Coastal Karnataka: A rewinding trip

I was in Karnataka after 4 months, had last visited coastal Karnataka 5 years back and stayed in Mangalore some 7 years back. This time of course the trip was very different as we landed in Mangalore on a hot and humid May morning. We drove to Kundapura where we planned to stay in a river island resort, while stopping for lunch in Udupi.

The much hyped Mangalore Goa highway is a dangerous place to say the least. The two lane highway does not have any divider and has villages all along the highway. People on foot, on bicycle, on auto just walk past the road, without looking at either side, leaving the responsibility of their safety to vehicle drivers of highway. On the whole stretch we were close to knocking down a biker, came close to having a brush with few pedestrians and close enough to be hit bang on by vehicle coming from opposite direction. There is an urgent need for the over bridges for people to cross the road, and of course people need to be a little more cautious while crossing.

The backwaters of western coast have lots of islands, usually referred as river islands. They are in all kinds of sizes and shapes and some enterprising entrepreneurs have converted some of these islands into eco resorts, by built interesting cottages where you can be on top of the river flowing below you, amongst the trees that have been grown for generating fruits and in general the local flora. Some of these islands are big enough and support as small population of few thousands and they use boats as a primary transport to travel to and from the mainland. Some islands are only few acres and make a perfect size for a small resort. They have few cottages scattered across the island with a common kitchen and dining area with a caretaker to cook the exotic local food for you. To put your entire luggage in a boat and use it a primary means to travel to and from the island adds to the exoticness of the whole experience. This area is known for heavy monsoon, so if you are lucky you will get to see the heavy downpour falling on the backwaters and the plantations around you, it is almost like music to ears.

The beach is never too far from any of these places and since it is western coast, you can enjoy a nice sunset. The beaches are not too crowded and are long enough for you to go on a long walk and lose yourself with the horizon in sight. It is so peaceful to walk on the almost lonely beach that you tend to loose concept of time and distance. We walked on the Kodi beach which had only one big restaurant and miles of stretch on both sides inviting you for a long walk. There are no lighthouses and we could not see any big ships like the ones you see near Mangalore.

All in all a well enjoyed trip on a patch of earth that is still green and yet to be urbanized completely.