Shivsamudram falls!!!

Shivsamudram is a place of  a majestic waterfall forming a spectacular sight for nature lovers!!!Situated approx 130 Kms from Bangalore City, its a perfect place for day trip for that weekend you wanted to spent doing something memorable.Here the sparkling waterfall flows through the sylvan forest  of Karnataka and plunges 320 m into a gorge forming clouds of mist.It may also be noted as the first place of hydro-electricity generation plant which was commissioned in 1902. The best time to visit is between June-September when the water looks full and the view is at its grandest. There are limited accommodation facility available on site. Only one resort existed during my time of visit( can't recall the name) and it looked good from outside.

mist of water

on the way

Gokarna -the new Goa

Hey readers!!!
Finally managed got some time to write.This is all about Gokarna a fantastic beach retreat which has come into prominence in last 5-7 years. Located in North Karnataka near Goa border this small religious town has transformed into a hippy idyllic gateway from the rush and commercialization of Goa . Thanks to its fantastic beaches and cheap accommodation on the beach it has become a frequently visited place for Israeli, European backpackers specially the gap year students and people who competed compulsory military service in their country. So lets get all the info needed on how to reach this tropical paradise

HOW TO REACH
Gokarna is located approx 453 kms from Bangalore,240 kms from Mangalore and about 200 kms south from Panaji(goa).
Regular buses are available from Bangalore(Karnataka), Pune(Maharasthra)run by both Govt Bus companies and Pvt companies.Train is available on Mumbai to Managalore route so please
Note: No train directly from Bangalore).
For online bus reservation to Gokarna from various indian cities please check the following sites:,,

Beaches

Gokarna is known for its fantastic beaches full of coconut trees idyllic for swim and hang out.

The main four beaches of gokarna are :
1.Om Beach
2.Kudle Beach
3.Half moon beach
4.Paradise Beach

Om beach is named so because of its 'OM" shaped coast designed by rocks.It happens to be the most popular of the four beaches
Om being the most popular of the all four beaches has better accommodation facilities compared to other beaches. Accommodation ranges from basic hut with outside toilet to small cottages.Price ranges from 100 per person to 600 per person depending on the type and season.
Namaste cafe on this beach is the most well known and reliable place for accommodation on the beach. It has a pretty good in house restaurant serving Indian and continental cuisines at reasonable prices.

Kudle Beach

kudle is the neighboring beach to Om and is accessible only by trekking.

Paradise Beach
Paradise beach as the name suggests is a beautiful beach accessible only by boat or a long trek over the hills. Its an ideal beach for people who wants to get a tan discreetly or some private space all for themselves.Temporary accommodation on this beach from Nov-March :cafe Paradise

Half Moon Beach
Half Moon beach like Om is named so because of its half moon shaped coast and like paradise beach its too is inaccessible by road. There is No accommodation facility in this beach and any beach cafe is also temporary and may be set in for high season only.

Eat& Drink
Expect fresh fish from the sea at your palate every evening while you see the sun set and trance music being played at the back.Food is little steep at the beaches compared to in town but there is more option on the beach in terms of variety and quality.
Alcohol is not widely available but its easy to grab a beer on the beach to compliment your prawn masala and promphet fry!!!

                                                               Kudle Beach          
                                                    

                                                              Om Beach  

                                                        
                                                      Paradise Beach