On our way back to Bangalore from a short break in Goa, we decided to spend a day in a little resort called Olive Garden in Karwar for the night. The tariff was very reasonable at Rs 2500 a couple with all meals, so we thought, lets break journey back to Bangalore here and proceed the next morning. After setting out from Pilerne, Bardez, via Madgaon, we hit the Karwar highway.

" Wont' take you longer than 3 hours to reach here, as traffic in the evening is usually high," said a friend who lives in Moira. We ideally should have set out in the morning as the road was full of tankers and buses, so the best time as always is early morning. The curving roads were a little dicey with the big tankers and buses, trying to shove us off the road. But we finally made it, taking a little longer than usual.

It was a relief to reach the Kaali bridge in Karwar and then call Mr Prem the Manager of the resort who was our outrider to the property. Frankly it is a very easy road to get to the estate on your own, if you follow Prem's clear directions. It was just that we had reached after nightfall.
As we drove into the property we were in for a rather wonderful surprise. The whole 6 acre resort is tucked into the welcoming arms of the Sahyadri's ( Western Ghats) and the area is pristine perfect. That was the nicest surprise being crazy nature lovers. However we drove into the property in the dark so could not see the beauty of the mountains right away.

Settling down for dinner we asked for coconut water as we are teetotlers. " Sorry, no coconut water, but I will see that you get some for breakfast," we were told. Dinner consisted of a delicious warm and clear lime and mint soup after which large individual platters of batter fried Lady fish and prawns with a bowl of tatar sauce and ofcourse my favourite french fries was the main course. After a wonderful masala char to wash it all down we headed for the room.

" We have 17 rooms in the six acre property," said Prem and of late we get a number of senior naval officers coming to enjoy our property."

The next morning we were up early to take in the sight of the mountain range we were tucked into. The resort has blended itself beautifully into the area with its own old mango and jackfruit trees saved and not chopped down. Infact the restaurant is artfully built around a really ancient mango tree. Birds of numerous varieties sang as we ate our omlettes and we were told that Hornbills are a common sight in the resort. Prem never forgot our request for Coconut water and served it to us chilled with breakfast!

The rooms are comfortable and if you are three, they give you a mattress for a small extra charge. Water is not a problem as they have a large rain fed tank, where the rain water is stored to raise and replenish the water table.
After picking and gorging ourselves with Singapore cherries, we picked a few jasmines to scent up the car and loaded the luggage. Then we sped on our way towards Bangalore, all refreshed, after a wonderful night at the Olive Beach Resort.

How to get to Karwar
Drive, it's an easy drive
Nearest Airport 100 kms from GOA
Rail Station 2 kms
Bus Stand 5 kms
For Reservations
Call : 080-41142408/40842222 or 08382-282222/88, 99721 00479
Olive Garden Resort,Shirwad, Karwar-581306