Om Beach: Escape to Paradise -- Often cited as the top beach in India, Om Beach lies south in Gokarna, an hour across the border into Karnataka. Black rocks divide the superb white sand into three interconnected bays that more or less resemble the Sanskrit "om" symbol, the invocation that created the universe. Infrastructure here was practically nonexistent a few years back, but new shacks and small "guesthouses" have been emerging every season. The good news is that the highly respected CGH Earth group, which owns some fabulous properties in Kerala, has injected some real class here with the 2007 opening of Swaswara (tel. 0838/625-7131, -7132, or -7133; www.swaswara.com; $300/£151 double; 7-day Ayurveda package $1,685/£850 per person on twin sharing basis). Set atop a cliff above the sprawling beach and sea, this yoga retreat comprises 27 traditionally styled villas set amid 30 acres of palm trees and paddy fields. This is the place to come if you're looking for yoga, Pranayama, and meditation facilities. Alternatively, take a look at laid-back and rustic Devbagh Beach Resort (tel. 0838/222-1603; www.junglelodges.com) in Karwar, slightly north of Gokarna, where guests stay in log cabins on stilts among groves of casuarina trees. Spend your days snorkeling, visiting outlying islands, beachcombing, or lazing in your hammock. Operating under the same banner is the Om Beach Resort (Jungle Lodges: tel. 0802/559-7021 or -7024; www.junglelodges.com), located in Gokarna, which offers large, comfortable accommodation with all-modern amenities but tasteless finishes.
