About Us

Shantidham on Om Beach

Suresh Gouda's journey from his humble beginnings in an agrarian family of the Halakki tribe to establishing Shantidham on Om Beach is a story rooted in both cultural heritage and the harsh realities of survival. The Halakki tribe, known for its deep connection to nature and traditions, had long remained disconnected from the mainstream world, relying on their agricultural skills and local customs. Suresh was born into this environment, where resources were scarce and the tribe was often marginalized in terms of education, employment, and opportunities due to a lack of infrastructure and governmental ability to provide the wherewithall.

With time, the lure of Gokarna’s growing popularity among travelers sparked a desire in Suresh to carve out a new path for himself. However, the terrain posed a massive challenge. The location chosen for Shantidham on Om Beach, with its rugged cliffs and wild landscape, wasn’t easily accessible. The idea of setting up an accommodation at the edge of a cliff was ambitious. Undeterred by the daunting terrain, Suresh’s vision of Shantidham was slow to materialize. The first challenge was the lack of infrastructure; there were no clear roads or pathways to transport materials or supplies, and the steep slopes of the cliff made construction hazardous. The material had to be manually carried up, relying on local knowledge of the land and sheer determination. With limited funds, Suresh used whatever resources were available.

Initially, Shantidham was nothing more than a few basic accommodations, offering simplicity and tranquility. Slowly, as word of mouth spread among travelers seeking an offbeat, serene experience, the accommodation grew. Suresh’s ability to bridge the gap between his tribe’s traditional way of life and the needs of modern tourists was key to Shantidham’s development. He incorporated rustic charm into the design of the accommodation while catering to the comfort of guests. Despite the slow growth, Suresh’s efforts have turned Shantidham into a unique accommodation, one that blends the wild beauty of Om Beach with the secludedness that one might seek. It stands as a testament to his grit and vision, and overcoming even geographical barriers...