Road trips can be tiring! Not until, when you have the right group of people with you. I somehow was determined to take a solo trip this time. Damn, But no! This one also (like almost every other time) turned out to be a group adventure. Hopping into the car with my friends, we started the 722 km journey from Mumbai to Gokarna. The amazing journey to Gokarna started with all zeal and fun.
The night drive was thrilling, yet even more amazing was the morning sunrise and the view of Gokarna as we reached. What was so exciting to take this long night journey were the beaches and the famous naturally shaped OM beach.
All excited, we jumped out of the car and started clicking pictures, only to realize we were on the wrong side. With help of the locals, we managed to get through the right way and looked forward to the Nirvana Beach Resort. Now that was a disappointment, and a perfect example of we should never judge a book by its cover or simply do not always believe the online reviews.
Sometimes, merely trusting the online pictures can go heavenly wrong. Nirvana beach resort was a distress. It was shady with no proper toilets and rooms. The owner was just not willing to understand and we decided to move on. Tired and now agitated too, we looked out for other arrangement.
We looked out for many resorts but as a popular tourist destination, it was difficult to find any. As a last minute resort, we are all thankful to OYO. OYO was a much better deal, also a good and lucky escape. OYO 26870 Hotel Royal Valley located nearby the OM beach was indeed an easy access with good service.
Narrow streets with temples and café around the corners, Gokarna has beautiful beaches to explore. Walking around the town, street shopping can be luring for the women and also men who love it. You get excellent sunrise and sunset views. We hoped around a few beaches and the cafes nearby.
After the last night and long day trip, next morning we finally visited the Om Beach, located 6km from the town. The sunrise along with slight breeze and sand, the early morning cold water from the sea touching your feet was just the perfect start of the day. It was the time when we did want the clock to just stop and everything to pause around us.
After much play and fun in the waters, to hang out you have the Namaste Café. Located right on the beach, the café is serene with a spectacular view. The morning breakfast just sets in the right energy for the day. Hoping next you can find the the Kudle beach located at 6km from the town. We then started our 77.9 km drive to Murdeshwar from Gokarna. It is a town in Bhatkal Taluk of Uttara Kannada district in the state of Karnataka. It is known for the breathtaking 123 feet tall Shiva temple.
Murdeshwar temple, built on the Kanduka Hill is surrounded on three sides by the waters of the Arabian sea. A 20 storey Raja Gopura is constructed at the temple and the view of the 123-feet Sri Shiva idol from the top of the Raja Gopura is just stunning. There is also a Rameshwara linga at the bottom of the hill to visit. A must visit place for all and especially for followers of Lord Shiva.
It was evening and we had our time over at Gokarna. Yet, an unforgettable experience, Gokarna is a must to visit place for all travel lovers or people who love the waters. Beach hopping, street shopping, temple visit and some amazing cuisine convenient even for the vegetarians, Gokarna is a perfect weekend gateway for people especially settled nearby.
