Hand in glove with the Konkan Coast- beachblog by Ryan

Hand in glove with the Konkan Coast

It’s difficult to sleep like a snoring log, particularly when you know the next morning’s going to kick off in a very unusual fashion, one that’s very different but one where adventure tops priority on its agenda. My 4-day trip down the Konkan Coast (Maharashtra to Goa) turned out to be more eventful than I’d expected it to be!

Day 1: The day began with a bunch of us (Who are usually habituated to sleeping in late) having to wake up in the wee hours of 6:00a.m to see each other’s dazed, confused and somewhat cranky faces. Once the stretching and yawning was over and done with, packing and loading of the vehicle was completed and we were all jet set for the decently long drive ahead. The drive was astonishingly “green,” which, let’s call a spade a spade, is a color rarely seen by most of us townies! Of course, we diligently made a quick stopover for a healthy breakfast before proceeding and Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, after all Mmmm…

We halted at this amazing campsite, which was situated by the river, and where you could perform a variety of awesome activities like kayaking, rafting and the likes. The food, even though vegetarian, was tasty, the kind you could just about swallow after multiple regurgitations Nah, jokes apart, it was surprisingly good! This coming from me, someone who lives, breathes, dreams and sees only meat! Oh look, a lion :-) !

Our abode was nice and comfy and had that very natural, outdoorsy feel to it, which added to its charm, if nothing else. And don’t miss out on that it had an attached bathroom and was well equipped with mosquito nets. So much for my Odomos! I think it’s safe to say that we made up for all our lost hours of precious sleep that night and slept like babies who’ve calmed down after they’ve had their fair share of tantrums for the day.

Day 2: Our drive continued on and today, the sea engulfed us to our right with the hills, mountains and wildlife to our left. Flying above us were birds that so far, I’ve come across only on Discovery and Nat Geo. Pretty cool, ain’t it?! Thought so myself!

We eventually reached the destination we had set out for (Believe me, it’s very easy to stray because it’s all so beautiful, it leaves you wanting to tear your hair out just trying to decide which route to take or where to go), which was labeled, ‘Solitude’ The cottages were a sea facing and the beach had everything! my perfect beach (No puns intended) needs to, to qualify as an established favourite- numerous backwaters and rivulets, a colony of seagulls (Which are a permanent feature because they’re too lazy to budge… Guess that’s why I associate so well with them) and pretty, colourful, happy corals! The icing on the cake was being able to swim and surf on the very obedient waves, perfectly crafted for these.

The food, once again, was simply delightful. The “I’m loving it” type, if you know what I mean. Konkani food is spot on, the fish and seafood in particular. Okay, I feel hunger pangs coming on strong now! :-(

Day 3: Our drive today was a quickie. A lousy 20 minutes from Solitude and poof, we were bang in the middle of our next location. This time it was a 100-year-old homestay with wooden floors and it had this very warm, welcoming, family, ‘come one and all’ feel to it. Very reminiscent of old European cottages, this authentic house was kind of like a mixed breed, a hybrid of sorts (With a dash of European and Southwestern Indian influence). The beach was a measly 2-minute walk from our home stay, which was perfect for somebody as lazy as me. I think the highlight of the house though, was this artificial waterfall that they housed within their property. Spectacular stuff! I don’t think I’ve stared at anything for longer!

The vast stretches of clean, sparkling, 8 kilometer+ sands, coupled with the amazing winds, were ideal for an activity like kiting. And the greenery around added to the overall ambience and made it 10 times more attractive!

Day 4: Being our last day, we set up camp at Guhagarh beach, the property is equivalent to that of a movie set. This marvellous Villa, which was situated amidst a whole bunch of coconut trees (I should have had more free “nariel pani”/ “coconut water” when I had the chance), had private access to the beach. Luck really favours the devil, doesn’t it?!

There was this really cute sea-facing swing, for those who weren’t exactly in the butt-exercising mood, who didn’t want to get sand in between their recently pedicured feet (Which looked far from pedicured to me, but never mind that), but who still wished to enjoy the spectacular view of the waves, the beach and the fishing boats, which were just a couple 100 odd feet away from where we were. Sounds awesome, doesn’t it? That’s because it was :-)

Because the world is full of options and because you always have a choice, you could relax in their artificial outdoor rain-shower tub as opposed to maybe splashing around in the salty sea waves. Needless to say, I did both. Either which way, at the end of an exhausting (Not really) day, you had a pseudo-palace to return to, to get in a few winks before heading back home.

In conclusion, this Maharashtra-Goa trip was a legendary one and one that, just like the others that I’ve taken, is going to stay etched in my memory (Even though it’s short-lived sometimes) for probably what I call an eternity, no exaggeration intended nor quoted. Also one that’s definitely on my “must experience at least once or a few times” list.