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Come here for the surfing
by Anupama H
on January 7, 2019
As my title reveals, you should come here only if you want to surf/learn to surf. There is very little else to do and merely for relaxing in a quiet environment, i would suggest one look for a slightly more comfortable stay. There is some cycling, kayaking, yoga and stand up paddling but surfing is clearly the star attraction. The beach is phenomenal and isolated and my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our foray into this sport and would certainly try again. The services are fairly basic - very basic room, with simple food twice a day (though the food was tasty and very enjoyable after the surf session!). I did get mosquito bites though I went prepared for that. The people are very nice - both staff/instructors and guests. They even gave us a discount because the sea was very rough on our last day and we couldn't catch any waves. They even take pictures and videos of the surfing and these have come out well. December is a very pleasant month to visit the area - summer may be quite hot.
The only reason I give them 4 and not 5 stars is that I would have liked the space, including our room to have been cleaned more regularly - especially with the sand being dragged in everyday.
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An unassuming piece of paradise
by 818ankits
on November 26, 2018
So I researched a little when I was deciding where to go for surfing lessons in India. Many options came up, but the Mantra surf Ashram in Mulki somehow had the vibe of the authentic and the oldest. And when we visited it was true to its reputation.
The stay - As shown in pictures, is neat, spacious, clean but basic. I quite enjoyed the calm throughout the day and it is remote, so no traffic, no disturbances from the outside world. But sometimes the staff sit and chat outside and you can hear it, hence the one star less rating.
The food - Delicious home made, simple vegetarian affair.
The training - Very good and detailed. Slow and methodical. We were quite comfortable by the 3rd day and then did 2 more sessions to practice and get better and we did.
The staff - All very nice and accomodating gentlemen. Kiran is a rockstar. Some of the junior ones are a bit lazy and 3.30 could mean 4.00 or 4.15 in their books, but all very well natured lovely people.
The Beach - Superb beach. I would say perhaps the best in the world for a beginner, clean calm gentle waves on an empty, almost private beach (for miles) . It doesn't get better than this.
The equipment - Very well equipped with all kinds of boards for all sizes and shapes of people.
If you want to go and try surfing, go ahead. Go all in. Start your surf journey here. I am going back for more. For sure.
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Enjoyable surfing experience with great coaching team
by Ram_Kudukoli
on November 1, 2018
I recently took a 3 day surfing class with my brother and two nephews. Since we had alternate accommodation nearby, this review is only about the class and not the accommodation and food,
We had a wonderful time in the water riding the waves. The coaching staff was very friendly and were focused on safety and technique. Our surf guide Shyam was very experienced and articulated instructions very well.
The water was a little bit rough on our first day due to an overnight storm and we all took a little bit of beating from the sea. The following days were mellow and it was real fun to ride the waves. The kids had a blast. My brother and I, both in our late forties and on the heavier side were feeling sure footed on the waves by the end of the class.
Surfing is definitely a fun experience. It is also a real workout for the entire body. Really nice to have a surf club right here near Mangalore with world class coaches!
Note: Please get protection from UV rays. We all got sun burned. Get full sleeved surfing t-shirts (SP50 rating) and some sunscreen for your face.
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Surfing and relaxing
by AnaV2533
on October 4, 2018
We have stayed for four days and we enjoyed each day surfing, kayaking, paddling, cycling and relaxing! The location could not be better! It is beautiful and unique. The staff is great, very friendly and helpful! This place has something!!We will return fore sure!
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Awesome!!! Surf, Sand and Cycle ...
by unistala
on September 30, 2018
We just spent the long weekend at the Mantra Surf School @Mulki and can't stop thinking about our vacation. Apart from surfing, they provide other activities like SUP, Kayaking, yoga and Bicycling tour. The coaching team and admin set up were excellent. The level of technical coaching and individual attention to detail was superb. Highly recommended for those serious about improving their surfing. We've already been to a few surf schools, but Matra Surf School run by Kiran and his team is by far the best!
Many thanks to whole surfing team Kiran, Shyam, Ravi!! They all are very friendly and professional. The 21 kms bike tour was awesome - no strenuous biking just cruising the rural back streets around the villages and beside the backwaters.
Surf Ashram is now added to one of our favourite places in the world. Everything was perfect: the stay, the yummy traditional food, awesome location, the stunning beach, the consistent waves, the fabulous little town and the great people. It has a very special vibe.