While beaches, sand, coolers, tan and sunsets are still pleasing to our ears, for someone who travels often, Goa is done to death. It is becoming more commercialised and crowded by the day. Many of us have already visited the best of the beaches, the shacks, have enjoyed the food, the music and the beers in the city. Basically, we’ve explored Goa enough. It’s time to move on to Gokarna.
Gokarna is a more chilled out version of Goa with fewer people. It’s an ideal vacay spot for people who aren’t a fan of an itinerary. It’s situated 190 km south of Goa and is known for Mahabaleshwar temple and its untouched beaches. Unlike Goa, you’ll be able to enjoy the sunsets in Gokarna without any distractions as the destination is untouched by any commercial activities. You’ll experience the beauty, spirituality and tranquillity, in case that’s what you’re after.
For thousands of years, devotees have visited Gokarna to pay obeisance to Lord Shiva. However, for the past few years, it has become a travel destination for backpackers who are looking for some peace and calm. In Gokarna, you can trek from one beach to the other, practice yoga and relax in the lap of nature while looking at blue waters.
Travel Notes
To reach Gokarna, you can take a bus, train or a car. It’s well-connected. If you are travelling on a flight, Goa’s Dabolim airport will be the closest destination. Gokarna is 91 km from there so you can take a cab for the rest of the journey. However, travelling by road is the most convenient and budget-friendly way to reach and explore Gokarna.
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The best time to visit the place is between October to May.
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While resorts are amazing but you’ll appreciate spending your bucks on shacks and homestays for your stay. You can also opt for a beachfront stay if you take a hotel at Kudle beach.
Gokarna is known more for its local delicacies. One of the most popular places to eat in Gokarna is Namaste Cafe at Om Beach. It is best known for its Tuna sandwich. You’ll find more South Indian flavoured seafood in the city. Also, Dolphin Bay cafe at Om Beach is also quite popular for its delectable food and hospitality. It has boats lined up right in front to take you for a ride into the ocean to spot Dolphins.
Most interesting watersports in Gokarna are beach volleyball, football, banana boat ride, parasailing, jet skiing at Om beach and you can also go for kayaking which is organised by Swaswara resort. You can go for a boat ride into the sea to spot Dolphins as they play in their natural habitat.
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While Goa as a lot of cruise options, Gokarna is more about catamaran rides. The fishermen on Kudle beach, Paradise beach, Half Moon beach and Om beach are always eager to take you for a catamaran ride. You can experience the calm and serene waters of Gokarna while travelling from one beach to the other.
Gokarna offers you more traditional options in terms of shopping as well. The market is full of colourful shops selling souvenirs like brass lamps, wind chimes and other decorative items. If you are exploring the market, do not forget to buy Kallu Sakkare, a type of sugar candy.
The natural sound of waves, drums, guitars, friends and bonfires – that sums up Gokarna’s nightlife for you. Tempting, isn’t it?! However, Gokarna is still less explored in comparison to Goa so you’ll see more locals and fewer tourists in the area.
The Beaches
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Kudle Beach: This west-facing beach has a lot of cafes and resorts with shacks.
Paradise Beach: The south-facing beach is more secluded and peaceful without any eateries or shacks.
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Half-Moon Beach: The south-facing beach has a couple of eateries with shacks and is shaped like a perfect half moon.
Om Beach: The south-facing beach has enough cafes and eateries with shacks.
Other Attractions
Imagine the sun slowly setting on the horizon while you are rocking to the rhythm of the waves in your motorboat. You’re feeling the wind and the sound of the waves. And as you reach Half-moon beach, you come out of the boat to enjoy a hot cuppa tea while watching the sunset and listening slow music! Doesn’t that sound like the perfect date?
Other than that, you can go for a trek from Half-moon beach to Om beach. If doing it in the evening, be careful and carry torches. In late hours, the beach is lit with the cafe lights and it’s a beautiful sight. You can also do morning yoga, spot Dolphins and enjoy music around the campfire.
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On another day, you can explore Mahabaleshwar temple which is 1.6 km from Kudle beach. You can visit Maha Ganapati temple which is very close to Mahabaleshwar temple. You must also visit Shiva Cave. It’s 0.7 km away from Kudle beach and it has a Shiv linga which is said to be built in 195 BC. The place is filled with Bats though, so if you are scared of Bats, avoid the caves.
If you like visiting forts and need a little change of vibe, visit Mirjan Fort. It’s 12 km away from Kudle beach. It’s a 17th-century fort and is a treat for photographers.
Take a couple of days off close to the weekend. Pack your bags & go to Gokarna!
Also Read: Dear Bae, Let’s Do These 6 *Romantic* Things Together On Our Next Trip To Goa! and Beach, Please! 7 AWESOME Things You Must Do In Goa
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