The town of Bhatkal along the coast of Karnataka often goes unheard of; unless there’s a damn good reason you need to stop by.
I certainly did! After having visited Jog falls the previous day, I decided to take the bus to Bhatkal as I needed to go further south.
Bus ride from Jog falls to Bhatkal
The bus passes through the Western ghats and your phone is likely to lose all signal, unless you’re using BSNL. It was a test of patience (for me), and admiration (for the bus services) that ply on this route and of course the folks who live in these forests.
I finally reached my destination, with a headache! 😭
Stay options are not so great in Bhatkal. After looking around for a long time I found a reasonably clean place for 600rs (I think).
Tip : Gokarna is probably the only place along Coastal Karnataka where you can find reasonably cheap stay options (backpacker hostels). All other places until Mangalore you can find typical hotel rooms in the range of 600rs and above.
Bhatkal’s infamous Dubai market or Mirchi gully
It was late afternoon, after a shower and change- in the hope of finding a decent meal, I asked a few people for the market. That’s when I chanced upon this lane that sold imported goods - from an assortment of branded chocolates, cheese, dry fruits and various other canned food stuff that cost far less than the stores. Surprisingly, I didn’t find anything of interest.
 |
| Dubai market or Mirchi gully, Bhatkal |
My headache got much worse, so I asked the guys at the desk to arrange some food, an aspirin and a tumbler of warm milk to help me sleep.
< Day 2 >
The temples of Bhatkal
It is always nice when you expect little but find something of antiquity- just like the temples of Bhatkal. The sculptures and frescos were well preserved and also had a pandit that lived within the temple premises. Sadly I don’t know the names.
Murudeshwar
Location - 12 kms north of Bhatkal
Murudeshwar is a place of pilgrimage and home to the second tallest statue of Lord Shiva (123 ft) in the world. As you would expect Murudeshwar is crowded with pilgrims year round and there are some facilities like a luggage counter to keep your bags, baths and changing rooms.
The Rajgopuram is a new structure of concrete, along with the life-size elephants that guard the steps. There is something about this place, I thought to myself- as stepping into the temple immediately puts you at rest - peace pervades within the temple complex. There was no sign of long queues. An ancient smaller temple existed within.
After darshan, you can walk towards the temple balcony that overlooks the beach.
 |
| Murdeshwar temple, Karnataka |
There is also a restaurant almost adjoining the temple. It was quite hot, so I ordered gadbad ice cream i.e. more than one flavor of ice cream, nuts, chopped fruits, jelly, syrup & tutti frutti. It's served layered in a tall glass. The sight of people having a good time in the sea is a nice timepass.
Maravanthe beach
There is a tiny stretch from Kundapura to Maravanthe, where the bus literally drives along the edge of the sea.
 |
| bus driving on the coast from Kundapura to Maravanthe |
Maravanthe beach was practically empty, so I was able to get some sunset pics on here with no one in the background.
Kodachadri trek highlights : The wild Western ghats
I do hope you enjoyed this blog. If you have any questions then leave a comment below or get in touch in the About Me section.
Bye for now!
Comments
Post a Comment