would make the visit more meaningful.

👥 Better Crowd Management Needed

During weekends and holidays, the walkway becomes crowded. A one-way walking system or entry control during peak time would improve the experience.

🪑 Seating Area Needed

A shaded seating area near the entrance would help elderly travellers and families with kids.

💡 Hidden Tip: Visit on weekdays if you want a peaceful experience. Weekends are better only if you are comfortable with crowds.