India has always been known for its diverse culture, language and food; so is the main attraction of this place – its diversity. So many people around the world come here for Yoga, Meditation or simply to enjoy the beauty of the place; from avid travelers, hitchhikers to hippies. But we Indians hardly know that such place exists in our country that too so near to cities like Bangalore, Pune & Mumbai.
We Stayed at Zostel which is one of the best places for both food and accommodation. It has cottages and shared rooms and a common waiting room where you can read or play games like carrom, foosball, etc.
Gokarna has 4 beaches: Kudle , Om , Halfmoon and Paradise. Mostly tourists know about Kudle and Om beach. But whoever went beyond those two, will never forget their experience and will surely fall in love with Gokarna.
The main attraction of the place is its diversity. So many people around the world come here for Yoga, Meditation or simply to enjoy the beauty of the place; from avid travellers, hitchhikers to hippies. But we Indians hardly know that such place exists in our country that too so near to cities like Bangalore, Pune & Mumbai.
One will be in awe as every passer by greets the other with a smile and a welcoming 'hi'. One can join the singing and dancing groups in the evenings around bonfire at Kudle beach and time would just fly by. We left behind all worries and despite of being amidst strangers we were filled with warmth, which in an uncanny way made us peaceful.
The next day after a sumptuous breakfast at Zostel, we packed our backpacks with water, sunscreen, glares and started off to paradise beach. We took a boat ride from Om beach to Paradise beach, where we spent some time moseying around,talking and observing fellow travellers. At the end, we decided to trek to Om beach on our way back.
Paradise Beach true to its name was as beautiful a beach can get. It has no shacks or anything that is remotely commercial. People spend time simply camping over there. I remember a gypsy who wore torn clothes making tea for himself on a small campfire. This is the place where 'doing nothing' is everything you can do. Its unpopularity has in a way kept its beauty intact.
Now coming to the trekking part. It was a 3 hour trek through the hills, cliffs and the forest. I can't explain in words the mesmerising view from the hills on our way to Om beach; that is for you to experience it... We made friends with a couple who have been coming all the way from Switzerland each year for this very experience. The midday sun had spread its shade over the beach, making the water sparkle in blue. The trail took us through extremely narrow paths carved on a mountain,twisting its way through the dense woods and was encumbered with shadows of Oak trees. There was an engulfing silence at some spots with intermittent rumbling of the sea and other travellers who ironically asked "us" for the right trail.
Finally we were back to Om beach again, but we were not tired, rather we were satiated with the experience we accumulated. However, we were hungry hence we gorged on delicious sea food.
At last came the time to end this weekend getaway. We were unable to get more leaves but Gokarna is a place where you can stay for a month also as there is so much to explore, to learn, to meet people from different countries of different types, some thoughtful others weird; boredom is the last thing that will cross your mind.
We packed our bag of memories and walked the streets of the main market heading towards the bus stop. For lunch, we went to a home of a localite who served us hot, home-cooked karnataki fish-rice plate with a big smile on their face. On our way back home, we kept wondering when are we going to go back again. Surely we will someday...