We finally managed to leave the beautiful Arambol and caught the train to Gokarna, Karnataka. The journey was exciting, travelling through palm tree forests, tunnels under mountains and wide open lakes. When we arrived in Gokarna, it was festival time so we struggled through the crowds with our rucksacks in the intense heat. We didn't really know where we were headed so we followed the stream of people past a massive decorated juggernaught and dancers with whips! We found a peaceful guest house with cool stone floors and palm trees outside. The only problem is the cockroaches which we have to chase out of our room nightly.
Gokarna is a Hindu town, and everywhere there are depictions and statues of Shiva, Krishna, Kali, Ganesh and a host of other goddesses and gods. There are busy night markets full of light and sound, and a river that one evening was swarming with baby catfish.
We've visited the Ayurvedic health centre where two lovely girls gave us a steam bath and facial massage, all the time chatting in sweet Hindi voices.
Our plans for the next leg of the journey are pretty vague, we would like to see Kerala, Mumbai and Varanasi but may not have time for all.
4 comments:
It gave me a real thrill to see that picture of the three of you... looking so happy! Who took the picture?
Carry on enjoying yourselves. We send our love from snowy Canada.
Dear Ali,
Hmm..you were wondering who took the photo. A charming American named David ;-)
Love to you both x x
B, E, Rh
Hello U3
It's strange, I must be writing this very soon after you posted your comment, Elen. What a large, small world it is. Your first experiences in Gokarna must have been vivid and exciting; imagine that, turning up in the midst of festival. Don't worry about the cockroaches - just keep sweeping them up! love to you all xxx Daddy
i don think those girls wud be talking in hindi.... it must have been 'kannada', a local dialect :)
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