Mindcoveries: Kudle Beach: The hidden little Sojourn

An Interesting Fact About Gokarna

One has to be really lucky to discover a beach that is far from being commercialized in a country of 1.2 billion people. Our road trip took us to one such beach that is less popular hence more inviting.

We drive past the spiritual town of Gokarna and follow the narrow road that leads to Om Beach. Abruptly, off the road we see a sign directing us to our hideout for the next two days. Bending a little, we take a closer look at the trail that appears to meet the forest with no hint of any accommodation in the vicinity. Bewildered, we call up the care taker to guide us. He emerges from the very trail fueling our apprehensions.

"Bewildered, we call up the care taker to guide us. He emerges from the very trail fueling our apprehensions."

We carefully drive down the muddy descend to land in an open space interspersed by hand built wooden cottages. Built on a slight height, this cottage with a bed and an attached bathroom is the best way to spend some quiet time in the wilderness away from the maddening crowds. I sit on the steps, slowly sipping the hot tea and listen to the constant chirping of birds. A dog at a distance wags its tail as though to welcome us to his space. As I walk further towards the edge of the hill, I see an isolated boulder half submerged in water, a silent witness to the fierce waves crashing against the Western Ghats. Like Gulliver gazing over the Lilliput beach occasionally marked by its tiny inhabitants, I stand there in awe .

This wooden cottage at the Kudle Beach in Karnataka was cozy enough to spend smoe quiet time away from the madness.

Wooden Cottage in the wilderness

The breath taking view of Kudle beach from the hills of the resort was jaw dropping.

The boulder stands isolated

We brush off the fatigue from the five days of travelling and set out to find our way to the beach underneath. A 10 minute rugged trek takes us to the base of the hill from which, a while ago, I had witnessed the huge expanse of the white powdery sand sandwiched between the Western Ghats and roaring Arabian sea. It doesn't take long to realize that a love affair has just begun.

After a stroll along the shore, we settle down at a spot throwing curious glances at a group engrossed in learning a martial art, another group at some distance is practising yoga. It is a refreshing site to find people uninterested in what others are doing. THAT is the real charm of this place. We join a bunch of hippies playing bongo, dance along and enter in a state of trance.

"It is a refreshing site to find people uninterested in what others are doing."

After shaking a leg, we browse through the cafes sharing the space on the beach. The irresistible aroma from the kitchen pull us to Sunset Cafe. We nibble on our pasta and beer watching a kid playing and challenging the rising tides. The Cafe serves generous quantities of delicious continental breakfast.

The meal in the Sunset Cafe at the Kudle Beach and a beer.

Our long meal: Pasta at Sunset Cafe

Watching the sunset at Kudle Beach was one of the experiences that will stay etched in my memories.

The setting sun casts a spell

As the crowd starts returning to their shacks, we warm ourselves with a shawl and watch the ball of fire cast a spell on the water. As the sun meets the sea, we lie down and let a million stars shine down on us.

Have you ever found such hidden heaven?
Join me on my journey through Facebook, Twitter or subscribe through my email to get updates.

EPK9VQQ3NVR4