Travel Guide of Gokarna in India by Influencers and Travelers

Gokarna is a small temple town on the western coast of India in the Kumta taluk of Uttara Kannada district of the state of Karnataka. The main temple and deity is Lord Shiva, who is also known as Mahabaleshwara. This temple houses what is believed to be original image of Lord Shiva's linga. There are many other temples all over this small town.

The Best Things to Do and Visit in Gokarna

TRAVELERS TOP 5 :

1 - Gokarn

Gokarna is a small temple town on the western coast of India in the Kumta taluk of Uttara Kannada district of the state of Karnataka. The main temple and deity is Lord Shiva, who is also known as Mahabaleshwara. This temple houses what is believed to be original image of Lord Shiva's linga. There are many other temples all over this small town.

Learn more

2 - Om Beach Rock View

Learn more

3 - Mirjan Fort

   13 km away

The Mirjan Fort is located on the west coast of the Uttara Kannada district in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. The fort known for its architectural elegance was the location of several battles in the past.

Learn more Book this experience

4 - Kumta

   17 km away

Kumta is a town and a taluk in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, India. It is one of the important stations along the Konkan Railway line running between Mumbai and Mangalore.

Learn more

5 - Honnavar

   33 km away

Honavar is a port town in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, India.

Learn more






Disover the best Instagram Spots around Gokarna here

   Book Tours and Activities in Gokarna

Pictures and Stories of Gokarna from Influencers

11 pictures of Gokarna from Thanuj Mathew, Tony Sebastian, Shahbaz Khan and other travelers

Plan your trip in Gokarna with AI 🤖 🗺

Roadtrips.ai is a AI powered trip planner that you can use to generate a customized trip itinerary for any destination in India in just one click

Just write your activities preferences, budget and number of days travelling and our artificial intelligence will do the rest for you

👉 Use the AI Trip Planner

Why should you visit Gokarna ?

Travel to Gokarna if you like:

  🏖️ Beach     🏖️ Ocean     🏖️ Shore     ⛰️ Cliff  

How to visit Gokarna ?

Gokarna, a small temple town on the western coast of India, is an ideal destination for travelers seeking a peaceful getaway with a mix of spirituality, pristine beaches, and natural beauty. The town offers a perfect blend of laid-back vibes and rich cultural experiences, making it a must-visit destination for all kinds of travelers.

To get to Gokarna, you have several options. The nearest airport is Dabolim Airport in Goa, which is approximately 140 km away. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Gokarna. Alternatively, you can also reach Gokarna by train, with the nearest railway station being Gokarna Road, about 10 km from the town. Several trains connect major Indian cities to Gokarna, making it easily accessible.

When planning your trip, it's wise to book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak seasons (October to March). While the town has plenty of accommodation options, advance booking will ensure that you get the best deals and a comfortable stay.

Traveling to Gokarna is quite budget-friendly. The costs for transportation, accommodation, food, and activities are relatively low compared to other popular tourist destinations. However, the exact expenses will depend on your preferences and the level of luxury you choose.

Some of the best things to do in Gokarna include:
1. Exploring the ancient Mahabaleshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
2. Relaxing on the pristine beaches, such as Kudle Beach, Om Beach, and Half Moon Beach.
3. Trekking along the coastline, which offers breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea.
4. Participating in yoga and meditation sessions, as Gokarna is a renowned center for spiritual practices.
5. Shopping for unique souvenirs and handicrafts at the local markets.

For delicious local and international cuisine, be sure to visit these popular eateries:
1. Prema Restaurant, known for its vegetarian thalis and variety of Indian dishes.
2. Café 1987, offering a wide selection of Italian and Continental delicacies.
3. Namaste Café, located right on Om Beach, serving fresh seafood and Indian dishes.

For a comfortable stay, consider these accommodation options:
1. Kudle Beach View Resort & Spa, offering luxurious cottages and stunning views of Kudle Beach.
2. Zostel Gokarna, a budget-friendly hostel with private rooms and dormitories.
3. Gokarna International Beach Resort, located on Kudle Beach and providing a range of amenities, including a swimming pool and ayurvedic spa.

Off the beaten path:

For an unusual travel experience in Gokarna, consider visiting the mystical Vibhooti Falls, nestled within dense forests. The waterfall is named after the limestone rock formations found in the area, which are believed to have healing properties. A trek through the verdant forests to reach the falls is both refreshing and invigorating, allowing you to connect with nature while discovering a lesser-known gem of Gokarna.

Learn More about Gokarna

In the Indian state of Karnataka there is a small village called Gokarna, bordering the Arabian Sea. 

If you like adventure and are planning to escape the crowded tourist spots, don't hesitate and go to Gokarna.

You can start by trekking on the beaches of the city, such as Gokarna and Kudle beach, both of which offer magnificent views of nature. If you wish to relax and unwind, the hotel in Kudle beach has a spa.

Along your sporty walks, you can enjoy the lush green landscapes as well as the beautiful sunsets.

If you are looking for peace and quiet and want to be near locals rather than tourists, Om beach and Paradise beach are ideal. At Paradise beach, there are even no accommodations or restaurants, which is a good thing because it allows you to be totally immersed.

Banana boat rides are a fun activity that you can also do in Gokarna. There is nothing better to do than to have fun, cool off after a day of trekking and admire the blue of the Arabian Sea.

Not far from the town, you can also visit the Mirjan Fort which is popular for its picturesque architecture and greenery. The place is also popular for having been the site of many battles. Moreover, according to history books, during the Vijayanagara Empire, Queen Chennabhairadevi of Gersoppa lived here. The Mirjan Port, close to the fort, was also used as a shipping point for spices such as pepper, saltpetre and betel nut.

For more magic, don't hesitate to visit Nirvana beach. Indeed, at night, with its starry sky and glittering phytoplankton in the water, Nirvana beach is the place for a light show. That's an amazing experience that will remain in your memory.

Finally, you can also wander around the Gokarna flea markets where you can buy jewellery or small souvenirs.

Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Gokarna

How to get to Gokarna?

It depends on where you start from to get to Gokarna. If you are flying, the nearest airport to the city is Vasco Da Gama Airport in Dabolim, Goa, 154km away. From Goa, you can also take the bus, as from other cities.
The nearest railway station is Gokarna, which is 9km from the city centre. 

How is the weather in Gokarna?

In summer, temperatures in Gokarna are very high and can reach up to 40 degrees.
In winter it is not too cold either, and sometimes it is even particularly warm, as temperatures can remain at 25 degrees.

   Where to Stay in Gokarna

   More Travel spots to explore around Gokarna

Click on the pictures to learn more about the places and to get directions

Discover more travel spots to explore around Gokarna

  🏖️ Beach spots     🏖️ Shore spots     🌊‍ Ocean spots     ⛰️ Cliff spots     🏨 Resort spots     🏞️ Waterway spots  

  Travel map of Gokarna

Explore popular touristic places around Gokarna

   Book Flights to Gokarna, India

• Share This Travel Guide