Gokarna 2 Nights & 3 Days in Karnataka

Om Beach, Kudle Beach, Paradise Beach, Half-moon beach, Shri Mahabaleshwar Temple

Published on 2021-08-25

Gokarna Beach

Gokarna Beach

Destination

beach

Best time to visit

October to February

  • The temple town of Gokarna is in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka and is dotted with several temples and beaches.
  • The city’s name can be traced to the mythology which states that Lord Shiva appeared from mother earth in the form of a cow at the confluence of the rivers Gangavali and Aghanashini,which is often referred to as being ear-shaped.
  • Gokarna has gained prominence in recent years due to its clean beaches and its proximity to Goa.
  • Major Cities around Gokarna
    • Murdeshwar (Karnataka)  – 80 km.
    • Panjim (Goa) –  150 km.
    • Udupi (Karnataka) – 180 km.
    • Mangalore (Karnataka) – 230 km (Also has Mangalore International Airport).
    • Bengaluru (Karnataka) – 500 km.

How to reach Gokarna?

  • Railhead: The closest railway station is Ankola, which is at a distance of 20 km. As of now, there are only one or two trains that operate from Madgaon (Goa) which is about 100 km from Ankola.The train journey usually takes an hour and a half. Panjim is about 150 km away.
  • Airport: 
    • Dabolim airport in Goa, is the nearest at about 145 km.
    • Mangalore airport in Karnataka, around 230 km away.
    • Hubli in Karnataka, about 150 km.
    • Bengaluru, about 500 km.
  • By Local travel: The best way to explore Gokarna is on a scooty, which is available for hire easily.A  full day rental costs around Rs 400. Scooty rental can get pricier over weekends and peak tourist season. The streets near the temple complex areas are narrow, it is better to cover them on foot unless one has booked an auto-rickshaw.  

Itinerary

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
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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
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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.
Light house near Paradise Beach
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Light house near Paradise Beach

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.
Lord Ganesh Idol in Sanctum, Mahabaleshwar
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Lord Ganesh Idol in Sanctum, Mahabaleshwar

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
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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
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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
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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. 

Suggestions and Recommendations

  • If you are coming into Gokarna from Goa, you can opt for trains from Madgaon to either Ankola or Kumta stations, which are about 40 minutes away from Gokarna by road. Madgaon is a major railway station which is well connected to the other parts of India.
  • If you are coming by flight to Goa, it is better to hire a taxi for Gokarna, which would be reasonably priced at about Rs 3000.     
  • Bibliotheque library, is about a km away from the Gokarna beach, and houses books in Sanskrit, French, Kannada, Russian among others. G M Vedeshwar, a local had begun the library as a youngster, if interested in rare books one can give this place a chance. 
  • Places near Gokarna:
    • Murdeshwar- The city is known for the imposing Shiva statue which sits grandly surrounded by the Arabian Sea and is located about 80 km away. You can enjoy a wonderful aerial view from the temple and see local fishermen with their wares in the mornings. You could opt to stay at the RNS Residency near the Shiva temple which offers a beautiful view and comfortable stay. The room tariff is about Rs. 3000 for double occupancy. At a short distance from the temple, there is a hole in a wall type of eateries,do try having a fish/vegetarian meal for less than Rs.100.  
    • Netrani Island near Murudeshwar, offers scuba diving opportunities, do check slot bookings in advance.  
    • Kumta is a small beach town, located about 40 km from Gokarna. If you want to relax at a pristine beach, this is definitely a good option.
    • Honnavar - The port town is about 50 km. You can check out the Sharavati river bridge, Apsarakonda waterfall and Kasarkod beach (Eco beach).