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 a legend and partly, from its location. But will come to that interesting story a little later in this post.
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. Around 140 kms from Goa, this place has become increasingly popular with the foreign tourists in India. A completely different experience from Goa and Karwar, Gokarna is about a peaceful beach holiday.
However, this does not mean that there isn’t much to do in this small town. Here is my list of 10 things to do in Gokarna –
1) Beach Trekking in Gokarna
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 on the other side of the hills. A literal climb and descend along the hilly rocks from one beach to another – which is actually, where the fun and excitement lies. Gokarna has 5 major beaches – Gokarna beach, Kudle beach, OM beach, Half Moon Beach and Paradise beach.
The 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. Going forward to the next beach – Kudle Beach, which is one of the main tourist beaches in this town.
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 feeling 🙂
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.
Next, trek over to the other side of OM beach to find the Half Moon beach – kind of like a lagoon. This has far lesser options of restaurant and shacks and is quite secluded. As you trek along further, you will move to the last of the beaches on this trail – the Paradise beach as below. This is the further away from the town and most unspoilt of the 5 beaches of Gokarna.
The trek is quite easy and light for all kinds of trekkers. If you want to try something different, you can opt for a boat ride to all these beaches as well. :-). Boat rides are available on both Kudle beach as well as OM beach and you can either choose to go with a crowd or take it by yourself.
2) Visit the Temples
Originally a temple town, there are a few ancient temples around Gokarna with a fair amount of history and significance. The key amongst them is the Mahabaleshwar temple, within the main Gokarna town. This temple is home to the Shiva linga – one of the key reason for the name Gokarna. Time for me to reveal the legend that I mentioned earlier about the name Gokarna.
The geographical reason for the name is that the town is at the confluence of Gangavali and Agnashini river and is shaped like the cow’s ear. However, legend has it that Lord Shiva had emerged from the ear of the cow and hence the name. How and why the same happened is a long story and can be read here.
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 at close distance from each other.
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 days of the three day stay that we had. You have to try out the home made 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.
5) Venture out for a drive
There are plenty of places close to Gokarna, each unique in their own way. Since I have covered places like Dandeli, Yana and Karwar in an earlier post, I will not dwell on them further. These places are around 50 -100 kms from Gokarna. To more about what you can do in these place, click this link.
One place that I would specifically mention is Murudeshwar. This place as you can see in the picture, is know for its gigantic Shiva statue. This is the second largest statue in India. The statue is worth a visit for its sheer magnificence. It’s beauty is further enhanced by the lovely blue backdrop of the Arabian Sea. Murudeshwar is around 55kms from Gokarna.
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 tourist 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 is 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) Do the Water Sports
Get your adrenaline going with some watersports on the OM beach. You can opt for some parasailing, banana boat rides, snorkeling or kayaking. However note that these are available only during the peak season.
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. Here is one of mine. I am pretty sure it would have been even better beach picture if I had my GoPro handy.
10) Soak up the Town
Gokarna is a small town and you can literally walk and cover the entire town. Small little trinket and clothes shops along the way to the Gokarna beaches and colorful bags being sold. You can spend a little time just walking around and getting a feel of this small sleepy town.
I would not be surprised if you are already looking up for your trip after reading this list of 10 things to do in #Gokarna. 🙂
Getting there:
- There are regular buses from Bangalore and Mangalore to Gokarna. There are a few trains as well to Gokarna.
- Gokarna is around 550 kms from Bangalore and the roads are fairly good. So, if you are up for a long drive. This could be an option.
- The nearest airport to Gokarna is Goa. It is around 100 kms from Gokarna and you can hire a cab from the airport to the town.
Travel Tips:
- The best season to go to Gokarna is from September upto April. It gets a little too warm in May and June.
- There are plenty of resorts and hotels for your stay in Gokarna. Recommended amongst them is Namaste Cafe on OM Beach and Kudle Beach Resort on Kudle beach. I personally, have stayed at the latter and here is my review of the same.
- There are plenty 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.
Somali K Chakrabarti
A beach and a small town nearby (like Udupi) make a perfect combination.
Anjali Sengar
Seems like a wonderful place.. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Archana Kapoor
wow! what a lovely place… the Shivji statue is mesmerising… 🙂
Ami Bhat
Absolutely. Udupi is also a good example of this. Have you been to Malpe and Kapu beaches? Different from Gokarna but beautiful nonetheless.
Ami Bhat
Thanks Anjali
Lokesh Venkatareddy
planning to visit end of November with my GF, need to know more about the place
Ami
Hi Lokesh, hopefully my post here has given you the required information. Have a good time
Ami Bhat
It is, isn't it? And especially coz it has a huge blue background 🙂
Siddhartha Joshi
Lovely post Ami! And great pics as well…
Mridula
Such a lovely collection of pictures. Once again a place i have read about so much but never been there!
Ami Bhat
Thanks Siddharth 🙂
Ashwinee Kumar
Amiazing description. Tempted to make another trip.
Ami Bhat
Thanks Mridula. Plan a trip and we can go together 🙂
Ami Bhat
Happy to go again Ashwin 🙂
Unknown
How safe is Gokarna for a solo woman traveller? What would you recommend .. Kudle or om beach?
Ami Bhat
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!
XYZ123
OK…I'm leaning towards Gokarna now… Although it sounds a little too tranquil for my son's taste!! Thanks! Great content as usual!
Unknown
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!
Ami Bhat
🙂 Thanks . Have a good time
Ami Bhat
Hi, could you please send me a mail on ami.bhat@gmail.com with your requirement.
Оля Marmosen
Done
Saeem Ahamed
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
Ami Bhat
Hi Saeem…happy to help. Check your email for the same.
regards,
Ami
Saeem Ahamed
Thank You very much for the E-mail. If possible could you please share any contacts for stay/shacks there.
Leena Choudhary
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
Ami Bhat
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.
2 Travel Dads blog
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!
Ami Bhat
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. 😀
Unknown
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.
Ami Bhat
Thank you Arjun. Will be sharing a mail with you shortly.
summy
Please Let me know is it okay to visit in June month ?
Ami
Absolutely. It will be a bit hot but the beaches will be as lovely as ever.
Gearoid McSweeney
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.
MartaC
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….
Ami Bhat
Thanks Gearoid. This is quite an under-rated but beautiful destination
Ami Bhat
Thanks Marta. This is a place I plan to frequent alright. 😀
Jessica
This is a really great guide.
Ami Bhat
Thank you Jessica
Travelure
Have driven past but not stayed here (my drive from Goa to Hoonavar to Bangalore)! Seems like a destination worth visiting!
Voyager Diaries
We love this place, been there a couple of times, always want to go back.
Ami Bhat
Oh , you must stop by then. And spend some time here with your camera. You will so love it
Ami Bhat
Me too 😀
Unknown
Oh no, another place for my to add to my bucket list! Thanks for sharing.
Shelly McCullough
Awesome list! Sounds like there are lots of activities to keep any type of traveler happy!
Ami Bhat
And definitely worthwhile adding it 😀
Ami Bhat
Precisely why I so love this place.
The Travelling Chilli
Looks like a really beautiful area and this post gives some great insights in it. Great list of sightseeings!
Ami Bhat
Thanks guys, hoping you have been inspired enough to visit it
Fit Two Travel
Looks like a beautiful place to visit! The beaches look great! Great list of things to do!
Liesbeth Donné
This looks like a little piece of paradise!!
Leticia Perez
Amazing pictures!! This looks like a place I should add to my list 🙂
Ami Bhat
It is a place that I would love to go to again.
Ami Bhat
It sure is…love the feeling here
Ami Bhat
Definitely worth the visit. And totally recommend adding it to your list.
Elizabeth R.
Beautiful! I love the large Shiva statue! It reminds me of the big Buddha in Hong Kong. What is the largest statue in India?
Ashley
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.
Ami Bhat
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
Ami Bhat
And am sure you will love it too 😀
Pratima Yadav
Lovely and simple description. Thank you.
Ami
Thank you Pratima
Arjun
Looking forward to visit the place in this month. Can suggest me some budget stays.
Pls mail me to arjunviboothi@gmail.com
Ami
Thanks Arjun for dropping by. The ones that I know of are mentioned in the post. 🙂
footlooseinme
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. 🙂
Ami
Thank you Sarmistha. I think you will love it.
Prerna
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
Ami
Thank you Prerna. It is a lovely place
Travel Lushes (@TravelLushes)
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?
Ami
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.
Dudhwa National Park
I love beaches, love to visit anywhere soon, !!
Ami
They sure are amazing
journalofnomads
Waw! The beaches there look stunning!!
Ami
Thank you
Saru (@BaawriBasanti)
An amazing place to spend a peaceful weekend. Water sport can bring adventure, though. Amazing clicks and coverage, Ami.
Ami
Thank you Saru :D. Water sports is so much fun
Kalpanaa
Stunning photos. Looks like a great place to visit. I particularly like that photo of the pale pink mandir. So lovely.
Ami
Gokarna is a beautiful place. Unspoilt and lovely
Mzee
Its one of my most beloved destinations with amazing memories!
Ami
Glad to know that and am sure it is a destination that you will want to return to. Thanks for stopping by.
Vivek Lingam
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
Ami
Glad you are heading to Gokarna Vivek. I think most of your questions are answered in the blog itself. Cheers
Snapchat:Rutaagayire (@rutaagayire)
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
Ami
Thanks Rutavi. Gokarna is amazing
shubhammansingka
Lovely post; my last visit to Gokarna was in the monsoons and this write up rekindled so many memories! Thanks 🙂
Ami
Thanks Shubham. Gokarna is just amazing in any season.
Indrani
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.
Ami
Thanks Indrani. Gokarna is the new Goa.
Rishabh
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
Ami
Thanks Rishabh. My suggestions are already in the article and have links attached to it. Have a look.
ashok
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.
Ami
Thanks. Gokarna is an unexplored wonder!
Madhu Mantena
Awesome place
Ami
Thanks
Neha Verma
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
Ami
Gokarna is an amazing beach destination. A different experience from Goa but beautiful nonetheless. Hope you get there soon.
Madhu
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
Ami
Thank you Madhu. Have a good trip
Madhu
Thank you, Ami
Ami
Cheers
Madhu
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.
Ami
Glad you enjoyed Gokarna..the place itself creates some amazing memories.
travelerettenyc
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!
Ami
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.
Sarah Kim
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.
Ami
ooh yes and you will love it even more for its un-crowded beautiful beaches.
Ishita Das
what a serene and picturesque travel destination!
Ami
It sure is Ishita. A lovely destination
Brunie
CAN I REACH HERE BY TRAIN FROM GOA
Ami
Yes, there are plenty of trains from Gokarna to Goa. 🙂
Nidhi
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
Ami
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
Ashish Sharma
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
Ami
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.
Meghana Gopal
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??
Ami
Hey Meghana. Guess you got your answers on Facebook. Have a safe and good trip.
Golden Hills Resort
Wow such a nice place, i really want to visit. Thanks for sharing amazing post. Keep sharing. Keep it up.
Ami
Thanks
Vinod
We are visiting Gokarna on 8th July for four days. Can you please help us things we can explore in this period?
Ami
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.
vinay
HI Ami, i am visting Gokarna on june 24th cpuld u please helpout with the stay (Stay near by to beach).vinayprasad1100@gmail.com
Ami
Hi Vinay, My suggestions are as in this post. I am afraid that these are the only options that I have evaluated!
shivani handa
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
Ami
There are plenty of solo backpackers in Gokarna. As like any other place, ensure that you have your cautions in place.
inSense Indian
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.
Ami
Thank you so much for your kind words.
Fiona Mai
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!
Ami
It is an offbeat beach in India but a beautiful one. Hope you get to it soon.
Naveen
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.
Ami
Thanks Naveen, plenty up. Stay tuned.
Vihas Varun
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!!!
Ami
Glad you like it Vihas. Have a good trip
Imtiyaz
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
Ami
I have shared the information that I have on the blog. I do hope that helps you. Good luck with your trip.
Rajat Sharma
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
Ami
Glad you liked the post. Am sure you will enjoy my other travels too. Stay tuned to Thrilling Travel
Aditya pathak
Sir i wish to go here with my frnd plz mail me details for stay,food amd other
Ami
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
Medha Bothra
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?
Ami
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
Earnest xavier
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….
Ami
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
100cobbledroads
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?
Ami
It sure is a charming place. Stayed at Kudle beach resort 😀
RAMANA CHANDAKA
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
Ami
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.
Resort Near Murudeshwara
Amazing post. Very nice. Thanks for sharing.
Ami
Thank you. Glad you liked it
Raman Singh
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?
Ami
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.
Lodges Near Gokarna
Love this blog. Very Interesting.
Ami
Thank you
Medha Verma
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!
Ami
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.
Sam
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
Ami
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
Ulo Hotels
Amazing article. I want to go to Gokarna after reading your article!
Ami
I hope you do. It is a lovely place.
Mahendranath
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.
Ami
Thanks Mahendranath. Hopefully there will not be too much rain. All the best to you
Krunal Patel
Wow !! Wonderful information about Gokarna
Ami
Thank you
Vishakha
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?
Ami
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. 🙂