Stories from the road

After months of planning, our long-awaited family getaway to the beautiful coastal belt of Karnataka – Mangalore and Udupi – finally began. It wasn’t just another vacation; it was a journey full of nostalgia, togetherness, and adventure.

🚉 Day 1: Boarding Memories – Train Ride to Mangalore

We kickstarted our journey from SMVT Bengaluru, boarding the Murdeshwar Express (Train No. 16585) at 7:45 PM. As the train chugged away from the station, it felt like going back in time — especially when we opened our home-cooked dinner. Sitting with my parents, wife, kids, sister, brother-in-law, and their daughter, we shared food and stories, just like we used to when we were kids. Only this time, I was the one taking my parents on a trip — the roles had beautifully reversed.

The kids were thrilled – it was their first overnight train journey, and the excitement on their faces was priceless.

To top it off, we munched on some delicious vada pav at one of the stations during a halt – a true Indian train journey treat!

🚗 Day 2: Sea Breeze & Local Culture

We reached Mangalore at 8:15 AM, where our self-drive cars (a Suzuki Ciaz and a brand-new Baleno) awaited us at the station. We drove to our Airbnb bungalow nestled between Mangalore and Udupi, facing the sea.

Before checking in, we stopped for breakfast – fluffy idlis, crispy dosas, Mangalore buns, and hot filter coffee – the perfect coastal welcome.

The bungalow was nothing short of a dream. The ground floor had a bedroom, kitchen, dining, and living area (allocated to our parents for easy access), and the first floor had two bedrooms and a terrace with a breathtaking view of the sea.

Just across from the property was the beach — and right there, on the sand, was a hammock tied between two trees.

The kids couldn’t wait to rush down, kick off their shoes, and swing away with the waves in the background. We all spent a peaceful hour or two at the beach, soaking in the breeze and letting the vacation truly begin.

After a refreshing beach stroll and some hammock fun, we headed to see the famous Pili Nalike (Tiger Dance) in Mangalore.

It was a vibrant performance of energy, color, and rhythm. We clicked pictures with the artists and soaked in the cultural experience.

By evening, we visited the Kadri Shri Manjunatha Temple, one of Mangalore’s iconic spiritual spots.

Dinner was at a place called The Village – an unexpectedly massive and beautifully designed restaurant where a golf cart took us from the parking to the entrance! The food was delightful — a mix of North and South Indian cuisines with both veg and non-veg options.

We returned to our seaside retreat and had the most peaceful sleep with the sound of waves in the background.

🌅 Day 3: Yoga, Island Adventures & Paradise Beach

We woke up to the sound of waves and headed to the terrace for yoga, led by none other than my wife. It was a serene start to the day.

We cooked a hearty breakfast using raw ingredients provided by the caretaker and then left for Paradise Beach. The kids and adults alike had a blast with water sports.

Post lunch, we went on an island tour — a small scenic island filled with seashells and surrounded by turquoise waters. Loud music played on the boat, and everyone joined in for a fun dance session.

PAs the sun dipped into the sea, we watched the sunset at Paradise Beach, then dined at MTR, and called it a night.

🌊 Day 4: Blue Flag Beach & Kayaking Fun

We began the day with our usual morning beach walk and yoga, followed by homemade breakfast.

Our next destination was the Blue Flag Beach near Padubidri — clean, scenic, and calm.

A beach shack served mouthwatering snacks, and the highlight was a small adjacent lake where we did kayaking.

The lake was peaceful and empty, giving us a private experience. My 12-year-old son Vivaan confidently did kayaking all by himself — a proud moment for all of us.

Even my father, initially hesitant, joined me for a kayak ride. I went twice — once with my wife, and once with my dad. These were memories we’ll cherish forever.

After beach showers and changing, we visited the divine Sri Krishna Mutt in Udupi. The calmness of the temple was soothing. We returned to our bungalow for a relaxed evening.

🛕 Day 5: Murudeshwar via Coastal Roads

Early morning, we hit the coastal road towards Murudeshwar, passing through Maravanthe Beach, where the road runs between the river and the Arabian Sea — truly a picturesque drive!

By noon, we reached Murudeshwar and explored the majestic temple and the giant Shiva statue. Lunch at Pakshala was satisfying.

Our return was through a curtain of coastal rain — adding to the drama and beauty of the journey. We reached our property by evening, exhausted but content.

🚞 Day 6: Vista Dome & The Final Journey

Our last day began with farewells to the bungalow that had become our home. We boarded the Mangalore – Yesvantpur Express (Train No. 16576) from Mangalore Junction at 11:30 AM, this time in the Vistadome coach.

The panoramic glass roof and wide windows gave us unmatched views of the Western Ghats and countryside. We ordered food via Zomato on Wheels, played cards, and relived the trip’s highlights during the scenic ride. By 8:45 PM, we reached Yesvantpur Junction, took cabs home, and thus concluded our beautiful coastal escape.

This trip was more than a vacation – it was a journey down memory lane, a reunion across generations, and an adventure through the coasts of Karnataka.

The kids learned, the parents relaxed, and the whole family bonded in the most wholesome way. From the train rides and temple visits to kayaking and dancing on boats, Mangalore and Udupi gifted us memories we’ll treasure forever.

If you’re looking for a perfect family getaway with beaches, temples, culture, and comfort – this itinerary might be just what you need.