Day - 1: Om Beach & Mahabaleshwar Temple Visit
Hotel Options in Gokarna
- Vedic village homestay – Tariff for a single night stay is around Rs 5000 and the accommodation is suitable for 4 people. It has a double-bed room each on the ground and first floor. So, a family of four can easily stay here. The tariff is inclusive of breakfast.
- There are many accommodation options available catering to varying budgets. Homestays and hotels near Om beach and the main town are relatively cheaper than most options near the Kudle beach.
- Coconut Tree Resort – Rs 2500 approx. double occupancy.
Explore More Hotel Options in Gokarna
- After check-in at the hotel, get ready for sightseeing for the day.
Vedic Village Homestay
Head to the famous Om Beach, which is named so because of its resemblance to the figure “Om”. The place is popular among photography enthusiasts, who are awarded an amazing view of the changing colours of the water as the day progresses and the rocky terrain that is surrounded by trees.
Om beach is a good place for sunset view and watersports
Adventure seekers can cover Half Moon and Paradise beaches from the Om beach via trekking, which could take about 2 hours, depending on the photo and rest pit stops.It is advisable to go with a local or a guide as the route markings are non-existent. This is a cost-effective way to cover the beaches, but would require a moderate level of fitness and time. Make sure to carry water, snacks and wear comfortable shoes.
- If time-bound, one can hire a boat from the Om beach towards Half moon and Paradise beaches, which are in close proximity, but one can view them only from a distance and won’t be allowed to disembark from the boat. The boat ride costs about Rs. 300 per person.
- The travellers opting for the boat ride will be able to witness the confluence (Sangam) where the Aghanashini river meets the Arabian Sea, the Harbour Light Post and spot dolphins if lucky!
- Om beach offers water sporting activities such as snorkelling, jet-skiing, surfing, and banana boat ride.
- Another option is to go for an exclusive boat which could go up to Rs. 4000, which allows you to get down at the beaches.
Lunch Option: As the beaches are a favourite with backpackers and foreigners, one can enjoy a variety of dishes at the several shacks/cafes at Om beach. Most serve generic continental fare besides some common Indian dishes; a meal could cost anywhere between Rs. 400 to Rs. 800 for two.
Go on a temple trail along with the bustling parts of the main city of Gokarna.
- Shree Maha Ganapati temple’s - Presiding deity Lord Ganapati is worshipped in the child form and is in a standing pose making it quite unique. A mythological story associated with the temple is that when Ravana was carrying a Shivling that was given to him by Lord Shiva, he was tricked by Ganapati to drop the Shivling. Ravana hit Ganapati on the forehead, the idol at the temple bears the same wound.
- The spot at which the Shivling was dropped is where the Shri Mahabaleshwar Temple is situated. The temple’s existence can be traced to the fourth century, Lord Shiva is worshipped here in the form of Atma Linga, the only in the world.
You can take part in the prasad bhojan which is served at the temple twice a day.
- (Timings: 12 pm to 2 pm & 07:30 pm to 08:30 pm)
- Male devotees are required to wear a dhoti to enter the temples and foreigners aren’t allowed at the Mahabaleshwar temple. The temples are at a distance of 10 km from Om Beach. You can then relax at the Gokarna beach which is a short distance from the temples.
- Timings: The temple closes at 12:30 pm & reopens at 5:00 pm.
Dinner option: Pai Restaurant - You can have South Indian, North Indian & Chinese food. Most restaurants in and around the temple area serve only simple vegetarian food.
- Overnight Stay at Accommodation.
Pai Restaurant
Day - 2: Local Sightseeing in Gokarna
Have breakfast at one of the local eateries near the alleys of the temple area.
- Start the day with a visit to the Rama Teertha temple, which is about a km from the Gokarna beach. The temple is renowned as it is believed that Lord Ram had meditated here. The temple has a couple of natural streams which locals believe has healing powers. You can also enjoy a magnificent view of the sea from the spot.
- Koti Teertha is located at a distance of less than 2 km from the Rama Teertha. This place is famous for the man-made tanks (kunds) where pilgrims tend to take a dip.
You can have lunch at any of the restaurant on Kudle beach. Take a look at the menu, select a place that pleases your palate and enjoy a meal with the breeze and sea view.
- This beach is surrounded by hills and offers a mesmerising sunset that one ought to not miss. You can relax at the beach and enjoy a sumptuous dinner, before heading to your accommodation.
- Overnight Stay at Accommodation.
Sea view from hill that connects to Om beach
Day – 3: Visit to Yana Caves
Start your day a bit early, approx. 7:30 am. You can finish breakfast at one of the hotels, before heading towards the tourist attractions for the day.
- Mirjan Fort is about 20 km away from the main town. The fort is located on the banks of the Aghanashini river and is believed to have been built in the 16th century by Queen Chennabharadevi. The site was an important part of the spice trade. The time-tested laterite structure has been declared as a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India. Entry to the fort is free.
It is between Gokarna-Kumta highway
Yana caves are a part of the Sahyadri range and situated at about 28 km from the fort. The area is known for its unusual rock formations. At the bottom of the Bhairaveshwara hill,is a Shiva temple, the other hill part of the twin peak is Mohini.
- After exploring the caves, head to the parking lot to visit Vibhuti falls, which is about 9 km away. You will have to walk for about a kilometre and a half before you can witness the sight of the beautiful waterfalls. If you intend to go for a swim, make sure to carry a spare change of clothing.
- You should be able to reach Gokarna in about an hour and a half at most from here.
- Either stop at one of the hotels on the way to your accommodation or have lunch at Gokarna’s many cafes and relax at the beach of your choice.