Swaswara

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Swaswara is the inner voice of the Self, sounded on a fabled beach shaped like an Om. In spaces marked by timeless aesthetics and contemporary harmony, here is a new vision, designed to give the practices of yoga and meditation their fullest expression. So come join us. And find the song within.

THE PLACE
Swa' is the Sanskrit prefix for the self. And 'Swara' refers to sound. We live unaware of the inner sound of our being, drowned out as it is by the din of daily life.

Only when everything else quiets down and we are at peace, can we hear it.

That's why we've made sure that the shouts of the modern world die down to whispers at SwaSwara.

Imagine a breeze-laden cliff top overlooking the legendary Om beach, not far from the ancient temple town of Gokarna.

(See map) Imagine too, 30 undulating acres of land, dotted with coconut groves and paddy fields. Yet, playing host to a mere 27 secluded villas, tucked away between lawns and flowering shrubs.


There is little at SwaSwara, apart from the rhythm of rolling waves and the meditative hum of birdsong, to disturb your inner explorations.

THE SPACE
Om Beach is aptly named. This Sanskrit letter, echoed faithfully in the sweep of the rocks and sand below you, is referred to in the ancient Hindu texts at the original sound of creation.

Other visitors to the beach need to take a winding trail around the bluffs, but from SwaSwara, you can use our own private path opening into a peaceful section of waterfront.

Here, you can stretch a moment into a day, working on your tan, enjoying a dip (the curve of the Om makes a perfect swimming cove!) and watching the sun lower behind the hills. If you strain your ears, you can sometimes hear the faint temple bells of Gokarna, wafting in on the breeze.

A 20 minute boat ride from Om will also fetch you up at a number of other beaches. Some bear romantic names (Half-moon Beach, Paradise Beach), most are isolated and at some, you won't see a single soul at all.

ACCOMMODATION
As we've said, there are just 27 villa style accommodations at SwaSwara.

Each Villa, (and for that matter, the rest of the resort as well) is inspired by the traditional family estates that dot the Konkan coast, and if we've added aircon and modern fittings, they do little to disturb the authenticity of your experiences here. Natural materials are used throughout, most of them sourced locally from the artisans of the area.
The centerpiece of SwaSwara is the blue meditation dome, at the head of the swimming pool. Its circular form and blue tiles form a mandala (or cosmic sphere) of harmony, echoing the temple architecture of nearby Gokarna.

YOGA & MEDITATION
At SwaSwara, you can expect personalized attention from Yoga experts belonging to several major schools.

If you're new to Yoga, you can just sample a bit of it all, practicing as the mood takes you.

For more serious Yoga lovers, as also for people with specific ailments, SwaSwara offers a whole range of options. If you like, we'll create a therapy program just for you, complete with Yoga postures and Pranayama (breath exercises), meditations, diet and Ayurvedic massage.

THE CUISINE OF SWASWARA
The food at SwaSwara is in keeping with the natural spirit that inspires everything else here. The accent is on the fruits of the land and the sea. And the focus is on freshness, pure and simple.

We avoid meats, concentrating on the fresh catch of local shellfish and seafish.

Fresh produce from the farms surrounding SwaSwara provides the accompaniment. Hard liquor is avoided. Instead, we serve up a selection of fine wines, both imported and local (we highly recommend you try a few of the latter, specially the reds).

THINGS TO DO
There are, of course, extensive Yoga, Pranayama and meditation facilities, with individual attention from qualified yoga teachers.

SwaSwara has an Ayurvedic centre too, where you can try out a variety of massages and other therapies.

Then there are the charms of Om beach, and a number of other beaches that are a short boat ride away. The temple town of Gokarna and Gokarna beach make for a fascinating days excursion.

SEASONS
Jan - Mar: These months are cool (well, 28-34 C) and dry.
Apr - May: Peak summer.

June - Aug: These are the Monsoon (rainy) months. In Ayurveda, this is considered especially good time for healing.

Sept - Dec: A pleasant and dry period, usually the main tourist season.

GETTING THERE
The nearest airport is Goa's Dabolim Airport (fairly well-connected internationally), which is 3.5 hours away.

Mangalore Airport is 4.5 hours drive.

The nearest rail station is Kumta, on the Konkan railway, a scenic train ride linking Mumbai (Bombay) to the major cities of Kerala, including Cochin and Trivandrum.