Are you bored with Goa's overcrowded beaches and pubs and want to spend some time in peace? Then here is an alternative place for you, and that too, just 5 hours away from it. One of the top tourist spots in Karnataka is Gokarna. A quaint town away from the hubbub of city life, it is a paradise for all beach lovers.
From the famous temples' tranquility to the landscape's breathtaking views and a few exciting water sports, this place has much to offer you. Are you excited to hear more about Gokarna? Let's try and cover all the top places to visit in Gokarna in one day!
About Gokarna
Gokarna is a quaint small town located in the district of Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka, and is situated in the coastal region of Karwar. It is one of the top tourist spots in Karnataka and is visited by thousands of tourists yearly.
The place is well known for its pleasant natural beauty and serene atmosphere, which can only be enjoyed by those who see it. Gokarna comes under the jurisdiction of Udupi Taluk and is surrounded by many other beautiful places like Mangalore City, Udupi, Manipal, etc.
History of Gokarna
The history of Gokarna reflects the story of the people who have been living here for centuries. Gokarna comes from the word "Gorkhana," which means "the land where cows are kept."
It is believed that the primary settlers came here to graze their cattle on these fields. There were almost no settlements when King Kesharaja built his palace here in the 12th century A.D.
The district was formed in 1866, with the headquarters at Bhatkal. In 1956, it became part of the Dakshina Kannada District, which was later split into Uttara Kannada and Chikmagalur districts in 1981.
Famous Places to Visit in Gokarna
Gokarna is famous for its clean and pristine beaches with azure waters and its historical temples that tell the famous tales from the Ramayana.
01. Om Beach
This is one of the most splendid beaches in Gokarna. It got its name because of the shape of the beach. It is accessible by road on one side and trek on the other.
For the more daring, there are many river sports options on the beach, such as kayaking, jet-skiing, scuba diving, banana ride, and parasailing. If you are lucky, you can spot cute dolphins in the middle of the sea.
The approximate cost of adventure sports is as follows:
₹5781 Scuba diving
₹1000 Parasailing
₹1550 Water sports
₹700 Bumper ride
₹600 Highspeed Jet ski
02. Gokarna Main Beach
This is the largest beach of Gokarna and is primarily used by pilgrims on their way to the famous Mahabaleshwar Temple. A road leads to different parts of the beach, and you will not find it difficult to get a parking spot near the cafes and restaurants.
If you want to learn surfing, the Cocopelli Surf School is the one you must visit while strolling the beach.
#Trivia: Surfing and surfing classes are available at a few places in India, Gokarna being one of them.
03. Kudle Beach
This is the second most popular beach in Gokarna, and there is a road on either side of the beach to get here. Small hills flank the beach on either side, with mesmerizing views on all sides. This is a great place to enjoy the sunset and is close to several restaurants.
If you happen to be at Kudle Beach in the evening, the best thing to do is go to the little flea market set up by backpackers from all over the world and some locals.
04. Half-moon beach
Surrounded by thick forests, this rocky beach overlooks the magnanimous Arabian sea, giving its visitors a reason to return. It is one of the smallest beaches of Gokarna and includes different water activities such as swimming, paddle boats, kayaking, camping, etc. It derives its name because of its half-moon shape.
05. Nirvana beach
The gorgeous Nirvana beach overlooks the splendid Arabian Sea and is surrounded by lush green palm and coconut trees. If you are looking for some peaceful moments with yourself or your loved ones, you can be sure of getting it here.
Its long shoreline is ideal for a stroll and romanticizing the surroundings with your loved ones. It is slightly off the beaten track with no lifeguard or people. Carry light snacks in case you plan to visit the Nirvana beach in Gokarna. It is advisable not to venture too much into the water because of its strong undercurrents.
06. Baada beach
A gorgeous trail from Kirki to Gokarna will lead you to the Baada beach. It is not easily accessible because of a lack of roads. You can trek to this beach with the help of a local guide and enjoy some splendid moments regaling in the marvelousness of the beach. It is a perfect place to enjoy some beach sports such as badminton, volleyball, boating, etc.
07. Belekan beach
One of the most remote beaches of Gokarna, the Belekan beach is a splendid sight for sore eyes. You can take a boat from Gokarna beach and spot dolphins along the way. The magnificent view from the beach and the trees spread across the shore will delight you in every way.
#Trivia: Since it is a remote beach without any accessibility by road, the boat is the only option to reach this beach.
08. Gokarna Beach Trek
This trek is the perfect way to explore all the beaches of Gokarna. It is an easy and uncomplicated trek that even beginners can do alone. On a hike, you must cross small hills separating Gokarna's beaches.
This trek is between Kudle Beach and Paradise Beach, and the distance is roughly 10 kilometers, which you can easily cover at your own pace. You can also hire a guide from the Gokarna beach who will lead you through the uneven trail and help you understand flora, fauna, and the different aspects of this trek. The breathtaking view on all sides will keep your spirits high throughout.
09. Mahabaleshwar Temple
The temple got its name from an event that happened with Ravana. The temple was built in the 4th century and is one of the most important Shiva temples in South India. It is situated on the Kothi Tirtha Road, Gokarna. It is also called South Kashi because it is considered as pure as Varanasi.
Pilgrims from around the world visit the temple and witness the positive energy of the Atma Linga. The Mahabaleshwar temple complex is also home to the "Tamra Gouri Temple," dedicated to Goddess Parvati.
10. Maha Ganapati temple
Another popular tourist and pilgrim spot of Gokarna, the Maha Ganapati temple, is dedicated to Lord Ganesh. It is close to the Mahabaleshwar temple and boasts gorgeous Dravidian architecture. It is open daily from 5 am to 12 noon and 4 pm to 9 pm.
11. Murdeshwar and Netrani Island
Murdeshwar is located 78 kilometers south of Gokarna and is home to the world's second-largest Shiva statue, which is 123 feet tall. There is also a 20-story high temple and a beach here. The temple here has a lift which you can use to reach the top, where you can enjoy a splendid view of the statue and the lush surroundings. The temple opens every day at 3 am and remains open till 3 pm.
Netrani Island is located 19 kilometers off the Murdeshwar shore and is known for its attractive natural beauty and invites tourists from all over the world. It is a good place for scuba diving.
You will easily find several companies offering scuba diving experiences, and it is recommended that you book your slot online.
The cost of scuba diving here ranges between ₹4000 and ₹5000 approximately. The charges may vary in peak season with a high influx of tourists from across the country and nearby cities.
If you have the time, you can try visiting other prominent places in Gokarna, such as the Mirjan fort, Bhadrakali temple, Lalguli falls, Uppin Ganapati temple, and Shiva cave, Mahalasa temple, Koti tirtha, and Kumta beach.
Best Time to Visit Gokarna
The best time to plan a visit to Gokarna is during winters, between October and February. The weather is pleasant and comfortable, and the sea is relatively calm. It is best to avoid visiting Gokarna during hot and humid summers from March to May and the monsoon season from June to September.
Gokarna is an ideal place to relax and unwind, away from the hectic city life. With several gorgeous beaches to delight the mind, you will be in for a pleasant surprise to regale the azure waters and the clean beaches in Gokarna. It offers the perfect ambiance to enjoy a short weekend getaway or a short vacation with your loved ones. It is refreshing, calm, and a must-visit at least once. It's time to bring out the wanderlust in you.
