Just like every other year, the first week of March is sacred—vacation mode ON. But this time, instead of the Himalayas or the north east hills , it’s the rhythmic waves of the Konkan Coast calling us—from Mangalore to Gokarna, an 8-day coastal experience waiting to unfold.
Our journey began at 4:30 PM from home in Chennai. Though the airport is just 25 minutes away, we chose to leave early—avoiding peak traffic and ensuring a relaxed security clearance. After all, vacations should never begin with chaos.
A Lounge Lesson & A Small Sacrifice
Unlike last year’s smooth lounge experience, this time things were slightly different. At the T4 Terminal, my wife’s card worked perfectly, but my Tata Neo card didn’t. The staff mentioned it wasn’t mapped to that terminal, and access was denied.
Without a second thought, my wife handed over her lounge access so I could have my early dinner. A small gesture, but one that meant a lot—sometimes travel memories begin even before the flight takes off.
The airport felt unusually deserted. Perhaps it was the odd travel season, or maybe the newly opened terminal still hasn’t found its usual crowd. Either way, the quiet atmosphere added a certain calmness to our departure.
A Perfect Takeoff
Our aircraft was a kutti ATR flight, compact yet efficient. I must say—the departure and arrival were absolutely on time. There’s something reassuring about punctual flights; they set the tone for the journey ahead.
A 500-Rupee Shock & A Beautiful Walk
Upon landing in Mangalore, we attempted to book a taxi to our pre-booked hotel. The distance? Just 1.5 km
The fare? ₹500.. Watt the..
Both of us looked at each other in disbelief. And that’s when we made a spontaneous decision—to walk.
Usually, I’m the one advocating long walks. But this time, it was my wife who suggested it. And I must admit—it was the best decision of the evening.
The coastal breeze, the unfamiliar streets, the mild humidity, and the feeling of stepping into a new land—it all felt refreshing. Sometimes, the most unexpected choices become the most memorable ones.
We finally reached the hotel, checked in, and settled down for the night.
As I lay in bed, excitement bubbled within me. Tomorrow, the Konkan sun would rise on a brand-new chapter—waves, temples, coastal roads, traditional food aromas, and endless horizons awaited us.
And just like that, Day 1 ended—not with grandeur, but with gratitude and anticipation.
