The western line of Karnataka that shares its borders with the Arabian Sea is home to the small town of Gokarna. The term Gokarna means ‘Ears of a cow’ and is a confluence of spiritual and natural magnificence. Being a temple town and famous pilgrimage spot of Karnataka, Gokarna receives flocks of tourists every year. Temples like Mahabaleshwar, Venkatramana, Ganapati, and Uma-Maheswar are the main visits for the pilgrims who visit Gokarna every year to pay their obeisance to the Lords.
Apart from the temples, Gokarna is also rich in its natural heritage. The Western Ghats along with the Arabian Sea shape some mesmerizing sceneries of the cosmos at Gokarna. Beaches like Om Beach, Half Moon Beach, Paradise Beach, etc. add to the coastline splendor of the place. The less crowded shorelines offer a perfect relaxation air and undisturbed holidays that a nomad always looks for. Beach activities and hill hiking make the place a favorite for the adventure lover as well.
You can spend the mornings leisurely along the turquoise shores of the Arabian Sea or indulge yourself in an Ayurvedic spa in a multi-starred cottage near the coasts. Make sure you pamper your evenings around a bonfire under the star-studded sky while enjoying a cocktail party with your friends. Below mentioned are the top five beaches of Gokarna that make it a dream destination for many nomads.
Om Beach: The beach derives its name after the sacred Hindu word ‘Om’ as its shape resembles the same. Water activities are best enjoyed at Om beach. Its glittering sands and transparent water make it a hot choice for both swimmers and non-swimmers. Parasailing, banana boats, jet skiing, and water surfing are some of the popular sports at the beach. Travellers can go for hiking to the nearby mountains from where one can grasp some incredible views of the land and the sea.
Numerous small cafes and restos are lined up at the shores that are made up of thatches and shacks. You can also rest in their shades sipping your favourite drink while gawking at the sea. Many travelers confirm that dolphins can be spotted while on a ride in the mid sea. Who knows you may have the good luck to spot any of those mammals?
Kudle Beach: If solitude is the only motto of yours while at Gokarna, Kudle is the destination for you. A ten minutes ride from Om Beach stands the Kudle Beach, aloof and secluded from the crowd of Gokarna. The soaring cliff guards this isolated coastline and is most popular among tourists who want to spend time with nature.
Volleyball and beach bums are the main outdoor activities carried out here. Travelers must be cautious while swimming or bathing at this beach owing to its seclusion and isolation from other beaches.
Gokarna Beach: The main coast at Gokarna is the Gokarna Beach. Due to its proximity to the Mahabaleshwar Temple, it is popular among the pilgrims as well. They believe that it is more sacred and pious to worship Shiva (Mahabaleshwar) after taking a dip in the Gokarna beach.
As a result, the beach remains crowded for the most part of the day. Though water sports are not prevalent at this beach, one can get involved in regular Yoga sessions that are held near the beach. Excursions are also carried out to beaches like Kudle beach, Paradise Beach, Om Beach, Dolphin Point, and Kudle Beach.
Half Moon Beach: The shape of a half moon renders the name of this beach as stated. Away from the hustle bustle of the crowds, this secluded shoreline is a paradise for the nomads. One can go for activities like kayaking and swimming at this beach.
Nevertheless, the beach is a flawless strand for gazing at nature while losing oneself. Enjoying the flickering colors of the horizon while the sun bids a goodbye is yet another lifetime experience to gather at this coast of Karnataka.
Paradise Beach: Towards the south of the Half-moon beach lies the Paradise beach. It is also called the Full Moon beach and is a zero pollution beach as the coast is not accessible by foot or vehicle. A boat ride from the Half Moon beach or the Om beach will fetch a nomad to one of the exquisite beaches of Gokarna.
As the shore comprises mostly of the rocks, swimming and bathing are prohibited here. The beach is known for its outlets and food joints that serve some drooling local cuisines; both veg and non-veg.
Apart from the above-mentioned beaches, coasts like Bada beach, Small Hell beach, and Nirvana beach are some other beach choices of nomads. Beaches no doubt make the perfect holiday throughout the year. What are you waiting for? Pack your essentials and head on to Gokarna for your next holiday!
How to reach: The nearest airport is Dabolim at Goa. From there both cabs and buses are available to reach Gokarna. Trains run till Ankola station from where one has to take road transport. Frequent buses are available from the nearby cities like Mangalore, Bangalore, and Goa to reach Gokarna.
Heaven is found simply off the bank of terrain Karnataka – and it is called Gokarna Beach. One of the concealed pearls of India, the seashore is known for the wide extended white sand and peaceful waters. This is an ideal family get-away setting, which brags beachside picnics and water sports, is likewise home to comfortable shacks and radiant rental cottages.With so much to see and do, it is going to be really hard to lie idle on Gokarna beach. Hit the beach with buckets and shovels to build that perfect sand-castle of your dreams. Or, stroll the beach in the evening to soak in the majestic view of Arabian sea. Likewise, this is an extraordinary spot to spread out the family's seashore cover and love the ideal opportunity for the afternoon. Remember to swing by the exciting water sports accessible at Gokarna beach. With remote beach escapes, family-accommodating shores, and ideal for sand-château building, Gokarna beach guarantees fun frolic to every style of the guest. Peruse through the subtleties and activities about the Gokarna beach!
Om Beach of Gokarna carries a spiritual significance concerning its geographical appearance. The shape of this beach resembles the symbol ‘Om’ and hence, it is considered to be highly auspicious amongst the locals. You can witness the joining of two semi-crescent pieces of land here and this is why and how the beach derived its present identity.Known for its early morning and late evening sightseeing delights, Om Beach is a photographer’s paradise. It is simply amazing to observe the transitory phases of the skyline from the shores of Om Beach. Do not miss on your cameras as there are surely going to be plentiful moments for you to capture here. The sand of this beach is fine and delicate, and the rock creations are simply astounding!You may witness the presence of fishermen boats throughout the shores. Some of them might be busy with their deep-sea fishing activity. If you are communicative, you may approach the local fishing community to get some insights into their daily lives.Banana boat rides, bumper boat rides, dolphin spotting, jet skiing, fishing, trekking, and speed boating are some adventurous activities to try here.
Kudle Beach in Gokarna is renowned for its unmatched beauty and mesmerizing charm. Flanked by tall coconut trees, this piece of land resembles a perfect ‘C'. Representing a vastly stretched piece of an isolated sea and land, Kudle Beach is the best option to try for those who seek solitude. With serene and quiet atmosphere, watching the sunrise and sunsets are the real delights for the observers. You can either sit on the shore or gaze at the never-ceasing tides – the choice is yours! Locals visit here for early morning or late evening walks and their yoga sessions. You can also join them. Stroll around for some time, and you are surely going to find some beautiful beach shacks and bamboo huts to plan your night camping. This is the perfect moment to shoot the beauty of glistening waters under the dim light of the moon. November to February is the best time to plan your visit to this incredible beach in Gokarna. This is when you will be able to mingle with other backpackers and travelers. With a multitude of activities to enjoy, Kudle Beach is an ideal destination for solo travelers, adventurous travelers, and newlywed couples.
Showcasing the brilliance of the classic Dravidian architecture, Mahabaleshwara Temple is one of the must visit Gokarna tourist places. The 4th century temple in Gokarna is most famous for its Shiva Linga known as Atma Linga that is worshipped here and also known as Dakshin Kashi, often being paralleled to the Shiva Temple at Varanasi. This major temple in Gokarna has a 1500-year-old deity that is carved stone of Lord Shiva. If you’re seeking a spiritual retreat, Mahabaleshwara Temple in Gokarna will refresh your soul and offer a peaceful retreat with the Almighty. According to one popular legend, it is believed that the deity of the temple will bestow immense blessings to devotees to those who just get a glimpse of it. For fans of art and culture too, Mahabaleshwara Temple is a beautiful masterpiece for the tourists to appreciate.Location: Koti Teertha Road, Kotiteertha, Gokarna, Karnataka Best Time to visit: The temple can be visited anytime throughout the year.Timings: It is open from 6:00 am to 12:30 pm and then from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pmDistance from Gokarna Bus Main Stand, Banglegudda: It is just 600 metres away from the bus station in Gokarna.
Listed as one of the most attractive sightseeing places in Gokarna, Half Moon Beach boasts of beautiful surroundings. The beach derives its name based on its shape like a half moon. Half Moon Beach is known for its clean sparkling sands against the transparent blue waters. Mostly famous for foreign travellers and backpackers, Half Moon Beach is a great place to relax and unwind.Half Moon Beach can be visited by a hike from Om Beach which is a thrilling enterprise. Away from all the crowds, this beach is a wonderful destination to indulge in some fun activities as well as indulge in enjoying some mouth-watering food available at the beach shacks nearby. This beach is an idyllic escape from the noise of the city or enjoys some classic beach activities like sunbathing or swimming. It is also one of the major attraction of beach trek in Gokarna.Location: Half Moon Beach, GokarnaBest Time to visit: The ideal time to pay a visit to the Half Moon Beach is between October and MarchTimings: Tourists can visit here any time from 6 am to 6 pm.Activities: Swimming, canoeing, paddle boats, paintball, camping, and cabinsDistance from Gokarna Bus Main Stand, Banglegudda: Half Moon Beach is located approximately 5 kilometres away from the bus station in Gokarna.
The final beach along the Gokarna town is the beautiful Paradise beach. Also known as the Full Moon beach, it is 150 meters long and has about 70% of it covered in hard rocks. The remaining part of the beach is covered in pristine white sand. Until a few years, the sandy beach was used as a hippie location frequented by liberal souls from around the world. The beach is loved by foreigners and till date, many travellers from outside visit here. It is also touted that early foreigners did not like the idea of Indians visiting the beach and used to restrict them. The beach is a perfect place to camp and spend your night cooking and gazing at the stars and moon. There is freshwater well at the beach which makes camping a great option for travellers. The water currents at the beach are believed to be very strong and not advisable to be used for swimming. Hiking back to the Half Moon beach can be a huge risk after sunset because of the presence of rough rocks that might prove to be fatal. If you are looking to spend some time in isolation, then this beach in the state of Karnataka is a great escape from the routine. You can spend quality time with your loved ones, and find the peace you have been craving for.
Namaste Café is one of the most eminent attractions in Gokarna located on Om Beach. This beach front restaurant offers an ideal space for tourists who want to dwell on the splendid views of the sea with a spectacular plate of food on their tables. Whether you fancy a quiet stroll to feel the sands on the beach or wish to relax in picturesque vistas, Namaste Café is the place to be.This serene property offers a lot of stay options where you can just relax and unwind in Gokarna. It offers unrestricted access to the beach and is an ideal pick for backpackers and budget travellers. The café also offers exotic dishes to get you in the beach bumming mood along with offering compact rooms to make your stay pleasant in Gokarna.Location: Om Beach, Gokarna, KarnatakaBest Time to visit: Tourists can visit Namaste Café anytime throughout the year.Entry fee: A room at Namaste Café costs INR 1080/ USDTimings: The check in time is 1 pm while the check out time is 11 am.Distance from Gokarna Bus Main Stand, Banglegudda: The distance between the two places is 6.3 kilometres.
Mirjan Fort is a trademark of cultural glory, and is situated on National Highway 66, about 11 kilometers from Gomarna. The 16th century architecture and cultural marvels of this place has made it a popular tourist attraction. There are various mythic tales behind who constructed the fort, or how it came to be the way we see it today. The most popular and widely accepted of all those stories is that of Queen Chennabhairadevi. She is a prominent historical figure as she built the fort under her matriarchal reign of 54 years in the 16th century. The Mirjan Fort is flanked by the banks of Agnanishi River and is filled with high ceilings and bastions. There are four main entrances to the fort, each of which is laid out with steps made out of laterite stone, which is the material used for constructing the rest of the fort too. It is interspersed with several wells linked to the moat. This interlinking is said to be a part of a defense mechanism used to protect the fort from external attacks. Thus, the fort has been a site of many battalions within its periphery and yet withstood the test of time.