The gorgeous coastline of Karnataka beckoned tantalizingly and women bloggers from across the country converged on Mangalore to join the Women Bloggers Travel Program to Coastal Karnataka, organized by India Tourism Bengaluru, which is an arm of Incredible India, under the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. The women bloggers and writers embarked upon a unique journey for an immersive experience of the coastal culture, cuisine, and much more off the Karnataka coast.

Women Bloggers Travel Program to Coastal Karnataka | An India Tourism Bengaluru Initiative

The Arabian Sea hugs the coast of Karnataka in a loving embrace and has fostered many gorgeous beaches, exotic islands, and a rich cultural heritage in its wake. Some of the places along the coast of Karnataka are well known and popular, but there are many unknown gems that shine with a lustre of their own. The coast of Karnataka offers experiences that go beyond the ordinary and into the realms of the incredible and extraordinary.

Women Bloggers Travel Program to Coastal Karnataka – A Voyage Of Discovery

It was a fitting tribute to women empowerment, considering the proximity of International Women’s Day 2021, that the women Bloggers Travel Program to Coastal Karnataka kicked off from Mangalore on the 1st of March, 2021. The six-day programme would take the women on an exciting voyage of discovery across the enchanting coast of Karnataka and beyond.

Women Bloggers Travel Program to Coastal Karnataka – The Journey Begins | Day One

Mangaluru International Airport

The women bloggers and travel writers flew into the Mangaluru International Airport by Adani Airports. They were accorded a warm and traditional welcome by Mr. Mohamed Farouk, Director, India Tourism Bengaluru, and other stakeholders partnering in the Women Bloggers Travel Program to Coastal Karnataka.

Kudroli temple

The group immediately proceeded to the famous Kudroli temple of Mangalore to seek divine blessings for the start of the journey. A journey that would traverse some of the amazing places of Karnataka.

Shetty Lunch Home – A Gourmets’ Paradise

After spiritual satiation, it was time to look at more basic needs and the famous Shetty Lunch Home, run by the husband and wife couple of Harish Shetty and Uma Shetty, was the perfect place to head to. It is a family-run restaurant that has been delighting locals and travellers alike for four generations. The Shetty Lunch home introduced the women bloggers to the flavours and aromas of coastal Karnataka.

The fare served included the best of seafood of the region as well as the iconic dish of the region, Chicken Ghee Roast. But the vegetarians in the group too had ample choices to relish the flavours and aromas of the region, by enjoying items like Neer Dosa and other traditional Mangalorean fares.

Crafts Boutique – A Handicraft Haven

The Women Bloggers Travel Program to coastal Karnataka then saw the participants make a brief stop at the Crafts Boutique in Mangaluru, which had some amazing handicrafts and other art pieces sourced locally and also from distant corners of India. These included paintings, wood and metalwork, textiles, and much more.

Kapu Beach – Panoramic View of The Arabian Sea

The participants of the women bloggers travel program to Coastal Karnataka, got their first taste of the sea breeze at Kapu Beach. The beach is serene and secluded with not many visitors and is interspersed with rocks. Atop a rock is located the century-old lighthouse that has been served as a beacon to ships looking for the coast, over the years.

The women bloggers and writers enjoyed the feel of the sand on their feet and inhaled huge gulps of the air blowing across the turquoise waters of the Arabian Sea. Kapu beach also offered some excellent photo opportunities.

Kapu Beach also offers some good diving opportunities and the team from West Coast Adventures enthralled the participants with a brief about Scuba Diving in the vicinity.

Cooling Off At The Hometown Galleria

It was then time to check into the Hometown Galleria, a 3-star hotel in Manipal to freshen up and get ready for the last programme of the day.

Mesmerizing Yakshagana Performance

The grand finale of the day was a complete treat for the senses. It was a spell-binding Yakshagana performance besides the sands of Malpe Beach. A beautifully designed amphitheatre came alive with resplendence as the young Yakshagana performers brought alive the agony of Jatayu and Sita’s love and compassion for the dying bird.

It was a performance that enthralled all the participants and touched the very core of their hearts. The Yakshagana performance was truly a fitting finale for Day one of the women bloggers travel program to coastal Karnataka.

Dinner By The Beach At Fisherman’s Bay Beach Cafe

The day one of the women bloggers travel program to Karnataka Coast was not yet over. A traditional coastal dinner served on banana leaves, awaited them at the Fisherman’s Bay Beach Cafe. Serenaded by the sounds of the waves of the Arabian Sea, the group dug into tasty and authentic local coastal food.

Day one came to an end but brought with it the promise of endless possibilities for the morrow.

Women Bloggers Travel Program to Coastal Karnataka – Beaches, Islands, and the Forest| Day Two

The early hours of the day saw the women bloggers and writers up and raring to go. It was a day that held the promise of new experiences which they looked forward to.

Malpe Beach & St. Mary’s Island

As the rising sun bathed the sands of the Malpe beach in a golden halo the participants of the women bloggers travel program of Coastal Karnataka reached its shores. The smooth sands of the beach spread out tantalizingly before them, stretching towards the blue waters of the Arabian Sea.

The team boarded a boat to head to the beautiful environs of St. Mary’s Island, off the coast of Malpe. St. Mary’s Island is maintained beautifully by Mantra Travels & Tourism Development Company.

The participants revelled in the salubrious environment of the island and marvelled at the over 80 million years old columnar Basaltic rock formations that give the island its unique appeal. A hot and tasty breakfast consisting of authentic Mangalore dishes was a pleasure that everyone relished in the serene environs of St.Mary’s Island.

Adventure By The Beach

A new dimension to experiencing coastal Karnataka was added at Malpe Beach as the women bloggers and writers indulged their adrenaline rush. Some of them chose to float high up above the sea as they indulged in the thrill of parasailing, while some chose to ride the waves with their Jet Skis.

The excitement of the experience was indeed palpable and infectious as the group now took a slight detour to head away from the coast for a different experience.

Towards The Forest

Taking a detour from the coast the group headed towards the beautiful and dramatic landscapes of the Kudremukh National Park. A region dotted by grasslands interspersed by Shola forests.

St. Lawrence Minor Basilica

In a classic case of travel serendipity, on the way to Kudremukh, we halted near Karkala for a breathtaking glimpse of the divinely beautiful St. Lawrence Minor Basilica in Attur, Karkala.

The beautiful structure was a visual treat and the inside of the church an experience in divine serenity. The time spent at the church was, to say the least, soul-stirring.

Bhagavathi Nature Camp, Kudremukh, Jungle Lodges & Resorts – In The Womb of Nature

A spectacular drive amongst the lush landscapes of the Kudremukh National Park brought the participants of the women bloggers travel program to Coastal Karnataka to the earthy and natural environs of the Bhagavathi Nature Camp in Kudremukh.

The wooden cottages, the pristine ambience, and the deliciously cooked food served with traditional warmth touched the hearts of each and every participant.

After a delicious lunch which is the hallmark of every Jungle Lodges & Resorts property, it was time for everyone to get into safari jeeps and drive away into the wilderness to witness a spectacular sunset from high up in the Kudremukh National Park.

The day ended with the participants watching a wildlife movie and then enjoying another authentic local dinner.

Women Bloggers Travel Program to Coastal Karnataka – Of Temples & Spirituality| Day Three

Waking up to the sounds of the Malabar Whistling Thrush and other birds at the Bhagavathi Nature Camp, the participants of the women bloggers travel program to Coastal Karnataka, had a quick breakfast and were on their way to hit the coastal trail once again.

The Magical Vibes of Varanga

After leaving the grassy wonderland of Kudremukh far behind the group was stunned by the ethereal beauty of the Jain Basadi in Varanga. Located in the midst of emerald waters and reached by boat, the Jain temple with a history of more than a thousand years tugged at the heartstrings of everyone.

Immersing In Krishna Consciousness

It would be nothing short of blasphemy to be in Udupi and not visit the famous Shri Krishna Math. The bloggers and writers were taken on a tour of the famous temple and spent some spiritually enriching moments in the presence of Lord Krishna.

Lunch At Thamboolam

All the driving and walking around had ensured that the group members had built up a strong appetite, as a lavish spread awaited them at the Thamboolam Restaurant in Udupi. The restaurant had pulled all the stops to curate a delightful epicurean experience for the group.

From their signature Matka Biryani and other seafood creations to a wide range of vegetarian delicacies, the restaurant pampered the palates of the group. The sumptuous lunch was concluded with traditional Thamboolam, betel nuts wrapped in betel leaves.

Heritage Comes Alive At Hastashilpa Heritage Village Museum

The Women Bloggers Travel Program to Coastal Karnataka unearthed another gem of sorts when visiting the Hastashilpa Heritage Village Museum in Manipal. The museum offers a complete experience that brings alive in dramatic fashion, the lost art and architecture of the region.

From the wooden structures of the Vijayanagara Empire to the eerie and mysterious looking statues of a time long lost in the chapters of history, the museum enraptured and captivated the imagination of the group members.

Culinary Museum & Department of Culinary Arts

Cuisine is always a fascinating window to the rich heritage and culture of a place. So there was no better place than the Culinary Museum and Department of Culinary Arts at the Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration, to learn about the finer nuances of traditional coastal cuisine from experts.

The group of women bloggers and travel writers were fascinated by the work that the students were doing and were also enchanted by the wide range of collections at the Culinary Museum, an endeavour by none other than celebrity chef Vikas Khanna.

Dinner At Bacchus Inn

Day 3 of the Women Bloggers Travel Program to Coastal Karnataka came to an end with another sumptuous dinner, served at Bacchus Inn which has a vibrantly delightful ambience. The participants also tucked into the famed Gadbad ice cream, which is iconic and ubiquitous in the regions of Udupi and Mangalore.

After dinner, the group drove down to Byndoor and settled for the night in beautifully crafted tented cottages by the sea at the Sai Vishram Beach Resort in Byndoor near Udupi.

Women Bloggers Travel Program to Coastal Karnataka – Waking Up To The Sounds of The Sea| Day Four

The Sai Vishram Beach Resort, Byndoor with its cottages seamlessly integrated with the surrounding environment lulled the participants into the welcome throes of sleep. They woke up to the sounds of the sea and the wind rustling in the trees.

Sunrise Over The Arabian Sea

Some of the participants headed off to catch the spectacular sunrise over the Arabian sea from atop a small hillock. It was a very satisfying early morning experience for the ones who feasted upon the magical spectacle of nature.

Meeting An Amazing Couple

It was in the beautiful environs of the Sai Vishram Beach Resort that the participants of the Women Bloggers Travel Program to Coastal Karnataka met a unique and amazing couple who have been making waves at Baindoor.

The group interacted over a hearty breakfast with Anudeep and Minusha, a young couple who were mentioned by PM Shri Narendra Modi in one of his Mann Ki Baat addresses. The newly married couple had foregone their honeymoon, to clean the beach. Since then, they are tirelessly working towards keeping the beaches in the vicinity clean, many have been inspired by them and what they started has slowly snowballed into a movement of sorts.

The amazing couple was felicitated by Mr. Mohamed Farouk, Director India Tourism to the cheers from all the participants.

Adventure On An Air Boat

It was once again time to indulge the rush of adrenaline as the women bloggers and writers piled in on an airboat. An airboat is a boat with a flat bottom and is powered by a huge propeller that is similar to the ones found in aircraft. This boat is meant for use in shallow waters and marshy land. The ride on the airboat was exhilarating and left everyone asking for more.

Visiting The Blue Flag Beach of Kasarkod

After bidding farewell to the green environs of Sai Vishram, it was time to be awed by the immaculately clean beach of Kasarkod near Honnavar.

One of the eight blue flag beaches of India, the spotless sands of Kasarkod beach, and the meticulous work being done to keep the beach spick and span amazed the visitors.

Gokarna Sunset Cruise

Bidding farewell to the golden sands of the Kasarkod Beach, the group drover further down the coast of Karnataka to reach the historic beach town of Gokarna towards the evening. The stage was set for a surreal sunset cruise aboard the White Pearl, courtesy of the White Pearl Cruise. The cruise offers a one of its kind experience in Karnataka.

As the boat cruised along the waters of the Arabian Sea and then the waters of the Aghanashini river. Time seemed to have stood still as the group watched the sun go down in a glorious medley of colours. Once the sun was down, it was time to enjoy the pleasures of a dinner cruise aboard the beautiful boat of White Pearl cruises.

Relax At Om Beach Resort

The Om Beach Resort of Jungle Lodges & Resorts in Gokarna provided the perfect sanctuary for relaxation after all the travel and adventure of the day. The group settled into their comfortable and spacious rooms, dreaming of the beaches of Gokarna that awaited their footfalls in the morning.

Women Bloggers Travel Program to Coastal Karnataka – Gokarna To Karwar| Day Five

It was a blissful morning as the eager bloggers and writers proceeded towards the pristine sands of Kudle Beach in Gokarna. The morning vibes of the beach were at once therapeutic and rejuvenating. After a quiet walk along the sea kissed Kudle Beach, it was time to head back towards the verdant environs of the Om Beach Resort, for a sumptuous breakfast before travelling towards the northern extremity of the Karnataka coast at Karwar.

Kali River Garden, Karwar

The beauty of Karwar evoked its magic on none other than the Nobel Laureate, Rabindranath Tagore, who walked along its beaches, which must undoubtedly have fueled his imagination, to script the gems that he did.

Our first stop at Karwar was the Kali River Garden. A spacious and lovely property on the edge of the Kali River. It is a great place to relax in and has tents for camping by the riverside. It makes for a unique wedding venue too. Colourful and refreshing glasses of Kokam Juice welcomed the group at the Kali River Garden which was followed by a very satisfying lunch consisting of local delicacies like Suran Sukka, Oyster Sukka, Bangda Reshaad, etc.

It was at the Kali River Garden that all the participants of the Women Bloggers Travel Program to Coastal Karnataka were given certificates and showered with local goodies by Mr. Mohamed Farouk, Director, India Tourism Bengaluru and other stakeholders.

Gliding Into The Mangroves

At Karwar, a beautiful rendezvous with nature awaited all the participants at the Devbagh Beach Resort of Jungle Lodges & Resorts. A thrilling boat ride away from the mainland, the Devbagh Resort which seems to be located on an island is actually located on a peninsula.

However, before checking in to the comfort of the Devbagh Beach resorts, the women bloggers and writers floated amongst the mangroves to a small island with a local temple to Kali.

The place also had a nice wood-walk amidst the mangroves which made for a great way to get closer to the eco-system of the mangroves.

Sunset At Devbagh Beach Resort

After a hectic journey across the Karnataka coast, it was time for the women bloggers and writers to relax by the sea and luxuriate in the beauty of yet another spectacular sunset at Devbagh Beach Resort.

As the sun went down, it was time to try their hand at some beachside cooking under the expert guidance of Nischin Nayan, Executive Sous Chef, at Jungle Lodges, JLR.

With International Women’s Day just around the corner, it was befitting for the group to cut a cake to mark the occasion and share the sweet moment with all.

As the stars twinkled high up in the sky and the waves caressed the beach, the realization dawned on the participants that an incredible journey was coming to an end, and all they had experienced had now metamorphosed into memories to be cherished for a lifetime.

Women Bloggers Travel Program to Coastal Karnataka – End of An Incredible Journey| Day Six

The sun rose above the bridge across the Kali river in the distance, thousands of birds set up an incredible orchestra to herald the advent of a new day.

It was a feeling of mixed emotions as the participants of the Women Bloggers Travel Program to Coastal Karnataka, got their bags packed to head towards the shores of Goa to catch their onward flights back home.

It had been a scintillating medley of experiences that had been curated and crafted with the utmost care, especially for them. The group had indeed experienced coastal Karnataka like never before and were thankful to the organizers for presenting them with a colourful bouquet of experiences.

The Women Bloggers Travel Program to Coastal Karnataka had been organized by India Tourism Bengaluru – Ministry of Tourism, Govt. Of India along with other stakeholders including Karnataka Tourism, Jungle Lodges JLR, Dream Holidays Manipal, RR Tours, Leisure Routes, Kali River Garden, Thamboolam, Bacchus Inn, Fisherman’s Bay Beach Cafe Malpe, Sai Vishram Beach Resort, Shetty Lunch Home, Hometown Galleria, Mantra Travels & Tourism Development Company.

The amazing coastal itinerary was curated by Dream Holidays Manipal, and the Logistics managed by RR Tours.

Are you looking for a similar experience of Coastal Karnataka? Connect here :

Poonam Shetty – MD, Dream Holidays, Manipal, Mobile: +91 9686574959, (0820)  4293039, Email: [email protected] and Roshan Pinto, R.R.Tours & Travels, Mobile: +91 98453 31926.

We hope you liked our post about the incredible journey along the coast of the women travel bloggers and writers organized by India Tourism Bengaluru. Stay tuned for many more detailed posts about the lovely experiences on the journey. Connect with us on our social media channels for instant updates about our travels, experiences, and stories.

 

We were hosted by India Tourism Bangalore – Ministry of Tourism Government of India. However, the views and opinions expressed here are our own.

 

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