Beaches Around Gokarna - An Offbeat India's Coastal Glory,

Having only had the chance to trek mountains before, never experienced by the coast. The trail is about 30 km long stretch comprised of both beaches and hills from Gokarna to Kumta. The town of Gokarna, situated in Uttara Kannada district, sure brings thoughts of picturesque wanderings. Booming with tourism, the pilgrimage center is more sought for its heavenly beaches now. While it is undoubtedly a holiday destination for people from around the world, it is also a paradise for those who like to explore the less-traversed coastal path. Gokarana is along this route, sandwiched between the Gangavalli and Aganashini river mouths. Our trail started from the Om beach to Kumta beach covering Half-moon, Paradise, Belekan, Bada, Holanagadde, Vannalli, and Apsarakonda beach near Honnavara are towards the south of Gokarna. 

Gokarna to Honnavar, a 50-km coastal stretch, is popular for its breezy routes and pristine beaches, and one can spot many backpackers here getting sun-kissed and taking over the rocky cliffs on the shores of white sand beaches. Of late, the coastline has become extremely popular with trekkers, and there are many groups that organize treks here.The group of 12 people left Bengaluru on a Friday night organized by Travel my routes team, reaches Gokarna early on Saturday morning, freshen up at a beach side home stay and grabs breakfast from a nearby restaurant, packs lunch and starts off the trail. We taking place the trail at Om beach which is the base beach of the trek. It was the first time that I had experienced bliss in the solitude amidst the roar of the seas, sunny day and the giggling of the tourists. The beach is in shape of ॐ which embraces the spirituality of the place.

Once you reach the end of Om Beach, you have to begin ascend the peak. As you climb higher, you’ll get a great view of Om Beach. An hour-long rough and remote expedition landed us at the half moon beach, surrounded with hills and serves as a decent place to relax for have lunch and relaxation. The beach is not connected by road and is accessible only by hiking or boating. The way is quite adventurous with breathtaking 180 degree sea views, backed by the foothills of Western Ghats. The beach is small but yet exceptionally charming and quite isolated as compared to Om.

Continuing on our trek, it felt majestic to walk along the mountain trail where you can see the sea-waves crashing on the rocks nearby, prompting us all to jump to those. Paradise beach looked just like a private beach with only one shack there. Paradise beach isn’t that much better than all the other beaches you pass through, but it is bigger than Half-Moon beach. The beach truly justifies its name and is one of the dirt free seashores I have ever been to.

Climbing up the hill next to the Paradise beach will lead to a small village called Belekhan. Just before the village road becomes wider, beach surrounded by hill on one side. Route was close to seashore and green for almost 1 km until we reach a muddy path ending in a stream which is flowing into the sea. Tadadi still around 2 kms from here, along the tarmacadam road. Tadadi village is the place where river Aganashini empties itself into the Arabian Sea. One has to use ferryboat service to cross the backwaters of river Aganashini at tadadi minor port. The Tadadi village has a fishing harbor and many fishing communities thrive on the marine life that abounds in the region. We took snaps and was a pleasurable 8 minute ride to the other shore. The other side gave us a more sights of fishing activities - lots of ferries, some carrying bright yellow and oranges colored plastic balls tied together.

By 5PM we were other side of Tadadi port, our tempo traveler waiting us to take towards Holanagadde village. He dropped us near Baada which has decent long beach surrounded by paddy fields other side. Spent some time here at the beach climbing atop the rocks, spiking our feet in the cracks to avoid slipping, all of us sat tight, holding hands, waiting for the waves to drown us. Hiking groups do not camp on the beach sides without prior permission nor do they trek on the reserved forest areas without permission.

Harsha made us continue the walk towards Holanagadde Beach, crossing which we took a left turn towards a village just after Bada Beach. Into the village, we moved towards our stay for the night, it was Holanagadde Ramajaneya Temple dedicated to lord Hanuman. We had been a little surprised at the prospect of staying in a temple but the hospitality of the priests and their families overwhelmed us all. It was amazing staying there, witnessing the evening and early morning aarti, being able to just sit in the temple compound, doing nothing and be at peace – ah, and pure bliss.

Next morning, after crossing Holanagadde beach, we covered a secluded beach called Kadle after mounting a hill-top which again blessed us with an awestruck 180 degree view of the beach on one side, paddy fields on the other and boulders in the sea on the third side. The next attraction was the long stretch of the picturesque Vanalli beach where the encounters with sea creatures like Star fish, Crabs and fish excited the eyes.

I have to mention that the mountains were lush green with grass!! One could never imagine a grassland on a mountain near the rock-strewn shores of Arabian Sea. Beautiful things don’t come so easy and neither is the climb, on the sides of the path there is a lot of wild thorny plants. We had to find a way to trek throughout the path; not taking the ferry service. The next 2-3 kms of the trek were on the normal land and that short time away from the beach gaggle me crazy indeed– being a hardcore seawater fan. Next we left for Kumta town for lunch then reached Apsara Konda beach and waterfalls near Honnavara by tempo traveler. Set in a small village named Apsarakonda, the waterfall possesses enthralling beauty. The scenic location of the waterfall is situated near the Western coast of Karnataka and has a pristine beach in its vicinity apart from a tall hill and a lovely pond. All these elements of nature are enough to mesmerize anyone visiting the place.

The previous beach experiences have only constituted playing in the water, some little running around or sitting on the beach for hours. But this trek made us walk along the beach, taking in every bit of nature at our own pace. An adventure-loving traveler, a sun-soaking tourist, a nature and culture enthusiast, the coasts of Uttar Kannada district offers something for everyone. This coastal stretch is a paradise and there are many unexplored beaches with no human footprints on them. While the trek is tiresome, it is a worthy experience to encounter clear and white sand beaches.

An expedition in support of a remote school at Kodachadri Jungles

As every year we do, this time also planned to visit school of hilly and tribal area called Valur to support the children, situated at foothills of Kodachadri, located within the Mookambika (Kollur) reserve forest of Karnataka in Sagar Taluk of Shimoga district. This was initiated by Durga Charan and Vasu, Shiva, Krupa and few others continues our support contributing the school children essentials every year.

With Children and School staff.

On behalf of team I am glad to inform you that, it is through the plentiful support of many people like you that we have been able to meet the educational necessities of children studying in the remote school. In favor of the group, Shiva and Vasu requested their friends and colleagues to make some contribution to serve the cause, as we had schedule a visit to the school in the 1st week of July 17. The generous donation of each individual was utilized for purchase of school note books, stationery and other usable things for this academic year.

Stationary donated. 

It may not sound like a gigantic number but you can help by donating. Remember that any amount is better than zero. With belief that thoughtful support from supporters would continue to inspire us, we are sure that we can help them upcoming years also at our best. I once again thank you for the noble interest that you have shown for a cause and hope that this alliance continues further.

School as seen from the Santosh Hotel.

Hence we decided to go a trip for a cause at foothills of Kodachadri, we even planned to visit Hidlumane and Arishinagundi water falls which would be immensely beautiful with loads of new waters dumped by monsoon clouds. This time we were group of 12 people Shiva R, Vasu, Sudhee, Madhu, Smitha, Krupa, Nithin, Ashish, Shiva sir and family, finally not least of all Shiva sir Kid Samarth took a bus from Bangalore to Nittur about 400 kms journey reached early hours of the Saturday. Got ready with a quick breakfast from tiny hotel at Nittur, meanwhile School master came and received us heart fully, helped us by carrying most of our belongings in his motor cycle till the School.

Just Started.

Then took a bus towards Kollur, got down at Karekatte village gate and marched towards Valur primary school. The total distance that you cover to reach school is 6 kms from the main road. It has all to offer, that you can think of while going on a trek. Breathtaking view of scenic panoramas along the way, rugged and rough terrains that test your limits, adventurous and slight challenging. As soon as we walk 2 kms on the way to school, we could not resist our emotions towards nature. 

Mist covered path.

I am coming to this place second time, still it gave me unique experience with serenity of mist, seasonal water falls, streams and rivulets with full fledge all around. During the monsoon we can witness the freshness of vegetation and waters very abundantly. Washing our faces, playing in the falls and getting some photos, we had the pleasantest 6km trek of our journey.  This Path was much clear and it’s a jeep track, one can easily get to the school if they have their own vehicle. Started at from 10 AM from Nittur we managed to reach School by 12:30 in the mid afternoon by rambling slowly.

On our way to School.

Beautiful farm with so much of greenery.

We met and distributed the stationary we brought with us to the school children and Krupa did some recreational activities by encouraging kids, they enjoyed it thoroughly! Thanks much Krupa for boosting up the kids, soon after kids and teacher bid bye to us as it was weekend for them after spending some time with us. In the meantime Vatshala Akka and Vasu made piping hot and delicious Upma, in no time everyone finished the lunch. Worth mentioning that the school and surroundings lived up to its expectations of being simple and sweet, offered us a homely feel. Literally we experienced a village life to its peak possible at the school.

Gates to the heaven from the School varanda.

Santosh Hotel.

Journey continued after a decent break of nearly half an hour. Our next destination was Hidlumane falls, which is about 6 kms from the school, the nearest and only route to reach falls is a steep ascent and descent through the leech infested dense forest via Valur village leads to the Majestic Hidlumane falls. We took help from the Village panchayat spearhead named Mr. Bhatru lives near the School, despite of heavy rains, he encouraged and guided us with safety precautions. On the way we had cross couple of streams rolling with monsoon rain waters. 

Getting ready for Hidlumane trail.

Streams during monsoon were force enough to drown any one and crossing the stream was a real thrill and we successfully able to do it helping each other. The trail after crossing the main stream at Valur village became quite steep and the unpredictable rain made the ascent little difficult for us.

First stream Crossing.

I would like to highlight one noteworthy about super kid Samarth, he is just 6 years old and was walking with us. As soon as we enter into dense forest, for some time he didn’t realize that leeches started confronting him. Later he got to know that Leeches creeping on him then he got panic a little and felt nervous for some time. Vasu and his mom taken care of him smoothly and after that he didn’t care happening around him even incessant rains pelting down on him, he just had his own world enjoyed more than anybody throughout the trip. I am just impressed with his heroics.

Samarth,The Hero ! ❤💗

Less than a kilometer away from the falls is a stream that flows all the way from Hidlumane Falls. With all efforts we witnessed all through the trail at last we reached Hidlumane by 4:30 where food can be made available at a couple of hours’ notice for the trekkers. This path was packed of blood sucking leeches, it took almost 2 hours trek to reach here. Hidlumane is the last house from where actual trekking trail starts to reach Kodachadri peak. 

Hidlumane falls Stream in front of House.

In the dense forest.

In terms of trekking distance, the trail is a half a kilometer when you begin from the house. Enter the house and behind it are steps that take you to downhill, following these steps will lead you through sugarcane and paddy fields and put you in an uphill trail. A small stream tumbles on your left; remains all the way through till reach the lowermost point of Hidlumane falls. Dense evergreen forest canopy also begins at this point.

Hidlumane!!

One of the many waterfalls on the way.

The mesmerizing Hidlumane Falls is a series of gushing falls that offers a stimulating sight to the spectators. The waterfall flows as a sequence of 6 or 7 falls, each a stunning sight in its own right. The exciting part about these falls is that each of these falls is unseen from one another and each seems to be more fascinating than the last one you see. Though the most amazing one among them is the one that is the most isolated and is located at the top of the cascade.

The first main cascade!!

The clear white water roaring down against a background of boulders and greenery is a sight to behold. I didn’t get a chance to venture under the water falls, when I tried to get under the after clicking few snaps from DSLR it started pouring crazily, to protect the cam I decided to not to move further up, felt unfortunate. However, the water in this pool is not very deep all others enjoyed by taking bath in the cool water of the falls. Since it is rainy season the current in the water was quite strong.

Majestic Hidlumane falls.

We spent around half an hour at the falls, after saying good bye to falls we started towards School. By now it’s 5:30 and was raining with on & off showers. The path mostly with in the dense and largely virgin forest with huge bamboos and dense foliage playing host to a range of fauna — from leeches, scorpions, spiders, barking deer to gaurs, of course, the mighty king cobras. This is the most difficult part of the trek. 

Best entertainer in the trip !!

The one thing that seems to draw the attention of most trekkers on the forest trail is the plenty of dead wood that has been shaped in a very unusual way. The trail becomes difficult during the monsoon season as the rocks turn slippery due to the rainfall. There are thorny plants as well that needs to be avoided on the trail. 

It became pitch dark in the middle of the jungle, was raining relentlessly. Myself, Madhu and Ashish almost lost our way and shouted for others help. We were using torches, even though apparently we were trapped in the jungle by Mother Nature. Shiva sir came back and helped us to get into the right way, thank god!! At the time we reach stream near Valur it was around 7:15 PM, the stream flowing with full current with added new waters after heavy rain.

Stream behind the school.

🙇🙈🙉

We experienced a boundless adventure and learnt that how challenging it is to lead life in the Western Ghat rain forests. We had trek in nonstop downpour for 2 hours starting from Hidlumane. We reached the school at 8 pm, next one hour it was leech removal session went on with high drama, leaving to your imaginations what would have happened in completely dark conditions. No dinner prepared as all were completely exhausted, just managed with snacks we carried with us for our dinner and went to bed early.

Asish!!

Group!!

Helping Hands!!

Next day every one woke up late in the morning, except me and Madhu. Somehow we both arranged a campfire with fire wood kept in a corner at the school, later shiva sir also helped us. Vathsala akka and Smitha prepared yummy Avalakki for breakfast, it did taste like heaven. Altogether finished our breakfast and planned to roam around the valley. Since it is raining continuously we opted out the plan ascending the Kodachadri peak and Arisshinagundi falls visit as trail becomes difficult during the monsoon season as the rocks and dead leaves turn slippery.

The rivulets of river sharavathi creates stunning landscape view around the Kodachadri peak and 180 degree panoramic view from the school is one of the best that I have seen so far with mist all around. We had pass the time almost 3 hours at the stream coming down all the way from Kodachadri hills right behind the school where we had our stay.

Local farmers Busy with routine.

It was pretty entertaining with ShivaR, Krupa, Madhu, Nithin and Smitha clicking such amazing pictures over the stream, Sudhee the great being his usual and teasing along the way passing sarcastic comments for every conversation that happened with Ashish, Vasu at his energetic best. We had yummy lunch Sambar and rice again prepared by Akka and Simtha there at school. Soon after we started trailing slowly and steadily towards Kollur as we had book the return bus to Bangalore from Kollur. We reached Kolur late in the evening had comfortable Darshan of goddess Mookambika.

Western Ghats Fauna.

We completed the challenge given by the mountains and conquered not only the waterfalls but fear of giving up in any worst conditions. The experience has given us stories worth sharing and helping each other to cherish. Special thanks to Vasu and Shiva, who were taking care of all and organizing this event and made this cause event a success. I also thank all group members and others who contributed towards the event fund.