If you are looking for a perfect beach destination for a calm and less crowded trip then Gokarna is your place.
When we think of a beach vacation, the first place that comes to mind is Goa. Without a doubt, Goa is a beautiful place, albeit a little crowded. It’s difficult to find peace and calm there.
Gokarna is a small town in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. This town is a perfect destination for both adrenaline seekers and those who are looking for spiritual solace.
In the last few years, Gokarna has attracted plenty of travelers with its sprawling beaches, pilgrimage sights, and glorious waterfalls.
How to reach Gokarna? Where to travel? How to plan a beach trip? What to explore in Gokarna? Where to stay?
These are some of the most asked questions, so here is your complete travel guide to a perfect trip to Gokarna.
How to Reach Gokarna?
Gokarna is located in Kumta taluk of Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. The nearest airport is just 140 km away in Dabolim, Goa.
Although there is no airport in Gokarna you can reach there by other means of transport. The easeful way to reach is by bus or train.
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By Road
You can either drive your vehicle or take a KSRTC bus from Bangalore, Mangalore, Panaji, and Hubli, depending on your comfort level. NH-17 is the road to take if you wish to travel alone.
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By Train
Nothing could be more fascinating than a train journey with your family and friends. The nearest railway station is just 6km away from the main town. You can take a rickshaw or taxi to travel further.
5 Must-Visit Beaches in Gokarna
Gokarna is full of serene and uncrowded beaches with fascinating cozy beach houses. So, here is the list of the top alluring beaches of Gokarna.
1. Om Beach
Om beach is one of the most popular and crowded beaches in Gokarna. As its name, this beach resembles OM Shape when you look at it from a cliff.
At this beautiful beach, you can also enjoy a variety of water sports such as a ferry to the secluded beaches, jet skiing, banana ride, etc.
After enjoying all the fun activities, you can relax at the beach facing ‘Namaste Cafe.’
Also Read: 8 Exotic and Famous Beaches In India
2. Half-moon Beach
Close to OM beach lies Half-moon beach, it takes around 35 minutes to reach this beach by ferry. You can have your own space here because the beach is clean and less crowded.
Half-moon beach is a wonderful spot for spending some quality time with your loved ones. You can spend a lot of time here watching the sunset over the horizon.
When you travel to the beautiful Gokarna, you must visit this soulful beach.
3. Kudle Beach
Kudle Beach should be on your bucket list for the Gokarna trip if you enjoy tranquil beaches.
The beach is a U-shaped beach that is surrounded by picturesque hills. This beach is best visited during the day or just before sunset because it is hard to get there at the night.
4. Gokarna Beach
How can you miss out on Gokarna beach on your trip to this soulful place? It is Gokarna’s most popular beach. At the shore of this beach, you can find tranquility away from the chaos of your hectic life.
Gokarna beach is surrounded by beautiful hills, and it is close to Mahabaleshwar Temple.
This beach is also accessible from the temple. Additionally, witness the Adi Shankaracharya sculpture on this tranquil ocean side.
5. Paradise Beach
This stunning beach is a true haven for many nature lovers, as its name suggests. This beach can only be reached by boat or on foot. The only time you can see paradise beach, which is surrounded by a lot of rocks, is during the busy season.
Paradise Beach is the place to be if you want to relax and savor some of the best seafood without having to deal with the crowds.
Also Read: 13 beautiful beaches in India to Visit this winter, returning to Summer Spirit
5 Best Places to Stay During Your Gokarna Trip
The most important part of a trip, besides exploring, is finding a comfortable, familiar, and peaceful place to stay.
Therefore, the following is a list of the best Gokarna hotels, resorts, and beach houses where you could enjoy yourself.
1. Stone wood nature resort
Gokarna Stone Wood Nature Resort is one of the most well-known lodging options. It is tucked away in the jungle away from the main town. Gokarna City is three to four kilometers away.
The resort is stunning and surrounded by jungle. It is a safe place to stay in case you are concerned about your safety.
There is a restaurant inside the resort only, where you can enjoy delicious food. The resort itself organizes numerous fun activities.
2. Namaste Yoga Farm
In Gokarna, the namaste yoga farm is a peaceful and affordable place to stay. The location is tucked away near Om Beach.
You can easily stroll to the beach and enjoy a meal in one of the cafes there. The cottages and rooms on this beautiful farm are the cleanest and most hygienic.
Additionally, don’t forget to indulge in Namaste Yoga Farm’s delectable breakfast.
3. Viraz Valley
Om Beach, Kudle Beach, and Gokarna Beach are all within easy reach of this tranquil, well-kept resort.
The campfire, spacious rooms, and tranquil balcony are the Viraz Valley’s main draws. It’s like staying in a home away from home.
4. Deva Samudra Beach Stay
Deva Samudra is a warm and inviting spot for a beach vacation in Gokarna. Here you can reserve a lovely cottage to spend time alone.
On your trip to Gokarna, the ideal experience is to savor your meal while taking in the view of the seashore.
5. Agthigamya resort and spa
Agthigamya resort and spa is a stunning resort with an exquisite swimming pool. You can unwind at the resort and take a spa treatment to wind down after all the exploring.
People may also ask
1. What is the best time to visit Gokarna?
The best time to visit Gokarna is during the winter as it is sunny in the south of India you can enjoy your vacation to its fullest.
Most explorers and travelers prefer to visit there in October, November, December, January, and February.
2. How many days are enough for the Gokarna trip?
Gokarna is a small town in Karnataka. It takes about 2-3 days to explore this beautiful place. It is the best place to plan a short and under-budget trip with your family.
3. Is Gokarna cheaper than Goa?
No doubt Gokarna is way cheaper than goa. Due to the immense tourism of goa, it is hard to find a peaceful place like Gokarna over there. The more crowded the place is, overpriced it is.
4. Does Gokarna beach glow at night?
The magical bioluminescent planktons that glow at night are the prime tourist attraction of Gokarna. Many explorers prefer to trek at night to witness this beautiful phenomenon on Gokarna beaches.
5. Is Gokarna better or Goa?
Goa and Gokarna both are beautiful beach destinations for a vacation. Gokarna is less crowded than goa. Though Gokarna is not immensely famous as goa you can find peace and calm here.