Om Sweet Om

---

After a small backtrack south we find ourselves at Om beach, over the hill from the holy city of Gokarna and a world away from everything else. It's a laid back idyllic spot far removed from the hussle and bussle of the beaches of Varkala, Palolem and Patnem and by far the penultimate of the beach experiences so far.

Cows meander along the sand nudging bare bodies with their noses, local boys frolic in the waves and travellers settle in and make the picture perfect beach home. At night bonfires dot the beach, and new friends are made over a deep conversation or a game of cards - Yarniff is the game of the moment and we've learnt some crazy new rules from the Israelis.

There's no rickshaws, no cars, no motorbikes - the only noises are the lap of the waves, the odd rooster asserting his presence, laughter, drums and music wafting through the air. And the occassional sigh from us as we are reminded that at some point we actually have to leave our new friends and the magic of Om behind. We've had two failed attempts at leaving (our hearts weren't really in it) so still we find ourselves here, perhaps we'll stick around for the festival?

Over the hill in Gokarna the locals are getting excited and the pace of life in the tiny village quickens as the festival nears. Over 200 000 people are expected to descend upon the holy city for three days of celebration. The old chariots will be rolled along the street and the village will throb with the beat of drums and be decorated with colour.

As Dave says ... it's another good excuse to stay.

---

Photos

Om Beach
Named so because of its shape, but an apt name since its an awesome place to chill out

OM
Wall grafiti outside our room.
Om –noun Hinduism. a mantric word thought to be a complete expression of Brahman and interpreted as having three sounds representing Brahma or creation, Vishnu or preservation, and Siva or destruction, or as consisting of the same three sounds, representing waking, dreams, and deep sleep, along with the following silence, which is fulfillment. (Source: Dictionary.com)

Who you looking at?
Another random cow on the beach

Street Art
Woman adorning the temple street with patterns.

Cow
Cows are everywhere! Good to see they enjoy the beach life too!!

Sunset
This is at Palolem actually, but they're just as pretty here!

Parade
Perhaps a dress rehearsal for the real thing in a coulple of days time?

Comments

[Jacinta]

hola
hey guys - the colours in your photos are amazing - so jealous - kep having fun and enjoy the beaches while you can talk soon xxxxxxxxx

[Ngaire]

Hi there - it sounds as if you are having a wonderful time. No parcels have arrived yet. Where do you find the time to write wuch great travel tales? The photos are really lovely and makes you realikse that there is a great big world out there and we have only seen a little bit of it. Had a great time in France - no mishaps driving on the wrong side of the road. Can't wait to do it again. Love to you both, Mum

[V N Markande]

OM Beach of Gokarna
Jolly good place ! Simply makes me homesick !! Anyway I am but 24 hrs train ride from the place & in much accessible place than few others who r not so lucky. It has remained unspoilt because it has remained out of public gaze & attention (for whatever reasons ). How long it will remain so, we dont know! Quite Good photographs !! Bye