It was time for us to get away. There was just too much happening during the week and the weekends. I had to getaway! 
What began as a thought materialized within 3 weeks. My adventurous buddies Abhilash, Steven and the new entrant Biju were part of the team. On much deliberation it was decided that we are going to do a trek. With Christmas coming up and needing leave during then, we knew we had to do something over a weekend. After much research we decided to do a trek along a few beaches on the Western Ghats. From temple town Gokarna to Honnavara. We planned a two day trek, preparing to cover about 38Kms. So our bus tickets were booked to Gokarna and return tickets we from Honnavara.
We got on the bus Friday night and in twelve and half hours we were at Gokarna. I must say I had better bus journeys than this one, off course with what was too lye ahead I knew it was going to be worth it.
Before we began our trek it was decided to check into a hotel for a couple off hours to finish our morning ablutions. Once we got that out of the way we were off. On our way to the beach to begin our trek we noticed what drew thousands of pilgrims all through the year to the place. With its narrow streets, traditional houses, and temples it was clear that the rich culture and history becomes the favorite haunt of Hindu pilgrims, Sanskrit scholars, and beach buffs.
Our agenda for the day was to trek over four hills and cover five beaches. We began at Gokarna beach. After a quick breakfast, we were on the sands of Gokarna beach heading towards the hill. After about 15mins of walking we approached our first climb to get to Kudle Beach. The climb was gradual getting steeper as we reached the top. Once we got up there it was at least a 500metre trek on the hill. The heat and humidity was getting too us. Thanks to Abhilash’s good planning we were equipped with water and enough energy bars. The vast expanse of water that covered the earth threw up a blue that you could have only imagined. The gentle breeze from on top there made the walk a little lighter.
Once we climbed down reac
hed the second beach on our list, Kudle beach. I have never seen water that clear. For a good 10-15ft into the sea you could see the floor with little fish swimming through your legs. Once we got here we couldn’t help but stop to take a dip. The water at Kudle beach was far cleaner than at Gokarna. The dip in the sea seemed like just what the doctor ordered. We cooled off and took picture to take back with us. After walking the stretch of Kudle our next hill was insight. On crossing this one we will land ourselves straight into the famous Om Beach. The landscape meeting the water formed a Om hence the name. The beach was clean with a lot of visitors mostly from the Middle East.
As we proceeded past Om toward our next destination, Half moon beach, the challenge was getting harder. With us running out of water and the sun beginning to take its toll we seemed to be getting a little impatient. The vegetation on this stretch of the trek was quite dense and tracks were multiple. This made it difficult to find our way over to the other side. It became a challenge when we lost sight of the sea. On a couple of occasions we landed up on the same track that we started on. As we were walking through dense vegetation, out in nowhere was a shack selling fruits and a few fresh drinks. After grabbing a quick bite of pineapple and getting some water into our system we were off.
The fresh energy could be felt in our pace. After trekking for about another half an hour we reached half moon beach. It seemed like as we proceeded from one beach to the next the level of clothing seemed to be reducing. At this juncture we had to decide to stop for lunch or move to the last beach. After much debate among the three of us it was decided to take a chance and spend the last of our energy to reach Paradise beach.
This leg of the journey seemed to take forever. There were jagged rocks that
we had to climb over. There were trails that led to dead ends and from there on we were on our own. There were places with huge rocks that we had to climb. It a was risk that paid off. In about 45mins of walking we reached the final beach for the day. Paradise beach. It is a beautiful secluded beach away from civilization. As we walked on the beach, we felt like we were the visitors. There were groups of Europeans, Americans, Israelis…. Etc. and the only other Indians were the ones running the shacks. The visitors, not referring to myself here, took the freedom to wear what they wanted or, how do I put it?, not too wear anything. Anyways it was quite a sight.
The break at Paradise beach was welcomed. The trek so far was good. We took a dip in the water and all of us were excited over what we have accomplished for the day. We ordered up some lunch and enjoyed every dish. We relaxed for at least a couple of hours. By the time we were done it was 5.30 in the evening. At this point we had to decide to spend the night at paradise or take the boat across to Sangam the next beach on our agenda and spend the night there.
On speaking to the friendly neighborhood boatman, we decided to alter our plans.The boat man sold us the idea of spending the night at Barka Beach. The beach was a deserted one. He promised us that we would be the only ones and for a measly fee the agreement was made. Steve, who loves cooking, very quickly gathered the chefs together and coned them into giving us a full chicken and some essential masaalas to cook ourselves some dinner. While Steve and Biju rounded up the ingredients, Abhilash and I worked our magic to get us some fire wood. We managed to get everything in order and take in the early part of the sunset before we got to our private beach.
It was around 6.15pm when we got on the boat heading toward Barka beach. The beautiful orange radiating from the sunset seemed to have penetrated every thing we set our eyes on. The sound of the waves slapping against the boat and sight of the sunset made the experience more than just memorable. As Paradise beach faded away in the back ground we could see Barka Beach draw closer. We couldn’t believe what we saw, a beach about 100metre long and about 50metre deep with the hill about 100ft high that formed a wall. So on one side you have the sea and the other side a beautiful hill with no trails going up. So the boat man was right. It was unbelievable. In this day and age of technology we actually managed to get away from life. It was great. We spent the first half an hour convincing each other that this was not a dream.
Without wasting much time two of us got down to preparing the chicken. The other two got on the job of starting a fire. As the chicken cooked Abhi and I contributed by slapping some butter on the bread that was
to accompany the chicken for dinner. After walking in excess of 15Kms, climbing 4hills, getting lost on more than one occasion, all us were getting impatient. All of us just dived in and enjoyed every bit of the dinner. It was the best meal ever. After eating all that we could, we packed the rest. We settled into our sleeping bags. Just laying down on our back looking up at the sky, the stars and the moon in all its glory was more than words could express. It was almost like we were in a different world altogether and I did not want to return. Our conversations on the beach ranged from man made machines to heaven made girls. It was the whole nine yards. After a long day got some well deserved rest.
Around 6.00 in the morning all of us were awake except Biju, his snore sounded pretty much like a tidal wave crashing against the rocks. The three of us explored the hill and got some picture of the sun rise. We took an early morning dip and basked in the sun. The warmth of the early morning sun is an experience all of us should have, it almost fills every sense and energizes you for the day. What a sight?! A beach to ourselves, facing the sea, fresh air, fresh water and a hill behind us. And all this for free, we just enjoyed what nature intended us to enjoy. We lazed around until, Eshwar, our boat man returned to pick us up. We decided to abandon the rest of our trek. The new plan for the day was to reach Kudle beach, take a dip, soak in the sun and eat to our hearts desire. Once we decided we had enough we trekked back to Gokarna and took a bus to Kumta, where we boarded our bus back to Bangalroe.
What did this trip mean to me? we may not have covered what we intended. However it was a time of great bonding between 4 friends. It was a time for us to get in touch with nature leaving behind everything else. Everything I saw, I smelt, I heard, I felt was more than I thought or I could imagine. The sun, the moon, the stars showed it self like nothing I have seen before. The temples, the structures and the devotees we saw at Gokarna, reveals to me the rich culture India has and how little the average Indian gets to see. One thing that really stands out is the fact that there are a lot who travel the world in search for beautiful destinations when all you need is right here. I have returned from this trip more convinced to explore what India has before exploring the world.
What began as a thought materialized within 3 weeks. My adventurous buddies Abhilash, Steven and the new entrant Biju were part of the team. On much deliberation it was decided that we are going to do a trek. With Christmas coming up and needing leave during then, we knew we had to do something over a weekend. After much research we decided to do a trek along a few beaches on the Western Ghats. From temple town Gokarna to Honnavara. We planned a two day trek, preparing to cover about 38Kms. So our bus tickets were booked to Gokarna and return tickets we from Honnavara.We got on the bus Friday night and in twelve and half hours we were at Gokarna. I must say I had better bus journeys than this one, off course with what was too lye ahead I knew it was going to be worth it.
Before we began our trek it was decided to check into a hotel for a couple off hours to finish our morning ablutions. Once we got that out of the way we were off. On our way to the beach to begin our trek we noticed what drew thousands of pilgrims all through the year to the place. With its narrow streets, traditional houses, and temples it was clear that the rich culture and history becomes the favorite haunt of Hindu pilgrims, Sanskrit scholars, and beach buffs.
Our agenda for the day was to trek over four hills and cover five beaches. We began at Gokarna beach. After a quick breakfast, we were on the sands of Gokarna beach heading towards the hill. After about 15mins of walking we approached our first climb to get to Kudle Beach. The climb was gradual getting steeper as we reached the top. Once we got up there it was at least a 500metre trek on the hill. The heat and humidity was getting too us. Thanks to Abhilash’s good planning we were equipped with water and enough energy bars. The vast expanse of water that covered the earth threw up a blue that you could have only imagined. The gentle breeze from on top there made the walk a little lighter.
Once we climbed down reac
hed the second beach on our list, Kudle beach. I have never seen water that clear. For a good 10-15ft into the sea you could see the floor with little fish swimming through your legs. Once we got here we couldn’t help but stop to take a dip. The water at Kudle beach was far cleaner than at Gokarna. The dip in the sea seemed like just what the doctor ordered. We cooled off and took picture to take back with us. After walking the stretch of Kudle our next hill was insight. On crossing this one we will land ourselves straight into the famous Om Beach. The landscape meeting the water formed a Om hence the name. The beach was clean with a lot of visitors mostly from the Middle East.As we proceeded past Om toward our next destination, Half moon beach, the challenge was getting harder. With us running out of water and the sun beginning to take its toll we seemed to be getting a little impatient. The vegetation on this stretch of the trek was quite dense and tracks were multiple. This made it difficult to find our way over to the other side. It became a challenge when we lost sight of the sea. On a couple of occasions we landed up on the same track that we started on. As we were walking through dense vegetation, out in nowhere was a shack selling fruits and a few fresh drinks. After grabbing a quick bite of pineapple and getting some water into our system we were off.
The fresh energy could be felt in our pace. After trekking for about another half an hour we reached half moon beach. It seemed like as we proceeded from one beach to the next the level of clothing seemed to be reducing. At this juncture we had to decide to stop for lunch or move to the last beach. After much debate among the three of us it was decided to take a chance and spend the last of our energy to reach Paradise beach.
This leg of the journey seemed to take forever. There were jagged rocks that
we had to climb over. There were trails that led to dead ends and from there on we were on our own. There were places with huge rocks that we had to climb. It a was risk that paid off. In about 45mins of walking we reached the final beach for the day. Paradise beach. It is a beautiful secluded beach away from civilization. As we walked on the beach, we felt like we were the visitors. There were groups of Europeans, Americans, Israelis…. Etc. and the only other Indians were the ones running the shacks. The visitors, not referring to myself here, took the freedom to wear what they wanted or, how do I put it?, not too wear anything. Anyways it was quite a sight.The break at Paradise beach was welcomed. The trek so far was good. We took a dip in the water and all of us were excited over what we have accomplished for the day. We ordered up some lunch and enjoyed every dish. We relaxed for at least a couple of hours. By the time we were done it was 5.30 in the evening. At this point we had to decide to spend the night at paradise or take the boat across to Sangam the next beach on our agenda and spend the night there.
On speaking to the friendly neighborhood boatman, we decided to alter our plans.The boat man sold us the idea of spending the night at Barka Beach. The beach was a deserted one. He promised us that we would be the only ones and for a measly fee the agreement was made. Steve, who loves cooking, very quickly gathered the chefs together and coned them into giving us a full chicken and some essential masaalas to cook ourselves some dinner. While Steve and Biju rounded up the ingredients, Abhilash and I worked our magic to get us some fire wood. We managed to get everything in order and take in the early part of the sunset before we got to our private beach.
It was around 6.15pm when we got on the boat heading toward Barka beach. The beautiful orange radiating from the sunset seemed to have penetrated every thing we set our eyes on. The sound of the waves slapping against the boat and sight of the sunset made the experience more than just memorable. As Paradise beach faded away in the back ground we could see Barka Beach draw closer. We couldn’t believe what we saw, a beach about 100metre long and about 50metre deep with the hill about 100ft high that formed a wall. So on one side you have the sea and the other side a beautiful hill with no trails going up. So the boat man was right. It was unbelievable. In this day and age of technology we actually managed to get away from life. It was great. We spent the first half an hour convincing each other that this was not a dream.
Without wasting much time two of us got down to preparing the chicken. The other two got on the job of starting a fire. As the chicken cooked Abhi and I contributed by slapping some butter on the bread that was
to accompany the chicken for dinner. After walking in excess of 15Kms, climbing 4hills, getting lost on more than one occasion, all us were getting impatient. All of us just dived in and enjoyed every bit of the dinner. It was the best meal ever. After eating all that we could, we packed the rest. We settled into our sleeping bags. Just laying down on our back looking up at the sky, the stars and the moon in all its glory was more than words could express. It was almost like we were in a different world altogether and I did not want to return. Our conversations on the beach ranged from man made machines to heaven made girls. It was the whole nine yards. After a long day got some well deserved rest.Around 6.00 in the morning all of us were awake except Biju, his snore sounded pretty much like a tidal wave crashing against the rocks. The three of us explored the hill and got some picture of the sun rise. We took an early morning dip and basked in the sun. The warmth of the early morning sun is an experience all of us should have, it almost fills every sense and energizes you for the day. What a sight?! A beach to ourselves, facing the sea, fresh air, fresh water and a hill behind us. And all this for free, we just enjoyed what nature intended us to enjoy. We lazed around until, Eshwar, our boat man returned to pick us up. We decided to abandon the rest of our trek. The new plan for the day was to reach Kudle beach, take a dip, soak in the sun and eat to our hearts desire. Once we decided we had enough we trekked back to Gokarna and took a bus to Kumta, where we boarded our bus back to Bangalroe.
What did this trip mean to me? we may not have covered what we intended. However it was a time of great bonding between 4 friends. It was a time for us to get in touch with nature leaving behind everything else. Everything I saw, I smelt, I heard, I felt was more than I thought or I could imagine. The sun, the moon, the stars showed it self like nothing I have seen before. The temples, the structures and the devotees we saw at Gokarna, reveals to me the rich culture India has and how little the average Indian gets to see. One thing that really stands out is the fact that there are a lot who travel the world in search for beautiful destinations when all you need is right here. I have returned from this trip more convinced to explore what India has before exploring the world.
2 comments:
Good job of writing Phil! I want to go back to Barka beach!
Hey man do you mind if I join you guys on your next trip. this looks so awesome
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