1725 Kms Solo, 9 Days, Memories for a lifetime!
Him (my bike) and I had clocked 10k kms and we had to celebrate and what better than taking her out for a dream road trip!
Diwali was around the corner and while everyone at the office planned trips back home, I decided to club my festival holidays with the weekend to learn Surfing at this mini-heaven, Mulki.
Mulki from my place (Pune) is 735 kms, which would take 14 hours in a single stretch in the best possible scenario for me, hence I decided to break down the journey. My itinerary, as I set off, looked like: Pune > Gokarna > Mulki > Goa > Pune, which of course, wasn't the same by the time the trip ended, wait for it.
Pune to Gokarna
I had never been to Gokarna so I decided to take my rest-stop here and spend a day to see the beaches. I booked my stay with Tusker Tribe @ kudle beach. Though I was mildly surprised to learn that I had to trek down to reach the hostel with all my luggage, it was worth it. The first evening was spent chilling at the hostel, relaxing from the day-long ride, making new friends, and playing mafia. The hostel had easy accessibility to the sea. Later that evening I decided to take a quick dip in the sea and the moment I entered the water, I was taken aback. I could see fireflies in the water! When back in my senses, I realised I had just witnessed bioluminescence for the first time in my life.
Even though I decided not to tire myself by trying to see a lot of Gokarna in a day, I ended up finding a beautiful trail which led to the start point of a mini trek to Paradise beach. Swam for an hour, the best form of relaxation for me!
I spoke about Bioluminescence with the hostel folks. We went to the sea again that night, this time to get a much better view. The moment looked straight out of a movie! After coming out of the sea, we lay on the beach amidst a million stars and about half a dozen shooting stars. I just didn't want the night to end, but alas.
However, this wasn't the only unforgettable memory I was taking back from Gokarna. I met someone with a common love for the sea. As we discussed her travels and dives, the conversation escalated to her convincing me to scuba dive during this trip, which was very much possible. The seed was planted.
Mulki
Next morning I bid adieu to Gokarna and left for Mulki. I took the Pithrody beach route in Udupi just because Him deserved to experience one of the most scenic routes in India.
Having been to Mulki before meant I didn't need any convincing to travel here. Gods were gracious when they decided to bless us mortals with this gem of a town. Located near Manglore, Mulki is known for some of the best surfing schools in India.
Over the last three years, KayakBoy has grown manifolds, from a little shack with 20 kayaks to now an amazing property on the banks of the river Shambhavi offering many more adventure sports including surfing, along with accommodation.
My routine for the next 5 days looked like:
1. Waking up in my tent watching the sunrise right from the bed
2. Hit the beach for surfing lessons with our favourite trainers Saro and Lingesh and try to catch waves
3. Try to reach the highest hammock, enjoy the view and do nothing
4. Savour delicious home-made and local food
5. Interact with new people, share stories and laughs, play beach volleyball
6. Go back to sleep watching stars from the bed
By the end of day 5 I made new friends, learned 3 new sports - Surfing, Stand Up Paddle, Skateboarding and made countless memories. It was time to leave for the next adventure.
Mulki to Murdeshwar, Netrani Island
The planted seed had turned into a big fat tree and there was no way I wasn't trying to squeeze a day for doing something I've dreamt of pretty much my entire life.
I had to leave by 5:30am from Mulki to reach Murdeshwar before 8am. I booked my TryDive (an instructor-assisted dive for non certified divers) with West Coast. After the formalities, you're taken to Netrani Island, about an hour from Murdeshwar via ferry, for the dive.
On the way to the Island, I was guided about the basics of scuba diving. We reached the Island but I had to wait the longest as I was the last in the queue. In the meantime, I snorkeled around and made some marine friends!
Finally, It was my turn, my first backward roll in the ocean! I had transcended into another world. The feeling of being weightless in water, the splash of colours in the form of marine life, sun rays piercing through water and the sense of awareness in a completely alien environment, is indescribable! Ironically, not even a second out of those forty minutes really felt like an alien environment. It felt as if I belonged there.
What was I thinking all this while, trying to postpone my first dive? Just needed someone to push me, I guess, thanks Jheel!
Murdeshwar to Pune
I was well aware that the ride was gonna be long and I had never ridden 600+ kms in a day before. Well, there's always a first time! After an 11 hour ride, Him and I were back to base.
The memories from this trip will remain very close to my heart for many reasons. A huge shoutout to Him, my love, who accompanied me with zero breakdowns or punctures. Many more adventures await us, Him!
If you're still with me, please ride safe, responsibly and travel sustainably.
Follow for more images. Until Next time
