First Published on August 13, 2015
He tugged his precious atmalinga over and over to separate it from the ground but true to Shiva's words, it remained stuck to the ground. He looked around to find the celestial cows disappear into the ground. Realizing that he had been tricked, he tried to catch the last of the vanishing cow but all he managed was one single ear. Cursing...he left it and walked away to his miserable fate. What remained formed the confluence of two rivers and gave the place its name - Gokarna
Along the West Coast of India, in Karnataka, lies this sleepy little town called Gokarna. Gokarna literally, means “Cow’s Ear”. I know it sounds funny and you would wonder why this name. It partly stems from the legend that I have shared above and partly, from its location. Originally a Hindu pilgrimage center, it is now, an important tourist destination – not just as a temple town but its lovely rocky beaches and hills. The place is now a popular alternative to Goa and naturally so – when you check out the best things to do in Gokarna.
In this Gokarna travel guide, I will not only share the key places to visit in Gokarna but also, give you a sample Gokarna itinerary for 3 days. In addition to that, you will find tips on the best time to visit Gokarna, where to stay, what to eat etc. Don’t miss the epic Gokarna story included in the post. That is definitely bound to increase the temptation of planning your own Gokarna trip. So let’s get started.
Contents
- 1 Where is Gokarna?
- 2 History of Gokarna | The Gokarna Story
- 3 What to do in Gokarna? | Best things to do in Gokarna
- 3.1 1) Beach Trekking in Gokarna
- 3.2 2) Visit the famous Gokarna Temples
- 3.3 3) Relax with a massage
- 3.4 4) Become a Foodie
- 3.5 5) Embark on a few day trips from Gokarna
- 3.6 6) Yoga by the Beach
- 3.7 7) Experience the Star-Studded Sky
- 3.8 8) Indulge in some water sports in Gokarna
- 3.9 9) Get bitten by a photo bug
- 3.10 10) Shopping in Gokarna
- 3.11 11) Experience the stunning Gokarna Sunset with an evening cruise.
- 3.12 12) Discover the salt fields of Sanikatta
- 4 Gokarna itinerary for 3 days
- 5 Pin This
- 6 Common FAQs for Gokarna
- 7 What is the best way to reach Gokarna?
- 8 What is the best time to visit Gokarna?
- 9 Which is the best place to stay in Gokarna Karnataka?
- 10 How many days are required for Gokarna?
- 11 Travel and Photography Tips
- 12 Booking Resources
Where is Gokarna?
Gokarna is a pretty beach town in Karnataka, located by the Arabian Sea. It is around 140 km from Goa which is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. The town is at the confluence of the Gangavali and Agnashini rivers and it is this delta that is shaped like the cow’s ear. If one were to look for a more logical reason for the name Gokarna – then you have just stumbled upon it. The town is surrounded by loft hills that literally lock each of the sandy beaches of Gokarna – creating a very peaceful and secluded shore experience – quite unlike the beaches of Goa.
History of Gokarna | The Gokarna Story
The Gokarna story goes back to the mythological tale of Ramayana. The demon king Ravana of Lanka came to India to get an Atma linga from Lord Shiva for his mother. He did severe penance and pleased by his efforts, Lord Shiva gave him the Atma linga to take back to Lanka. But that came with “big conditions apply” 🙂 . Lord Shiva clearly instructed him to walk with the linga and never leave it on the ground. Not even for a few seconds. He warned him that once it touched the ground, it would not be possible to dislodge it. And so, the mighty King of Lanka walked back home.
In the meanwhile, the other Gods appealed to Lord Vishnu to help them stop Ravana. They feared that with the Atma Linga, he would become unstoppable and even more fearsome. Lord Vishnu hatched a devious plan with Lord Ganesha to stop Ravana. It was known that Ravana was very religious in praying at dusk. And so, he used his celestial weapon – the Sudarshan chakra to hide the sun and create an image of the sun setting. Ravana fell prey to that and looked around for help to hold the Atma linga while he performed his evening pooja. Enter Lord Ganesha in the form of an innocent cowherd.
Ravana appealed to the young cowherd to hold onto the linga while he finished his prayers. The cowherd aka Lord Ganesha in disguise agreed but with one condition that he would call out to Ravana thrice if he wanted to leave. As you might have guessed, Lord Ganesha tricked him, called him thrice while he was performing the pooja and very deliberately dropped the linga to run off. At the same time, Lord Vishnu cleared the sky and Ravana realized he had been tricked.
True to Lord Shiva’s words, the Atma linga got embedded in the same place while the cows began to disappear. Ravana tried to stop one of the cows by holding onto the ear but failed. The earpiece remained to become the confluence of the two rivers and the Atma Linga now resides in a temple that naturally, is one of the key Gokarna attractions.
That is the epic Gokarna story that draws numerous Hindus to this town. In the later years, some of the beaches were used as trading ports by royalties like Tipu Sultan. You can, in fact, get a glimpse of these shores in the next section on the best places to visit in Gokarna.
What to do in Gokarna? | Best things to do in Gokarna
Gokarna is often referred to as the offbeat cousin of Goa. While there are plenty of similar experiences to Goa, it also, is uniquely different from it. For one, it is definitely less crowded and not so touristy which makes it easy for any traveler to feel relaxed. The plethora of Gokarna attractions ensure that your day is filled with fun and excitement – but at the same time, the place allows you to pace these out. Here is a complete list of things that you can consider when planning your own Gokarna itinerary.
1) Beach Trekking in Gokarna
Beach hopping sounds like the most obvious? Am sure. But there is a slight difference here as you really have to trek (not walk) to the beaches in Gokarna. Gokarna is situated amongst the hills and the beaches are literally enclosed by the jutting cliffs. There is no option but to actually climb and descend these hilly rocks to go from one beach to another – which is actually, where the fun and excitement lies.
There are two major beach trekking routes in Gokarna. The first one called the Gokarna beach trek is a 10 km trail that covers the five major beaches in this town. These include Gokarna beach, Kudle beach, OM beach, Half Moon Beach and Paradise beach. The 2nd one is a shorter trail that takes you from a slightly lesser known beach – Belakan beach to the Tadadi Lighthouse. The trail takes you past the Agnashini river to the Arabian sea.
Gokarna beach trek
Of these, the most popular in the list of things to do in Gokarna for solo travelers is the Gokarna beach trek. For one, it is quite easy and light for all trekkers. And the 2nd reason is that the trail is not very secluded – making it safe for solo trekkers. It is a great way to explore the key beaches of Gokarna. You can even stop at each of the beaches and enjoy the various activities that are available there.
Another advantage of this route is that you do not have to walk both ways. If you are tired or want to try something different, you can opt for a boat ride to all these beaches as well. :-). Boat rides are available on Kudle beach as well as OM beach and you can either choose to go with a crowd or hire one exclusively for yourself.
Here are the key beaches of Gokarna that you can explore through the Gokarna beach trekking route.
Gokarna beach
Gokarna Beach is in the main town and is quite popular amongst the locals and the pilgrims. Shivratri is one of the main festivals celebrated in this town and the celebrations are held on this beach. The beach is not preferred by tourists. A nice beach nonetheless. However, I would recommend beginning your trek with the next beach – Kudle Beach, which is one of the main tourist beaches in this town.
Kudle beach – one of the most popular beaches of Gokarna
Circled by hillocks and dotted with rocks, Kudle beach is a pleasure to spend time on. The beach has a lot of shacks and small inns. You can trek up the little rocks along the way and feel the waves splash onto your toes. Not a bad idea to perch on them and stare out of the sea. I totally enjoyed doing the same myself. Trust me, it is a calming sensation 🙂
Om Beach
From the Kudle Beach, you have to trek up a hill and descend down to the most popular beach in Gokarna – OM beach. Named after the serene “OM” symbol of the Hindus, this is not just popular with the tourists but also, amongst the locals. This beach has limited food and restaurant options. This is where you will find numerous water sports activities.
Half Moon Beach
Next beach in the line of the trekking order is the Half Moon beach. The beach feels a little like a lagoon. This has far lesser options of restaurant and shacks and is quite secluded. It is in fact, one of the most peaceful beaches in this stretch – especially since it does not have much to do
Paradise beach
The last beach in the beach trekking route of Gokarna is the Paradise beach. Also, called the Full Moon beach, this is the furthest from the main town. It is quite popular with campers and foreign tourists. In fact, at one point, any one was allowed to pitch a camp and stay here but in the recent years, the camp sites have become commercial and you will in fact, have to rent one from the operators here.
Paradise beach is a great place for people who like water sports, especially kayaking. You can end your Gokarna beach trek here and spend some time enjoying the shacks. From here, you can even hire the ferry I mentioned and get back to one of the more popular beaches like Kudle beach or Gokarna beach. You don’t have to hike back all the way.
Belekan beach to Tadadi Lighthouse trek
The Tadadi lighthouse trek is a comparatively shorter trail that begins at Belekan beach and takes you past a lovely lighthouse. The route is known for its hill-top views. In fact, you can get onto this trail from the Gokarna beach trek itself. Belakan beach, also, referred to as God’s own beach, is accessible from Paradise beach. The only thing that you need to keep in mind is that from Paradise beach to Belakan beach, there is no ferry. Hence, you will have to walk back on your own.
2) Visit the famous Gokarna Temples
Originally a temple town, there are a few ancient temples around Gokarna with a fair amount of history and significance. The key amongst these places to visit in Gokarna is the Mahabaleshwara temple, within the main Gokarna town. This temple is home to the legendary Atma linga which gave Gokarna its name. Built in a typical Dravidian style, the temple has a pedestle with a hole through which the devotees can see the top of the Atma Linga.
Visiting this temple gives you a very serene feeling. The deity here is over 1500 years old. While you are at visiting temples, you can even visit a few others – Aadi Gokarneshwara temple, Ganapati temple, Koti teertha etc. All these are within distance from each other and are connected to each other – either by way of rituals or legends.
For example, the Ganapati temple in Gokarna was built at the spot where Lord Ganesha vanished after setting the Atma Linga down on the ground. The Ganesha idol here has a hole, which is believed to be the hurt that he got when Ravana tried to stop him and ended up giving him a blow. The Koti Teertha temple is actually a pond that is used by disciples to cleanse themselves before entering the Mahabeleshwar temple in Gokarna.
3) Relax with a massage
Most of the hotels and resorts as well as inns on the beaches offer you massage services. The most popular are the Kerala Ayurvedic treatments. You can opt of a regular full body massage or go specific based on your preferences. From a head massage to a foot massage, these massage centers have quite a few options on their menu. A very soothing experience. especially with the waves giving your a background music score 🙂
4) Become a Foodie
With the shacks on the beaches and good local restaurants, the foodie in your is bound to spring out. From Italian pastas to Indian Thaalis – these food places serve your the best. Don’t miss out on two places in particular – the first being in the main Gokarna town called Prema restaurant. This is a non-descript place, with a shabby looking board. Initially, I mistook it for a store but don’t go by the looks. The menu here completely defies its appearance – It has everything from Israeli bread to Pastas and Indian Thalis. The food here is absolutely mouth-watering and AMAZING. So much so, that we ended up going here on two of the 3 days in Gokarna.You have to try out the homemade icecreams and GADBAD here. Check out the Trip Advisor reviews here.
The other must-visit place is by the OM beach – Namaste Cafe. This place has an amazing view of the Arabian sea. The food here is a mix of Italian and Indian. Personally, I felt that the food was much better and tastier at Prema Restaurant but there is no beating the ambiance of this place. I would recommend an evening here for sure, as the place is beautifully lit and while you wine and dine here, you can hear the vibrant sea in the background and feel the sea mist on your face.
Incidentally, staying and dining at the Namaste Cafe is one of the key things to do in Gokarna for a solo traveler.
5) Embark on a few day trips from Gokarna
There are plenty of places close to Gokarna, each unique in its own way. These places can be covered as day trips from Gokarna. I have shared a few of these in earlier post and you can look up those details in the links added to those destinations.
- Karwar – While you can do a day trip to Karwar from Gokarna, I would highly recommend a stay there. However, if time is of essence, then you can head there in the morning, explore the lovely Mangrove beaches around River Kali, spend some time on Kurumgad island or just enjoy the Devbagh beach.
- Yana – This is a delight for trekkers with its fascinating rocks and caves. The landscapes here are unique and definitely worth a visit. Yana is just 45 km from Gokarna
- Dandeli – River Rafting in Dandeli is an activity that a lot of visitors add to their Gokarna trip. You can book your expedition in Gokarna itself or just head over to Dandeli, which is around 130 km from Gokarna.
- Murudeshwar – Just 55 km from Gokarna is the 2nd largest statue of Shiva. Murudeshwar is worth a visit for the sheer magnificence of this statue that stands against the blue backdrop of the Arabian Sea. You can also, plan a Scuba diving expedition when in Murudeshwar. Netrani Island – just off its coast, has more than 6 amazing dive sites to explore the underwater. In fact, you can enroll for a PADI certification here. Check out my own experience through this post on my PADI certification at Netrani Island
- Mirjan – This is just 11 km from Gokarna and worth a visit for the lovely fort. The mighty fort was built in the 16th century and has plenty of interesting structures to explore.
6) Yoga by the Beach
Do it by yourself or join the groups at various resorts like the Namaste Yoga Farm or the Swarswara resort. It is not unusual to see a lot of tourists practicing yoga in the mornings and evenings on the Kudle beach or the OM beach. You can pick from a 7 day course to a longer course while here.
7) Experience the Star-Studded Sky
The night sky in Gokarna is actually wonderful -clear and star-studded. With the cool breeze blowing on your face, waves splashing along and lovely sand below your feet, a stroll on the beach are exactly what you should do. Try lying down on the beach and counting the stars – Sometimes, meaningless tasks like this add to the charm of the place 🙂
8) Indulge in some water sports in Gokarna
Get your adrenaline going with some watersports on the Gokarna beaches. You can opt for some parasailing, banana boat rides, snorkeling or kayaking. However, note that these are available only during the peak season.
You can also, enroll yourself for some surfing classes that take place on Gokarna beach. You can choose from a variety of courses that are available in this surf school.
Scuba diving is yet another option that you should consider when looking at water sports in Gokarna. However, for this option, you will have to travel to Murudeshwar, which is just 45 minutes away from Gokarna. All the scuba diving schools and shops in Gokarna will take you there.
9) Get bitten by a photo bug
Gokarna Beaches are quite unusual with their rocky surfaces and hillocks. They look really stunning in the evening and morning light and this should contract a shutterbug in you. Take a stroll along with your camera or phone and try to capture the lovely landscape in front of you. Try your hand on catching the waves on the rocks. You can get some pretty beach pictures if you have your GoPro handy.
10) Shopping in Gokarna
Gokarna is a small town and you can literally walk and cover the entire town. You will find pretty little trinkets and bright clothes catching your fancy all the way to the Gokarna beaches. I would definitely not say no to the vibrant and colorful bags being sold in this Gokarna flea market. You can spend a little time just walking around and getting a feel of this small sleepy town.
11) Experience the stunning Gokarna Sunset with an evening cruise.
A recent visit introduced me to a different vantage point for the lovely Gokarna sunsets. This one takes you right in the middle of the Arabian sea. With misty sprays on your face, you can experience the magic of those golden rays as they slowly fade away into the water. What is more is that you get to see the beaches of Gokarna from a very different angle. And yes, you might even meet those friendly dolphins. Check out this post on the Sunset Cruise in Gokarna. It has all the details about the experience, including the price.
12) Discover the salt fields of Sanikatta
This is another discovery that I made enroute to Tadadi port (the place where the Gokarna Sunset cruise begins). The vast expanse of brown salt fields – a traditional industry of Uttara Karnataka is bound to leave you spellbound. If you are lucky, you can catch some of the villagers working here and get a tour of the fields.
Gokarna itinerary for 3 days
Assuming you have 3 days in Gokarna, here is how you could make the best use of them. This sample itinerary allows you enough time to cover the major Gokarna attractions but is not loaded to get you tired. Depending on your interest, you will be able to modify it easily. Take a look
Day One - Start your day around 10 am and head to Gokarna town. Start with Mahabaleshwar temple and then slowly walk around to the other temples. - Head to Gokarna beach and grab a lunch at Prema restaurant. - Return to your hotel for a little rest - Around 4 pm, drive down towards Tadadi port for your evening Sunset cruise. Stop at the Sanikatta salt fields for a quick tour - Embark on your Sunset cruise at 5:30 pm - Head back to your hotel or pick one of the beaches to just spend quiet moments on the sand. Day Two - Start early for your Gokarna beach trek. I recommend starting at Kudle beach, grabbing breakfast at Namaste cafe on OM beach, continuing your journey right up to Paradise beach. - Grab lunch at one of the shacks on Paradise beach and either head back to hotel via a trek, or a ferry - Relax at your hotel with an Ayurvedic massage. - Pick one of the beaches for a gorgeous Gokarna sunset. I highly recommend Kudle beach for this. - Grab some drinks at one of the shacks on the beach. You can even opt for dinner here. Day Three - Pick your favorite water sport in Gokarna and spend the day with the waves. If you plan to do Scuba Diving, you will have to leave a little early for Murudeshwar. - If your chosen water sport is in Gokarna itself, I would recommend grabbing a meal at one of the beach shacks. It is likely this is the day you decide on one of the day trips in which case, you will have to get a meal at your chosen destination. - Most likely, you will be back by 4 pm. Relax on your favorite beach in the evening.
Well, you see, you have enough time to chillax, grab a drink over a stunning sunset and gaze into infinity. Gokarna is that kind of place where you can do lots and yet do nothing. With that I am sure you are all set to bookmark this post for your next holiday. So go on – pin this up.
Pin This
Common FAQs for Gokarna
What is the best way to reach Gokarna?
The closest airport to Gokarna is in Goa. It is around 140 km by road. You can either hire a cab at the airport or get a bus to Gokarna from Goa. If you plan to drive to Gokarna from Goa, you can use this route –
Goa Airport – Margaon market (NH 66) – Palolem – Karwar – Mudga – Ankola – Madangeri – Devanna – Gokarna
If you choose to land at Mangalore airport, you can use this route to get to Gokarna by road. There are regular buses as well to Gokarna. The total distance using this route is 229 km and it takes around 4 hours.
Mangalore airport – Padubidri – Udupi – Kundapur – Marvanthe – Byndoor – Bhatkal – Shirali – Murudeshwar – Honnavar – Kumta – Mirjan – Madangeri – Devanna – Gokarna
The nearest railway station is at Ankola, which is 20 km from Gokarna town. From here too, you can hire a cab or get into one of the regular buses to Gokarna
What is the best time to visit Gokarna?
The best time to visit Gokarna is between September to April. Summers can be quite uncomfortable while the rains can really dampen the Gokarna experience in July or August.
Which is the best place to stay in Gokarna Karnataka?
Gokarna has quite a few hotels, resorts and home-stays available. Namaste Cafe is a very popular place to stay in Gokarna for solo travelers while Kudle beach resort and Om Beach resort are great stay options for families in Gokarna. There are quite a few more options besides these. You can check them out through the Booking resources section below.
How many days are required for Gokarna?
You can comfortably cover Gokarna in 2 – 3 days.
Travel and Photography Tips
- There are lots of stray dogs on the beaches. Though they are harmless, one can always be a little careful.
- Be a little careful when stepping out in the evening on the beaches. You will see a lot of tourist smoking and drinking. There is a bit of a hippie culture in some parts of Gokarna.
- Carry enough Sun Screen while here.
- Most of the Gokarna beaches are rocky and there are no safe zones marked for swimming. One needs to be careful while getting into the water. Ideally, use the help of the locals to understand the water conditions there.
- A Go-Pro along with your regular camera is ideal. The Go Pro with its waterproof properties works really well for those beach shots. What is more is that it doubles up a good wide angle lens.
Booking Resources
- You can book your hotel in Gokarna through Booking.com using the given link.
- Klook.com has a few private tours that can be booked online for Gokarna and Murudeshwar. Check them out through the given link.
- If you use Amazon for shopping for travel or any of your home needs, do consider using this link.
Disclaimer: This article includes affiliate links. This means that at no cost to you, I will receive a small commission if you purchase through my link. Thank you for supporting me with this.
Popularly referred to as a Restless Ball of Energy. My Mom refuses to entertain my complaints about my equally restless daughter & assures my husband that I was born with a travel bug.
I am a Post-Graduate in Marketing by qualification and a travel blogger by passion. Besides travel, I enjoy photography and if you don’t find me at my desk, I would be out playing badminton or swimming or just running. I believe in planning for every long weekend through the year. And when I cannot travel physically, I travel virtually through this travel blog. My travel stories have also, got published on various websites and magazines including BBC Travel, Lonely Planet India and Jetwings. I have recently published my first book – When Places Come Alive – a collection of stories that are based on legends, landscapes, art and culture of a place which is available in both ebook and paperback format.
A beach and a small town nearby (like Udupi) make a perfect combination.
Seems like a wonderful place.. Thanks for sharing 🙂
wow! what a lovely place… the Shivji statue is mesmerising… 🙂
Absolutely. Udupi is also a good example of this. Have you been to Malpe and Kapu beaches? Different from Gokarna but beautiful nonetheless.
Thanks Anjali
planning to visit end of November with my GF, need to know more about the place
Hi Lokesh, hopefully my post here has given you the required information. Have a good time
It is, isn't it? And especially coz it has a huge blue background 🙂
Lovely post Ami! And great pics as well…
Such a lovely collection of pictures. Once again a place i have read about so much but never been there!
Thanks Siddharth 🙂
Amiazing description. Tempted to make another trip.
Thanks Mridula. Plan a trip and we can go together 🙂
Happy to go again Ashwin 🙂
How safe is Gokarna for a solo woman traveller? What would you recommend .. Kudle or om beach?
I have seen a lot of solo woman travelers to Gokarna and would say that the place is fairly safe. Though make sure you don't loiter out in the night as the beaches are quite secluded. Also, try to pick a good and safe place to say. Om beach as well as Kudle are equally good. Om beach is a little more populated as compared to Kudle. You can opt to stay at Om beach for the same reason. Have a good trip!
OK…I'm leaning towards Gokarna now… Although it sounds a little too tranquil for my son's taste!! Thanks! Great content as usual!
Hello! Can I use information and photos from your article to post it on my web site? It will be translated into Russian. This is my site omcoach.ru Thanks in advance for your permission!
🙂 Thanks . Have a good time
Hi, could you please send me a mail on ami.bhat@gmail.com with your requirement.
Done
Hi Ami,
I am Planning for a Lone travel to Gokarna by this December End(31 to 2 Jan), please, I will be happy to have your suggestions on my stay at Gokarna. Things that I should be aware of…
1.Should I book any stay in Advance?
2. Are there budget stays available in Gokarna,I am on a shoestring budget
3. Things to do in Gokarna
4. Any other suggestions ,please?
email: SA_EEM@yahoo.com
Hi Saeem…happy to help. Check your email for the same.
regards,
Ami
Thank You very much for the E-mail. If possible could you please share any contacts for stay/shacks there.
Hi Ami .. Your piece of blog added to my excitement for the place 🙂 .. M planning a trip but need some contacts to book some budget place .. Incase you can , please inbox me Choudhary.leena@gmail.com m planning for the Christmas weeknd thanks
Hey Leena…thanks a ton for the compliments. Have a great time at Gokarna. On contacts for a place, well, am afraid the places I know of are completely booked. Hopefully you will something . Ping in and let me know how you liked Gokarna after your visit.
I can only imagine that a cab ride from Goa all the way there is expensive. Gokarna seems much more modern-local touristy than most other places that get highlighted about India. Thanks for sharing!
It is definitely a lot more serene and fun than the other places that are publicized. Getting here from Goa will not be too expensive. You can even opt to take one of those tourist buses or a train from Goa. 😀
Hi Ami,
I went through your blog as i am planning to travel Gokarna this week.
Very amused to visit this place after reading out your blog, one of the best one i can say after going to various blogs. Thanks for posting this.
I am planning for a getaway to Gokarna, can you please share some contact details for stay and things that we can do in and around Gokarna.
Please inbox me at arjun.dabhade@gmail.com.
Waiting for your reply, Thanks.
Thank you Arjun. Will be sharing a mail with you shortly.
Please Let me know is it okay to visit in June month ?
Absolutely. It will be a bit hot but the beaches will be as lovely as ever.
This looks like the type of place I would like. A little off the beaten track, good food, good scenery and yoga. This is also an engaging post with lots of links.
So beautiful, of course you get bitten by the photo bug in such a beautiful place!! I must say, the combination of scenery, beach, yoga and food is very hard to beat….
Thanks Gearoid. This is quite an under-rated but beautiful destination
Thanks Marta. This is a place I plan to frequent alright. 😀
This is a really great guide.
Thank you Jessica
Have driven past but not stayed here (my drive from Goa to Hoonavar to Bangalore)! Seems like a destination worth visiting!
We love this place, been there a couple of times, always want to go back.
Oh , you must stop by then. And spend some time here with your camera. You will so love it
Me too 😀
Oh no, another place for my to add to my bucket list! Thanks for sharing.
Awesome list! Sounds like there are lots of activities to keep any type of traveler happy!
And definitely worthwhile adding it 😀
Precisely why I so love this place.
Looks like a really beautiful area and this post gives some great insights in it. Great list of sightseeings!
Thanks guys, hoping you have been inspired enough to visit it
Looks like a beautiful place to visit! The beaches look great! Great list of things to do!
Amazing pictures!! This looks like a place I should add to my list 🙂
This looks like a little piece of paradise!!
It is a place that I would love to go to again.
It sure is…love the feeling here
Definitely worth the visit. And totally recommend adding it to your list.
Beautiful! I love the large Shiva statue! It reminds me of the big Buddha in Hong Kong. What is the largest statue in India?
This is on my bucket list – and your photos look amazing. I roadtripped through Kerala in South India, but I would like to go back to visit the places on your list.
Will be honest and tell you,,…I don't know. I have heard of a Shiva statue in Rajasthan but I guess I need to google this one
And am sure you will love it too 😀
Lovely and simple description. Thank you.
Thank you Pratima
Looking forward to visit the place in this month. Can suggest me some budget stays.
Pls mail me to arjunviboothi@gmail.com
Thanks Arjun for dropping by. The ones that I know of are mentioned in the post. 🙂
I have heard of Gokarna, but never been to this place. From your beautiful post and wonderful pictures it seemed to be a serene quiet place, not much visited. I would love to see it soon. 🙂
Thank you Sarmistha. I think you will love it.
Wow! Looks like an amazing place! It is definitely on my bucket list now! And you write in a very interesting way! Love it!
Prerna
http://www.vivalahighstreet.com
Thank you Prerna. It is a lovely place
I love a good small town that’s walkable. Those are always a lovely time. You mentioned that it was different from Goa. I’ve never been to Goa – is it more crowded?
Goa is quite well developed as a tourist beach, especially North Goa. A few of the beaches are really crowded. Also, because it is so popular, there is a lot of fan fare and events and shacks here. Gokarna is fairly quite and peaceful.
I love beaches, love to visit anywhere soon, !!
They sure are amazing
Waw! The beaches there look stunning!!
Thank you
An amazing place to spend a peaceful weekend. Water sport can bring adventure, though. Amazing clicks and coverage, Ami.
Thank you Saru :D. Water sports is so much fun
Stunning photos. Looks like a great place to visit. I particularly like that photo of the pale pink mandir. So lovely.
Gokarna is a beautiful place. Unspoilt and lovely
Its one of my most beloved destinations with amazing memories!
Glad to know that and am sure it is a destination that you will want to return to. Thanks for stopping by.
Hi Guys,
We are planning to visit gokarna for this new year. We went to goa last year, that was incredible. But I’m afraid is that gokarna worth for new year celebration. Actually we are 10 members from chennai. Please any one provide me the details. I will mention the question below.
1. Do I need to book the hotel or resort before?(Resort would be better for us)
2. Is there any fun activities there?
3. What are the water games there?
4. Things to do in gokarna(We all are batchelors) obviously no temple 🙂
5. Your suggestion
Please reply me through my E-mail: vivek93.in@gmail.com
Glad you are heading to Gokarna Vivek. I think most of your questions are answered in the blog itself. Cheers
One place I have missed is Gorkana. So glad to see this article Ami.Hoping to visit soon and do the same:) http://www.photokatha.in
Thanks Rutavi. Gokarna is amazing
Lovely post; my last visit to Gokarna was in the monsoons and this write up rekindled so many memories! Thanks 🙂
Thanks Shubham. Gokarna is just amazing in any season.
Pity I had been there during my analog days. Not a single good pic I have from that trip.
I need to create a trip there soon. Great reasons mentioned.
Thanks Indrani. Gokarna is the new Goa.
Dats beautifully explained Amy … Thnx . M planning to visit in dis mnth end … Cud u guide me with some contact of stay options dere . Thnx .
Mailid : rishabhgar@gmail.com
Thanks Rishabh. My suggestions are already in the article and have links attached to it. Have a look.
Lovely reading your blog post and the pictures are beautifully weaved. Gokarna is one of the best destination for pilgrimage lovers who enjoy being at beach. Gokarna is known for its endless rows of coconut palms, blue seas and clean beaches.
Thanks. Gokarna is an unexplored wonder!
Awesome place
Thanks
I am immediately going to chalk out my plans for Gokarna visit. I always thought it as a very pilgrimage type destination where the Purohits would bother you into unnecessary rituals or temple visits..like what happens in some other parts of India..how wrong I was! Just realized after reading your post
Gokarna is an amazing beach destination. A different experience from Goa but beautiful nonetheless. Hope you get there soon.
I just got to this amazing site not long ago, There are many things I can know only after reading your wonderful article. Planning to visit Gokarna very soon..Thank you
Thank you Madhu. Have a good trip
Thank you, Ami
Cheers
Hey! Ami, We are friends of 4 members had been to Gokarna om- beach and Kudle beach on 26th January and we stayed Kudle Ocean Front resort for one day, It was again one of the most enjoyed moment of my life.
Glad you enjoyed Gokarna..the place itself creates some amazing memories.
I’ve never heard of Gokarna but it looks great in your pictures. I love walking and beaches, so I’m sure I’d like the beach trek. And I would love to eat those Thalis!
Thanks. Gokarna is a gorgeous beach destination that not many know of as yet. I am sure you will love it. Do plan a trip here when you come to India.
Ah so that’s why trekking is not the same as walking– ’cause it’s a big harder to get to the beach. I think I’d like Gokarna because more locals go there. I like to people watch locals hehe.
ooh yes and you will love it even more for its un-crowded beautiful beaches.
what a serene and picturesque travel destination!
It sure is Ishita. A lovely destination
CAN I REACH HERE BY TRAIN FROM GOA
Yes, there are plenty of trains from Gokarna to Goa. 🙂
Hi ami,my son aged 20 is visiting gokarna with his friends. Would appreciate if you can let me know what safety measure they shud take……what NOT to do. Thanx
I understand your concern Nidhi. I would say that they should not go overboard with whatever they do. As long as they follow the regular safety standards, I don’t see a reason to worry. Yes, the beaches here are rocky and hence, would urge people to be careful if they choose to swim here. There are no markers of depth here, so exercise caution. Ideally, stick to the public beaches like OM beach or Kudle beach or Gokarna beach for any kind of swim activity. Trust that would help.
Cheers
Hey Ami,
I m planning to come to Gokarna on 7 of April I request u to guide me nd mail me on my I’d dadadude691@gmail.com
Hi Ashish, Have shared all the info – stay options, sightseeing, how to get here etc on this post. Let me know if there is anything specific you want to know.
Hey, can you please tell me when is the best time to do water sports in gokarna are there any? do they have sorkeling? I wanna visit gokarna, me and my friends are planning to go, but we also wanna dp the water sports. So can you please tell me when to??
Hey Meghana. Guess you got your answers on Facebook. Have a safe and good trip.
Wow such a nice place, i really want to visit. Thanks for sharing amazing post. Keep sharing. Keep it up.
Thanks
We are visiting Gokarna on 8th July for four days. Can you please help us things we can explore in this period?
Thanks Vinod for stopping by. I think this post covers a lot of my suggestions. Do let me know if there is something else that I can help you with.
HI Ami, i am visting Gokarna on june 24th cpuld u please helpout with the stay (Stay near by to beach).vinayprasad1100@gmail.com
Hi Vinay, My suggestions are as in this post. I am afraid that these are the only options that I have evaluated!
Hi, i am shivani i want to visit gokarna badly but this time i am travelling alone. So i wanted to know is it safe? Hotels and everything keeping my safety purpose in mind. Please mail me at : shivanih20@gmail.com
There are plenty of solo backpackers in Gokarna. As like any other place, ensure that you have your cautions in place.
One of the best blogs I have ever seen. Thank you for this blog admin. It’s been honor to learn blogging skills from this blog.
I have personally visited gokarna, it is most beautiful and untouched.
Thank you so much for your kind words.
I’ve never heard of Gokarna in India before, but it definitely looks really nice from your photos! Also doing yoga by the beach seems exactly like the kind of thing I’d love to do. Saving this now for my future trip to India!
It is an offbeat beach in India but a beautiful one. Hope you get to it soon.
Wow..what a great article. I am awaiting to read some more articles from you. I never went out of Bangalore but this article made me to imagine how beautiful Gokarna will be.
Thanks Naveen, plenty up. Stay tuned.
Hi Ami, till now, I did not hear about this place. Thanks for your information. I think it would be an awesome place to visit. Kudle beach is looking nice. In my next travel plane, I will include Gokarna!!!
Glad you like it Vihas. Have a good trip
Hi, we are a group of 12 people, we are coming first time to Gokarna, can u please help me for weather right now, we are backpackers, we are getting tents, please help me for this thing
I have shared the information that I have on the blog. I do hope that helps you. Good luck with your trip.
love to visit Gokarna if i will get any chance in Future. This article excited me to visit Gokarna as soon as possible. Thnaks to thrilling travel. keep up the good one
Glad you liked the post. Am sure you will enjoy my other travels too. Stay tuned to Thrilling Travel
Sir i wish to go here with my frnd plz mail me details for stay,food amd other
Hi Aditya, please refer to my post above for the links on my recommended stays
You may contact them directly for your travel. Have a good time
lovely post…im going on a solo trip to gokarna.would really like to know how safe is it for girls ??n dos n donts regarding the same…is the water sports n adventurous activities nice thr?
Thank you Medha. It is pretty safe and the water sports are fun. Just don’t venture out late in the night – as I caution that to everyone these days. Cheers
very good post Ami….i am planning a solo backpacking trip to gokarna this month end.. i am from kerala… will there be adequate accomodation available near the places mentioned here at shoe string budget. if yes can you give suggest places….
Thank you Earnest. Given you are looking at the month end, not sure if you will find availability. Gokarna is popular during New Years. Also, the places that I can recommend are already on the post. Trust that should help
Gokarna does look like the kind of place to relax, stare at the sea and count the stars. The little town is cute charming and the beaches look great too. Where did you stay?
It sure is a charming place. Stayed at Kudle beach resort 😀
Hi Ami,
The experience which you shared is very pleasing. I just planning to visit their in the next month for 3 days. So can you please help me with Stay, things to carry, total Budget of money for the trip and etc….., to my mail.
Thanks in Advance.
Mail:- ramanachandaka143@gmail.com
Good to know Ramana that you are headed here. As far as the suggestions you have requested, most of it is pretty much what I advised on the post. On things to carry – don’t forget your sunscreen for sure. The rest of course, would be your own personal list. Total Budget would depend again on you and your itinerary. Hope that helps. Have a great time in Gokarna.
Amazing post. Very nice. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you. Glad you liked it
Hi Ami! First of all thanks for the amazing article. It really helped and has made me even more excited to visit the place. I am a college student basically looking for a peaceful getaway with my friends. Just wanted to ask if Goakarna would be the perfect spot for chilling with a drink in one hand and a joint in another?
Not sure of that for I don’t indulge in either, especially the latter. Gokarna has vibe that I would not like to spoil and hence, would not encourage the joint for sure. It is best enjoyed the way it is.
Love this blog. Very Interesting.
Thank you
Ami, I have never been to Gokarna but I am simply impressed with their beaches. I especially like the Half Moon beach because it is so isolated and remote and I am guessing that’s the case because of the tough trek to it. I would love to trek through the rough paths, through those hills to get to these amazing beaches! Trying the variety of cuisines, getting a relaxing massage or visiting one of those temples with such a majestic setting, are some of the things I’d love to spend time doing. Thanks for this extensive guide!
Thanks Medha. Gokarna is a very different kind of place with unique beaches. It has some of Goa’s vibes but is a lot of Kerala as well. You will love it.
Hi Ami,
You are doing great service by sharing your experiences, much of which fill in the pits and black holes in planning visits to places less known.
I am escorting two old ladies (my mom and my MIL) almost 80 yrs of age, tricky with keeping balance and cant push them with more than a 100 ft climb for a day. It is a challenge to work out stay, meals and visits to “temples” only, as is the case with many at this age.
I am looking at 10 Jun 2018 check-in by evening/late evening and check out on 13th Jun 2018. I will stick with Airbnb as I have many credits to make my stay good.
There is however some doubts still out there in the planning. I will be happy to hear from you your mind on the following:
1. Whether to stay at Gokarna or some distance away from Gokarna?
2. Would this time of the year be safe for elder citizens to visit especially when there are heavy rains forecasted?
3. How much time would you recommend for covering as many temples and places of interest at and around Gokarna?
Look forward to your opinion please?
Regards
It does get quite wet there and yes, it is a mountainous area. Hence, there are risks. In terms of the stay, at least 2 – 3 days for so. And Staying in Gokarna is preferable if temples are your objective
Amazing article. I want to go to Gokarna after reading your article!
I hope you do. It is a lovely place.
Hi Amit,
its very good to see, that you are helping others to visit good palaces.
i am planning to visit Murudeshwar & Gokarna on 09th 10th & 11th July 2018,
can you plz help me is it good time to visit or not.
Thanks Mahendranath. Hopefully there will not be too much rain. All the best to you
Wow !! Wonderful information about Gokarna
Thank you
Thanks for sharing. I’m solo woman traveller and planning to visit here. Can u please recommend places to stay. And do I need to rent a bike to see around. How many days can be spent here?
YOu do not really need a bike here as the distances are short. Gokarna can be good for 2 days or even a week. It is just idyllic. 🙂
Oh my gosh, I am SUCH a foodie that Prema immediately caught my interest. I’ve never had Israeli bread (and would love to try it) but Indian Thalis are one of my favorite things – I love all the little dishes and various tastes! (No wonder you came back to this place several times.) I am also always on the look out for photo opportunities when I travel, so this puts Gokarna high on my list as well. Truly enjoyed learning the legendary Gokarna story. Fascinating!
Thank you so much Jackie. I have a feeling that once you visit Gokarna, you will want to come back again!
Gokarna looks like my kind of a place. Haven’t been there yet but would certainly love to. I just love the thought of a beach, shacks, the food, sunset, treks, shopping and complete relaxation. Scuba Diving is a good opportunity on the third day. Mahabaleshwar Temple & visiting the Salt fields in Sanikatta sound interesting as well.
I am pretty sure from what you are saying that Gokarna is a place that you will want to stay for a long time
Reading your blog, I realize that one day in Gokarna was absolutely not enough. There are so many other places to see, and I really like the three day itinerary you provided in your blog. I am intrigued by the story of the demon king Ravana and his Atma Linga. I just visited the Kudley beach when I was there, and spent some time at Om beach as well. I think the Paradise beach and the Half Moon beach are also very pretty. Also I visited Murudeswara on the way. Your blog brought back my memories.
Ah, time to get back here Shreya. I am sure you will enjoy Gokarna the 2nd time around
Gokarna sounds like such an idyllic place to visit. As I don’t like touristy places, I would probably choose Gokarna over the super popular Goa. I like that there are plenty of things to do here and that the beaches look so beautiful and different from each other. It’s good to know that Om Beach has limited food options but definitely not miss Namaste Cafe with that beautiful view.
Thanks Joanna, Om beach is being developed a little more now and you will get some more options for food soon!
Thank you for sharing a bit of history. It made me appreciate Gokarna. Happy to know that there are many things you can do in Gokarna. I would love to explore the Gokarna Temples.
Yes indeed, the history of the place is what makes it so much more interesting. Hope you can visit soon
What a beautiful place. The story from the history of this place makes it so much more exotic and interesting to visit. I would love to explore all of those beaches. I have been to several amazing beaches that require a little trek but I think that just adds on the experience. Gokarna Temples is also a place I would definitely like to see.
If you enjoy culture and history, then you will definitely love the temples and the legends around them. I hope you can see them in person
Gokarna is a beautiful tourist spot to explore and definitely a alternative to Goa if you’re looking for a beach to own. The legend associated with the name “Gokarna” is fascinating and how the river delta created by the two rivers is also shaped like a cow’s ear, after which it’s named. I would love to go beach trekking in Gokarna, besides visiting the famous Gokarna Mahabaleshwar temple where the auspicious Atmalinga is embodied and venerated. The sea side food shacks look tempting for the variety of food served and also the Gokarna sunset cruise and the brown salt flats of Sanikatta are must visit.I would definitely love to visit Gokarna.
Sounds like you already like Gokarna. I hope you are booking your tickets here .
Gokarna does look like a lovely alternative to Goa. Those beach views would be a huge draw for us when we want a break from seeing the beautiful architecture in India. It might take us several days to check out all the interesting beach spots. And we would certainly want to check out the scuba diving! Always great to know there are some fun day trips if we want to get away.
Gokarna has a very calm and relaxing vibe and it is perfect to get that little breather from the heavy architecture and stories that you might have experienced on your India tour. I hope you add it to your itinerary and visit soon
I still haven’t visited Gokarna! I should really plan a trip there. So, thanks for this guide. I have read the story behind Gokarna of Ravana. Good to know there’s still very less light pollution at Gokarna and you can still see the stars. Didn’t realize Dandeli is close to Gokarna. That would a good trip together.
I am pretty sure you will find it lovely and different from the eastern beaches.