Being a Bangalorean and an engineer, that too from the mainstream IT Sector- a getaway is a very good way to prevent suicide. Just kidding, but yes, a getaway can save your soul from getting burdened with grief and frustration gifted to you by your beloved manager. It was the midnight of 13th sep 2018. After many failed plans, impulsively hopped into my Ford figo with 2 friends equipped with equally damaged brains. And here it begins, a semi planned(equivalent to no plans) 500 km trip manned by a single driver dozed with multiple cans of energy drinks. " Darr to rehta hi hai kahi so na jaye gadha".
The highway- google maps suggested, was quite good for around 200 kms. After that some under construction highways, jungles, hills and some more under construction highways, one way lanes forced into 2 way lanes made the journey a little longer than we expected. And how can I forget the sarcasm- google map does with you, in the name of faster routes. Apart from all those hiccups, we managed to reach Gokarna at around 10 in the morning- the same day.
The first sight of the beach from the hilly lanes of Gokarna, just took away all the tiredness- the superbly constructed highway had to offer us. In that very moment, parked the car in the hills and went through a spree of panoramic photography in our smartphones- FYI that's your only resort when you didn't get a wide angle lens with you (also when you are broke AF).
Before going to Gokarna, if you research a little bit about where to stay in Gokarna, you will obviously get a suggestion to stay in Namaste Cafe aka the Om beach resort. Come on, that's the most popular suggestion you will get from google, and also the most probable suggestion that will leave a huge hole in your pocket. If not, then either you are very rich or you are here to just see the photos.
Coming back to the track- by that time, in the morning we were already planning to get a place to stay for the night- and maybe if we like the price then probably for the whole tour. Eventually, we ended up in the Namaste Cafe. There is something to be noted, that the shacks will not be available at that time, because it was "OFF SEASON" as per the hotel owners. And we were also kindly informed that, the shacks will be available after 1 or 2 months. Anyways, booked a room just for the night there, because the owner whooped the price in the "runtime" for the next day throwing an exception "KAL SE BHEED BADHEGA SAAB, ROOM KA DAAM V BAADEGA".
About the room's description- yes a decent room for the budget. Surrounded by a canopy of lush greenery- probably mosquitoes at night(will come back to that later). Just as I entered the washroom, i saw 2 snails- one crawling in the wall and one crawling in the commode. That moment, i think my blood pressure was so high- out of fear, i jumped out of the washroom and resorted to the refuge of one of my braveheart friends(Mr. Accountant). He managed to do something to the harmless yet scary creatures that I feel not proud to describe here- may be something involving flushing. Anyways, had a shower and strolled to the place which is a prodigy over there- Namaste Cafe.
Won't lie for a second, the view from the Namaste Cafe was breathtaking. For obvious positive reasons, I will suggest all my readers to visit this place. Please, let it burn your pocket, but I insist, please go there and stay at least for a night. You won't regret the view, the beach walk, the seamless night sky full of stars, the Sunrise- thank me later.
Here, you will see some photos, why I am insisting. I will pass the power of judgement to you.
The temperature was very pleasant and the humidity was not that high. That was the sole reason we could click these pictures right under the Sun, without getting a Sun stroke or dehydration or a list of 101 ways to die in direct exposure of Sun in a beach.
Some of the photos, I have no idea why I clicked, but you know, it's very tough to control when you see such views without prior notice. Aadmi Baukhla jaata hai bhaia.
The day was good accompanied by english breakfast, a good dinner and occasional shouting of drunk girls in the beach(Ai shapath, ladke shant ho raakkhe the #notbeingsexist). After dinner, we felt the push of the energy drink wearing out. But still, we strolled for sometime in the beach. The moon was shining bright in the night sky. Seemed like someone had put a bluish tint on the sands of the beach. Felt like an instagram filter. The cool breeze, the sound of the crashing waves, the clatter of the plates, people laughing and enjoying the moment with a bottle of beer- all of these made such a peaceful, serene ambience, our eyes went heavy - we had to call it a night.
But I can't deny- Namaste cafe, you are awesome. Though you burnt a hole in my pocket, but without you my Gokarna trip would have gone in vain.
Last night, before sleeping we had tuned our phones to alarm us in the morning so that we don't miss the sunrise. And we didn't miss. We woke up somehow in the early morning around at 5- wasn't that tough considering the orchestra of the mosquitoes going around in the room for the whole night. But they seemed way more blood thirsty than the ones we see normally. #Khoon me mithaas.
Anyways, went to the beach straight away with our fully charged mobile phones. The view was so beautiful- that was one of the best, that I had seen in my whole life. Fishermen were rushing with their boats towards the calm sea for the early catch, crabs were running on the rocks, dogs were running free on the sands,Sea birds making guest appearance- both for us and the healthy fishes, people were busy with their yoga and suryanamaskar. I was getting confused, what to capture and what not to. Later, came back to conscience and here is the gyaan out of it. Ladies doing yoga if caught in my phone by their boyfriends, then this body can't endure that level of pain.
The color of the sea was so beautiful, and the air was so cool and breathable- it seemed like a dream come true. We sat on the rocks for sometime, and enjoyed the cool air with a plateful of breathtaking view. Though, there was a risk of crabs running around and them interfering with our business just by a romantic touch, but that was not worthy enough to miss the experience.
There was a mixture of colours in the sky, which was reflecting on the sands as well as on the waters. On one side it was the Sun making its stage appearance, and on the other side the darkness of the night was making it's curtain call.
The sand was so cool, at one moment I took the slippers in my hand and started strolling bare foot. It was such a divine experience. It seemed like, not just the humans but the animals that were running and strolling in the beach were also eager to see the sunrise.
Please click on this photo to view the full image.
Finally, the proud Sun started to show his face little by little. The whole view started to change in front of my eyes with every passing second. It was like, an imaginary God shedding his/her blessing over the area and we were just seeing the enlightenment of it.
Please click on this photo to view the full image.
I couldn't resist myself from taking some pictures of Hitman and Mr. Accountant in that moment. It seemed to be the dire need of the moment to capture every second behind the lens. Because, without proof , it's nearly impossible to explain the view to other people. I know, hahhaa smart readers.
Please click on this photo to view the full image.
We kept on clicking till the time Namaste Cafe was open for the breakfast menu. Don't know how, that time we felt a grudging hunger inside us and lost the photographic enthusiasm. Magic hai bhai magic hai.
The colour scheme is maintained just the same, as we saw that day in the beach. The photos are edited to an extent to look exactly the way we saw the Om Beach that day.
Yeah, it might seem how come I am not in any of the photos. Here, enjoy.
As you remember, the owner said "KAL SE BHEED BADHEGA.......", we actually started complying with him from that second only. The very next day, on day 2, after another session of belly full breakfast, we shifted our accommodation from Om beach to Kudle Beach.
More to come..............................