After visiting Malpe beach last weekend, I wasn’t so sure that I will ever again feel like going close to the Indian coast just for relaxing or having fun. It was just to dirty, with shit-load of plastic bottles and other rubbish all around. Waves were high, and tide was strong. Also, it was hard to relax and enjoy the moment, as Indians were constantly taking photos of us, or just standing in groups and starring at us, without any intention of leaving. I couldn’t blame them, as they were very friendly and their behaviour was just a result of their curiosity. So what could I do? If you can’t beat them – join them!
After entering the gate of Namaste guest house, we had to go down the stairs, straight to the bar/restaurant. From there, an astonishing view of the bay overwhelmed our view. Light breeze was there, supported by the beautiful melodies of John Mayer in the back. It brought back some beautiful memories back to my head, it was just perfect!
Anyway, next weekend was approaching, and most of the people decided to go to Gokarna beach, which is few hours away from Manipal (by train). Because I was to lazy to organize something on my own, I decided to give a second chance to Indian beaches and I joined them.
Indian trains are “always almost” on time, with no more than few hours delay. Our train was only 1.5h late, which is not that much, if you consider the fact that he had to cross 55km long distance from Mangalore to Udupi (the place where our train station is). Whole crew was there, anxiously waiting for the train to come, altogether 17 of us (16ppl on photo, excluding me – guess what I was doing?).
Of course, when the train arrived it was full of people, but we managed to get in and find few free seats among Indian people. It wasn’t cleanest place in the world, regarding all cockroaches and garbage, but we didn’t care about it. Indians were very hostile, so I got the opportunity to meet Indian version of Serbian actor Srdjan Todorovic and his friend, manufacturer of herbal medicament for healing everything - from teeth pain to stomack problems. Also, they went crazy when they saw my sketchbook, so I spent half of the ride making quick portraits of them! It was quite fun and a promising beginning of the journey!
One of the things I like the most in India
Anyway, when we came to Gokarna train station, we had to take a mini-van taxi, as our accommodation was 20min ride away. When we arrived, we were surprised by the look of the entrance. To me, it didn't look too good...
After entering the gate of Namaste guest house, we had to go down the stairs, straight to the bar/restaurant. From there, an astonishing view of the bay overwhelmed our view. Light breeze was there, supported by the beautiful melodies of John Mayer in the back. It brought back some beautiful memories back to my head, it was just perfect!
After the lunch we went to the beach, to swim and relax. Water was warm, around 25°c, with not so big waves plashing the shore. Good company and nice atmosphere, few cold beers on the beach and beautiful view on the surrounding kept us there till the sunset.
We spent the night on the beach, with full moon over our heads, and sound of the waves crushing down on the rocks. We were alone with the nature. It felt really good.
Next morning, we decided to visit the beach located a bit further from the one that we were staying. Journey started with short walk alogn the coast, followed by half an hour adventure of going trought the jungle and walking on the edge of a cliff. Along the way, our crew got one more member – an Indian dog who stayed with us whole day. He was really funny, first he was leading the way, and then, when we arrived, he jumped into the water and than started rolling on the sand. He reminded me of my best friend in the world – my dog iuna!
We were on the beach for about one hour, when it suddenly started to rain. Some of the people ran out of the water and then straight into the closest fishermans house. Few of us stayed and enjoyed cold drops falling on our heads while we were swimming!
When the rain stopped, it was about time to start going back, as we had a train to catch. Along the way, we saw few houses, which were really nicely merged into the surrounding, so I didn’t miss the chance to take a photo of them. Architects enjoy!
Also, on our way back, we saw couple of fishermans, who were on their way to work. We also succeded to get lost in the jungle, because our guide, the Indian dog, wasn’t really sure about the way back. Or maybe he just didn’t care. We didn’t really mind that, because we were surrounded with an amazing panorama of the shore, and its beautiful colors. I have to repeat myself, but it was just perfect!
Back on the beach, we saw bunch of dogs and cows, who were freely walking around. Cows on the beach? That was new for me!
Guys who didn’t join our little adventure were in the restaurant having a lunch before going home, so the others joined them. I stayed on top of one rock to draw some sketches and say goodbye to this amazing place! On our way back, we had one last chance to see the panorama of Gokarna, the place that made me wish to go to Indian beach again!
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