SwaSwara
Karnataka
SwaSwara is on the hillside above Om beach, close to the temple town of Gokarna, at the northern end of Karnataka state, an hour or so south of the Goan border.
Stunningly beautiful, as the property descends toward the beach the residential area transforms into jungle and paddy fields, and an organic farm that supplies the resort. Om beach itself is still idyllic, (sunrise on Meditation Hill shouldn’t be missed) though it can become busy with local day-trippers in the late afternoon and on weekends.
How to get there:
The easiest way to get here is to start in Goa. The resort organizes all airport and station transfers. Gokarna is accessed via the NH17, with a scenic drive along the coast, through Karwar, if coming from Goa.
By air:
Goa airport (Dabolim) is the nearest by far, and is very well served all year round by domestic flights (Indigo/GoAir, Jet, Air India, SpiceJet), as well as international charter flights during the holiday season.
By train:
Train is a good, cheap option if coming from Goa. Madgaon – Goa’s main station, in Margao – is just 90 mins from Gokarna’s station (Gokarna Road), which is then just 25 mins by taxi to Om Beach.
By road:
Road is not a good option unless driving down from Goa, in which case take the NH17 highway.
Distances & travel times:
airport: Dabolim (Goa): 160 km / 3 hrs
railway stations: Gokarna Road: 14km / 25 mins
When to go:
SwaSwara is open all year round, with November to March being the most appealing in terms of sunshine hours and temperature, and also the best time to visit neighbouring Goa.
Post-monsoon (September, October) the landscape is at its most verdant, but the monsoon rains also hold a certain charm, and discounted rates are offered during this period.
From April to June it gets very hot and humid, although the villa’s A/C offers respite when it becomes too much.
Getting around:
You’ll be doing a lot of walking within the resort. If you want further exercise you can walk to the beach and further on along the hillside trails to the surrounding beaches. The path from Om to Half-moon and Paradise beaches is breathtaking but not for the fainthearted. Narrow tracks with long, unguarded drops high up the cliff-side and scrambles over tidal rocks are par for the course.
Boat trips to beaches and to Gokarna are offered. Otherwise taxis and autos can be hired.