Gokarna beach is amongst the popular places to visit in Gokarna for many reasons. It is the main beach that is located close to Mahabaleshwar Temple and frequented by the tourists who visit here.
It is considered holy to take a dip in the waters by the Gokarna Beach before visiting the temple complex and worship Lord Shiva. This beautiful beach is a must visit for nature lovers and offers a scenic retreat for all the tourists in Gokarna. It also boasts of stunning beach stays where people can spend some quality time with nature in Gokarna.
The most amazing time to visit the beach is during the festival of Shivratri when it is the most resplendent. Though there aren’t many shacks or cafes here but this beach is one of the most crowded places in Gokarna at times.
However, tourists can always visit Gokarna Beach during the time of sunrise to enjoy a laid-back stroll with a beautiful scenery in front of the eyes.
Location: Gokarna Beach Road, Dandebagh, Gokarna, Karnataka
Best Time to visit: October to March is the best time to visit Gokarna Beach.
Distance from Gokarna Bus Main Stand, Banglegudda: It is approximately one kilometre away from the bus station in Gokarna.
Brace yourself for a scenic getaway with a trip to Om Beach when you are in Gokarna. One of the most picturesque attractions in Gokarna, Om Beach is known for its serene landscape. Om Beach is a wonderful respite for adventure junkies who love to exult in the thrill of various water activities. One of the most splendid features of this beach is that it is shaped like the symbol ‘Om’ and attracts scores of crowds who wish to relax and unwind.
Shaped like a perfect ‘C’, Kudle Beach is one of the most beautiful Gokarna tourist places that you’l ever come across. Flanked by coconut trees, Kudle Beach is a wonderful retreat for the lovers of peace and quiet. The sheer beauty and simplicity of the beach is a breathtaking surprise and people visit this beach to enjoy the serene surroundings. Kudle Beach is most famous for offering a spectacular sunset and sunrise in Gokarna.
Showcasing the brilliance of the classic Dravidian architecture, Mahabaleshwara Temple is one of the must visit Gokarna tourist places. The 4th century temple in Gokarna is most famous for its Shiva Linga known as Atma Linga that is worshipped here and also known as Dakshin Kashi, often being paralleled to the Shiva Temple at Varanasi.
This major temple in Gokarna has a 1500-year-old deity that is carved stone of Lord Shiva. If you’re seeking a spiritual retreat, Mahabaleshwara Temple in Gokarna will refresh your soul and offer a peaceful retreat with the Almighty.
According to one popular legend, it is believed that the deity of the temple will bestow immense blessings to devotees to those who just get a glimpse of it. For fans of art and culture too, Mahabaleshwara Temple is a beautiful masterpiece for the tourists to appreciate.
Location: Koti Teertha Road, Kotiteertha, Gokarna, Karnataka
Best Time to visit: The temple can be visited anytime throughout the year.
Timings: It is open from 6:00 am to 12:30 pm and then from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Distance from Gokarna Bus Main Stand, Banglegudda: It is just 600 metres away from the bus station in Gokarna.
Listed as one of the most attractive sightseeing places in Gokarna, Half Moon Beach boasts of beautiful surroundings. The beach derives its name based on its shape like a half moon.
Half Moon Beach is known for its clean sparkling sands against the transparent blue waters. Mostly famous for foreign travellers and backpackers, Half Moon Beach is a great place to relax and unwind.
Half Moon Beach can be visited by a hike from Om Beach which is a thrilling enterprise. Away from all the crowds, this beach is a wonderful destination to indulge in some fun activities as well as indulge in enjoying some mouth-watering food available at the beach shacks nearby.
This beach is an idyllic escape from the noise of the city or enjoys some classic beach activities like sunbathing or swimming.
Location: Half Moon Beach, Gokarna
Best Time to visit: The ideal time to pay a visit to the Half Moon Beach is between October and March
Timings: Tourists can visit here any time from 6 am to 6 pm.
Activities: Swimming, canoeing, paddle boats, paintball, camping, and cabins
Distance from Gokarna Bus Main Stand, Banglegudda: Half Moon Beach is located approximately 5 kilometres away from the bus station in Gokarna.
Also renowned as the Full Moon Beach, Paradise Beach is a great spot to relax away from all the civilization in the realm of nature. It a splendid place for those interested in camping and relaxing seeing the blue waves of the ocean crash against the rocks on the white sands. Swimming is one of the most surreal activities which you can indulge in after taking due precautions of safety from the strong currents of the ocean.
Namaste Café is one of the most eminent attractions in Gokarna located on Om Beach. This beach front restaurant offers an ideal space for tourists who want to dwell on the splendid views of the sea with a spectacular plate of food on their tables.
Whether you fancy a quiet stroll to feel the sands on the beach or wish to relax in picturesque vistas, Namaste Café is the place to be. This serene property offers a lot of stay options where you can just relax and unwind in Gokarna. It offers unrestricted access to the beach and is an ideal pick for backpackers and budget travellers.
The café also offers exotic dishes to get you in the beach bumming mood along with offering compact rooms to make your stay pleasant in Gokarna.
Location: Om Beach, Gokarna, Karnataka
Best Time to visit: Tourists can visit Namaste Café anytime throughout the year.
Entry fee: A room at Namaste Café costs INR 1080/ USD
Timings: The check in time is 1 pm while the check out time is 11 am.
Distance from Gokarna Bus Main Stand, Banglegudda: The distance between the two places is 6.3 kilometres.
Mirjan Fort is a majestic masterpiece of architecture that one can find standing gloriously on the banks of Aghanashini river. The fort has many historical events associated with it which makes it a delight for history buffs in Gokarna.
It is believed to be built under the patronage of Queen Chennabharadevi, famously known as pepper queen of India in the 16th century. This fort which was once an important centre the spice trade was later captured by the British who used it for their armoury.
It is encompassed by a mesmerising landscape and maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. This magnificent fort in Mirjan speaks of the great history of the region and housed some intriguing artefacts like Chinese Porcelain, clay tablets with Islamic inscriptions and gold coins attributed to Portuguese Viceroy Conde De Sarzedas that were excavated by ASI in 2001.
Location: Mirjan Fort, talluk, Mirjan Fort Road, Mirjan, Karnataka
Best Time to visit: The fort can be visited throughout the year by tourists. However, the monsoon months are preferred to witness the breathtaking greenery around the fort.
Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm are the visiting hours at Mirjan Fort
Distance from Gokarna Bus Main Stand, Banglegudda: It is 22 kilometres away from Gokarna bus station.
One of the most sacred places to visit in Gokarna, Koti Tirtha is a popular man-made tank that holds great reverence among the locals and tourists.
This tank is encompassed by beautiful temples all around and used for ritual bathing and immersing idols. As per one popular legend in Gokarna, Koti Tirtha is believed to be the origin of a thousand springs.
Koti Tirtha is situated close to the famous Mahabaleshwar Temple and attracts pilgrims who visit the temple to perform rituals and pay respect to the ancestors.
This sacred pond is used by devotees to take a bath and offers a quaint spiritual ambience for all those who seek a religious rendezvous.
Location: Koti Teertha, Kotiteertha, Gokarna, Karnataka
Best Time to visit: It can be visited throughout the year.
Timings: The timings to visit here are from 12:00 am to 12:00 pm
Distance from Gokarna Bus Main Stand, Banglegudda: It is just 700 metres from the bus station in Gokarna.
If you’re looking for offbeat places to visit in Gokarna, then you should add Nirvana Beach to your itinerary for the trip. This beach is secluded from the throngs of crowds and offers recluse to those who wish to have some beach time to enjoy the peace and quiet.
People here can dive into the cool blue waters and enjoy a refreshing getaway.
One of the gorgeous features of this beach is the beautiful stretch that makes it an absolute delight for watching the sunset and sunrise. It is quite isolated and one can look forward to have a great time with friends and family whether it’s for a picnic or other fun activities on the beach.
With beautiful surroundings and its tranquil setting, Nirvana Beach is one of the most serene places you will see in Gokarna.
Location: Nirvana Beach, Kumta, Karnataka
Best Time to visit: The ideal time to visit this beach in Gokarna is from November to February.
Activities: Swimming, picnicking etc.
Distance from Gokarna Bus Main Stand, Banglegudda: The distance between the two places is approximately 10 kilometres via a ferry.
If you’re looking for the religious places to visit in Gokarna, then Bhadrakali Temple should definitely be on your list. Dedicated to Goddess Uma who is the main deity, this temple is a popular pilgrimage centre.
It is a popular legend which says that when a demon known as Vetrasur seized control of the three lokas, the trinity of Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva created a female warrior called Durge. She was given various powers by the gods to defeat the demon and after that Lord Shiva re-christened her as Bhadrakali.
She was sent to Gokarna and now believed to be known as the protector of the town. Another legend associated with the temple says that Lord Cishnuto requested the goddess to stay in Gokarna after Ravana abandoned her.
Location: Sri Bhadrakali Temple, Main Rd, Gokarna, Karnataka
Best Time to visit: The temple can be visited any time throughout the year in Gokarna
Timings: Bhadrakali Temple is open from 5:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Distance from Gokarna Bus Main Stand, Banglegudda: It is just 650 metres (approximately 8 minutes) away from the bus station in Gokarna.
Known as one of the best Gokarna places to visit and the cleanest beach in town, Baada Beach is a place you should definitely visit when you are here for a holiday. In order to reach Baada Beach, one has to partake an exciting beach trek from Kirki to Gokarna.
Surrounded by hills on both sides, this beach is quite peaceful, somewhere you can escape to for some solitude and rejuvenation. It also offers stunning views of the sunset. So, you can spend some quality time sitting on the rocks while capturing the beautiful sights here.
Location: Baad Beach, Gudeangadi, Kumta, Karnataka
Best Time to visit: The ideal time to visit Baada Beach is from November to February.
Activities: Trekking is one of the most preferred activities at Baada Beach.
Distance from Gokarna Bus Main Stand, Banglegudda: It is 16 kilometres away from the bus station that involves a ferry route.
Shiva Cave is a fascinating place to visit on your visit to Gokarna that is not much popular among tourists yet. Consisting of a Shiva Lingam, Shiva Cave is an interesting place that people should visit.
With its dark interiors, tourists are advised to carry a torch inside when they are visiting here. It is also home to many bats and has an interesting legend associated with it.
With its beautiful surroundings, Shiva Cave is an amazing place to visit for everyone. There is a Shiva Temple where devotees come to seek fulfilment of their wishes.
Location: Gokarna Kudle Road, Gokarna, Karnataka
Best Time to visit: November to February is the best time to visit Shiva Cave in Gokarna
Distance from Gokarna Bus Main Stand, Banglegudda: It is approximately 5.5 kilometres away from the Gokarna Bus Stand.
One of the most Gokarna tourist places for nature lovers, Lalgulli Falls is a mind-blowing natural creation. It is located in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka and draws in scores of tourists every year to witness its picturesque ambience and peaceful setting. The waterfall is surrounded by verdant greenery that adds to the beauty of this place.
Lalgulli Falls is a popular place for people coming along with their families or friends to picnic at the waterfall. Tourists at Lalgulli Falls can also partake in a number of thrilling activities like trekking, river rafting and other water sports at River Kali.
The natural beauty of Lalgulli Falls is also blessed with a number of birds making it a delight for bird-watchers. When visiting this place, tourists can also pay a visit to a Hanuman Temple that is located near the hill.
Location: Lalguli Falls, Lalguli, Karnataka
Best Time to visit: October to December is the best time to visit Lalgulli Falls.
Timings: The waterfall can be visited any day of the week from 8 am to 7 pm.
Distance from Bus Station (Gokarna Bus Main Stand, Banglegudda, Gokarna): The distance between the two places is approximately 90 kilometres.
One of the most famous religious Gokarna tourist places is the Mahalasa Temple. It is one place that you should most definitely not miss out on when on a trip to Gokarna. Also known as Shri Mahalasa Siddhivinayaka Temple, it is easily accessible from the main bus station in town.
Built almost 150 years ago, the temple has an idol of Shri Siddhivinayak, or Lord Ganesha, installed here. It is said that the best time to visit this ancient yet religiously important temple is during Ganesh Chaturthi, Ashwin Shashti and Shravana Sankashti when locals here celebrate Lord Ganesha with opulence and grandeur.
Location: Gokarna Road, Madangeri, Karnataka
Best Time to visit: Any time throughout the year is good for visiting Mahalasa Temple in Gokarna.
Timings: It is open from 6 am to 9 pm.
Distance from Gokarna Bus Main Stand, Banglegudda: It is around 10 kilometres away from the Gokarna Bus Stand.
Another one of the famous Gokarna tourist places with religious significance is the Uppin Ganpati Temple. Also known as Vinayakar Temple, this beautiful temple has one of the most stunning architectures in Gokarna.
Formerly, this temple used to be dedicated to Lord Shiva, and it is after the statue of Ganesha was brought here from Kumta, that the temple started to be dedicated to Lord Ganesh. The temple also has a main hall in addition to an arch. It also offers stunning vistas of the surrounding lush green areas.
Location: Uppin Ganapati, Kumta
Best Time to visit: Tourists can visit the temple throughout the year.
Distance from Gokarna Bus Main Stand, Banglegudda: The distance between the two places is approximately 35 kilometres.
One of the most popular places to visit in Gokarna, Maha Ganpati Temple draws in a number of pilgrims every day. It is located near the famous Mahabaleshwar Temple and dedicated to Lord Ganesha.
This temple boasts of a picturesque setting and the spiritual ambience accentuates the beauty of this temple. According to a popular legend, it is said that Ganesha tricked Ravana who was carrying a Shiva Lingam to drop it here and thus the temple was built on this place.
This serene place is visited by people to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha and wonder at the wonderful architecture of this place. For the history buffs, this temple is a great visit to appreciate the beauty of Dravidian architecture.
If you are seeking some refreshing time in the company of religion, then Maha Ganpati Temple is one of the must-visits in Gokarna.
Location: Ganapati Temple, Gangavali Road, Nadumaskeri, Gokarna, Karnataka
Best Time to visit: The most ideal time to visit the temple is from the month of August to December.
Timings: The temple can be visited any day of the week. The timings are 5:00 am to 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Distance from Gokarna Bus Main Stand, Banglegudda: It is approximately 5 kilometres away from the bus station in Gokarna.
These are the best water sports in Gokarna that one must try:
1. Banana Boat Ride: Banana boat rides are one of the most exciting water sport activities in Gokarna. The ride takes you up and down the waves with full force as you sit holding on to the boat- the perfect way to get an adrenaline rush!
2. Jet Ski: If you’re a speed-freak, then this is one of the best things to do in Gokarna, for you. The jet ski takes you up and down the dancing waves and as you speed up, the ski takes you high up and drops you with a splash!
3. Bumper Ride: Going for a bumper ride in the open blue ocean is one of the best things to do in Gokarna. All you need to do is sit in the rubber tube and hold on to your ride as the boat drags you splashing up and down the waves, giving you the thrill of your life.
4. Speed Boating: One of the simplest yet the most exciting water sports, speed boating is a very popular water sport in Gokarna. You can go speed boating with an instructor or choose to go all by yourself for a thrilling ride on the waves of the blue ocean in Gokarna.
5. Parasailing: Parasailing is a unique way of enjoying the views of the open blue sea of Gokarna and one of the most fun things to do in Gokarna. This water sport takes you paragliding in the air above the ocean, being dragged by a speed boat in front. Gokarna has some of the best paragliding operators at several beaches all across the town.
Planning a trip to Gokarna? Checkout & Book: Gokarna Tour Packages
1. Chill at the Beach: Spending an entire day at the beach with your family is one of the best things to do in Gokarna. Spend the day playing volleyball with the kids or just lying down and getting a tan with your family under the sun.
2. Go Food-Hogging: Gokarna has some of the best continental and South Indian food to serve. The lip-smacking and cheap food at beach shacks is worth trying out with your family. Try the shacks at Om Beach or Kudle Beach for some of the best continental breakfasts and snacks.
3. Try Water Sports: If your whole family loves the thrill of water sports, then trying water sports in Gokarna is one of the most fun things to do in Gokarna. With a wide range of water sports like jet ski, speed boating, parasailing, etc, your family is going to have the time of their lives in Gokarna.
4. Visit Mirjan Fort: Mirjan Fort is a hidden gem of the city and visiting this fort is one of the best things to do in Gokarna. With its magnificent views, architecture, and gardens, this fort is surely a treat to the eyes and a great way for a family to learn some historical facts about this town.
5. Visit Yana: Yana is a tiny place near Gokarna popular for its serene landscapes. Most of the trekking experiences in Gokarna include this destination. If your family loves wildlife, trekking at this place is the perfect way to spend a day in Gokarna.
1. Enjoy a Candlelight Dinner at the Beach: Gokarna has several restaurants that serve some of the most delicious seafood from across the world. Take your partner to a restaurant or shack at the beach for a romantic candlelight dinner with the far-off sound of the splashing waves for a perfect romantic evening.
2. Enjoy a Picturesque Sunset at the Beach: Watching a sunset at the beach is one of the best things to do in Gokarna with your partner. Take a stroll down any of the beaches of Gokarna in the evening with your partner and marvel at the stunning golden sunset over the horizon.
3. Try Water Sports: If you and your partner are adrenaline junkies, then Gokarna has a lot to offer you! From jet skiing, parasailing to scuba diving and banana boat rides- Gokarna has a huge variety of water sports for you to enjoy with your partner.
4. Go Camping at the Beach: Camping at night near the beach is one of the most romantic and exciting activities you can do with your loved one in Gokarna. The calming sounds of the ocean waves and twinkling stars at night are just the right recipe for a romantic night spent together with your partner. The best part- if you’re bored sitting in the camps, you can take a stroll at the beach whenever you want, or even better- start a campfire!
5. Get a Relaxing Massage: Healing and relaxing ayurvedic massages are quite popular in this tropical town and going for the same together with your partner is one of the most romantic things to do in Gokarna. There are several popular massage centers for couples where you can go and treat yourself and your partner to a healing massage.
Must Checkout: Beaches In Gokarna
1. Beach Camping: Camping at the beach at night is one of the best things you can do to experience the coastal life of Gokarna. The soothing sound of the waves will relax you. You can also start a campfire at the beach and experience the gentle ocean breeze at night sitting beside it. The clear night sky of Gokarna also gives great views of the stars at night that you can lie down and glare at all night long.
2. Beach strolling: Strolling at beaches is one of the best things to do in coastal towns like Gokarna at night. The pleasant ocean breeze and the soft waves touching your feet as you walk on the sand is an experience you will cherish forever. Some beaches at Gokarna are also known to have bioluminescent waves at night at times. Who knows, if you get lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of that!
3. Dinner at a Shack: Gokarna has some of the best shacks and restaurants at beaches that serve amazing seafood. If you want to experience the lively nightlife of Gokarna, do have dinner at one of the beach shacks or cafes and enjoy the upbeat music, pleasant weather, and good vibes of this beautiful coastal town!
Must Checkout: Nightlife In Gokarna
1. Parasailing: Gokarna has many water sports and activities to offer. One of the best of these is parasailing. If you want to enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the blue oceans, parasailing is surely the best water sports option for you in Gokarna.
2. Boat Rides: Be it speed boating or banana boat rides- Gokarna has it all. Boating in the beautiful ocean around Gokarna and swirling up and down with the waves is surely going to give you the adrenaline rush you had been longing for!
3. Trekking: Trekking at the beaches is one of the best ways to explore the coastal town of Gokarna. The picturesque views of the ocean and the golden sand of the beaches make the treks an experience you will never forget about.
4. Scuba Diving: Scuba diving is one of the most popular water sports in Gokarna. Take a dive in the deep blue sea around Gokarna and explore the aquatic flora and fauna as you swim around.
5. Camping: Camping at the beaches of Gokarna is one of the best things you can do in this coastal town. The soft sand of the beach and the splashing waves paired with the gentle ocean breeze and the twinkling night sky- that’s an experience you will never be able to get over with!
1. Belekan Beach: Belekan beach is a secluded area for campers to set up their tents and this makes it one of the best places to camp too. Away from the hustle and bustle of tourists, this quiet and peaceful campsite is loved by many campers. The nearby village of Belekan also makes this site very convenient and safe to camp at.
2. Paradise Beach: Paradise beach has several campsites along its shore. The beach is comparatively quiet and secluded from the busy areas of the town and is thus preferred by many campers. Camp here and rush to the beach at any time of the night!
3. Half Moon Beach: The Half Moon beach is very popular in Gokarna for its beautiful campsites. At night, you will find several campers sitting outside their tents around a campfire. The soothing sound of the waves and the cold moonlight is the best part of camping at the Half Moon beach.
4. Kudle Beach: Although a bit more crowded than the others, Kudle beach still has several campsites along the shore. The beach is known for its upbeat vibes and shacks and restaurants that serve the best delicacies in town. If you like waking up to a happening surrounding, Kudle beach is the place to camp at for you.
The best time to visit Gokarna is between October and March. During this time the weather is dry with little to no showers. In other words, around this time the weather in Gokarna is pleasant and allowing tourists to enjoy various outdoor activities.
From the variety of beaches to historical temples, water sports and more, there is a lot that is special about the beach town of Gokarna.
Goa is approximately 144 km from Gokarna and takes up to 4 hours by road. Additionally, the road is one of the best means to reach Goa from Gokarna.
Yes, Gokarna is absolutely safe. Apart from the rainy season when there is extreme rainfall and the beaches can get risky, other seasons are absolutely safe to visit. There are also guards present on beaches at all times.
Beach Shacks in Gokarna are the best way to make your stay a memorable one without burning a hole in the pocket. These shacks offer views and experiences that are difficult to find anywhere else. Shack Stays in Gokarna include
1. Namaste Cafe Shack, Chilled Out Shack, and Sangam Shack on the Om Beach,There are several options for travelling within the Gokarna town. From local bus service that runs through various sports in the town to taxi service that can take you anywhere around Gokarna. You can choose any means of transport that suits you best.
The city of Gokarna holds a high importance in the Hindu Mythology, especially to the devotees of Lord Shiva. Literally meaning “Cow’s ear”, one of the best things to do in Gokarna is to seek blessings from the almighty himself in the many temples in Gokarna.
1. Murudeshwar
2. Mahabaleshwar Temple
3. Maha Ganapathi Temple
4. Bhadrakali Temple
5. Varadaraja Temple
6. Venkataramana temple
Gokarna is a beautiful destination for the lovers of beaches, beautiful sights, adventure and water sports.
1. First day to hit all the famous beaches of Gokarna, especially Om Beach, Main Beach and Kudle beach
Gokarna Beach Resort for the night.
2. Second day for famous sights of Gokarna, like Murudeshwar, the Mahabaleshwar temple and Mirjan Fort
Night at homestay in Gokarna.
3. Third day to the local markets of Gokarna to collect souvenirs or the Half Moon Beach to collect free sea shells.