It’s been exactly 6 years since my last( which also happened
to be my first) blog post. I cannot say what exactly is inspiring me to write
again. I’ve fought the temptation often, despite constant comments from friends
that I should start writing again. Must be some kind of depraved masochistic
pleasure of writing just for myself and therefore avoiding humiliation and
feeling exposed to the world. You see, soul entangling stuff!
I decided halfway through 2013 that I wanted to live my life
a bit differently. Although these epiphanies are common for me, I took a leap
and quit my in equal parts cushy and stressful first job. Embarking on a
journey in the creative arts through a unique therapy course, I also decided to
start working on an organic farm and teaching at an alternative school. The
concept of minimalism had gripped me.. after all what can be better than a zero
bank balance, just a rucksack full of belongings on your back and the
uncertainty of the future right?
I do mean it though, when I say I have not lived a moment in
regret since. Through reconnecting with yoga, trying my hand at Reiki and
Taichi, seeing my vegetable patch prosper one season and decay the next, living
minus electricity, cooking a meal for 2 hours on biogas and deeply inhaling
mountain air, each experience brought me closer to myself.
The interesting part about being constantly broke is one
realises that needs are reduced to the bare minimum and the overwhelming wants
that control, evaporate away. I started eating healthier, travelling more,
meeting different kinds of people, laughing more, admiring the intricacies of
the universe more, pushing myself out of my comfort zone and discovering what a
marvellous human being I really could be, if only I didn’t interrupt the flow.
Now enough with the background check, I’ve established myself as a type. Lets
get on to the travelogue.
Who doesn’t like a beautiful beach? Be it the stunning view
of the sunset, the sky in pink and burnished orange, the heaps of seafood
available, the sensation of your feet sinking into soft sand, creeping on girls
in bikinis and swimming far into the ocean. India boasts of some spectacular
coasts ( the natural a,a rhyme scheme is unearthed as I currently teach high
school English).
5 of the absolutely unmissable ones are:
- Morjim beach, Goa
- Puri beach, Orissa
- Diu
- Kovalam
- Kudle beach, Gokarna
You might ask with what authority I seemed to have picked
the above. Interesting feedback, except these are my favourites and I’m using
artistic license here. Yet, if I really must reason it out; you shall find that
each beach stretch comes with its own essential quality.
Morjim, although right in the heart of party beach capital,
Goa; offers a tucked away effect on account of lazy shacks, fewer parties and
limited throngs of people. Albert or Pasco can hook you up with beautiful tent
rooms or log cabins, ranging from Rs 500-1200. Here’s a picture to tease
You can contact them
on 07387889667. It’s also in close proximity to Arambol, Vagator or Baga and
Calungute, easily accessible by a rented bike which costs about 250 a day cost
to the pocket, without fuel which happens to be far more reasonable in Goa.
Ideal for 2-3 days (depending also on your financial and status of employment
which warrants budget and permissible leave) filled with cheap beer, serene
waters to swim, simple food and a complete mind escape. If you’re lucky, it won’t
cut you back more than 5 or 6 k.
Puri beach combines the mysticism of a temple town as well
as the gorgeous sea scape of turtles, fish and clear waters. The temple is
definitely worth a visit as is checking out the seashell industries and
handicrafts. The coast in Orissa is fantastic as it combines the waters of the
Bay of Bengal as they merge with the Indian Ocean.
Such spots offer a chance to sample unique cuisine and a new
culture of the people of Odisha.
I chose Diu since it’s also a port city, literally an hour
away from Daman where one can see huge fleets of Navy ships as well as merchant
trading and ONGC. Although intrinsically, a port and massive ships in the
distance make me uncomfortable at the prospect of Oil spills and mercantilism,
the adventurous spirit within me is awakened with the fantasy of voyages,
pirates, sailing and the sea sickness that comes with it. It is also marvelous
to watch goods being loaded and taken away, thousands of nautical miles away,
to a new land where along with goods and services, there is cultural exchange.
The word globalization literally comes to life at these moments.
Diu offers white sands and pristine waters as well as a few
lagoons, owing to the spectacular landscape along the western coast. Since Diu
borders with Gujarat, one gets a glimpse of Kutch and salt banks too.
Kovalam is a typical southern, tropical beach paradise.
Coconut trees sway and fan, the backwaters are merely minutes away and combine
with the sea at several “Sangam” points. Coastal cuisine is delectable beyond
belief with a hoard of seafood, toddy and palm wine and some very interesting
preparations of plantain, mango and palm, even for vegetarians.
Watching the fishing boats as they go out early every morning
and witnessing both fantastic sunrises and sunsets, are the highlight in this
region.
Gokarna is one of those places, I’ve visited 4 times in the
last 6 years. The reason for this is partially its convenience from both
Bangalore and Mumbai which were my home bases but furthermore because it offers
something for everyone. Travellers arrive from Brazil, Israel, the Phillipines
and various countries in Europe as musicians, creative artists, yoga and
healing enthusiasts besides much more.
It is one of the best places to meet people from all over the globe and spend
time on a beach with limited effort. It offers 4 beaches, each having their own
quaintness.
Om beach is spectacular simply for its rock formations and
the Om symbol that can be seen as one rides down towards the beach from the
town. Kudle beach has plenty of shacks, swimmable waters and great food at
reasonable prices. Half moon beach is rocky and tucked away in an alcove,
making it a great place to boulder or Parkour and free run. It also connects
through the rocks to Paradise, a small stretch of beach that’s isolated and
perfect for swimming with rock pools, hammocks and trees.
At the end, I shall give away a little secret. If one has 2
or 3 weeks to take a long over due and relaxed vacation, one can road trip from
Orissa, into Andhra Pradesh( sampling Vishakapatnam enroute), entering
Karnataka, driving through Gokarna, right up to Goa and into Maharashtra and
Daman. Although I have not been able to do this personally yet, I hope this
year or the next offers a trip on the Eastern coastline. Heaven is paved with
dreaming and good intentions. Eat well, sleep well and travel often everyone!
