#DiscoverTheUndiscovered: If you have been craving for a weekend doused in tranquillity then head to Kumta–a tailor-made beachside destination for soulful vacations. By Upasana Sarangi
The town straddles across a portion of the Arabian Sea and falls under the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. Located approximately 17 km away from the frequently explored Gokarna, this place exudes a desolate vibe. To the north of the city is a scenic point, where the Arabian Sea is joined by the Aghanashini River, painting a spectacular view for tourists.
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Places to Visit
Mirjan Fort
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The Mirjan Fort spread across 10 acres of historic land is a child of architectural excellence. Legends suggest that Queen Chennabhairadevi of Gersoppa resided in this fort and ruled the empire for over 54 years. The Mirjan port, nearby, was the shipping hub for pepper, salt, betel nuts and other commodities. Even though the fort’s genesis remains hidden with several contested tales, the bastions and the stone carvings speak of its rich cultural past.
Mahalasa Temple
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The 450-year-old Shri Mahalasa Narayani Temple is home to gorgeous ornamented wall carvings. You can feel a refreshing presence of divine power and positivity at this temple. Various tales of Ramayana and Mahabharata come alive through wooden carvings around the temple. The locals celebrate their jatre (festivals) with immense pomp, and many tourists visit the temple during the festivities.
Alvekodi Beach
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The Alvekodi beach is an incredible find for travellers who crave to be in the company of untouched sand and soft waves. While accessing the beach through the paddy and groundnut fields can be a little tricky, the view is worth the effort. The crowd is extremely scarce, and reaching by the right time can buy you a sunset in solitude. While exploring the area, you can also climb up the old lighthouse nearby for a breathtaking view of the entire town.
Nirvana Beach
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The Nirvana beach is yet another offbeat find located on the outskirts of Kumta. It is secluded and often appreciated by tourists for its cleanliness. With no eateries or shops around, this place is understatedly silent. If you are fond of camping or picnics, you can pack your supplies, drive down to this beach and have the best time. With a few fishing boats placed on the sides and a rising sun at dawn, this beach offers a splendid view.
Local Market
The wooden craft items are particularly famous in Kumta, and you can shop for some aesthetic home décor products. Apart from this, they sell premium quality cashews, and since it is locally produced, you would find it relatively cheaper here. Shaydri Cashew is the most sought-after brand to look for.
Where to Stay
The 5 Mile Beach Resort is a unique place to stay in because they provide a stellar raw camping experience coupled with decent amenities. Kumta is dotted with many homestay options too such as Silver Sand Beach Cottages, Blue Ocean Sands and Villa Casuarina, to name a few. You can also sign up for weekend trip packages to spend the night in tents with packaged food options.
Where to Eat
Kumta is famous for its Konkani delicacies, especially the fish dishes. If you are a seafood lover, this place will send you in a food coma. While several restaurants offer local cuisine, commuting to Gokarna is advised for better options. Many cafes like Mantra Café, The Rock Namaste Café and Chez Christophe serve local and international cuisines along the beach.
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How to Reach
The nearest airport to the town is in Goa. It is a convenient drive from Goa airport to Kumta.
The Konkan Railway trains and several other local trains pass through the Kumta Railway Station and help tourists commute directly to the destination.
You can also avail bus services and make your way to the Kumta Bus Stand.
To commute within the town, you can hire autos or rented two-wheelers.
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