Nirvana Or Kagal Or Birkodi Beach

Nirvana or Kagal beach is a lesser-known paradise that is tucked on the banks of the Aghanashini river in Kumta. It is an isolated beach that has endless stretches of shores meeting the bluish-green water of the Arabian Sea. Nirvana beach coastlines are stuffed with silky sands, palm trees that run along the shores, casuarinas groves, and Kagal fort on a small green hillock. Not just that, the water here is shallow and clean to take a swim without having too many people around. Except for some fishers and their colorful boats you will not be able to see anybody. 

You can spot quite a few travelers pitching up camping tents on the beach as the dusk sets in. Outside of this, people even set up barbeques and lit bonfires to hangout under the millions of twinkling stars. Possibly one of the best picnic spots to spend time with bae or group of friends.

In addition, there are a handful of homestays at reasonable prices along the shores, which is run by locals.

You won’t find hotels or restaurants except for a small tea shop around the corner. Hence, make sure you carry your own food and snacks to munch on. However, if you are staying in homestays, you need not worry about food, as some of the homestays here serve lip-smacking authentic dishes. Never miss an opportunity to gobble down on hot and spicy local seafood delicacies.

This is one of the beaches you will come across when you’re doing Gokarna to Kumta beach trek or vice versa. Sometimes you can see crabs crawling out of the sand as this bit of the coastline is secluded from tourists. Also, known as Birkodi beach, this is probably the perfect destination for travelers longing for solitude.

Bioluminescent Phytoplanktons In Nirvana Beach

Nirvana beach is one of those rare beaches where you can experience Bioluminescent phytoplankton in water during the night. You will be able to catch a glimpse of small LED-like blue light glowing near the shores due to a natural phenomenon called Bioluminescence. Heading to Nirvana beach, especially 3 days after the no moon day, is the best time to experience this rare wonder of nature.

Note:

Bioluminescent phytoplanktons: are those algae, microorganisms, or planktons that have the capacity to produce and emit light.

Bioluminescence means the production and emission of light by living organisms.

Kagal Fort Trek Near Nirvana Beach In Kumta

Kagal Fort or watchtower sits on the top of a small hillock called “Kagal”.Earlier, Mirjaan town in Kumta was well known for pepper exportation that yielded a huge income. And during those days the only way to reach the Mirjan Fortress or town was through River Aghanashini. Hence, Kagal watchtower was built on the banks of River Aghanashini to protect the fort and surrounding areas from intruders.

Half an hour uphill trek of 2 kilometers from Nirvana beach will lead you to Kagal fort on the hilltop. In particular, you will be hiking on a well-paved muddy pathway next to paddy fields followed by a small forest cover. It is an easy trail that consists of a lot of picturesque and enjoyable views.

Kagal Hills is possibly one of the most picture-perfect landscapes you will see next to the beach. Except for a fort wall that is built along the edges of the cliff which runs for kilometers, you will not be able to find any traces of fort. However, the nature surrounding this place never shies away to impress you with its beauty.

With amazing views of teeming lush green meadows, beaches that run for stretches, bluish waters of the never-ending ocean, and rivers that never dry up, this place is sure to sweep you off its feet. You will be able to notice river Aghanashini merging into the Arabian sea and forming a delta from the clifftop. In fact, you can even see the paradise beach and half-moon beach of Gokarna from here. Last but not least, don’t miss out on Sunsets that will paint everything in its way to orange.

Agastsyara Guhe Near Kagal Fort

In addition to this, you can even visit Agatsyara Guhe(cave of Agastya), which is a short trek from the fort. But try taking local people along with you for the trek, as paths tend to get a little confusing. In this way, you can get the broader version of this place as well as get introduced to many more amazing places around the corner.

How To Reach The Place Kagal Fort Or Nirvana Beach In Kumta

From Bangalore, you can either hop into Gokarna or Kumta bus. You can find local bus services from either of this town to Kagal or Nirvana beach. But, after you get down, you will have to walk for some 1.5 km to reach the beach. On the other hand, you can also hire an auto-rickshaw to Nirvana beach.

Above all, if you are more into adventures and exploring new things, then take a ferry from Om or Kudle beach of Gokarna to Nirvana Beach.

Also, read: Vannalli Beach Kumta