Charming like Goan beaches of the 80’s: Kudle Beach, Karnataka
The first of the four beaches on the coastline of Gokarna town is the beach named Kudle. There are two ways of getting to Kudle beach. The first and the much easier way of getting to Kudle beach is to drive to the top of the hill towards the southern end of the beach and walk the last bit which is not more than a 10-minute walk from the top of the hill.
The other way of getting to the beach is to hike to Kudle beach from the town of Gokarna via Gokarna beach. About 20 meters away from the end of the road leading to the beach one will notice a road going left which goes around Gokarna beach. Walk along this road to reach Kudle beach.
After about a kilometer into the walk, one will reach the premises of a Rama temple which has a large square well at the entrance. The left wall of the well has an inflow of spring water that devotees claim flows throughout the year and has been flowing for over a century. Here there are always devotees bathing in that well. Some claim that the water has healing powers that can cure one of the various types of ailments.
The temple is located just above the well and one has to take the steps going up heading towards an old temple. While walking up these steps it is advisable to take some time to have a look at the Gokarna beach as the view from the hill is just breathtaking.
After reaching the temple on the hilltop there is a flat barren land which has a broad pathway alongside bamboo fencing, the pathway is created by people trekking and walking this route.
About a kilometer into the walk one will notice auto-rickshaws parked on the hill and also a few guest house and a narrow walking path that goes downhill. This narrow muddy path leads to Kudle beach. The way down this path takes about three to four minutes.
The first thing that can be seen on reaching Kudle beach is ample of foreigner travelers who make the beach their home for months. This beach is very clean and gives a very peaceful and calm feel to the place.
Kudle beach
is a self-contained destination with numerous shacks run by the locals. These shacks have make-shift accommodation in the form of huts that are made of coconut palms and bamboo shoots.
The accommodation at the beach is very affordable but one will have to book in advance during peak season i.e. from end of November to first week of February.
These shacks on Kudle beach also serve some really tasty vegetarian and non – vegetarian food. The food takes a good 25 to 30 minutes to be prepared but it is worth the wait. The fish tikka served at these shacks is a must have.
Beer is also sold at these shacks which is priced generally 20% more than the cost price. Hard alcohol is not served in any of these shacks but one can carry their own if they wish to have some.
There are also few water sport activities that are conducted at Kudle beach. At the southern end of the beach motor boats are available that ferry people to the next beach i.e. Om beach. Bargaining is an important skill that comes handy while negotiating with the motorboat owners.
Kudle beach is said to have the charm that the beaches in Goa had back in the 80’s. This beach is a must-visit for anyone looking for some quiet time away from the rest of the world.
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This is indeed the happiest part of Karnataka.