Murudeshwar to Goa- The Beach Run on West Coast

When we think of the West Coast, the first thing that strikes us is Bombay to Goa. But fortunately for us, it stretches far more than our thoughts. Here I have compiled a list of the beaches (and their special attractions) I visited on my ride to the West Coast recently. In the order they come if you are riding up from Murudeshwar to Goa:

Murudeshwar Beach

Located some 150 kms from Mangalore, Murudeshwar is famous for the world’s second tallest Shiva statue and the 20 storied Gopuram.
Go for a water scooter ride here or take a dive at Netrani island into the sea to view corals firsthand. Netrani Island, which is near Murudeshwar offers activities like Scuba diving and Snorkeling, but takes a full day, plan accordingly! Hotel Indraprastha is a good option to have vegetarian food, and lots of hotels and lodges on single/sharing basis are available for accommodation.

Apsara Konda Beach

Ride around 30 kms further from Murudeshwar or 8kms from Honavar, along the Panjim Highway and you will reach another amazing picnic spot. Isolated as it is, park yourself under the trees, enjoy the tree swings in the day and pitch your tent at the beach by the night, as yours truly did! And while you are there, don’t forget to  savor the Water falls and a dip in the pond. But yeah, please manage your own food.

Eco Beach

Keep walking along the Apsara Konda beach or ride 4 kms more to arrive at the Eco Beach, another great option to enjoy the Sea waters in the distance while relaxing on your Sun bench and listening to your favorite music.

Gokarna

Pronounced Gokarn, meaning Cow’s ear(reason: Lord Shiva is believed to have emerged from the ear of a cow here), you would be nearly 80kms from Murudeshwar Beach here. Famous for temples, it is a hotspot for tourists and pilgrims alike. Walk down this long beach in the night or host your friends a beach party here! Ohh, and the food here is not a problem, you get it plenty and you get it cheap.

Om Beach

(Taken en route Om Beach from Gokarna)

Starting from Gokarna, lot of scenic view points, curvaceous roads and a beautiful ride of 7kms later, you arrive at Om Beach. You can see the rock splitting the beach from a distance itself, also the reason why it is called Om Beach. Very famous with tourists and hence booked round the year, you will have to keep that in mind while planning. Also mind the narrowness if you are pitching your tent for the beach is not too wide.

Honey Beach

Looking for lesser populated beaches? So was I. Around 25kms from Gokarna, you arrive at a town called Ankola from where you keep asking directions from the locals for 10kms to reach at Honey Beach. It’s a very isolated beach with beautiful rock formations, an ideal spot if you don’t want anybody nagging in your business. No water sports here, no hawkers, masseuse offerings, or a khichdi of any sort. But again, get your own food or rely on the only cottage in the area(expensive!). Drive back to Ankola for a hotel or there is that cottage again.

I met another rider on the trip who told me about a few nice beaches in Udupi. Also, some foreign travellers enlightened me on Kudle beach near Gokarna, but since I didn’t visit them, they are not featured in the list. Next time, maybe?

Do share what you like and what you miss here.