Activities
There is plenty to do at KAHANI both at the property and beyond our gates in the local area.
From laps of the lava-stone infinity pool, to sets on our jungle tennis court and exploring the twenty acres of our gardens. Watch dolphins frolic in the waves on a sunset boat-trip, feel the sand between your toes on Paradise Beach, paddle a kayak down the mangrove lined estuary or wander the temple lined backstreets of deeply sacred and incredibly ancient Gokarna.
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Beach Time - it is a six minute walk from KAHANI down the hillside to Paradise Beach, a romantic, road-less, rocky cove with golden sand fringed by coconut groves. Take a dip, try your hand at fishing off the rocks (our chef is quite the expert) or continue the shore walk past the headland to Half Moon beach and then on to the famous OM beach - shaped like the famous Hindu symbol for sacred sound - for a drink and snack at one of the informal beach shacks. Alternatively take the ferry or a paddle kayak across the estuary to miles long Nirvana Beach and try body boarding in the surf.
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OUT AND ABOUT.....
Local Village Trail - walk out from the KAHANI estate into the local village of Belekan, accompanied by our ranger to help you discover the traditional way of life of our rural neighbours. From paddy cultivation to buffalo husbandry and blessings at local shrines this tranquil trail will earth you completely in the glorious setting and peaceful existence of the Gokarna peninsular (which is 90% surrounded by water).
Gokarna Tour in Vintage Jeep - take our trusty open topped jeep for a tour of the local area. Visit Gokarna's fruit and vegetable market then walk the town's streets, discovering the ancient history of the "Cow's Ear" and understanding its importance as one of India's most revered sacred sites. After the town it is back into the jeep for a visit to explores the quiet lanes of the Aghanashini estuary's scenic backwaters and saltpans.
Boat Trips - get on board a local boat for a pleasure cruise down the waterworld channels of the serene, and as yet untouristed Aghanashini estuary. Watch the rich bird-life of this wetland biosphere and see traditional riverside life unfold as you glide by - all much as it has been for centuries.
After the river - head into the Arabian Sea for a magical sunset with dolphins frolicing in the gentle waves. Try your hand at fishing, or head to a nearby beach for a picnic, the sea is your oyster!
We can tailor half-day and full day trips as per your specific requirements.​
AT HOME AT KAHANI....
Chill by the pool - our pool is something of a stunner. A free form, infinity edged oval clad in emerald lava stone with a panoramic view of Belekan Bay. Throw in our comfortable teak loungers, a book from the in-house library of classics, cool drinks and light snacks solicitiously served by our discreet staff, butterflies wafting by and the sound of birdsong and the whisper of palm leaves and you have a something like pure peace on your doorstep.
Estate Tour - there are over twenty acres of gardens to take in - from the ancient village shrine, to the english survey pond, the stepwell to Lucy's Garden, and the banyan tree, the farm and the plant nursery. Wander at will with only the peacocks, hornbills and Hanuman langurs for company - or have a tour with our garden team, and learn about the plants, planting and traditional cultivation. Drink a freshly picked tender coconut, taste the fresh spices in our spice garden or make your own paan fresh from the betel nut palm.
Lawn Games - we have our own cricket pitch at KAHANI. A small but perfectly formed bit of turf just waiting for an impromptu game of India's favourite game. Alternatively - we can set up the badminton court, or you could simply throw the frisbee, play stuck-in-the-mud or turn cartwheels.
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Sundowners at Sunset Point - there are many great views and vistas at the property. There is however no doubt that the view of the Arabian Sea and Paradise Beach from the clifftop of Sunset Point is the best spot to watch the sunset and sip on a sundowner. Complete with plunge pool, sun loungers, bathroom and shanti hut - this is a perfect place for a private dining experience which transforms to a romantic oasis at night lit by candles and the light of moon.
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Cooking Classes - we take culinary matters very seriously at KAHANI. Luckily head chef Nagaraj Naik is only too happy to "spill the beans" and share some of his culinary secrets in a cooking class. Forage for fresh ingredients on the estate, visit the fishing harbour to select the catch-of-the-day or do the rounds of thursday fruit market in Gokarna - then get to work prepping a delicious Konkani (the local coastal cuisine) meal either in the main dining pavillion or in our al fresco kitchen in the gardens. The class finishes as it should with lunch and opportunity to taste your creations.
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Jungle Tennis - the owners of KAHANI love tennis, a passion which has manifested itself somewhat surreally in what must be one of the world's most remarkable courts. A full size, respendantly emerald artificial grass court set in its own clearing in the gardens surrounded by swaying palm trees. Don't forget the iced tea and chilled pineapple between sets.
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Home Cinema - our lavish state of the art home cinema is climate controlled with a short throw projector, 9ft screen and epic surround sound. We have a library of classic movies as well as subscriptions to all the streamers and sports channels. Settle in with popcorn for a private screening for two, gather the team for an important sports contest, or simply pack the kids in for a movie night whilst you dine in peace.
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Stepwell Dinner - one of the KAHANI experiences that should stay with you a lifetime is the candlelit stepwell dinner. An al fresco dinner under the tropical stars; a thousand candles glimmering around the geometric stepwell that stores our precious water, local musicians on flute and tabla, and wafts of woodsmoke drifting from the grill where fresh seafood is sizzling away.
