Day Trip from NITK/Bangalore!
The Western Coast of Karnataka is home to many popular spots such as Waterfalls, Treks and Beaches. Aside from the cliché places though, college students and tourists find it difficult to find the right places that suit their needs.
Here are two hidden gems that offer the best of Karnataka while being fairly light on the pocket, and can be covered together in a one day trip!
Let’s dive right in!
Destination 1 : Elaneer Waterfalls, and Tea estates via Kudremukh National Park
Duration : Left around 6:30 am from NITK, left Kudremukh National Park by 2:00 pm
₹₹ : Entry fee at the National Park is free (you are given a pass) and at Elaneer waterfalls is INR 50
Located 94kms (about 2 hours by car) from NITK, Kudremukh National Park is one of the most scenic drive throughs with breathtaking vistas. Canopies so thick you might mistake them for a cave, an immense variety of never-seen-before fauna or a rendezvous with a sloth bear, this picturesque getaway is one not to be missed!
Enroute, there are many photogenic attractions like the Hanging Bridge, various tea estates and the highlight of our journey- Elaneer Waterfalls!
There are a scanty few things in life that can match the joy of finding a hidden waterfall at a time when you probably didn’t expect to find one at all. In order to find this place we had to consult at least 10 locals along the way, cause guess what, there’s no internet up here! Yes, we did wander where the WiFi was weak! ;)
This hidden treasure is called Elaneer Waterfalls, located right underneath the birthplace of River Netravathi. Literally translated to “coconut water”, it is so named because of the pure taste of the water, take it from someone who drank it!
The water here falls from a short height but with surprising force and yes it’s properly swimmable! The locals who take you to this waterfall are extremely warm and welcoming, right from a bathroom to a place to change, they definitely offer visitors more than happy smiles! In exchange you will get the prettiest photos, a crazy experience and well leeches on your feet, if you don’t carry a Dettol can!
Destination 2 : Padubidri Blue Flag Beach
Duration : 1 hour by bus from Mangalore
₹₹ : Entry fee is 30Rs
37 Kilometers North of Mangalore, Padubidri is a quaint beachside town like any other except for the one unique feature that puts it in an elite Club of just 8 places in India. Padubidri is home to a Blue-Flag Beach, one which takes the beach vibe to a whole new level. Padubidri is easily reachable by bus from both Mangalore and Udupi. From here the beach is a 15 minute auto ride away. If you find yourself in a quirky mood, renting a scooty to roam around here is always an option!
Aside from having cinematic swings, breathtaking views and swaying hammocks, the beach also has a whole bunch of adventure sports ranging from ocean kayaking to good old boat rides. The soothing sounds of breaking waves, rustling leaves and your hammock swinging in the wind makes this is THE place to unwind after a long day. The sun sneaking into the sea never disappoints, as this place witnesses some of the most breathtaking sunsets (If the skies are in your favour :P ) The biggest eye-catcher for me though was just how clean and well maintained the beach was, so much so that the water seemed to be of a different colour!
In all, for a minimal entry fee of 30 Rupees, this place will be one of the best beaches you visit in Karnataka!
A well budgeted car trip to these destinations from Mangalore/Manipal will cost less than 1000 Rupees, worth every buck I’d say, wouldn’t you?
