Most of the time travelling  alone is not only to explore new places but excitement is all about meeting new people, knowing cultures , food and cuisines, lifestyles and what not. This trip is no different only thing lacking is time.

Every place has a charm of its own and so does Gokarna – a temple town with pristine blue beaches where the mountains actually meet the sea. It’s a place so serene and beautiful that only a notable poet might do justice writing about it. Everyone would definitely find something to take back from a visit to Gokarna. Cutting things short would jump straight into the journey:

Started at about 1:30 p.m.  from KSRTC bus stand, Mangalore on 17^th of January 2020. That’s the only bus under KSRTC that runs from Mangalore to Gokarna. On the way to Gokarna, comes Murudeshwara  which is another spiritual and equally beautiful place  - a must visit if without time constraints. The road which one takes to Gokarna is mind -blowing considering the fact that it has a river on one side and the Arabian Sea on the other side. It’s hard to have enough of it. The bus journey was tiring as it took more time than the allotted duration and was crowded by the time it reached Gokarna at about  7 p.m. in the evening. Getting off the bus, headed straight to the cottage that was pre-booked and was at a walking distance from the Gokarna Bus stand. Although the reviews about the cottage were average but the place was decent and actually it felt like home. Had a filling dinner and dozed off for the night. Next morning woke up early, quickly got ready for the day, packing a few essentials like water bottles, snacks and stuff.

Decided to visit the Mahabaleshwar temple  first thing in the morning. The temple is at a walking distance from the bus stand as well as the main Gokarna beach. Getting into the temple road first came across the Maha Ganapathi  temple. The temple road is full of various types of shops including places to have breakfast, tea stalls, clothes stores, handicraft and wall décor shops, stores selling puja related stuffs, beads , rudraksha malas etc etc. At the end of the street is the Mahabaleshwar temple  which is known as the “Dakshin Kasi ” -- Kasi of the South. Temple had a huge queue, so going early is a plus if one wants to do Darshana. Women in saree or salwar and indian attire for men is mandatory inside the temple.

There are beautiful graffiti covering the walls of the not so very large streets. Walking inside the cozy lanes gives a nostalgic feeling.

The main Gokarna beach is just next to the temple which is like 5 mins walk.

Returning back from the Gokarna main beach, taking the left route would lead to the Kudle beach. It’s a  20 – 30 mins walk to reach the Anjaneya Janmasthala  and then trekking through a steep hilly road full of rocks for about 300 metres is the Kudle  beach. A local can actually help in finding this shortcut route or else one can take an auto.

Kudle beach is full of ‘shacks’   where one can actually stay just besides the sea and enjoy it to the fullest. There are a lot of cafes and some real good places to satisfy our taste buds.

The huge waves crashing against the rocks and the smoothing sound of the sea is a lullaby pushing one to a state of pure bliss and peace.  The fresh air on my face and the wind blowing through my hair seems to take away all my hardship. Spending some time by the beach, lying down, soaking the sun or to sit on a rock or a café is a choice before moving on to the next beach.

Trekking for 3 kms next is the very beautiful Om beach. The road is through a sort of hilly forest but one can again opt for an auto. Om beach  is shaped like the auspicious Om symbol and so is it named. This beach is totally commercialized with lots of options. This part of the sea is much calmer with slow moving waves.  One can play beach basketball, go for a ride on the motor boats, go kayaking and lots more. The cafes and ‘shacks’ here have good options as well. There are trees and shades for those trying to escape the sun.

For me the clear blue sky and the blue water, people engaged in different activities, lined up boats, all the colourful things like dream catchers, beads, hats etc., hanging to be sold - was more than enough to steal my breath and keep me glued there until the sunset.  As also watching the sunset is a must.  Exploring three beaches in a day: both the Kudle and the Om beach has its own charm and beauty that’s irresistible. Furthermore one can take a ferry ride to the other two beaches: Paradise and Half Moon beach from here.

Return journey is taking a night sleeper bus from Gokarna Bus stand to Bangalore at 7:00 p.m. in the evening. Taking back all that one can devour in one day from Gokarna cannot be expressed in words, can only be felt and revived later. A combination of temples i.e. spirituality, beaches, moutains, greenery, shops, people, food and the vibe itself is sure to pierce through one’s soul. Also being a solo women traveller I can say that its quite safe. It would be good to have atleast two days in hand to actually enjoy and relax in this beautiful place  -  Gokarna. Those looking for peace and tranquillity, must have Gokarna in their list.

A few Suggestions for food: Namaste Café near to Om beach, Sunset café near to kudle beach, Mantra café, Nirvana café.
Accomodation: For backpackers – Zostel / Greenland guest house. Namaste Café provides accommodation as well. Shri Umamaheshwar Cottages have budget friendly options. Or one can check options on Make My Trip (MMT).  If not on budget can visit and explore CGH Earth – SwaSwara for Ayurvedic spa, plus yoga & meditation.