Gokarna is a small, laid-back, holy town on the beach of Karnataka.
While holding some of the best beaches in the country, it is also holy and attracts many pilgrims making it perfectly balanced between culture and pleasure.
After spending months there over the years, exploring this beautiful area, here are my top recommendations.
How to Reach Gokarna
Gokarna is well-connected by road, rail, and air:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Dabolim Airport in Goa, about 140 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Gokarna. Mangalore Airport is another option, about 235 km away.
- By Train: Gokarna Road Station is around 10 km from the main town. Regular trains run from major cities like Mumbai, Mangalore, and Goa. You can take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw from the station to your accommodation.
- By Road: Gokarna is easily accessible by road from cities like Bangalore (485 km), Mangalore (235 km), and Goa (140 km). There is a bus station in gokarna itself and the next nearest one is ankola. Different routes of Buses are available. There is parking available for anyone who arrives independently in their own car.
Places to Stay in Gokarna
If you are planning a short trip up to 5 days, i recommend staying around gokarna town center. For longer stays it is definitely advisable to split the stay with the beautiful beaches around.
Gokarna offers a mix of accommodations to suit various budgets:
Budget Stays: For backpackers and budget travelers, places like Zostel Gokarna and Namaste Yoga Farm provide affordable dormitories and private rooms. This option is great for solo travelers who want to interact and socialize with other travelers..
Mid-Range Options: Gokarna International Beach Resort and Om Beach Resort offer a bit more comfort without investing heavily.
Luxury Stays: If you’re looking for something more luxurious, Kahani Paradise and SwaSwara are top picks. These resorts offer a relaxing ambiance, holistic spa treatments, and top-notch facilities.
Gokarna is relatively cheap! From hotels to food, your money can go a long way there. I found it to be a good value-for-money destination.
Please note that the whole area gets crowded and prices increase around the new year. If you’re planning to arrive around this time, make sure to book your stay in advance.
Best Time to Visit Gokarna
The best time to visit Gokarna is between October and March.
During these months, the weather is sunny and ideal for beach activities, sightseeing, and exploring the town’s natural beauty.
In the rest of the year, it is very hot and humid, with some rains in the monsoon season (June to September)
Best Shopping in Gokarna
With small and cute shops spreaded around the market, the shopping experience of Gokarna is nice and laid back, unlike many other busy and loud markets in India.
There are 2 souvenirs that are iconic to the area-
- The local lungi- everyone wears them everywhere! In some temples, you can not even enter without it. You can easily find them around the market in different colors and sizes. They are super versatile and useful, making it the ultimate gift.
- Gokarna special hammocks- the hammocks in Gokarna have a local trademark. All handmade, They come in different colors and sizes while easy to hang up and compact for traveling.
How to Get Around
If you can rent and drive a scooter, it is super recommended since the roads are beautiful. Many places around Gokarna rent scooters for around 300-500 rupees a day. Make sure you park in authorized places (they usually have a small fee, but don’t try to avoid it with random free spots).
Rikshaws are recommended more than taxis, since some streets are narrow, not allowing cars through.
If you can, walk to the nearby beaches in at least one direction. The walks are easy and beautiful! I actually got fitter without noticing while walking between the beaches.
Best Time to Visit Gokarna
The best time to visit Gokarna is between October and March. During these months, the weather is pleasant and ideal for beach activities, sightseeing, and exploring the town’s natural beauty.
- October to February: This is the peak tourist season in Gokarna. The weather is cool, with temperatures ranging between 15°C to 30°C, making it perfect for enjoying the beaches, trekking, and outdoor activities. The sea is calm, and the skies are clear, offering stunning sunsets.
- March to May: The temperatures start to rise, reaching up to 38°C in May. While it’s warmer, this is still a good time to visit if you don’t mind the heat and want to avoid the crowds. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times for beach outings during these months.
- June to September: Gokarna experiences heavy rainfall during the monsoon season. The beaches can be rough, and outdoor activities are limited. However, if you enjoy the monsoon vibe and lush greenery, this off-season period offers a quieter and more peaceful experience, with fewer tourists around.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Gokarna Town
- Have breakfast at Santrupti: Enjoy a South Indian breakfast in this cool authentic spot. Don’t miss their special savory banana bun breakfast dish. This restaurant opens at 7 AM daily so it is perfect for those who arrive early.
- Mahabaleshwar Temple: Start with a visit to this significant temple in the heart of Gokarna town, soaking in the spiritual atmosphere. The temple is located in the heart of Gokarna town and is hard to miss.
- Explore Gokarna Town: Wander through the narrow lanes of the town, and visit local shops.
- Dinner and sunset at Chez Christophe: End your day by watching the sunset from the main beach and eating authentic French at Chez Christophe. It is around 2.5 kilometers from Gokarna town.
A video I took in Diwali in the area:
Day 2: Yoga Class and Beach Hopping
- Yoga class at Gokarna Yoga School: Begin your day with a beautiful walk or drive to Gokarna yoga school, located on Kudle Cliff. enjoy the beautiful studio views and the devoted teaching of Stefano, the amazing teacher and owner.
- Kudle Beach: After yoga, head down to Kudle Beach. Spend the morning relaxing by the water, swimming, or enjoying a light breakfast at one of the beachside cafes, I recommend uma garden at the edge of the beach.
- Om Beach: Continue your beach exploration with a visit to the next beach ahead- Om Beach. Its unique om symbol shape makes it super beautiful and inviting to swim.
- Return to Gokarna: After a day of exploration, return to Gokarna for some evening relaxation. The evenings around the area are quiet, but there are many nice cafes on the beach you can walk to and enjoy dinner under the starlight.
Day 3: Exploring Vibhooti Falls
- Vibhooti Falls: Start your day with a trip to Vibhooti Falls, a stunning waterfall in the lush forests near Gokarna. The walk from the parking lot (parking fee is 10 rupees) is easy and takes only 10 minutes. Vibhooti Falls is open throughout the day, and there are no specific opening hours. However, it’s best to visit early in the morning to avoid the heat and to have the place mostly to yourself. The Falls are about 40 km from Gokarna, You can hire a taxi or rent a scooter.
- Yana Caves: can be reached after the waterfalls if you leave early in the morning. This is a holy site with historical significance, located 50 km from Gokarna. Very recommended, don’t forget to dress modestly even in the beachy atmosphere.
Why I love Gokarna
Gokarna holds a special place in my heart. It is by far my favorite beach town in India so far.
After visiting Gokarna twice, once for one month in 2019 and once for another month in 2023, I am already planning my next stay.
While other nearby beach destinations like Goa can get busy and crowded, Gokarna remains very quiet and peaceful, especially during weekdays.
As a foreigner I often find myself preferring destinations in India that involve some local cultural significance. Gokarna is exactly like that, making it a perfectly balanced place for my taste.
The area is also extremely beautiful thanks to its wild coastline. There are many trails to explore the next beaches from both sides, to be detailed later in this blog post.
