Gokarna Beach Trek & Camping | Plan The Unplanned

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Your journey begins at Bengaluru when you are lost in the star-studded sky, with the city lights fading in the background. With excitement in the air, we begin with a few ice-breaking sessions - the best way to get to know your fellow trekkers and unwind from the long weekday stress. As the night lingers on, it’s best to settle down and fall into a short slumber - allowing your bodies and minds to get that much needed rest. Enjoy the calm and relax as we arrive at our start point for an exhilarating adventure ahead.

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Peep out of your window and you will see the salt farms which gleam in the sun as a manifestation. Well, we will just about get there.

The sea is humid and has a salty smell as we roll up to the destination. Collect your belongings, walk into your lovely beach cottage, shower and eat a light snack. The actual adventure is just starting.

Our story begins in Belekan Beach where we hear the waves crashing around old rocky shores. Look out to the horizon and in case you are lucky, you may be able to see dolphins swimming by the Arabian Sea. The panorama is never ending and this is where we begin our first step into the trail.

We then come to Paradise Beach, which lives up to its name. Imagine untouched sands, calm waves, and rocks that are painted in their lines by artists traveling their way. Paradise is one of the most pristine beaches on the trail; raw nature harmonized with good human intentions. Savour the moment and take in.

Half Moon Beach is a crescent-shaped sanctuary and lapped in relaxed charisma between cliffs. This is the time to take a break. We will arrive here at lunchtime, so dig out your snacks and have some water and relax. Walk a bit further and you will reach the Rock of Peace - a seat of sunset chasers. The take here? Pure magic. The sky is painted in pastels, the sea in gold and, sometimes, when the universe is willing to be benevolent, we will see dolphins jumping along the horizon.

A trail goes forward to Om Beach which is naturally in the shape of the sacred Hindu symbol of Om. It is a very fulfilling, although fairly difficult, 2.5-3 km hike. When you get there, immerse yourself into the boho feel: buy yourself a handmade trinket, get a souvenir, or go out to the jet ski ride. 

We bring the trek to its end at Kudle Beach which remains etched in the heart of every traveller. This is popular because of its seafood shacks, wood fired pizzas and acoustic sessions at sunset, so with every meal you have a view. Relax, allow the air to be having its fun with your hair, watch the waves coming and going and just feel the heartbeat.

With twilight, we go back to Gokarna Beach, where warmth is forecasted in the night. Sit around the campfire, tell your stories and find the stars to keep you company.

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Waking up in the tranquility of Gokarna is like hitting the refreshing button on your soul. but the day to come? It is still fresher.

The second day will start with a nice little visit to one of the best-kept secrets in nature, Vibhuti Falls. Located in the beautiful arms of Achave Gram Panchayat, this waterfall is a masterpiece by nature. This magical place is perfectly described by its name Vibhuti which means limestone. The falls flow over aged limestone rocks with crystal-clear waters and the falls pulse with the beat that you can actually feel in your bones. Breathe slowly, immerse yourself into the sounds, the mist, and the complete silence of the spot. It is not just a waterfall it is a moving memory.

After this soul-satisfying experience, we buy ourselves lunch. Choose a traditional restaurant, have a taste of original Karnataka cuisine, and get all the energy you need because something is yet to be done.

And now we run to the sunset.

We reach Honnavar Backwaters at around 4:30pm as it is nearing the time of early evening. The water is so clear like glass and the sky looks like it has turned into a painting. Prepare to experience adventurous speed boating, swishing through the quiet waters as the sun begins the gradual decline. It is not just a boat ride, but a theatrical conclusion of a dream day. Have the wind play in your hair, experience the fresh sea spray and the way the horizon changes colors orange and then crimson pink and then dark purple.

Mirjan Fort is tall and moss coated with walls full of silent stories. This jewel of the 16th century and its mysterious passageways and fantastic views give the last touch of magnificence to our visit. It is the sort of place to which you stop - to take a picture, to get a breath, to have a moment of silence, of amazement.

As you near the end of the journey you will know something very beautiful: you did everything you wanted: you walked in forests, dipped your feet in five wonderful beaches, you saw the sunset over the water and you walked inside a fort that is a hundred years old.

Two days and life-long memories.