Gokarna is a temple town in Uttara Kannada district of the state of Karnataka. There are several small secluded beaches in and around Gokarna, which makes it a nice weekend getaway from the city. Mostly visitors from different parts of the world come to Gokarna for relaxation, pilgrimage, and recreation.
It has its own vibe and everyone can experience it as the stunning beaches, temples, sunset and till late-night to sit on the beach and talk to people, friends for hours gazing at the stars. You can trek through hillocks to go from one beach to another, or take a motorboat to beach-hop for faster covering of the place.
The trek route is really good amidst the green lush surrounding and adventurous trail. The beaches are clean, pristine so eventually, people started liking it. Also, it is very common to see priests, cows, and backpackers walking on the same side of the road towards the beach. Let's get started with how and why I fell in love with this place on my first solo travel with some beautiful pictures.
PLACES TO SEE
The following beaches are very popular chill-out zones.
1.Gokarna Beach
This beach is connected by road and its the first beach to hit when you get down in the city of Gokarna. This Beach is also known as the place where pilgrims first come to take a dip before visiting the temple.
2.Kudle Beach
Kudle Beach in Gokarna is renowned for its unmatched beauty and mesmerizing charm. Kudle Beach is the best option to try for those who seek solitude. With serene and quiet atmosphere, watching the sunrise and sunsets are the real delights for the observers. You can either sit on the shore or gaze at the never-ceasing tides – the choice is yours!
Locals visit here for early morning or late evening walks and their yoga sessions. Stroll around for some time, and you are surely going to find some beautiful beach shacks and bamboo huts to plan your night camping. November to March is the best time to plan your visit to this incredible beach in Gokarna. This is when you will be able to mingle with other backpackers and travelers. With a multitude of activities to enjoy, Kudle Beach is an ideal destination for solo travelers and adventurous travelers.
3.Om Beach
Om Beach of Gokarna carries a spiritual significance concerning its geographical appearance. The shape of this beach resembles the symbol ‘Om’ and hence, it is considered to be highly religious amongst the locals.
There are also a lot of spots to just rejuvenate and relax away from the bustle of daily life. The refreshing water which lines the rocky terrain and white sands is a great way to get back in touch with nature.
This beach is the best place to sit back and enjoy the stunning sunset.
4.Half-Moon Beach
Half-moon beach is a tiny little beach en route to Paradise beach. Its mostly deserted and you can find a shack if its season. Nice place to catch your breath before moving towards Paradise. This beach is connected to Om beach via a hiking path.
The Rock of Peace, A huge rock on the way to the Half Moon Beach is another viewpoint. If you are lucky you can spot dolphins from here; it's a refreshing experience to spot the playful fish in the open waters.
5.Paradise Beach
This sandy beach was used as a hippie location frequented by liberal souls from around the world. The beach is loved by foreigners and to date, many travelers from outside visit here.
The beach is a perfect place to camp and spend your night cooking and gazing at the stars and moon. If you are looking to spend some time in isolation, then this beach in the state of Karnataka is a great escape from the routine. You can spend quality time with your loved ones, and find the peace you have been craving for.
Visitors can hire motorboats from these beaches to safely land at the Paradise beach. If you are not up for a motorboat ride, you can also reach here after a small hike from the Half-moon beach. The hike usually takes between 20 – 30 minutes or a short trek from Belekan beach (fisherman village). This beach has a specialty were in season and because of less light population you can spot bioluminescence phytoplanktons (a light-producing chemical reaction).
Things I liked about this beach:
1. Extreme Silence
2. Clean water
3. Traveling in a boat gives a special feeling.
4. Local vendor sells fruits and water. (That's all you get there to eat)
All beaches are connected by ferry and autos are available at Kudle and Om beach.
There are numerous temples in Gokarna. The following are the popular ones
1.Mahabaleshwar temple
The Second Home to the Original Atma Linga. This ancient temple in the state holds a revered space among pilgrims especially for the mythological legends and history associated with it. The temple also finds mentions in the Hindu epics of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Maha Shivratri is celebrated grandly in this place.
Temple Timings: 6 am to 12 pm & 5 pm to 8 pm
Dress Code: Men's - without T-shirt and banians, Ladies - Indian Wear(The authorities here are strict about following procedures to the hilt.)
A Rath, Image courtesy Clifftraveller
2.Maha Ganapathi temple
Lord Ganesha, who took the avatar of a young monk to deceive Ravana and keep Atmalinga on the ground. As the condition was that wherever Atmalinga is lowered and kept on the ground first, that place shall become its final place of worship. Lord Ganesha is worshipped first and foremost and people visit this temple before praying to the Atmalinga at the Mahabaleshwar temple. At the entrance of the temple, situated in the middle of a road
How to Reach Gokarna?
Gokarna is a very well connected town and can be reached easily from any part of India or the world. Here is how to reach this town
Bangalore - Gokarna: 486 Km via Tumkur and Davanagere
Goa - Gokarna: 162 Km via Karwar and Ankola
Mangalore - Gokarna: 228 Km via Kundapur and Kumta
To reach Gokarna by train, look for the station called 'Gokarna Road (GOK)'
on IRCTC. There are trains from Mangalore, Goa, and Bangalore to GOK.The
train from Bangalore to Gokarna is not recommended as the travel time is 16hrs when compared to 10hrs by bus. So if you are traveling from Bangalore, taking a private or government bus (KSRTC) is a nice option than the train. Best is to opt for a Sleeper Bus from private operators. If you are driving down to Gokarna the route from Bangalore is a little thrilling and an interesting ride.
Accommodation in Gokarna
1.Zostel Gokarna
It is a backpacker hostel where you can meet so many travelers mostly solo travelers. Zostel Gokarna offered great ambiance for our first getaway. It has a nice view of the beach along with a small restaurant offering great dishes. Food is a bit costly compared to the normal charges. But the view from the restaurant demands that. There was good music around and made our evening lovely. The only problem is the checkout at 10 am. I think it's too early. I would suggest an early morning check-in or late evening check-in as most people prefer to travel late at night. But the common room available was comfortable to keep your luggage and to explore the town.
This is located in the hilltop on Kudle Beach and five minutes walk from town bus stand
2.Gokarna Adventures
Gokarna Adventure offers accommodations in Gokarna Main beach. A separate common washroom area is available for campers. Only tents are available with a small restaurant. Guests can enjoy various activities in the surroundings, including bonfire and music.
3.Gokarna International
There are two of these. One in Kudle beach and the other one in the town
Gokarna International KudleResort offers a lush green getaway set in a sprawling 5 -acre property in dreamy Gokarna. This Beach Frontresort brings you the best of modern amenities to ensure you have a relaxing and rejuvenating vacation, in a seashore over a few meters from the Kudle beach.
Gokarna also has a number of other Backpackers hostel, hotels, lodges and shacks but do watch out for the seasonal crowd and do make the booking earlier.
Other attractions near Gokarna are the Yana Caves, Vibhooti Falls, and Mirjan Fort
All pictures are reserved rights and not to be used without informing
Commentaires