Last Updated on July 20, 2024 by admin
Visiting Gokarna and want to explore something offbeat that is without the crowds? Instead, head to Nirvana Beach, Kumta, the beach opposite Om Beach in Gokarna for a relaxing or adventurous experience. This blog covers all the things to do in Nirvana Beach, Kumta.
In spite of visiting Karnataka for every 18 years visiting my mom’s side of the family during summer vacation, I never explored the touristy side of Karnataka. But thankfully, for the last few years I am trying to change that.
I have always been fascinated with Coastal Karnataka as I have heard so much about the activities to do, places to visit and the beautiful beaches from my friends. Although I have explored the heritage sites of Karnataka such as Badami, Aihole, Mahakuta, etc, I had somehow never visited the beaches.
My tryst with natural sites was limited only to Shivanasamudra Falls and Talakadu Beach which is more of a river bank than beach.
Finally I decided to change that and visit a less known place called Kumta in Coastal Karnataka.
Table of Contents
ALL ABOUT KUMTA, KARNATAKA
Kumta is a small town, 30 km away from Gokarna. Majorly a fishing village, it is an idyllic coastal town that is also famous for growing cashew nuts and betel nuts.
The best thing about Kumta is that it brings the best of natural worlds together – it is located in the lap of Western Ghats and overlooks the Arabian sea. Thanks to this, various ecosystems exist making it a haven for nature enthusiasts. There are beaches, lagoons, mangrove forests, cliffs, hills and a lot more.
And all of this brings in mind-healing through nature opportunities as well as soul cleansing immersive experiences.
Since it is not as popular as Gokarna, Kumta has less footfall which is why there are less tourists and less accommodation options. With less rapid development, it is still in pristine condition.
Read on to know what are the things to do in Kumta that will make you go on a brain vacation and feel closer to nature while ensuring good food and stunning exploration opportunities.
PRACTICAL TIPS FOR PLANNING A TRIP TO KUMTA
How to reach Kumta
By train
Kumta is a main station on the Konkan railway line (Western Railways) and there are direct trains from Bangalore (7 hours) as well as Mumbai (13 hours). Travelers can get down at Goa and then go on a road journey to enjoy the views. Autos are available to reach your hotel or you may request the hotel to arrange pick-up.
By road
Depending upon where you are travelling from, Kumta is accessible by road. Most people travelling here are from Karnataka state and prefer coming by car. I traveled from belgaum and it took me 5 hours to reach Kumta. KSRTC buses are also available from major cities and towns.
By flight
The closest airport to reach Kumta is Goa (Dabolim Airport) which is approximately 150 km away and takes about 4 hours. Another airport that should be considered is Belgaum airport which is 230 km away and takes about 5 hours. Private cars can be hired to reach Kumta from Goa or Belgaum.
Best time to visit Kumta
Kumta being a coastal town experiences torrential rains and most properties in Kumta and Gokarna close down for monsoon. Mid-June to mid-August should be strictly avoided to travel here. Summers are warm and humid and if you do not mind the humidity, March to May end can be considered for a visit. However, afternoons are too hot to venture out so the best activity is to chill in a cafe during this time.
The best time to visit Kumta is in winter (November to February) when the weather is just perfect for all kinds of outdoor activities.
Where to stay in Kumta
This is one of the most important topics to discuss while talking about things to do in Kumta. While there are a few beach resorts in Kumta, choosing a good property to stay will define the entire vacation here.
I chose to stay at Panchabhuta Conservation Foundation (Panchabhuta as it will be henceforth addressed) – an eco-conservation organization overlooking the Kumta beach also known as Nirvana Beach. Although they work as an NGO for the upliftment in the area, bringing economic independence for local communities, they also offer a nature-based healing retreat for the environmentally conscious travelers that promises humbling experiences. This is also the perfect beach stay in Kumta.
The property offers accommodation in thoughtfully designed habitats. Sustainability is at the core of Panchabhuta wherein 4 rooms are constructed using local and recycled materials like laterite, bamboo, Kadappa stone, terracotta and reclaimed wood, ensuring that no trees were cut in the process. The rooms and bathrooms feature naturally made bamboo toiletries, ayurvedic and natural bath amenities, and permaculture coffee. Attention to detail is such that the bathrobes here are dyed with discarded temple flower offerings.
The food is locally grown right behind the property or sourced from local markets. Everything is freshly prepared as per your choice. The restaurant menu covers diverse food options such as continental, punjabi, mangalorean with vegetarian and nonvegetarian variants.
A minimum of 2 nights stay is mandatory here and can be booked by sending an email on – [email protected] or on call : +91 98440 59666; +91 86604 22583; +91 89516 55340
Must try food in Coastal Karnataka
The main dishes from the coastal cuisine are fish, crabs and prawns. The speciality of Coastal Karnataka includes delicacies such as Ghee Roast, Sukka, Bale Yele Masala, Kundapur Chicken, Gassi and many more.
THINGS TO DO IN NIRVANA BEACH, KUMTA, KARNATAKA
Since I chose to stay with Panchabhuta, I had the liberty to pick any curated experiences they offer. I tried to fit in as many as I could, during my 2 days there. These are some of the best and offbeat things to do in Kumta offered only by Panchabhuta.
Kayaking in Mangroves
Get on a 30 minute boat ride from the Nirvana beach to go towards the Aghanashini estuary, a Ramsar site. The estuary is brimming with acres of mangroves painting a beautiful picture among the tranquil and calm waters.
Never having kayaked before, I requested the Panchabhuta team to ride a 2 person kayak with me. I was too anxious to go solo in the water (even though I had a life jacket on me!).
Having reached the stauray waters, our boat anchored and the team placed the kayak boat on the water. Myself and Mangal (Panchabhuta’s founder) got on the kayak and carefully started paddling in the waterways.
Kayaking amongst the mangroves was an awe-inspiring experience. I was enchanted by the vibrant colors, the interplay of shadows, the varying sizes of the mangrove trees, and the voice of nothingness as I paddled through the tiny waterways.
We kayaked for about 30 minutes and I was tired from paddling and I requested Mangal to go back. We hopped on the boat, secured the kayak boat and sailed back to the beach. On the way back, we spotted a dolphin! What a win!
Trek the Kagal Cliff
This being a private area acquired by Panchabhuta, trekking the Kagal cliff is a signature and private experience. The host personally takes the guests on the trek and narrates stories on the go.
Also known as the Pepper Queen Trail, the cliff is right behind the property. But still, one has to hop in a car and ride a couple of kilometers to reach the base.
Mangal started with the story of Chennabhairadevi, a formidable, 16th-century Jain queen who ruled here. Chennabhairadevi, believed to have originated from the Salva kingdom under the Vijayanagara empire, ruled from the prosperous trading center of Gersoppa between 1552 and 1606 AD. During her reign, she engaged in conflicts with the Portuguese in 1559 and 1570, who aimed to control spice trade through her ports. Recognizing her influence, the Portuguese dubbed her the Pepper Queen, or Rainha da Pimenta, and sought diplomatic relations with her.
She shared the era with significant figures such as Rani Abbakka II, renowned for repelling Portuguese invaders at Ullal Fort, over 200km away. Chennabhairadevi’s reign concluded tragically when she was imprisoned following a conflict with the neighboring Keladi king Venkatappa Nayak. This fate paralleled Rani Abbakka II, who had earlier met a similar end after betrayal by her estranged husband, the king of Mangalore, to the Portuguese.
As I trek to the hilltop listening to brave stories of the Pepper Queen, I notice the remnants from the bygone era such as lookout points, laterite steps, and pits that the queen’s troops and their horses used as resting spots.
The best part about the trek is the view. As I catch my breath overlooking the beautiful Aghanashini estuary on one side and Nirvana beach on the other.
Cycling at the Kagal Aghanashini trail
A picturesque countryside road takes visitors across the Kagal Aghanashini trail. Watch the fishermen go about their day, children playing in the yards, the cacophony of brahminy kites, kingfishers and seagulls all of it while riding a bicycle.
This is a guided trail and starts from the Panchabhuta resort. The distance is approximately 10 km and can take upto 3 hours to cover with multiple stops.
Exploring biodiversity in the ecosphere
If you are a wildlife lover like me and want to explore the biodiversity in and around Kumta, then Panchabhuta can arrange for the same. Whether it is dolphins or birds in the estuary area, both are possible.
Because of multiple ecosystems, there is ample bird diversity. Birds are seen from the rooms as right behind them is a jungle-like ecosystem. Similarly predators – kites and eagles, shore birds (seagulls, sandpipers) and estuary birds (darters, kingfishers, cormorants) are seen.
So grab those binoculars and get going.
Culinary classes
Local food while travelling is a must as it connects the visitor with the culture of the place. The Uttar Kannada or Coastal Karnataka cuisine brings many specialities to the table. If this interests you, then you can enroll yourself in the in-house culinary class.
Coastal Karnataka cuisine is extremely rich and diverse, but it all has its own characteristics of the central coast.it is perfectly suitable for travelers who want to give you a better understanding and appreciation for the cuisine.
Chill at the A’ka cafe
One of the best cafes in the area offering regional, continental and Pan-Asian meals lies in the Panchabhuta premises. The view of the Arabian Sea is spectacular from here.
A’ka restaurant welcomes everyone, not just house guests, and attracts travelers from nearby hotels and day travellers in search of good coffee and excellent food paired with sea views. The diverse and enticing menu features home-grown produce and is inspired by coastal Karnataka flavours. It’s a non-vegetarian’s paradise, offering freshly caught fish and mussels served with dosa or rice. Vegetarians are also well-catered to with a wide array of South Indian and continental dishes. Don’t miss the dish of the day or a special request from the chef, based on seasonal availability, for an amazing culinary experience.
PLACES TO VISIT NEAR KUMTA, KARNATAKA
Gokarna
The distance between Kumta and Gokarna is approximately 32 km by road although they are parallel to each other and there is a ferry service for locals. Gokarna is known for the beaches some of the famous ones are Kudle beach, Om beach, Half moon Beach, Paradise Beach and Belekan beach.
Gokarna is also popular for Mahabaleswara Temple. It is one among the seven sacred Mukti Kshetras in Karnataka. The Mahabaleshwara temple is one of the must-visit places to visit in Gokarna.
Yana Caves
Yana Caves, located 30 km away from Kumta are a fascinating natural site known for ancient limestone rock formations. The place features two massive rock outcrops that look like giant ant hills. Named as the Bhairaveshwara Shikhara and the Mohini Shikhara (“Shikhara” means “mountain peak”), the rocks are composed of solid black, crystalline karst limestone.
Mirjan Fort
Renowned for its triumphant history and architectural elegance, Mirjan Fort is one of the top attractions in Karnataka. Situated approximately 12 km from Kumta, this 16th-century fort is celebrated for its cultural grandeur and distinguished history.
Constructed from laterite, the Fort of Mirjan features four entrances, each with broad steps. Within the fort, there are nine wells, one secret exit, and a main entrance alongside two other entrances. The remains of a large darbar hall and a marketplace can also be found inside.
SUSTAINABLE TIPS FOR THINGS TO DO IN NIRVANA BEACH
- Carry your own refillable water bottle. Avoid purchasing PET water bottles unless absolutely necessary.
- Do not trash the beach, estuary waters or the Kagal cliff area with wrappers and uneaten food. Use designated areas and right-colored bins for disposing of waste.
- Be mindful of all the signs and follow them respectfully especially in temples and beaches.
- Respect the ancient structures of temples and other structures by not sitting on them.
- Do not write on the pillars and walls of forts.
Similar story covered in print media
Read More Posts from Karnataka
- Places to visit in Belgaum
- Heritage monuments of Badami, Aihole, and Pattadakal
- Badami Cave Temples
- Mahakuta Temples
- Aihole Temples
- Shivanasamudra Falls
- Chennakesava Temple Somanathapura
- Coracle ride at Talakadu beach
Disclosure – I was a guest at Panchabhuta Conservation Foundation, Kumta in May 2024. However, all opinions in this post are unbiased and of my own.
Disclaimer – This post contains affiliate links. It means it adds no extra cost to you if you book through the link but I get a referral bonus which helps me earn a little to keep this website up and running.
Pin this post!
