The road trip from our place atop the Western Ghats to Gokarna a coastal town popular for its beaches via the hinterland roads has many surprises and popular tourist attractions en route like the Vibhuti Falls, Yana Caves and the beauty of nature, flora, and fauna. This road trip will take you through the bliss of lush green forests away from the hustle-bustle of the cities. You can explore them from either Sirsi and/or Gokarna and return back in a day trip.
YANA
Yana is a village located in forests of the Kumta, Utttara Kannada district of Karnataka, India which is known for the unusual karstrock formations. It is located in the Sahyadri mountain range of the Western Ghats, about 60 kilometres (37 mi) from Karwar port, 40 kilometres (25 mi) from Sirsi, and 31 kilometres (19 mi) from Kumta. Yana is one of the wettest villages in the world and it is cleanest village in Karnataka and second cleanest village in India. The two unique rock outcrops near the village are a tourist attraction and easily approachable by a small trek through 0.5 kilometres (0.31 mi) of thick forests from the nearest road head.
OM BEACH
Om beach is a wonderful beach located in the town of Gokarna. Shaped like the symbol ‘Om’, this beach offers a number of adventure sports to the junkies. The view of this beach during sunset is one to be cherished forever.
Om beach derives its name from its shape, which is formed by two semi crescents joined together. The fine sand lovely rock creations here attract a lot of travellers. One can spot fishermen boats, small cafes and eateries and crows swirling up in the sky at this beautiful beach. It is usually lined with shacks on the sides offering cheap accommodation and restaurants with exotic menus. There is also a bunch of fun water sports activities available on Om Beach, including speedboats, surfing etc. Visitors can even enjoy boating here.
MURUDESHWAR
Murdeshwar is a town in Bhatkal Taluk of Uttara Kannada district in the state of Karnataka, India. The town is located 13 kms from the taluk headquarters of Bhatkal. Murdeshwar is famous for the world’s second tallest Shiva statue, the town lies on the coast of the Arabian Sea and is also famous for the Murdeshwar Temple. Murdeshwar has a railway station on the Mangalore-Mumbai Konkan railway route.
Behind the temple complex of Murudeshwar, is a fort that finds its origins in the era of the Vijayanagara Kings.
MIRJAN FORT
The Mirjan Fort is located on the west coast of the Uttara Kannada district in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. The fort known for its architectural elegance was the location of several battles in the past. It is about 0.5 kilometres (0.31 mi) from the National Highway 66 and 11 kilometres (6.8 mi) from Gokarna, the famous Hindu pilgrimage centre on the west coast of India.
According to the first historical version, Queen Chennabhairadevi of Gersoppa (under the Vijayanagara Empire) was initially credited with building the Mirjan Fort in the 16th century. She ruled for 54 years and also lived in the fort. During her reign, the port at Mirjan, which is 32 kilometres (20 mi) to the south east of Karwar, was used for shipping pepper, saltpetre and betel nut to Surat. Gersoppa, a district annexed to Bednur, was famous for the pepper exported from this region.
JOG FALLS
Jog Falls located near the Jog Village.
The view from “Jog Falls Falling Point” is located near the In Sagara Karnataka. Jog Falls is also called by the names such as Gerusoppe falls, Joga jalapatha and Jogada gundi in regional Kannada language. It is the 2nd highest plunge waterfalls in India. It is a segmented waterfall which depends on rain and season becomes a plunge waterfall. The falls are major attractions for tourists and is ranked 13th in the world by the waterfall database.
VIBHOOTI FALLS
The place you stand is one of the tiers of this multi-tiered waterfalls. Surrounded by greenery this is a very pleasant place to spend an afternoon or morning. All you hear is the gurgling sound of water falling in layers. When I visited a group of young men were playing and swimming in the pool of Vibhuti Falls. There were young families enjoying a sunny day there. I think it is about 60-70 feet multi-stage waterfall.
There is a lifeguard posted at Vibhuti falls who keeps an eye on all the swimmers at Vibhuti Falls.