Gokarna

Home to pristine beaches bordered by swaying palms and renowned Hindu shrines, Gokarna is an unspoilt temple town in Karnataka. It lies close to popular tourist destinations like Goa, Mangalore and Hubli.

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Things To See & Do

Mahabaleshwar Temple Near Gokarna

Mahabaleshwar Temple Near Gokarna

Classical Dravidian Architecture
The Mahabaleshwar temple in Gokarna is an important pilgrimage temple, where devotees come to worship the Aatmalinga or the Prana Linga of Lord Shiva. The temple is famous for its Dravidian style architecture and holds great significance in Hindu culture.

1 to 2 hours

Suggested Time

Food Tour

Food Tour

Popular Shacks and Cafes
While Gokarna is popular for its South Indian cuisine, you can also find a myriad of fusion dishes at the shacks and cafes here.

Minimum 1 hour

Suggested Time

Om Beach

Om Beach

Shaped Like the ‘OM’ Symbol
A popular sunset point, Om Beach has been an inviting tourist destination due to the adventure activities offered here, as well as the tranquil environs around the blue sea.

1 to 2 hours

Suggested Time

Paradise Beach

Paradise Beach

Also Called Full Moon Beach
The rocky beach is ideal for a relaxing swim, and is also popular for camping activities, due to the availability of fresh water here.

1 to 2 hours

Suggested Time

Half Moon Beach

Half Moon Beach

Beautiful Small Beach
The beach gets its name due to its resemblance to the shape of half-moon. It is bordered by a lush jungle on one side and the infinite ocean on the other.

2 to 3 hours

Suggested Time

Koti Tirtha

Koti Tirtha

Sacred Man-Made Lake
Legend has it that the lake is an amalgamation of one crore sacred springs, with the Varadeshvara linga installed by Sage Agastya at the southern end.

1 to 2 hours

Suggested Time

Gokarna Beach

Gokarna Beach

Serene Beach
Located close to the Mahabaleshwar Temple, Gokarna Beach has gained prominence as a tourist hotspot due to its picture-perfect surroundings and laidback vibe.

1 to 2 hours

Suggested Time

Kudle Beach

Kudle Beach

Secluded Beach
A popular spot amongst foreigners and backpackers, the Kudle Beach is located behind a hillock, rendering a magical feel to the place. It is an ideal honeymoon getaway as well!

2 to 3 hours

Suggested Time

Beach Yoga

Beach Yoga

Rejuvenating Experience
While Yoga has always had an Indian base, Gokarna has been delighting tourists with special beach yoga opportunities, mostly held at sunrise.

1 to 1.5 hours

Suggested Time

Best Time To Visit Gokarna

Perfect winter destination

  • OCT-MAR

    Peak Season

  • AUG-SEP

    Moderate Season

  • APR-JUL

    Off-season

  • What To Expect:Pleasant weather with sunny skies.
  • Things You'll Love:Visiting the temples, beach hopping and water sports.

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

1/2

Suggi HabbaJanuary

MahashivratriFebruary March

Ganesh ChaturthiAugust September

Book Your Trip to Gokarna

From

Travel Options to reach Gokarna

Our Recommendations

Flight to Goa Airport, then Car to Gokarna

Booking Options Starting From

₹11,990

BOOK NOW

Flight to Goa Airport, then Bus to Gokarna

Booking Options Starting From

₹7,302

BOOK NOW

Stay in Gokarna

Recommended Options

VIEW ALL

3 STAR HOTELS

Recommended For You

Average Price

₹3,919

EXPLORE
Hotel Om International

Hotel Om International

Main Rd

4.1/5

₹3,367

Onwards

Kudle Beach View Resorts and Spa

Kudle Beach View Resorts and Spa

Kudle Beach road

4.3/5

₹6,243

Onwards

The Hosteller Gokarna

The Hosteller Gokarna

Gokarna Beach

4/5

₹2,148

Onwards

4 STAR HOTELS

Recommended For You

Average Price

₹8,732

EXPLORE
Stone Wood Nature Resort

Stone Wood Nature Resort

Om Beach road

4.1/5

₹8,990

Onwards

Gamyam Retreat

Gamyam Retreat

In Kumta

4.6/5

₹10,000

Onwards

Red Earth

Red Earth

In Ankola

3.9/5

₹7,207

Onwards

Gokarna: Swivel Into the Inviting Ocean Waves and Enjoy a Slice of Paradise


Gokarna has an array of some of the most beautiful beaches you can find in the country. The destination brims with some exciting locations that offer brilliant views of the seashore facing the Arabian Sea. Many Gokarna trip ideas feature sandy beaches, lush green surroundings and rock outcrops flanked near the seashore making for an exotic and picturesque site. The extensive stretch of beaches in Gokarna places have a pleasant temperate climate. October to March is the best time to visit Gokarna. Summer is not considered the best time to visit Gokarna due to the scorching heat. If you end up Googling “places to visit near me” from Karnataka, look no further as Gokarna places bring you the amazing advantage of thrill and the relaxing environment where calm and solace are an understatement.



Gokarna Overview


State

Karnataka

Tourist Places in Gokarna

Beach Yoga, Paradise Beach, Gokarna Beach, Mahabaleshwar Temple Near Gokarna, Kudle Beach

Best Time to Visit Gokarna

October to February

Gokarna is famous for

Beach, Religious, Relaxation, Pilgrimage, Romantic


History of Gokarna


Gokarna places were initially famous for the temples and caves in and around the districts. The story behind these temples is unique. According to a legend, Lord Shiva came to reality from the ear of a cow to keep a check on the extraordinary power that demon Ravana possessed. He had received a blessing to become invisible. Gokarna was then named after the same incident. The term Gokarna stands for the ear of a cow. It is only natural that the temples built in and around Gokarna places gained much traction in recent times. Thereon, many people discovered the serene lands and beaches which then encouraged much development, economically and socially.


Culture of Gokarna


The beautiful culture followed in Gokarna places never fails to surprise visitors. The laid-back lifestyle and the warm sense of community encouraged in culture here make everyone feel a keen sense of belonging. Resorts in Gokarna offer hospitality and welcome like no other. You will feel like time has come to a standstill and nature is inviting you to participate in engaging with the cheerful and proud community of Gokarna places.


Why Should You Visit Gokarna?


Things to do in Gokarna offer a great combination of peace, tranquillity, and thrill. The water sports that you can enjoy on the beachside is a highlight of Gokarna places. Simultaneously, many trekking enthusiasts enjoy their sublime retreat to the hills and winding routes guided by nature itself. Gokarna places brim with quiet corners and mysterious lands that can be explored as a leisurely activity too. And not to forget, there are excellent resorts in Gokarna where you can forget all your worries and enjoy your break.


Places to Visit in Gokarna


Gokarna Beach

The most essential highlight of Gokarna is the Gokarna Beach, the best beach in Gokarna. The calm environment of the beach with a very picturesque backdrop of the beautiful horizon that gives photography enthusiasts an opportunity to click some stills makes Gokarna beach the best beach in Gokarna. Among the many attractions at the beach, cafes and restaurants are at a stones throw away so you can enjoy a long walk along the beach and lounge at the restaurants and cafes just behind the shoreline. Make your journey to Gokarna places picture-perfect by visiting Gokarna beach.


Mahabaleshwar Temple

This temple is one of the main Gokarna places to visit in terms of the highlights in and around the town. The reason behind the significance of the temple lies in the history it reflects among the various other important facets of this magnificent site. The temple houses the Atmalinga which is representative of the forces and blessings bestowed thousands of years ago by Lord Shiva. It is said to have been constructed around the fourth century CE and continues to be a widely visited site.


Mirjan Fort

The Mirjan Fort is at driving distance away from Gokarna. It is near the River Aghanashini in the Kumta region of Karnataka. The best part of this fort is two-fold. Firstly, the forts location is based in some of the most serene and breathtaking areas of the state. You can enjoy the mesmerising views and the enthralling landscapes that are veiled in greenery and absolute bliss. Secondly, the large fort sprawling over 4 hectares of land offers an array of things to explore. The history of this fort is utterly amazing, and an enticing location makes this place a star-studded addition to the things to do in Gokarna.


Om Beach

Om beach is an excellent addition to your trip to Gokarna as it has so much to offer for those who visit this mesmerising location. Apart from the glorious view of the ocean as it simmers the horizon with the Suns heat, the water sports and activities here draw on thousands of visitors every year. You can enjoy sports like boating, jet skiing, parasailing and various other activities that are bound to leave you enthralled in excitement and adrenaline.


Yana Caves

Looking to find yourself in solitary lands? Yana Caves is an optimum choice for you. Enjoy a hike to the caves that energize you to explore the overbearing gorge-like structures and the mysterious twists of the rocks as they tell a tale of how nature has evolved around the ecosystems in the vicinity. You might also spot exotic birds and animals in the neighbourhood. Consider visiting this place as you are assured to not regret the excursion.


Food And Restaurants in Gokarna


Continental Food

You can never go wrong with some classic continental food like pasta and bread. Enjoy a wide range of continental food in Gokarna. Popular choices of restaurants in Gokarna that serve continental food are White Elephant Restaurant, Mantra Café, and various others. You may even find some delicious finger food like nuggets, fries and nachos that can be coupled with protein-packed mains that are bound to energize you for a trip around Gokarna places.


Traditional Food

When it comes to traditional Indian food, restaurants in Gokarna like the Prema Hill Top and White Elephant serve lip-smacking options. From North Indian delicacies to South Indian specialities, the meals served here are worth a try. Enjoy the lovely climate among the lush outfields coupled with fantastic food to make your experience better.


Café Refreshments

Namaste Café, Chez Christophe, Surya Café and an endless list of other options provide visitors a pleasant café experience. Many of these are close to the beaches of Gokarna so you can expect to enjoy your refreshments by the beach after a fun day enjoying the wonders of the ocean. The evening refreshments offered in cafes make it an ideal place for visitors to make full use of.


Seafood

The Sunset Café, Café 1987, and a few other popular restaurants in and around Gokarna serve some of the best tasting seafood. Seafood is a highlight of Gokarna as the coastal atmosphere of the location and the local twist of unique flavours is worth the experience.


Gokarna places offer the best of both worlds as the combination of adventure and tranquillity makes for a riveting visit.


Gokarna is home to serene beaches. You will love visiting the temples, beach hopping and water sports. Pilgrimage sites are the highlight of Gokarna.

Holiday on your mind? Gokarna is an incredible tourist destination for Beach based travel. Know more about the destination before you plan a perfect trip there.

Top festivals celebrated here are Suggi Habba in the month of January, Mahashivratri in the month of February March and Mahashivratri in the month of August September. You can visit during these months to enjoy the celebrations! Greatly tourists like to travel to Gokarna in October, November, December, January and February to enjoy pleasant weather with sunny skies! Even March, April, May and June is a preferred time to visit as its a shoulder season offering extremely hot and humid weather for tourists. You can enjoy the best of both worlds during this time.

July, August and September is the off season for tourism in Gokarna. Main things to do in Gokarna are Mahabaleshwar Temple, Food Tour and Om Beach. Tick all of these off your bucket list to make memories for lifetime. Have a safe trip!

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions about Gokarna

What are the best places to visit in Gokarna?

The most loved attractions in Gokarna are Mahabaleshwar Temple, Food Tour and Om Beach.

What is the best time to visit Gokarna?

Ideally the best time to visit any place is considered when the weather conditions are delightful. For Gokarna, you can choose to go in October, November, December, January and February which is the peak season and March, April, May and June which is the moderate season. Both will serve you well to unwind from your tedious routine.

For which type of travelling is Gokarna a perfect destination?

Gokarna is a perfect destination for Beach themed holidays.