Beach trek. Have you heard of it?
You might have and possibly would have also done one too. The
coast of Karnataka in South India has excellent and unspoilt beaches. Each one is unique which makes trekking along the sea very exciting. We haven’t done it all and is in our bucket list. We are sharing from the experiences of some of our friends who have done it.
Start exploring Gokarna Beach Trek and 3 other beach treks below before the monsoon sets in. Here are the four beach treks along the Arabian sea.
1) Beach Trek Gokarna to Honnavar
Route – Gokarna – Kudle Beach – Om Beach – Half Moon Beach – Paradise Beach – Bellikan – Cross by ferry over Aghanashini – Barka Beach – Long Beach – Sangam Beach – SemiCircular Beach – Cross backwaters at Kumta by boat – Dhareshwar Beach – Ramanagindi beach – Tarebagilu beach – Karki – Honnavar
Distance – Around 45 KMs
Best time to trek – Winter months from November till February
Time – Two days. Night camp/stay on the beach
Half Moon Beach
Paradise beach
Trek Tips
a) Gokarna is well connected by rail and bus to different parts of the country. The nearest airport is the Dabolim Airport, Goa.
b) This trek route is interspersed with small hillocks along the sea. Not difficult to manoeuvre but one has to be careful as the rocks may be slippery.
c) From Karki village take an autorickshaw/bus to reach Honnavar.
d) If you want to do a one day trek then trek upto Belekan and then return back by Bus back to Gokarna
2) Beach Trek Bhatkal to Maravanthe
Route – Sodigadde – Alvegadde – Cross river by boat – Dombe – Baindur – Cross river by auto to Uppunda beach – Koderi – Navunda – Maravanthe
Distance – Around 35 KMs
Best time to do the trek – Winter months from November till February
Time – Two days. Night camp/stay on the beach
Uppunda beach
Baindur beach
Trek Tips
a) Bhatkal is well connected by rail and bus to different parts of the country. The nearest airport is Mangalore. It will be good to hire an auto at Bhatkal to reach the beach at Sodigadde. It will save time.
b) There is a need to cross the stream at Alvegadde. You will always find local fishermen helping out. At Baindur, take an auto-rickshaw cross the river to Uppunda and start trek from the beach there.
c) Unlike Trek 1, there is not much hilly terrain on this route.
d) It will be good to break day 1 in Baindoor which has a Forest Inspection bungalow and also hotels.
3) Beach Trek Gokarna to Ankola
Route – Belekeri – Deshina Halli – Gabth Halli – Shedikuli – Cross Nadibagh stream – Belambar – Manjugoni – Cross Gangavalli river by boat – Gokarna
Distance – Approximately 20 KMs
Best time to do the trek the winter months from November till February
Time – Two days. Night camp/stay on the beach
Belambar beach
Trek tips
a) Gokarna is well connected by rail and bus to different parts of the country. The nearest airport is the Dabolim airport, Goa.
b) Belekeri is at a distance of 10 KMs from Ankola. Catch a local bus or an auto to reach the place.
4) Beach Trek Manki to Bhatkal
Route – Manki – Murudeshwar – Kaikini – Bengre – Bhatkal
Distance – 25 KMs
Best time to trek – Winter months from November till February
Time – Two days. Night camp/stay in Murudeshwar
Sanabhavi beach near Murdeshwar
Trek Tips
a) Though Manki is on Konkan railway, it would be better to reach Honnavar and then take a bus/taxi to Manki. The nearest airport is at Mangalore.
b) This is a long stretch of beach walk with no hills on the route.
General Tips for All Beach Treks
a) Start beach treks at dawn and finish by 2 PM and camp. Enjoy the beach in the evening.
b) The day temperatures will be high even in winter with high humidity levels. Carry enough water and drink on the way.
c) Always walk on the trails which are parallel to the beach.
d) Walking on loose sand is slow. A good trekking shoe is useful.
e) You will find fisherman’s houses on the way that will always be helpful for small needs.
f) Carry food along as you will not get anything on the way.
g) Good hat and sunscreen lotion is a must.
If you love beaches, you should not miss the following posts in this blog
Five lovely beaches in India to visit before summer!
Surfing, Snorkeling and Scuba diving in India
12 things to do in Goa you haven’t done before!
What has been your experience of trekking along the beach? Please share it with us.
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