Gokarna is a small coastal village in Karnataka, India, which remains to be a hit amongst the people who wish to enjoy the clean, sandy beaches akin to those in North Goa sans the loud crowd and blaring music playing at every nook and cranny. Situated only 480 km away from Bengaluru city, this religious town is the perfect breather from the hectic, busy life. The crisp skies, clashing waves, and wide, unobstructed views engulf you in a blissful cocoon, away from all the worldly worries.
Since, it is not frequented by a lot of tourists, it is always good to have a few tips handy before planning the trip:
1. A 3-days trip is enough to do justice to the destination
Gokarna is not just another beach town, it is a vibe; and to experience the lazy morning swims, with snoozing afternoons and laid-back evenings, a trip for 3 days, 2 nights is perfect. You will have enough time to relax, explore, and enjoy the serenity that Gokarna has to offer.
2. Best time to visit
If you wish to experience the charm of Gokarna with glittering yet peaceful shacks, inviting sea waves, and friendly coast guards, the best time to visit is during October till March. The sun is not too harsh, the sea is not rough, and most importantly, all the cafes and the shacks are functional. During the monsoon period, the beaches tend to get extremely dirty with no one look after and the tourists are also left with a handful of activities to do, with no transit boats in action.
3. How to reach
Gokarna is well connected with roadways, and a number of buses ply regularly from Bengaluru, Mangalore, Goa and Mumbai. You can also take a taxi from Dabolim Airport, Goa which is only a 5-6 hours’ drive away from Gokarna.
Ankola is the nearest railway station, about 20 km away from Gokarna which is also a viable option if your arriving from Mumbai, Mangalore, Thiruvananthapuram, or Veraval.
4. Book your stay in advance
During the peak season, it may get difficult to hunt for a stay soon after landing in Gokarna; all the more so if you’re travelling from Bengaluru, for the buses arrive in the town as early as 7 in the morning. Hunting a decent accommodation in a sleepy town can easily become a hassle.
Despite limited options, you can find a hotel or a homestay to fit your budget quite conveniently online:
Fancy a beachfront:
a. Nirvana Café: It is one of the most sought after stays by both foreign as well as Indian tourists. The owner is a friendly host and also offers beer on the beach. To book a room, you must call the café directly.
b. Namaste Yoga Farm – India: Situated within close proximity of Kudle Beach, this is a rather charming homestay with neatly kept cottages.
Rs. 2,700/night/couple
Get spoilt amid luxuries:
a. Stone Wood Nature Resort: The resort is located on Om Beach Road and offers one of the most comfortable and chic stays in Gokarna. Relax by the swimming pool or lounge in the balcony while enjoying naturistic views at this accommodation.
Rs. 2,700/night/couple
b. Kahani Paradise: The epitome of luxury with breath-taking views from every spot, Kahani Paradise, Gokarna is a beachfront property at the gorgeous and secluded Paradise Beach. If your idea of vacation is ‘comfort’ and ‘opulence’, this is certainly the place to be.
Rs. 13,920 /night/couple
Budget stays:
a. Coconut Tree Resort: Conveniently located from Kudle Beach, this hotel provides some of the cleanest and well-maintained air-conditioned rooms in Gokarna. They also have an in-house café to cater the guests.
Rs. 1,000/night/couple
b. Zostel Gokarna: If you’re traveling solo or with company, Zostel is one of the most sought after stays, which promises clean rooms, friendly staff, and stunning views of the Gokarna Main Beach. You can lounge in the gazebo, connect with people in the common room, or dine in at their in-house Mantra Café.
Rs. 2799/night/couple for an A/C cottage
Rs. 699/night/person for a bed in the dorm room
c. Halfway Home: Enjoy the experience of staying in a cosy tent at this homestay with an in-house cook to satiate your hunger pangs.
Rs. 1,622/night/tent
5. Don’t miss Gokarna Beach Trail
Gokarna has some of the most scenic views that are worth the extra effort. If you seek adventure and a bit of thrill, Gokarna Beach Trail is the perfect way to explore the coastal town. An exciting expedition through the dense jungle while enjoying a bird’s eye view of the various beaches on the trail is something that sets apart Gokarna from other destinations. Beaches like Paradise Beach and Half Moon Beach which mostly cater to foreign tourists are also accessible through this beach trail.
Pro Tip #1: Packing a good pair of shoes will surely pay off, for you might end up walking a lot on this trip
Pro Tip #2: Start from the last beach, i.e. God’s Own Beach for this beach trail and work your way towards Kudle Beach. This way you will be in one of the better populated areas by sunset and not stranded on a lonesome beach with no autos to take you back.
Pro Tip #3: You can also stay overnight at Paradise Beach and experience the nomadic culture with foreigners. Carrying your own tent and food is highly advisable for this adventure.
6. Exploring the Main Town is always a good idea
Gokarna has always been famous on the map for its religious history, being one of the seven important Hindu pilgrimage centres. It is believed that Lord Shiva emerged from the ear of a cow here, which literally translates to Gokarna.
Paying a visit to Mahabaleshwara Temple can surely give your trip a holistic angle. It is also the best way to see a different side of Gokarna as people rush to take a holy dip in the sea at Gokarna Main Beach.
Pro Tip #4: If you plan to visit the main town, make sure you dress modestly, out of respect for the deity and the people.
Pro Tip #5: Owing to its religious history, the town and the surrounding beaches are populated with cows, which is why watching your step is always wise unless you wish to step into cow dung.
7. Exploring the neighbouring area
Giving a twist to your beach vacation is never a bad idea. Yana, another village in Uttara Kannada district, is also a well-known pilgrimage centre because of the cave temple there. Commonly referred as Yana Caves, the site is only 48 km away from Gokarna. A lot of tourists also visit Vibhuti Falls, which are on the way to Yana.
You can also explore the ruins of Mirjan Fort and click aesthetic pictures against a regal backdrop.
The scenic route and peaceful drive is best enjoyed on a scooty, which are easily available in the Gokarna Main Town.
8. Rejuvenate yourself with yoga sessions
Gokarna also boasts a few yoga retreats and yoga sessions, which happen every morning at Om Beach and Kudle Beach. Experience the cleansing art of yoga at the beach or enrol yourself for a minimum of 7 days’ yoga program at one of many resorts for a unique escapade.
Yoga Retreats: Namaste Yoga Farm, Shree Hari Yoga Center, and Swaswara Resort
9. The best sunset spot in Gokarna
Witness the tangerine skies and the glorious, setting sun from the best sunset spot in Gokarna – Turtle Point. A small hike through HosteLaVie-Gokarna to the hill top and you will find yourself at one of the least frequented spots in the town with the most stunning, panoramic views.
10. Collecting Souvenirs
Is a trip ever complete without some souvenir reminding you of the blissful journey that it had been? Enjoy a shopping spree at the flea markets in the main town, selling everything from handmade trinkets, bottle openers, to psychedelic T-shirts and harem pants. You can also buy yourself macramé and unique bead anklets at Om Beach or from local pedlars roaming on the beach.
*The tariff rates mentioned above are exclusive of taxes.