Paradise Trek - Have you tried catching crabs?!
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Have you ever tried catching crabs??? Not an easy one but when you spend 3 days or more walking on endless isolated beaches, crab catching is one thing you might end up doing / learning.

Here, I am talking of the unpopulated beautiful beaches of the west coast starting from Kumta to Gokarna (can extend from both ends). Sun, sand, sea, breathtaking landscapes, super friendly people, age-old rich culture-traditions, history, not to forget the coastal culinary delight; pick and experience just what you want!

Let's talk about the sun sand and sea, leave the rest for later. The beaches that you can explore are Bada, Paradise, Half-moon, Om , Kudle other than the nameless many 10-20mtr exotic beaches. The sand's silvery gold and literally no trails of any kind. Walk on endlessly, catch a lone fisherman working on his evening meal, watch the rocky cliffs closing in on you very slooowly (you will wonder, is it my walking pace or is it that far). Climb/trek on top of the rocky cliffs for jaw dropping views of the Arabian sea and Aganashini river. Cliff's carpeted by green meadow surrounded by fort walls with 360 degree view of you know what!

The more remote beaches are Paradise and Half-moon which are accessible by boats or unmarked steep descends down rocky cliffs. These beaches are the new hippy grounds with Goa loosing its charm. During the winters you will find many Goras hanging about sun-bathing, meditating and lazing in the indigenous Gokarna hammocks. The shacks here serve you anything from a simple masala omlette to pancake to tiramisu; you will not go hungry here!

This trip can be a simple 2 day weekend trip or a week long one; totally depends on your interest; you can be a lonely soul or a party animal here! Whatever it is this is one paradise you will be happy to discover.

For the regular trekker/trekker; the trip begins at Kumta bus station. Most of the trekkers start from Gokarna and ends at Paradise or Kumta. The below plan will take you backwards.

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Day 1: Kumta - Bada beach - Aganashini river
Kumta is a small town on the west coast with a busy bus station and market around it. From here; take a taxi or bus it to Bada village. We get on the beach almost halfway. Walk in the direction of Aganashini River which is north. It is a one hour walk on the beach without any stops to the rocky cliff. You can see many cattle trails leading up to the top; take one of the trails to end up at the Tippu's fort wall. Climb over the fort wall for that jaw dropping view from the meadow. Self contained camp here. You can find water (fresh water stream) at the edge of the meadow. (You can camp here or continue to Paradise)

Day 2: Aganashini - Paradise beach
Break camp: Follow the trail (east) that leads to a mud road. From here walk in the direction of Aganashini river. The road ends to a trail which leads down a steep descent to the jetty. Take the ferry from here to Tadadi village. Your get-off point will be Tadadi fishing port. Once your exit the port gate; walk on to the left to Belekhan village. Find a sign board on one of the huts which says "Paradise beach resort; park your bikes here" this hut belongs to Madhav Naik who owns the shack at Paradise. Take directions from here to Paradise (the village people will be help you if you miss the sign board).

The walk from Belekhan will take you crossing a stream through some forested area on clear cut trails. You will reach a point where you can see the sea and a trail that leads you down a cliff. This trail will drop you to Paradise Beach . Your first reaction will be "PARADISE !" We have always over-stayed here; I am sure you guys will contemplate. During tourist season (October-march) you will find shacks selling food.

Be prepared (there will be no shops) if your shacking up here during off-season, which is most suggested as you will have the whole beach for urselves.

Day 3: Paradise beach - Om - Gokarna beach
Another day of rock cliff walking northwards to reach Om beach. If you have the time you can visit half-moon beach. The walk is pretty straight forward; if you end up in a trail which is/looks risky, you have lost your way! The best thing about this walk is that you cannot be lost for long. Om is a beautiful beach in the shape of Om and that's why the name. You will find many shacks and restaurants here.

The walk from here to Gokarna is about an hour long. If your lucky you can get a auto which is normally the case during the tourist season.

If you have the time and want to continue with beach combing; walk northwards on the beach to Kudle.




Other interesting facts
Gokarna meaning "Cow's Ear" Sandwiched between the Gangavali and Aganashini river it is named after the ear-shaped confluence of two rivers. The town is known more as a pilgrimage centre than a tourist destination. Locals believe that Gokarna derives its name from the legend in which Lord Shiva emerged from the ear of a cow.

The ancient Mahabaleshvara Temple is one of the major temples in Gokarna. It was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1714 and then rebuilt later in the 18th century. History has it that the Atmalinga brought by Ravana got struck here and his efforts to extricate it resulted in his throwing the coverings of the Linga to Dhareshwar, Gunavanteshwara, Murdeshwar and Shejjeshwar temples. The deity here is two-armed, standing, and at least 1500 years old. In the sanctum of the temple is a stone linga, encased in brass placed on a coiled stone serpent. The floor of the hall in front has an intricate engraving of a giant tortoise. The Bhadrakali and Venkataramana temples, Kotiteertha tank are other holy places in Gokarna

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Fact file
Gokarna and Kumta are well connected by road and train. All trains running on the Konkan railway stop at both these stations. Many private luxury bus/state road transport operate from Kumta and Gokarna to Mangalore, Bangalore , Karwar, and Hubli.

Bookings need to done well in advance.

Closest hospital: Gokarna, Kumta.

Hotels: Kumta and Gokarna have many budget hotels as well as resorts. Don't forget the shacks.

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Distances
Bangalore: 453 kms
Mangaore: 110kms
Karwar: 55kms
Goa: 70kms
Gokarna Rly station: 10kms on NH 17
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Tips

• Book your return tickets before you get on the walk; this will save you lot of hassles. You can spend more time on the beach
• I would avoid the tourist season but if your a people friendly person, I am sure you will make lots of new friends
• The walk is great during full moon nights. But this needs some pre-planning
• Avoid getting into the sea if your a non-swimmer.
• If your a swimmer see that you have someone watching your ass, the sea is rough
• Hydrations is the key to have a good beach holiday; it becomes even more important when your walking in the sun.
• I consume at least one ltr of water before one hour of going to sleep so that I am well hydrated for the morning. Consume at least 3.5ltrs of water through the day
• Beer is very tempting on the beach; if your walking avoid it.
• Carry loads of sun block and a scarf will help.
• Gokarna is a temple town; respect the local customs and traditions. Otherwise too, it is nice to have a smile on your face.
• Carry your cash in a plastic case just in case you jump into the water without realizing
• Auto charges from Om to Gokarna; Rs 75 -Rs 100
• Ferry charges from Aganashini to Tadadi; Rs 5
• Ferry charges from Gokarna to Paradise; Rs 50 if your sharing the ferry with other tourists or it is upto your negotiating skills.

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