Beautiful Gokarna

Trip Start Oct 27, 2007
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Trip End Apr 01, 2008


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Friday, February 22, 2008

So last time we left it we were heading to the Wayanad Wildlife Reserve.  Our jeep arrived and after a lot of faffing with forms etc (as usual) we had our 'tracker' and headed into the reserve.  We saw some of the working elephants as we entered, a wild boar, two types of deer, some Languar monkey's, and the endangered flying squirrel, but unfortunately no wild elephants.  From there we headed to breakfast and then onto Edakkal Caves, which were quite a climb but well worth it, with fantastic views into the three states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala.  There were also so impressive carvings on the walls from around 3000 years ago, which the friendly and super smiley guide briefly talked us through.  From the hike up the hills and boulders we were ready for a break so headed back to meet our driver, who took us for lunch and tour of a local tea, coffee and spice plantation.  The plantation was beautiful, the guest houses the nicest we have seen on the trip and the staff super helpful.  On arrival we were greeted by the owner, who gave us a low down on the overall plantation and our itinerary, a guide to show us around the grounds, lunch and then a guide to take us to the waterfall.  Unfortunately our first guide didn't show so we had a wander around ourselves before lunch.  We didn't go to the waterfall, as he categorically told us not to without our guide, thinking maybe it's a bit tricky to find or perhaps its a long way etc.  We actually ended up with two guides, one of whom also had a length of rope with him, perhaps for something other than our little excursion to the waterfall; nope.  So a bit of a slope down to the first waterfall, fine and a pretty sight at the bottom. Then onto the next one, the first guide starts to tie the rope to a tree and we clamber (practically abseil) down this steep slope, in the jungle, with our other guide (our waiter from lunch still wearing his trousers and shoes) guiding us down with a little rope at a time.  The waterfall was well worth it, the nicest we have seen yet, however the climb up was pretty brutal, the dense jungle is super hot, Peeps was even sweating at the knees...

Due to a transport strike across all of Kerala, we headed into nearby Karnataka that night by bus. On the way out of town we finally saw wild elephants, a small family in the woods near to the road.  Another manic bus journey, on the back seat which we both lifted off at least a couple of times by about 2ft. We spent a day and a half in Mysore, and took in the main sights, as well as treated ourselves to decent-ish accommodation for the night - ideally comfy pillows, hot water and no mosquitoes...

From Mysore we decided to take the super super deluxe bus to Mangalore, as it was an 8 hour journey and I don't think my back or nerves could take the government bus for that long.  We spent the morning in Mangalore then caught the train to Gokarna.  Overall a pretty painless journey considering the distance covered. 

Gokarna is a beach town in the north of Karnataka.  We are staying on Om beach in some basic but nice enough huts on the hill side.  The beach is lovely, the atmosphere is super chilled and everyone is friendly and relaxed.  We have spent the last three days, reading and relaxing on the beach and topping up the tans.  The sea has pretty strong currents and can have quite big waves, and apparently a family of dolphins often come and play by the rocks at the edge of the bay, although we have yet to see them. 

Yesterday Mike was a real hero, with a baywatch moment on Om beach temporarily breaking the serenity.  A group of local lads were out swimming when one got into trouble, caught up in the currents and flailing in the sea, his friends shouting for help.  Mike swam out and supported him until another tourist; Sylvan from Canada, came and helped Mike to get the lad out of the currents and waves.  The lad was pretty shaken up but was okay.  Mike was a bit of a local hero, with the whole family thanking him, shaking his hand and taking pictures of the group.  We were introduced to the whole family by name and relationship, there was a flurry of picture taking with Mike, Sylvan and the family, before the lad thanked them for saving his life!!! What a hero. David Hasselhoff eat your heart out!

So thats us up to date again, its been a relatively chilled day, in fact super chilled, reading, relaxing and a spot of swimming.  Think we are going to do the same tomorrow, then think about heading up to Goa to Palelom beach in the next few days....

Hope all is well back home, lots of love
Shelley and Mike
xx
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