Adventure in Coastal Karnataka

Reached Gokarna in the morning, checked-in to the hotel and set off for Om beach. Tried to eat Dosa at Namaste Cafe but soon realised that they excel at firangi dishes than desi ones. Their pizza and orange juice is awesome btw. After filling our tummies, we (me and my husband) decided to walk to Half Moon Beach and not take a boat.

The beginning was easy, the middle part was the tricky part with rocky mountains and the sea and the final trail is the easiest of all. Despite my fear of heights, I managed to climb some tough mountains (on all fours, whenever needed) and finally reached Half Moon Beach. Settled down with a beer and chicken fry (chilli fish was horrible).

[Word of caution: Don't trek with bad shoes. Even though most blogs have not mentioned it, the trek is not an easy one. So please beware and take care before you set out on the trek.]

We had a wonderful time, enjoying the tranquil waters and no crowded beach until evening when we took a boat back to Om beach.

Adventure: Trekking

After spending the morning at Kudle beach in Gokarna, we hopped on a train to Murudeshwar. Though the train was delayed, we reached just in time before sunset to see the Murudeshwar temple in all its glory.

Enjoy the cave inside the temple to know the story of Ravana and his Atmalingam (also the history behind Gokarna and Murudeshwar). The tall building at the front has got elevators go the top which allows the view of the statue of Shiva along with the sea (which we couldn't see due to long queue on weekends).

We retired for the night at a guest house facing sea side and the second tallest statue of Shiva.

We had breakfast at Naveen Beach restaurant, which is right on the beach and provides good quality vegetarian food at reasonable rate.

Had I not booked for Scuba-diving with West Coast Adventures, I would have easily overlooked this gem of an island. About 1.5 hours away from the Murudeshwar beach, this island is surreal in aqua-marine waters and has wonderful marine life.

One can snorkel for as long as the whole team is done with scuba-diving. The instructors at West Coast Adventures are cool and totally good for first timers and panicking people like me. We had a wonderful time exploring the marine life and it is an experience to remember.

[Word of caution: People with motion sickness should take some medication as the island is a bit far and even scuba-diving can give motion sickness; so better be prepared.]

Returned in the evening, collected our scuba-diving pictures and set off to catch our bus to Udupi, a 4 hours ride away.

Adventure: Scuba-diving

After breakfast, we went straight to Sri Krishna Udupi Matt but there was a long queue (as it was a Sunday). Luckily, the daily rath yatra was just starting. So got to see that. And had Masala Dosa with filter coffee at the legendary Mitra Samaj. Totally awesome place. Explored the other temples in the campus.

Took an auto to Malpe Beach (not in the beach) to board a boat to St. Mary's Island. After 20 minutes, we reached and it is a surreal beauty. Just like the pictures I had seen. Enjoyed clicking pictures for a good one hour, ate fried fish and then returned to mainland.

Walked to Malpe Beach to enjoy Parasailing. Had the awesomest lunch at Chandresh Fish Fry (a must try for non-veg foodies). Took an auto to TAPMI to meet a friend, thus in thw process exploring a bit of Manipal. Came back in the evening and went again to Mitra Samaj to enjoy their famous Goli Baji (available only after 4pm).

Weekend is up. So time to board the bus back to city and life.

Adventure: Parasailing

All photos belong to me. Follow me @nookandcorners if you love a good story with pics.