Compared to Goa, the beaches of Gokarna are rather clean. With its clear blue waters, golden sand and exciting trails, no wonder Gokarna is one of the top places to visit in Karnataka.
Starting Point: Morjim, Goa
We were already in Goa, when we decided to venture further south and visit Gokarna. There are many bus services which run from Goa and you can always hop on one of these from Mapusa Bus Terminal. However, we were looking for some more thrill and decided to rent a bike and ride all the way down.
After sipping hot coffee with a butter toast, Arun and I hopped on our black Royal Enfield and started the journey, at around 8 AM.
It takes 5-6 hours to reach Gokarna from North Goa and you spend a large portion of time traversing through Goa itself. Except for a bit of traffic which you can experience while crossing Mapusa, Porvorim and Margao, the ride is rather enjoyable and takes you through narrow country roads, lined with palm and coconut trees.
You can also choose to halt and enjoy fresh juice at Palolem or Benaulim in South Goa. We, however decided to head straight to the destination and visit these beaches on our way back.
Located on the western coast of India, Gokarna falls in the Uttar Kannada district of Karnataka. The city is known not just for its beaches and hiking trails but is also home to the age-old temple of Mahabaleshwara . It is believed that Lord Shiva's Atmalinga resides here.
You can either begin or end your trip by offering prayers in the temple. However, there are strict guidelines about what you wear. No skirts, dresses, or shorts are allowed for either women and men. So, make sure you slide a kurta and a pair of trousers in you bag, if you wish to visit the temple.
Also, remember that while the town has lovely beaches where you can chill, it is not Goa. The old-city is a Hindu pilgrimage spot, so, a similar kind of decorum is expected from visitors while visiting the city-centre.
The city has a laid back vibe and an old-world charm. You can still find almost century-old houses here, clustered in the narrow streets.
Gokarna attracts both local and foreign tourists and a lot of foreigners spend months here, learning yoga, practicing meditation or simply enjoying the sun and the sand.
Say hello to the Beaches of Gokarna
Still unsullied, with little crowd and a limited number of shacks, the beaches of Gokarna remind you how beaches are supposed to be: litter-less with clean blue-green water.
While Gokarna Main beach is the longest and the busiest beach in the city spanning around 6 km, we liked Om, Kudle, Half-moon and Paradise beaches better.
Famous for its hiking trails, a good way to spend your time is to go for a beach trek. The trek starts from Kudle beach and takes you through Om and Half-Moon, ending at Paradise beach.
It takes around 5-6 hours to complete the hike, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes and carry ample amount of water and some snacks with you. Sunblock and a sun hat is also highly recommended.
If you do not wish to go for a trek, hop on a boat and sail through the Arabian sea. A 20-minute ride feels really nice and offers a quick view of all the tucked in beaches and the old lighthouse. And if you are lucky, you might as well spot dolphins on the way.
Gokarna is also an ideal place to indulge in water sports like kayaking and para-sailing so make sure you enjoy at least one of these. And, if you want some adrenaline flowing through your body, hop on a quick banana ride and get ready to jump in the sea.
Accommodation in Gokarna
From luxurious resorts to affordable shacks, Gokarna has it all.
If looking for basic accommodation and reasonable food, opt for a beach shack. Most shacks have no-frill rooms, but they definitely offer jaw-dropping views and an easy access to the sea.
Alternately, you can also stay in a private cottage in one of the resorts on Kudle or Om beach. And in case you are a backpacker who wishes to make new friends, head straight to a hostel.
We stayed in The White Elephant Cottages, right next to Kudle and were fairly happy with our stay. The rooms were decent enough and property has a good restaurant by the same name.
Where to eat in Gokarna
There are a couple of fab places to enjoy a tasty pizza, devour flavourful Asian food or gulp down some spicy Punjabi dishes. However, if you are looking for local Kannada food, you might have to walk an extra mile.
We made peace with what was available near our place of stay and enjoyed visiting:
The White Elephant, Kudle Beach Road- For panoramic view of Kudle beach and good Indian Food
La pizzeria, Kudle Beach- For a good conversation with the host- who is from Switzerland and yum Margarita Pizza
Rasta Cafe, Om Beach- For bigger portions and an after-hike continental brunch
Overall, it was a wonderful trip for us- mainly because of clean beaches, less noise and sensible tourists.