In less than 24 hours me and fellow Hampi dweller missioned it south from cold and wet Ooty to Varkala beach in search of fresh fish, sea, sand, sunshine and, of course, a pina colada or three. We powered through from government bus to government bus with not even a free moment to grab a chai - testament to the grueling, non-stop, determined bus trip towards beaches and booze. We took six state buses with benches for seats thinly upholstered in the standard blue plastic leather mix, glassless windows, concertina blinds made of this standard blue pleather which are useful for when the sun or the wind gets too aggressive. (I have been known to burn sat on these buses - surprised? Not at all!) Elbowing our way onto these buses whilst carrying awkward backpacks and competing with the short but strong and determined Indian ladies to get a spot on the next available bus. And we succeeded every time, with only a few short hours spent stood up wedged in amongst the other locals dripping in sweat and covered in a grimy dust layer. And all for less than 300 Rupees! Crazy cheap!
We had a small glitch when we turned up at a bus station at 1.30am and the next wasn't until 5am so we settled down and napped on the bus station floor, naturally. And then we set off for the final leg to catch another two buses before breakfast. Such an incredible journey!! I'm converted to state buses and now don't even know how to book a private bus! Lols.
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