Places to visit in Gokarna for a memorable trip

Gokarna, a city in Karnataka is the perfect place for a short vacation. The city offers splendid locations, beautiful landscapes and sunny beaches. While visiting with family or friends, this place is bound to provide you with memories for a lifetime. If you are looking for Gokarna tourist places, then read on!

Well, reaching the city might seem like a task to some people, we are here to make that easy for you! Here is how you can reach Gokarna- 

By air: The Dabolim airport in Goa is the nearest airport to Gokarna. The airport is located 140 km away from the city, so you might have to take a taxi or a bus after the flight. 

By road: Travellers from Bengaluru, Mangalore, Hubli and other cities of Karnataka can reach easily via bus. Gokarna is also just 10 km off the NH17 that connects Mumbai to Kochi. 

By train: The nearest railway station is at Ankola which is 20 km from Gokarna. Trains from all over the country ply here making the city very accessible.

13 best Gokarna places to visit 

Gokaran will not disappoint you in any way! Its lush green valleys, beautiful hill stations, Serene temples and splendid beaches will definitely blow your mind. If you visit Gokarna, do make sure to have an itinerary prepared beforehand to make sure that you make the most of your visit to this location. Gokarna is a perfect location for a holiday with family as well as friends!

Here’s a list of places you can visit and things to do in Gokarna to make the most of your visit to the city!

 

• Om Beach

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Who doesn’t love a sunny day at the beach? OM beach is not only clean but serene too! The beach is named Om because of its shape. The beach is shaped like the Om symbol and many people travel from all over the country to witness the sunset at this beach.  The beach also has a facility for water sports, making it a perfect visit!

The beach is just 7.1 km away from the city, making it easy to reach via car or public transport. 

 

See also: 10 best places for pre-wedding shoot in Karnataka

 

• Mahabaleshwara Temple

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The Mahabaleshwara temple is a very famous temple amongst the Hindus. The temple has been mentioned in the Mahabharata and was built ages ago. The temple is a perfect example of Dravidian architecture. The Shiv Linga in the temple is shown to the devotees on a special festival that happens only once every forty years, making it a huge event.

The temple is just 2.5 km from the main city and takes roughly 8 minutes to reach. 

 

• Paradise Beach

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It’s time to bask in the sun and have fun! This beach, located just 7.6 km away from the main city, offers amazing water sports and a serene environment that anyone would love to enjoy. The entire beach has white sand, making it a sight to behold. Many tourists also enjoy swimming in the cold waters at this beach, making a hit amongst the travellers.

 

• Kudle Beach

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If you wish to spend some time alone on a beach and just sit in the quiet, this beach is the place for you. It is not far from Om beach, and you can travel there on foot from Om Beach. The beach is located just 3 km away and is usually secluded and visited by few people except for the peak season. It offers every traveller a soothing and peaceful environment to help them soak in the beauty of this place.

 

• Gokarna Beach

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If you wish to visit a beach to hang around, have fun and let your hair down, this is the beach for you! The Gokarna beach, located 1.5 km away from the city, offers every traveller a huge range of water sports and cafes to hang out. This beach is where the hippie culture of Gokarna is! For all the people travelling around with their friends, This place is a must-visit. 

 

• Yana Caves

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Trekking at the Yana caves is loved by many trekkers and travellers all over the world. If you are looking for some adventure, then you must visit here. The Sahyadri hills offer every traveller a soothing and captivating environment. The serenity of these mountains will definitely leave you speechless and spellbound. Do check this location out on your visit to Gokarna. 

The caves are located 48 km away from the main city and can be reached via cars or city transport. 

 

• Half Moon Beach

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This beach is separated from Om beach by just a cliff and is about 3.6 km from the main city. The water of the Arabian sea washes the shores of this beach and makes it serene as ever. Many people come to visit this beach at night and bathe in its waters. While you do that, you can also enjoy the beauty of the caves that are visible from the beach and also see the endless ocean right in front of you.

 

• Mirjan Fort

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This place is a monument protected by the Archeological Survey of India. The place marks an important trade location for the dutch and the Portuguese. The fort was also constructed with locally available Laterite stone and has amazing architecture. The fort is spread over a large area and has been able to withstand the pressures of both time and tide. This fort is a must-visit for all! The fort also has a huge collection of artefacts that provide a window into the past. 

The fort is just 21 km away from Gokarna and takes about 30 minutes to reach via car or bus.

 

• Namaste Cafe

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This cafe is visited by travellers from all across the globe. The cafe provides a serene and peaceful environment with amazingly delicious food options. It is situated right on the shore of Om beach making it very accessible and convenient. When at the beach, this is the cafe you can dine at!

 

• Koti Tirtha

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The man-made water body has been used for religious purposes for a long time. People from all over the country come and take a dip in its holy waters, hoping to seek the blessings of their lord. Some people also immerse idols here. This place is famous for its religious history and is surrounded by temples on all sides.

The Tirtha is located just 2.3 km away from Gokarna, so the drive takes about 7 minutes. 

 

 

• Maha Ganapati Temple

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As the legend goes, all pilgrims must seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha before seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva in the Mahabaleshwar temple. This temple is situated near the Mahabaleshwar temple and all the devotees who wish to visit the Mahabaleshwar temple visit here first. 

 

• Bhadrakali Temple

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This temple is dedicated to Goddess Uma and is a very famous pilgrimage site in Gokarna. This temple is definitely going to leave you spellbound with its amazing architecture and beauty. The evening aarti is also a huge and elaborate event that is attended by many pilgrims to seek the blessings of their lord. The temple is just 3 minutes away from the city and witnesses huge footfalls from around the country. 

 

• Sirsi

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This place is famous for its waterfalls and the tranquil environment that it offers. Many people visit this hill station for a weekend getaway and love to spend time in the lap of mother nature here. However, if you wish to hang out with friends and let your hair down, this location offers options for that as well. 

Sirsi is 80 km from Gokarna, making it easy to reach via car. The drive takes about 2 hours and is pretty picturesque.

FAQs

Will 4 days be enough to visit Gokarna?

Yes, the city has enough beaches and attractions that you can enjoy with your friends and have fun while you are on the trip to Gokarna!

Is travel within Gokarna easy?

Yes, Travel within Gokarna is certainly easy with there being many autos and public transport available to make your travel cheaper and convenient.

What are the best months to visit Gokarna?

The best time to visit is from October to March as the weather is very pleasant during that time.