Gokarna, a small village by the Arabian Sea in northern Karnataka, is a revered pilgrimage site for Shaivites and sees both domestic tourists and foreigners in search of spirituality and beach vacations. Spend 2 days in Gokarna for a taste of this small town. To find out about the top things to do in Gokarna, scroll down!
There are two sides to Gokarna: one, the pilgrimage side which devotees from around the country visit to offer prayers at the revered Atmalinga of the Mahabaleshwar Temple, and the other, the touristy side teeming with young Indians and western tourists looking for a quieter, more secluded alternative to Goa.
The sandy beaches of Gokarna are hidden beyond the folds of the lush Western Ghats. Trails of rich red soil thread through tropical jungles and meander over beaches and cliffs overlooking the sparkling blue waters of the Arabian Sea. Autorickshaws, your only mode of transport if you do not have a car, zap up and down the single strip of asphalt that winds through jungles and scrubland, past eateries and lodges, and runs into the little town with its clutch of temples, shops, and traditional settlements. There are not many things to do in Gokarna, and perhaps that is what draws travellers to Gokarna. Laze on the beaches, swim in the tropical waters, hike along the cliffs and beaches, explore the temple town, search the many mythological stories that this town is steeped in, and indulge in local meals and glorious sunsets: welcome to Gokarna.
WARNING! Gokarna has a documented drug problem. Be wary of peddlers who target unsuspecting tourists, especially Westerners, around town. Most beaches are patrolled by the local police who conduct random spot checks.
ETYMOLOGY OF GOKARNA: Gokarna literally means cow’s (go) ear (karn). It is believed that Shiva emerged from the ear of a cow here. The cow is a symbol of the earth and represents nourishment and sustenance. It is also possible that the name was derived from the ear-shaped confluence of the Gangavali and Aghanashini rivers.
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2 Days in Gokarna: Top Things to Do in Gokarna
Day 1: Beach Trek, Sunset from Kudle Beach
AM // Beach Trek
The beach hike is perhaps the most exciting thing to do in Gokarna and whether you are spending 2 days in Gokarna or more, you must absolutely hike all or part of this route! The trail threads along the hillside and promises stellar views of the Arabian Sea. The palette— the lush greenery of the Western Ghats, the dusty brick-red soil, the black rocks that jut along the coast, the ochre sands, the cloud-flecked blue sky dipping into the azure waters— is mesmerizing.
From north to south, the primary beaches of Gokarna are the Gokarna main beach, Kudle beach, Om beach, Half-moon beach, Paradise beach, and Belekan beach. The trail that skirts the mountains and threads through jungles, up slippery rocks, and through gorgeous beaches lined with swaying coconut trees will take you all the way from Kudle beach to Paradise beach and onwards to Belekan beach. If you are interested, you can go all the way to Tadadi Port and then hire a boat to Nirvana beach on the other side of the Aganashini’s estuary and then finally back to where you are staying.
We did the stretch from Om beach to Half-moon beach one morning; we had attempted to trek all the way to Paradise beach but were unable to find the proper trail. It goes without saying that it helps to have a guide. Zostel, Gokarna organizes guides treks along this trail; check with them if they allow non-guests to join. The next day, we did the Om beach to Kudle beach stretch. The views are magnificent— sparkling blue-grey water skirts the monumental mountainside and melts into the bright blue horizon– but the tropical sun is unforgiving.
If you intend to do the whole route, start at dawn. Pack enough water and some snacks because the shacks on Om beach and Half-moon beach do not serve breakfast before 8:30-9 am. Wear trekking shoes with a good grip because you will have to navigate steep slopes and slippery rocks along the way. If you go all the way to Nirvana Beach, you can have lunch at one of the shacks there. Else, there are a few shacks on Half-moon beach and Belekan beach. On the way back to Kudle beach or Om beach, you might be able to spot dolphins near the lighthouse! We spotted a couple of them and the boatman mentioned that they are usually spotted in the morning and around sunset.
Paradise and Half-moon beaches are totally secluded and can be reached only by boat or hike.
Also read: Planning a trip to Goa next? How about exploring the Latin quarters of Panaji with our 3 Days in Panaji, Goa.
PM // Sunset and Dinner at Kudle Beach
Camping is another top thing to do in Gokarna! If you are planning to camp, you have to book ahead with a team. If you are camping at Paradise or Half-moon beach, chances are your trek guide has organized dinner for you but if you are staying at Om beach, skip the overhyped restaurant of Namaste Café and head to Little Paradise Inn on Kudle Beach. Settle down with a bottle of chilled beer and watch the sunset. Then order dinner! We had the butter garlic calamari, a plate of falafels, and some spicy chilly chicken and each dish was delicious! Autos are available until 11 pm if you are lodging elsewhere.
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Day 2: Visit the Mahabeshlwar Temple, Explore the Town
AM // Temples of Gokarna | Laze
Start day two of your 2 days in Gokarna trip with a swim. Gokarna is increasingly becoming popular with domestic tourists— it has been a fixture on the neo-hippie map since Om beach with its characteristic Om-shaped outline spilled the secrecy of the region— and if you want to swim in peace, arrive early before the tourists and of course, the headache-inducing sun. Sunbeds are a rarity on all the beaches but if you are on Om beach, you can lounge under the broad leaves of sea-grape trees.
A visit to the revered Mahabaleshwar Temple which is known for the , is one of the many things to do in Gokarna. Head there after breakfast. There are many legends, such as this one, as to how the Atmalingam, atma means soul, came to reside here. Nearby is the Koti Teertha, a tank whose holy waters are said to absolve one of all sins.
John Fryer’s account of the Koti Teertha dates back to his travels in India in the 17th century. He writes, “We were carried by the Tide of the People that bore that way out of this place, to a large oblong stone Tank, with Descents to go down all about it ; in the middle a neat Pagod supported on Four Marble Pillars ; here during this Festival at Evenings, are blazing a Lecque of Lamps. In this all of both Sexes Wash and Present Rice and Mony to the Brachmins; and the Fish which Swim here frequently receive their Benevolence, being so Tame you may catch them with your Hands; to be the death of one of these is considered piaculare“. Even the rath that he described can still be seen in Gokarna. He wrote, “At the upper- end of the’ High-street were two great moving Pageants drawn on Wheels, two Stories high, with a Cupulo on the top, which was stuck round full of Streamers of Orient Colours.”
Note that if you are not Hindu, chances are that you won’t be allowed inside the temple premises. You can either explore the town— stop for a second breakfast of South-Indian style dosas and a glass of fresh pineapple juice— or practice your flânerie skills at a beach shack. The beaches— with their coconut and sea-grape trees, the bunches of bright red hibiscus unbothered by the heat, the cacophony of selfie-clicking tourists and children enthralled by the vastness of the Arabian sea, hawker stalls selling colourful knick-knacks and handicrafts (the kinds associated with hippies in Goa’s flea markets), the colourful boats bobbing in the cheerful heat, the stands of pineapple and tender coconuts— throb with life. You can often spot artists and yoga enthusiasts on the beach.
Also read: How about exploring a beach town on India’s east coast next? Explore Pondicherry with our 2 Days in Pondicherry: On a Franco-Tamil Heritage Trail guide.
PM // Lunch at Fishland/Halfway Home, Sunset at Gokarna Main Beach
Our favorite thing to do in Gokarna was to try the local food! If seafood is your jam, head to Open House Fishland where a local family will treat you to Uttara Kannada-style seafood preparations. We had the Tori Rava Tava, Crab sukkha, and Kalwa (oyster) sukkha and everything was mouthwatering. Locals flock to this establishment during lunch hours; the fish thali here is very popular. Everything is reasonably priced and you can get local specialities like kane (ladyfish) and dodi (croaker).
For vegetarians, there is the amazing Halfway Home where for INR 150, you can get a local thali with rice, roti, papad, sambar, rasam, two curries, pickle, and a vegetable fry, a sweet, raita, and curd. Order a sweet lime soda on the side and you will never want to eat anywhere else! Everything is simply perfect.
After lunch, trod to Gokarna Main Beach where Chez Christophe with its sea-facing swings and irresistible desserts awaits you. Catch a quick nap, if you wish, on their low cushions and wake up to welcome the pink and fuchsia of the setting sun. For dinner, indulge in their French-inspired menu cooked with local ingredients. Then hike along the beach, for a kilometre or so, to the auto stand for a ride to your hotel.
Gokarna Quick Guide
How to Reach Gokarna
BY AIR // The nearest airport is the Dabolim Airport (140 km) in Goa. Taxis from the airport will bring you to Gokarna.
BY TRAIN // The nearest railway station, Gokarna Road, has very little connectivity. Your best bets are Ankola (27 km) or Kumta (32 km). There are direct railway links from Madgaon (Goa), Bangalore, Pune, Kochi, and Mumbai. Autorickshaws and public buses are available from the stations to Gokarna market.
BY ROAD // Overnight buses, both sleepers and non-sleepers, are available from cities like Bangalore, Pune, and Hyderabad. You can book a trip on RedBus or AbhiBus.
When to Visit Gokarna
Gokarna is an all-season destination but if you are wary of the tropical heat, avoid the summer. Winter sees a lot of tourists and you might have to book in advance as accommodations are often fully booked. Monsoon sees a lot of rain but the lush hillside is mesmerizing. Plan your trip depending on your list of things to do in Gokarna; for example, if you want to do a beach hike, it is best to choose milder weather.
Where to Stay in Gokarna
Gokarna has a variety of accommodations catering to every budget.
We stayed at Namaste Cafe (one of the three properties owned by this group in Gokarna) on Om Beach and it was a lovely experience. Unlike Kudle Beach, where most of the accommodation options are located, Om Beach is quiet and not crowded. If Om Beach is completely booked, you can check Shantidham Cafe which also has good reviews. If you want to stay at Kudle Beach, check with the restaurant owners; most of them offer lodging. Zostel is a good bet if you are looking for hostels.
For a luxurious experience, there’s a CGH property, SwaSwara. CGH is known for being eco-friendly and sustainable and it is no different at Gokarna where they offer yoga and Ayurveda on a property overlooking Om Beach. You can also opt for Kahani Paradise, a boutique hotel housed in a holiday home owned by a British family, located in the hills above Paradise Beach.
If camping is your jam, check with travel companies like Thrillophilia who arrange tents and other facilities on Paradise Beach and elsewhere.
Where to Eat in Gokarna
2 days in Gokarna gives you just enough time to explore the delicious local cuisine! Our top picks are Halfway Home (vegetarian), Fishland, Chez Christophe, Little Paradise Inn, and White Elephant. See Best Places to Eat in Gokarna, Karnataka for more.
2 days in Gokarna makes for the perfect weekend getaway. If you have more time, head to Murdeshwar or Karwar. Have you visited Gokarna? What are your favourite things to do in Gokarna?
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