My First Trip to Gokarna

On friday 1st march day before trip  got everything ready. Night of my travel (1st March), had to board bus from Aramghar on shamshabad road (Hyderabad) at 7.30pm. Communicated with our trip lead and everything was in place atleast I thought so. Reached pickup point on time and waited for bus to arrive. Then I came to know I was standing in wrong place which is mile away from the pickup point. Started running towards it without thinking anything in fear of missing the bus, reached the spot where bus was waiting for me, felt my heart beating faster then ever. Finally when I boarded the bus I could see me going to a trip in reality.

It was already late everyone got settled, took a seat next to window and felt so fearful. I mean why would I not be, travelling first time with a whole bunch of unknowns to strange lands. I tried to sleep by pushing all the thoughts flowing in my mind like a storm but could not because the fact is I have a thing with moving vehicles I cannot sleep in moving buses or trains so that gave me a really hard time to get some sleep.

When I woke up, I saw whole lot of possibility of knowing new places and new people with some common interests. 

 

                                                     [On the roads of Uttara Kannada district]

I met really great people that day who were really enthusiastic and energizing. I went and spoke to a girl in bus. I came to know there are people out there, especially girls, who are willing to travel with groups and that is so common for them. We exchanged words and I felt so relaxed. The very next moment I already made three friends.

Our first place on the schedule was Vibuthi water falls which is located in Ankola taluk of Uttara kannada district nearly 130 kms away from Hubli Bus station karnataka.

 

                                                  [Scenery on the way to Vibhuthi falls]

The Vibuthi Falls (the word "Vibhuthi" means limestone. The water in this falls comes past limestone rocks near Yana). A small walk and little hiking will take us to the falls.

 

                                                             [Vibuthi water falls]

Tried to reach the top of falls but it was not allowed as it is not safe. We had coconut water and the red color 'Kokum' drink on our way back. For lunch I had a full south Indian thali.

 

                                                            [Tasty Kokum and Lunch]

Next was the Kudle beach, witnessed the most beautiful sunset ever. I wished for that colorful moment to last little longer as sun was going down faster waving bye and welcoming the night to take over.

 

                                                      [Beautiful Sunset on Kudle beach]

Clicked lot of pictures in all poses possible, danced to the beats of Darbuka, made mermaid in beach.

 

                                                 [My group picture on Kudle beach]

 

                                                     [Rohan playing Darbuka on kudle beach]

There was this old man who greeted us, a yoga teacher who comes all the way from California to visit gokarna every year for 3 months. Explained me how spiritual this land is and its astonishing beauty.

 

 

                                                        [Yoga teacher from california]

We spent night at Paradise beach in our little tents provided by the club.

 

                                                        [Stay in Paradise beach]

On the other side there was a gang chilling under the sky shouting 

Winner winner chicken dinner, Jai PubG slogans. Bonfire on the Paradise beach became disco light and beach was our dance floor, everybody exchanged and shared stories of choosing gokarna for weekend escape. Star gazing under the open sky.

 

                                                         [Bonfire on Paradise beach]

I realised how awe-inspiring the day one of my first trip was. Woke up to the sun rise on the Paradise beach, Played catch me if you can with water rushing to touch the shore, fell into water and got all clothes dirty but more happy than ever.

In hot summer with roaring sun above our heads we started trekking along the side ways of Paradise beach. we made it to Gods own beach called OM beach.

 

                                                      [Morning trek to Half moon beach]

Delicious breakfast and glass full of coffee in of the shacks on the OM beach with beautiful beach view.

 

                                                [Mouth drooling cheese Omelet and hot hot coffee]

Look what I found above the tables in that shack.

 

                                           [Plastic mug used as a light cover for colored glow]

Amused by the incredible beauty of OM beach. It was so neat and calm. People where meditating and doing Yoga and sun baths. I talked to a Canadian family on the beach playing football, who came on vacation to India. I realized what I missed these many days.

Then came the time to travel back with lots of memories and experiences which I will always love to remember and revisit.

Though these days it is very common thing for people to travel with unknown groups to places where everyone goes, It was my first time and unquestionably very special. 

This travel made me explore the unexplored side of me. It gave me so much more confidence and made me believe in myself that if I want to do it I can do it.

My suggestion to people is if you want to go on a trip but are afraid to go alone and no one in your group is ready, There are lot of options out there with very less budget. Don't miss the opportunity of meeting a bunch of people who are equally insane as you. I also recommend solo travelling- it gives another level of boostup, perspective of journey and place.

So this is my story of my trip to Gokarna. Please let me know about your first trips and experiences in the comments section. Thankyou for reading <3.