TRAVEL TO REVIVE SMALL BUSINESSES

“PLUNGED INTO ECONOMIC DISTRESS IN 2020, CHARIDA’S CHHAU-MASK-ORIENTED ECONOMY AWAITS A NEW LEASE OF LIFE. SO SNAG SOME PAINTED VISAGES, JUST THE DRAMA FOR STAID URBAN SPACES.”

- Sohini Das Gupta

CATCHING THE BIGGEST WAVES

KARNATAKA & TAMIL NADU

Post pandemic, going small is the kindest thing you can do for the environment and local businesses. Miss the waves? Head to Mulki, an unassuming town near Mangalore in Karnataka known for its temples, delicious coastal fare—and pristine beaches.

Mantra Surf Club on Mantra beach offers water sport activities such as stand up paddle, water skiing, and jet skiing. But surfing remains the most popular even amid the pandemic. The site doubles as a homestay and is ideal for a workation— it adheres to hygiene guidelines, has hired more instructors certified by the International Surfing Association, and has switched to serving meals in paper cups and leaf plates.

In Tamil Nadu, make a splash at Kalliyalay Surf School (KASS), located halfway between Puducherry and Auroville. Run by brother duo Juan and Samai Reboul, KASS recently reopened and prioritises safety. They offer only private lessons (also for non-swimmers and kids under 14) at Serenity beach.

If you’re up along the east coast, head to Mahabalipuram. Golden sand and big waves await at Mumu Surf School, and the beloved on-site Sandy Bottom Cafe, is slated to reopen along with a homestay in early 2021.

Further up north en route to Chennai is Ocean Delight Surf School in Kovalam beach. Founded by Appu, who hails from a local fishing village, the establishment won at the Covelong Point Festival in 2019. An onground property is being built here, and the club enlists locals to eliminate plastic and waste with their Beach Ocean Life initiative. — Pooja Naik