So Antara is safely tucked away. After a brief period of grief at her early retirement for this season, we ventured out again. This time on wheels. You just can’t stop us gypsy souls!
Dilip and I have been planning to explore the ports of Karnataka and set out early one day towards the border; masks at the ready. We were a bit concerned about border checks and were relieved to find none.
Crossing the Kali river, our first stop naturally was an Udupi restaurant in Karwar, for breakfast. We had drooled over the meals we would feast on on this trip and decided to start with an Idli-Vada plate each. What can I say!? The soft, melt-in-the-mouth idlis and the crisp vada dunked in savoury sambar were a scrumptious curtain raiser. But the generous portions left no space for a second act. With deep regret we continued onwards, hoping to enjoy some dosas for our next meal.
The road work on this stretch is fabulous and we made good time to Gokarna. Sometimes I guess it’s good to not have to factor in the winds when charting our course! This is a religious town and has a lot of temples and mutts. I was tickled to see a European, pickled pink, dressed in the orange robes of a devotee with matching orange Crocs.
Gokarna has a lovely sheltered bay, Tadri Bay, with a sand bar, or two at the mouth. So we could drive there, but will have to anchor around the mouth when on Antara. We met up with a motor boat operator too, so our transport to and from Antara is sorted.
Gokarna has 3 beaches, Kudle, Om and Paradise. Access though is tricky. We parked in a sandy lot, skidded down a narrow path, held our breath while walking on a ledge alongside an open drain, to reach Kudle. Om beach is a rocky outcrop down a flight of 70 uneven stairs. So we skipped visiting Paradise.
Since we were on the beach, we decided to lunch at one of the shacks on Kudle. Bad idea! We ordered prawn biryani and were served stale prawn curry topped with lumpy fried rice.
Driving onwards we were in Murdeshwar by late afternoon. It’s known for its super size Shiva statue, adorned with serpents with mischievous smiles. Our only interest in Murdeshwar was that it’s the starting point for Dive Goa’s ferry to Netrani. We partner with them to offer our guests a sail from Goa to, and a dive at, Netrani.
The desire for a good filter coffee had kept this susegad couple on the go. We made our way to this restaurant perched on the cliff side, with waves pounding its foundation pillars, settled down at a table with a view and asked the waiter for the manna of the South.
For the second time we were offered Nescafe instead, and the transformation from Captain Donde to Captain Haddock would have done Hergé proud!
The disappointing culinary experience propelled us straight back home.
However, Tadri Bay has been added to Antara’s wish list. We keep her galley well equipped and know that a good meal and a range of coffee options are always at hand wherever we may wander.
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From Sea to Land to Sky, so glad that Dilip is making this voyage of discovery.