If you are someone who prefers fewer crowds and loves chilling out on a pristine beach, then Gokarna should definitely be on your list.
Gokarna has everything to tick your bucket list - hiking, beach hopping, water sport activities, an ayurvedic spa to get yourself pampered and also pilgrim places for spiritual wanderers.
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Other Places to visit in Gokarna
About Gokarna
As per a Hindu mythological tale, Lord Shiva descended on earth through the ear of a cow, so the town got its name.
Another reason for naming this place is because it is at the confluence of two rivers Gangavali and Aghanashini and this looks like a Cow’s ear shaped.
What to expect in Gokarna?
Places to visit in Gokarna can be divided into two categories i.e.
Pilgrimage -
Gokarna is frequented by devotees to seek the blessing of Lord Shiva at Sri Swami Mahabaleshwara temple. Other temples in town are Koti Teertha, Venkataraman Temple, Mahaganpati Temple and Uma Maheshwar Temple
The Adventure Seekers -
Gokarna offers many Water Sports activities, Beach Trekking and also ayurvedic spas to calm your body and soul.
In simpler words it is a perfect destination for carefree souls looking for peace or adventure or maybe a bit of both.
The Beach Trek
Gokarna is a calm version of Goa loaded with scenic beauty, clean and serene beaches. The best way to explore beaches in Gokarna is via Trek.
This 10 kms approx. (trek + hike) easy trek suitable for beginners or first timers. The trail takes you through the lush green tropical forest, close to the shoreline and cliffs - offering the panoramic views of the sea.
The are two major route for Gokarna Beach Trek -
End to End Trek
Gokarna Main Beach - Kudle Beach - Om Beach - Half Moon Beach - Paradise Beach - Belekan Beach or vise versa
(There is hardly any trail between Gokarna Main Beach and Kudle Beach, you have to take the road for this section. Probably that is why its not part of the Gokarna Beach Trek)
Trek the Majors
Kudle Beach - Om Beach - Half Moon Beach - Paradise Beach - Belekan Beach or vise versa
(If your stay is near Kudle Beach then it is advisable to start from Belekan Beach, auto services are available to reach Belekan Beach from Kudle. By taking this route you will spend quality of time at the beach and eliminate the pressure of reaching back to your stay before sunset)
Our Trek Route
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| Gokarna Trek Route |
Difficulty : Easy Trek; can be done with basic physical fitness
Apps for off-beat roads : Google Maps; Maps.me
Distance : Approx. 8 - 10kms (depends upon your starting point)
Duration : 4-6 hrs. (depends on your speed and time spent on beach)
Water Availability : Bottles can be easily refilled at shacks
Reaching Belekan Beach -
Belekan Beach is accessible via road from kudle. The auto will drop you just near the beach. Start early and the route from Kudle to Belekan is absolutely mind blowing and full of scenic beauty. You can take a ferry from Kudle beach or Om Beach.
After spending some time and soaking in the beauty and serenity of the Belekan beach, march towards Paradise Beach .
Belekan Beach - Paradise Beach
The trek to Paradise Beach is about 1 - 1.5kms trek. The trail is very narrow, surrounded by lush green forest and chirping of birds. There are stairs which will lead you to the beach.
Paradise Beach is not just sandy, but it has rocks as well. It is a very peaceful experience just to sit there and watch the waves dancing on the shores.
Tips:
Eateries : Couple of shops are available; but it is advisable to carry snacks and water with you
Stay : There are campsites and portable loo at Paradise beach
Activities : Kayaking and swimming (be careful while swimming because the water current pretty strong here
| Paradise Beach - Half Moon Beach |
This part of the trek is quite tricky and tough as compared to the other. One has to be a bit careful while climbing the rock and boulder at the beginning of the trek. Later there is a steep walk but the views are amazing.
There are three beautiful photo spots between Paradise and Half Moon Beach - Small Hell Beach, Hell Cliff and Friends Beach. Try not to miss Hell Cliff, you will get a breathtaking panoramic view of Arabian Sea. But to visit these places will require a little detour from the trail
Half Moon Beach is a small beach, shaped in the form of a crescent moon. The beach is less-crowded, ideal for those who are seeking some peaceful time.
Tips -
Eateries : Shacks are available,
Stay: Available
Activities : Ferries run from Half Moon Beach to Om and Paradise Beach.
After spending some quality time and refreshing yourself. Resume your trek for Om Beach
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Half Moon Beach - Om Beach
The route to Om beach has little uphill climb, followed by gradual walks. Just before Om Beach there is a cliff which offers a magnificent view of the entire beach. A little ahead of this point is Om Beach
Om Beach is a pristine beach filled with shacks and water sport activities. If you are an adventure junkie then Kayaking, jetski, or banana boat ride etc. might pull your interest or or swimming or playing frisbee or spend time at the shores
Tips -
Eateries : Shacks are available,
Stay: Available
Highlights : Water sports options like Kayaking and Jet Skiing, Bumper Ride and many more.
Worth Try : Namaste Cafe and Garden Cafe
Om beach is connected via road. If you are tired and want to skip the trail, then take an auto for Kudle. Try to opt auto before dark because auto-drivers literally double their charges at night.
| Om Beach - Kudle Beach |
After spending fun time and having a lip-smacking meal at Om Beach, start your journey towards Kudle Beach. The trek to Kudle Beach is the easiest hike compared to rest of the trail.
You can take a short detour and visit Shri Umamaheshwari Temple. On the left side of Kudle Beach steps, there is a trail which leads to the temple.
Kudle Beach is worth every effort. Walk barefoot on the sand and just feel the pleasant breeze. Soak in the auro, as the orange sunsets on the horizon. Kudle beach is famous for sunset.
Tips -
Eateries : Cafes and Shacks are available,
Stay : Available
Highlights : Walk on the beach. amazing sunset and sunrise.
Worth Try - La Pizzeria and Uma Maheshwari cafe for a delicious meal
If you are at Kudle beach around the evening. The best thing to so here would be to visit the little Flea Market set up by the backpackers from across the world and some locals
Other Places to visit in Gokarna
If you can afford time then try not to miss the Kudle Hilltop. It is a small cliff between Kudle Road and Kudle Beach which offers the best sunset view in all Gokarna
There are two more isolated beaches - Honey Beach and Nirvana Beach. But you will need a vehicle to visit them.
Gokarna Main Beach is the longest beach in Gokarna, primarily visited by pilgrims that come to visit Sri Mahabaleshwar Swami Temple.
If you are interested in religious sites then Sri Swami Mahabaleshwara temple (4th century temple), Koti Teertha, Mahaganpati Temple and Uma Maheshwar Temple etc. are places to visit.
Worth A Try Eateries
- Namaste Cafe - Om Beach
- Nirvana Cafe - Om Beach
- Mantra Cafe - Kudle Beach
- The Little Paradise - Kudle Beach
- White Elephant Restaurant & Cottages - Kudle Hilltop
- Sunset Cafe - Gokarna Beach
- The Rock Namaste Cafe - Gokarna Beach
- Namaste Samudra Cafe - Gokarna Beach
- Chez Christophe Gokarna French Cafe - Gokarna Beach (opens : Mon to Wed - 4pm to 10:30pm; Thru to Sun - 11:30 am to 11:30pm)
How to Reach?
Roadways : Buses ply regularly from major cities of Karnataka, Goa, Mumbai, Kochi etc. to Gokarna
Mumbai to Gokarna (723 kms), You can either take a car or travel by state transport / private bus (Fare- INR 1500 / 17 hrs)
Closest Railhead : Ankola / Gokarna Road
Maru Sagar Exp (12978) and Matsyagandha Exp (12619) are direct trains from Mumbai to Gokarna (Min. Fare - INR 500 / 12 hrs). Trains from several cities halt at these stations.
Closest Airport : Dabolim Airport, Goa (140 kms)
From the airport taxi service is available. You can also board the bus to reach Gokarna
Getting Around
Autos and cabs are easily available in the town. But the best way to dive into the beauty of Gokarna is by exploring at your own pace. So rent a Scooty/bikes (Rent Cost - INR 300 per day) and explore the scenic beauty of this place.
Things to Carry
Clothes - Quick dry clothes, comfortable for hike and swim
Footwear - Normal Trekking shoes, but a sturdy sandal would also be convenient, especially while taking-off and wearing at the beach without a lots of sand getting inside at the beach.
Napkins / Towels
Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
Sunscreen, sun glasses, cap, some cash for ferry ride, water sport activities and eateries etc.
Quick Tip
You can split the trek and complete it in 2 days, make your stay near Om Beach and then -
Day - 1 Om Beach to Paradise Beach / Belekan Beach
Day - 2 Om Beach to Kudle Beach / Gokarna Main Beach
If you are on budget than beach hopping via Ferries might give a dent on your pocket. Ferry cost from Om to Paradise and Half Moon Beach is around INR 300/-pp.
(Ferries do not halt at Paradise Beach they will just show you from the distance and return to Om Beach. So to enjoy the Paradise beach and have a dip in its water you will have to trek)
If you are lucky , you might spot dolphins from the cliffs near Half Moon beach and the panoramic view of Arabian Sea is just breathtaking.
If you are planning to stay at Paradise Beach then start from Kudle Beach, otherwise starting from Paradise or Belekan beach would be a better option.
Last ferry from Om to Kudle Beach is around 5:30 to 6:00pm (mostly depending on the crowd). so plan your journey accordingly. You can also take the road to travel back to Kudle beach. It is not an advisable to take trail after dark
Zostel offers group trek for Rs.300/-pp. you can also inquire about the same if not planning for DiY
Please do not litter. If you brought polythene bags along please ensure that you are bringing those back and not throw them carelessly in the mountain
