Journeying to Udupi: A Divine Encounter in the Scorching Heat
As we sadly bid adieu to Ullal Beach and turned our attention towards Udupi, a mix of excitement and curiosity bubbled up inside us. The to-and-fro bus fare was a steal at just 190 INR per person, making the journey as thrifty as it was thrilling. The sun, however, seemed determined to give us a roasting, showering us with its scorching embrace as we approached the temple. The line seemed to stretch for miles, and I found myself contemplating life’s big questions. But with a push from my better half—who, with a mischievous grin, reminded me that some things are worth a bit of suffering—we mustered the courage to face the heat and endure the queue.
“Trust me,” she said, “This is one you won’t want to miss.”
She was absolutely right, no doubt about it! Stepping into the temple felt like crossing into another realm—a place where time slowed down, and the divine seemed almost within reach. The sight of Lord Krishna as a small boy, visible through the sacred windows, was truly nothing short of magical. They say that the saint Kanakadasa, denied entry due to his caste, prayed fervently from outside, and the idol turned to face him. Whether one sees this as legend or truth, standing before the Kanakana Kindi, I couldn’t help but be overwhelmed by the immense presence of devotion and faith.
Our temple lunch was simple yet divine, prepared with love in the kitchens that serve thousands each day. Despite the heat and the wait, the experience was one of profound peace—a reminder that sometimes, the most spiritual moments come when we’re pushed out of our comfort zones.
As we walked out, the sun still blazing above, I turned to my spouse, grateful not just for her insistence but for sharing such an unforgettable moment with me. The journey in Udupi had just begun, and already it was weaving memories that would stay with us forever.
The Odyssey Continues – A Journey to St. Mary's Island
As the final chapter of our Mangalore adventure unfolds, we find ourselves on the shores of Malpe Beach, a gateway to the storied St. Mary’s Island. The journey to this geological marvel is as humble as it is captivating—just a 20-rupee bus ride or a brief auto journey from Udupi, followed by a 400-rupee ferry ride that transports us to a world that time itself seems to have forgotten.
St. Mary’s Island, with its unique columnar basaltic rock formations, is a living testament to Earth’s ancient history, once a fragment of the mighty Gondwana supercontinent. As I stood on its sun-soaked sands, I couldn’t help but think,
“Here I am, with footprints on both the Madagascar Island and this ancient isle, once connected by the forces of nature.”
The island’s rugged beauty, with its crystalline waters and fascinating flora and fauna, draws you into a silent dialogue with nature. The path laid along the beach, swaying gently with the waves, leads you to a vantage point where the sea stretches infinitely, inviting reflection and awe. As we rested in the shade, watching thrill-seekers take on the balloon rides, the vibrant energy around us was contagious, a fitting contrast to the serene landscapes we had explored so far.
As the day drew to a close, the sun began its descent, painting the sky in hues of gold and crimson. Riding the waves on our return ferry, we were reminded of the profound simplicity and boundless beauty of nature, a fitting end to our exploration. And so, with the sun setting on this final chapter, we leave Mangalore with hearts full and spirits light.
Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love. It will not lead you astray.
Rumi
Our journey was more than just a trip; it was a reminder of the wonders that await when we let our hearts guide our paths. Until the next adventure!!
Rijju's Runway 