The name Karki is derived from a Sanskrit word. Karki is derived in Sanskrit from old Persian language. In Old Persian language karki is formed by kara and kariya which means manager of military. Karki is transform in a sername (thar) of kshatriya (chhetri)cast nowadays. After living of karki in Durvapura, The earlier name is changed. The earlier name of Karki was Durvapura. It is believed that Maharishi Durvasa did tapasya here and the old name came from him.

Karki is situated in the coastal area of Karnataka. It is 5 km away from Honavar town. One side of Karki is the coast of the Arabian sea and the other side are the Sahyadri hills. Badagani river flows through Karki.

Karki is in a coastal area, the weather is hot in summer. It receives heavy rainfall.

Karki is connected by rail and road. NH-66 (previously NH-17) passes through this place.^[1] Honnavara Railway station is situated in Karki. And also boat and Hanging Bridge facility to across River.

Government Primary schools and High school are available in this place. Colleges are nearby situated in Honnavara.

The population in Karki is quite widespread. Many ancient trees and greenery are found in plenty. Agriculture is carried out, especially the transplantation of rice. The paddy is harvested in the months of April–May and dehusked at nearby mills in the neighbouring village. The straw is fed to cattle.

Natural places of beauty includes the beach, the hilly areas with streams, the long stretches of fields and the local temples.