.jpg "Things to do in Gokarna") |
Gokarna is a perfect confluence of “Adventure” and “Spirituality”. This low-key scenic destination is gifted with ancient temples, lush green fields, peaceful coconut palms, alluring beaches, and mystic waterfalls.
Located in the Kumta taluk of Uttara Kannada district in the state of Karnataka, this low-key town is a destination for souls looking for peace or adventure.
Try to keep at least two days in-hand to explore and dive into the relaxed atmosphere of Gokarna. Here are some of the places, try not to miss while in temple town.
Let's dive into the relaxed atmosphere of Gokarna. Here are the few of the things to experience -
Walk at Sea Shore : Allow yourself to wander on the beach, soak in the auro, walk barefoot in the sand and feel the pleasant breeze or simply sit and observe the never-ceasing tides. The vibes you will feel are unparallel to anything else.
Sunset on ferry : Behold the amazing sunset via ferry in the middle of the sea. It is a magical experience to watch the bright orange fireball consumed by the sea.
Bioluminescent Waves : Witness the magical glowing pattern in the sea waves, most likely at Nirvana Beach/Paradise Beach.
➖ Phytoplankton is visible only in new moon, as the night is darker and hence, no other light reflecting from the water body
Practice Yoga : Yoga is a part of Indian culture and believed to have originated in India about 5000 years ago. The most common forms of yoga in Gokarna are Vinyasa, Hatha, Iyengar, Kundalini, and aerial yoga with variation. It could be a few practice sessions or a month-long commitment (depending on your time)
Location : Multiple
Highlights : Meditate, connect with your inner self.
Sunset from the cliff
Viewing the sunset from the cliff should not be missed while exploring Gokarna. Watching the orange orb slowly dip into the horizon while white foamy waves smashing the cliff is breathtaking things to do in Gokarna
Location : Multiple
Highlights : Watch sunset at its full glory, breeze with smell of saltwater, sound of frothy sea waves crashing on the cliff
The Shiva Cave
Shiva cave is one of the tranquil yet adventurous places in Gokarna. This place is also called “Go-garbha“ (cows womb) by the locals. The cave has a Shiva linga and was built in 195 B.C.
➖ The trail for the shiva caves starts just opposite to Kudle Beach Resort.
Highlights : Views of the beach from outside the caves is beautiful
Jatayu Tirtha
Jatayu Tirtha is a small cave on a cliff. It takes little effort to reach, but the views it offers are unmatched - the setting of the sun, fragrance of the sea and waves crashing on the cliffs below.
(it is about 1.5km uphill from Gokarna main beach
Highlights : Lesser Known place, amazing views of the ocean, spectacular sunset.
Estuary Point
Estuary Point is where you will see the confluence of River Aghanshini and Arabian Sea. Vast estuary and open sea, fewer crowds, is a treat to the eyes and soul.
Even the drive to the Estuary point is pleasant, you will be greeted with big coconut trees on one side and on the other side is isolated, stunted mangrove patches will draw your attention.
Highlights : Quiet and peaceful, confluence of River Aghanshini and Arabian Sea is a treat to the eyes.
Gokarna Beach Trek :
Gokarna Beach Trek is one of the best things to do in Gokarna. All the beaches are interlinked through short hikes. You need to trek and cross hillocks to reach each of these pristine beaches. The entire route will offer hidden viewpoints, a soothing breeze filled with the fragrance of the sea.
Trail Route :
Gokarna Main Beach ➖ Kudle Beach ➖ Om Beach ➖ Half Moon Beach ➖ Paradise Beach ➖ Belekan Beach (or vice versa)
Distance : 8 - 10 kms (depends on your starting point)
Time Required : Approx. 4-5 hrs (depending on speed and time spend on each beach)
It is an easy/beginner level trek easily doable by anyone with basic fitness. If you are not into trekking then take a ferry tour to visit each of these beaches.
Beach Camping
Camping at the shores of the beach with golden sand and pristine sea is one of the most popular activities in Gokarna and is an amazing experience to add on your bucket list. There are several camps on almost all the beaches, you can pitch your own tent or pre-book camping packages, some of the hotels and resorts themselves provide camping facilities.
Location : Paradise Beach, Om Beach, Gokarna Beach, Alvekodi Beach etc.
Highlights : Scenic sea view, splendid sunrise and sunset, sea breeze
Water Sports Activities :
There are ample water sports activities available - Parasailing, Jet Ski, Scuba Diving, Surfing, Snorkeling, Beach Camping, Bumper Ride, Banana Boat Ride etc.
Location : Om Beach / Kudle Beach / Gokarna Main Beach
Cost : 500 onwards (depends on activities)
Learn Surfing : Gokarna is one of the handful places in India offering beach surfing courses. Beginners to advanced level courses are available at Cocopelli Surf School in Gokarna Main Beach.
Shopping : Visit the Gokarna Market where you will find lots of hip products like clothes, bags, leather products, and musical instruments too.
Holy Places in Gokarna
Gokarna is filled with heritage sites holding rich historical and mythological tales.
Maha Ganapati Temple - holds a 1.3 meters high black stone idol of Lord Ganesha.
According locals Maha Ganapati temple should be visited before Sri Swami Mahabaleshwar temple
Sri Swami Mahabaleshwar temple - This 4th century Dravidian style temple houses 6 feet tall Shiva ling known as Atma-Linga.
Koti Tirtha - a sacred pond, surrounded by colourful temples on one side and residences and monasteries.
Rama Teertha - Temple is secluded and peaceful with the astounding view of Arabian Sea and Gokarna main Beach.
Uma Maheshwar Temple - The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and his wife Goddess Parvati.
Shree Someshwar Temple - This 14th century temple was built by Cholas and expanded by the chalukya Kings. This massive structure is well defined with intricate carvings of mammoths, elephants, lions, and dwarfs.
Mallikarjuna Temple - A quiet and peaceful temple, snuggled in the middle of the tree plantation accompanied with chirping of birds and insects.
Best Places to Visit near Gokarna 100-200 km away
Netrani Island
Netrani island is a small heart shaped island located in Arabian Sea, near the temple town Murudeshwar. This is rich in biodiversity. This place is best Known for Scuba diving and Snorkelling
Distance : 20 kms from Murudeshwar
Activities : Best Known for Scuba diving and Snorkelling
Best Visited : November to May
Highlights : Snorkelling/Scuba dive, Marine life such as Barracudas, Large Shark-like Cobia, Groupers, Snappers, Honeycomb Moray Eels etc.
Jog Falls
Second largest fall in India. This segmented waterfall is located in Shivamogga district. During monsoon the fall is at its best.
Distance from Gokarna : 112 kilometres
Entry Fee : Applicable
Best Visited : The waterfall is in its full glory during Monsoon (July-September)
Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary
Famous for its biodiversity and dense forestation. Visit the monolithic Syntheri Rock in the middle of the sanctuary, take jeep safaris, go trekking and water rafting and also try to visit the volcanic limestone caves of Kavala.
Distance from Gokarna : 132 kilometres
Entry Fee : Applicable (Entry fee and Activities cost)
Best Visited : Anytime of the year
Lalguli Waterfall
Lalguli waterfall is one of the peaceful and beautiful waterfalls in Karnataka. Surrounded by rich greenery, rocky hills and wildlife. The view of water rolling through the rocky steps from the height of around 250ft. is mesmerising. Being close to Dandeli National Park the area is blessed with flora-fauna and various species of birds
Distance from Gokarna : Appox. 90 kilometres
Entry Fee : Free | Timings : 8:00 am – 7:00 pm (Daily)
Best Visited : October to December
This area is prone to landslides so avoid visiting in Monsoon
Apsarakonda :
This lesser known beach lies near Honnavar. Due to fewer footfalls this is one of the cleanest beaches. There is a garden nearby offering a panoramic view of the beach.
Mirjan Fort
The fort is believed to be constructed around 1608-1640 A.D. It is huge with spectacular architecture, historical significance and hides in itself many mysteries.
The view from the top of the fort is breathtaking with flowing river, coconut groves and the breezing wind from the seaside adds flavour to the beauty of the fort.
➖ Open for tourists from 8:am - 5:30pm. Avoid visiting the fort between 12:00 to 3:00 as the sun get very harsh.
Yana Rock Formation
Yana caves is famous for its two massive rock formations near each other, known as the Bhairaveshwara Shikhara (120 metres / 390 ft) and the Mohini Shikhara (90 metres / 300 ft). The huge rocks are composed of solid black, crystalline karst limestone.
Vibhuti Waterfalls
This 70 feet multi-tiered waterfall is picturesque with crystal clear water. A short lush green and scenic trail of about 15 mins (1 km) will lead you to the waterfalls.
You can take a plunge in the water as the depth of the water is around 5 - 6ft. depending on the season.
➖ Gokarna - Yana Caves- Vibhuti Waterfall - Mirjan Fort is idle for a day trip near Gokarna.
Shri Murudeshwar Temple
Famous for world's second largest Shiva statue (Longest being Nathdwara, Rajasthan). The temple is surrounded by the Arabian sea on three sides.
There is a 20-storied Raja Gopura constructed at the temple. Lift is installed at Raja Gopura that provides the view from the top. The view from the top is mesmerising with 123-feet Sri Shiva statue and vast Arabian sea in the background
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