Many plan road trips to Goa. Some of the plans are successful. Some plans are just excuses for nostalgia and regret. But if you are done with the Goa road trip, and are looking to explore something more along the beaches, here is a perfect plan to do that.
While this is not as popular a trip, it is in fact, more beautiful and more exciting. No crowds, no congested roads and no packed eateries. This trip will take you to places where there won’t be a soul besides your gang.
From desolate ruins to serene beaches, from rolling hills to sun lit bays, this road trip is indeed a mosaic of all that coastal Karnataka has to offer. You will be driving on the roads with Western Ghats on your left, and the Arabian sea on your right, with beautiful landscapes on both sides.
The Route – Mangalore-Udupi-Shiroor-Bhatkal
Day 1- Mangalore To Udupi – 56 Kms
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You should not begin the drive without trying the amazing sea food cuisine at Mangalore. The ‘golibajje’, ‘patrode’, ‘idli – kadubu’ and ‘appa’ are the most sought after of the Mangalorean cuisine. In Udupi you can spend the day by exploring the 13th century temple complexes in Udupi. You can also take a diversion to the windswept beach of Kapu on the way.
Day 2 – Udupi To Shiroor – 78 Kms
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The sleepy village of Kundapur can be your first stop, where you will have to uncover idyllic temple complexes amidst thick jungles. Leaving from here, you will come across the beautiful Swarna river at Shiroor. You might be tempted to give up on your plans and spend all your time on its bank. The constant chirps of birds and cicadas will make you forget where you are. The serenity is so complete, that it will refresh you completely.
Day 3 – Shiroor To Bhatkal – 30 Kms
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The drive from Shiroor to Bhatkal takes you through the rolling tea plantations, and numerous waterfalls. This leg of the journey will take you through thick jungles, winding roads and backwaters laden with lily pads, snaking towards the Arabian Sea.
You can plan this drive at any time of the year. Most of these places have economical accommodations.
So, if you want to enjoy a ride that takes you through the beaches and mountains on a single journey, this is where you should go.
