There are many things to do in Gokarna. A small coastal town in Karnataka, Gokarna is known for its pristine beaches and sacred pilgrimage sites. The town offers a laid-back vibe, but also some fun adventure and water activities. There is something for everyone in Gokarna, whether you are looking for spirituality, thrills, or just a relaxing vacation. Read on to find out the things to do in Gokarna!
Beach hopping
Gokarna is home to some of the most pristine and beautiful beaches in India. As an offbeat location in the country, Gokarna sees comparatively lesser tourists, and has many beaches that are not very easily accessible.
Om Beach is named for its shape of the spiritual symbol of “Om”. One of the most popular beaches in Gokarna, Om Beach provides many water sports and activities. The Half Moon Beach is near Om Beach, offering stunning views of the Arabian Sea.
Nirvana Beach is an amazing place for a night-time stroll, because if you are lucky, you may witness the bio-luminiscence phenomenon here!
Paradise Beach, Small Hell Beach, Kudle Beach, Gokarna Beach, and Belekan Beach are a few other beaches in the region that you must visit. A fun way to go beach hopping in Gokarna is to do the Gokarna Beach Trek, which covers most famous beaches in the region.
Dolphin spotting
The waters of Gokarna are home to some adorable aquatic creatures – dolphins. Beaches like Kudle Beach and Paradise Beach have boat rides that can take you to spot dolphins along with professional guides who even help you interact with the fish.
Enjoy water sports and activities
Gokarna is a paradise for water-babies and adventure enthusiasts.
One of the most popular water sports in Gokarna is surfing. Even if you do not know how to surf, the place provides 3-9 hour lessons for beginners so that you can actually try out this fun sport. Gokarna is also a great place for scuba diving and snorkeling. The pristine beaches of this offbeat location are home to vibrant corals and a range of aquatic flora and fauna. Om Beach, Gokarna Beach, and Kudle Beach are a few places that offer scuba diving and snorkeling activities.
Dandeli near Gokarna is the perfect place to go if you are an adventure enthusiast. River rafting is a popular sport in the Dandeli river. You can also try canoeing and kayaking here. Banana boating is another fun activity you can do here. Parasailing in Gokarna will offer you some stunning views of the region, so this is another fun activity you can add to your bucket list. Don’t forget to enjoy a catamaran ride here, with endless blues all around.
Jet boating and hyperspeed boating in Gokarna may not be for the faint-hearted, but they are extremely fun. If it is too much for you, you can also enjoy beach sports like volleyball and badminton.
(Picture credits: Universal Adventures)
Shopping
The flea markets of Gokarna have a vibe similar to those in Goa. There are many trinkets and souvenirs you can buy from the local shops such as items made of seashells, jewelry, clothes, medicinal herbs, and even musical instruments.
Read more: Best time to visit Gokarna
Temple trail
The Mahabaleshwar Temple was built in the 4th century. With a rich tale of mythology to accompany, the temple is built in Dravidian architecture and intricately designed with stone carvings.
A short distance from the Mahabaleshwar Temple is Koti Tirtha, an artificial water tank considered sacred among Hindus.
The Bhadarakali Temple is dedicated to Goddess Uma and has great importance in Hindu mythology.
The Mahalasa Temple, Maha Ganpati Temple, Uppin Ganpati Temple are a few other temples you can visit. Murudeshwar Temple is a bit farther from Gokarna, but it is a popular pilgrimage site and is known for its enormous statue of Lord Shiva.
Mahabaleshwar Temple
Visit the forts
Gokarna has two amazing forts built under the Vijayanagara Empire.
The Mirjan Fort was built in the 16th century by Queen Chennabhairavadevi of Gersoppa. The fort is majestic in its architecture and showcases the history of the region. The fort looks especially stunning post-monsoon, as the landscape turns lush green and you can find overgrown grass on the fort walls.
Another popular fort in Gokarna is the Kagal Fort, a magnificent watchtower overlooking the Aghanashini River and the mighty Arabian Sea.
Mirjan Fort (Picture credits: Times of India)
Adventure activities
The Gokarna Beach Trek is a great trek with splendid views that takes you through many beaches in Gokarna.
Caving is a popular activity in Gokarna. For example, the Shiva Cave is often visited by trekkers who love to explore the natural formations. The cave also houses many bats, so be careful! Yana Caves are 1000-year old rock formations that deserve to be visited in Gokarna. The cave has two peaks – the Bhairaveshwara Peak and Mohini Peak, both of which have religious importance. You can trek to these peaks and caves, while also enjoying other activities here, such as rappelling and rock climbing.
Another great activity in Gokarna is camping. Camp by the beach under the stars, with a nice bonfire and good food.
Check out the waterfalls
The relatively untouched parts of Gokarna are home to many forests and beautiful waterfalls.
Cascading down from 25 feet, Vibhooti Falls are nestled inside a forest, with few spots receiving sunlight. This means the water is pretty cold and extremely refreshing for a nice swim. Apsarakonda, around 60 kms away from Gokarna, is a mesmerizing waterfall dropping down from a height of 50 feet. The waterfall is believed to be the “pond of angels”, as legends say that angels would come down from the heavens to bathe in this pool. The falls are surrounded by caves all around.
The Jog Falls are not in Gokarna, but you should definitely include it in your bucket list if you have the time. Also known as Gersoppa Falls, the stunning waterfall is the second highest plunge waterfall in India, falling down 253 meters in one drop.
Ayurveda and Wellness
There may be no better place to practise yoga than at a beach in the morning. Gokarna has many yoga resorts and wellness retreats where you can enroll for your physical and mental wellbeing.
Gokarna is also well-known for its Ayurvedic spas using traditional oils. There are many spas you can visit to unwind after a long day or a fun-filled vacation, and indulge in a nice Ayurvedic massage by the beaches.
So, what will you be doing in Gokarna? Let us know! At India Someday, we create personalized itineraries to India for you based on your likes and requirements. Contact us and together we can plan the perfect trip to India for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, two days are enough for Gokarna, although you need 3 to 4 days to fully immerse yourself in the vibe of the coastal town. Gokarna has many serene beaches, historic sites, and magnificent landscapes that you can visit in 2 to 4 days.
Gokarna is famous for its pristine beaches and for being one of the holiest places in India. The town has many places of religious and spiritual importance, with a history dating back to the times of Mahabharata, the great Indian epic.
Yes, Gokarna has a good nightlife with many night clubs, beach bars, bonfires, cafes, and live music. However, the vibe is slightly different from Goa, as Gokarna is more laid-back and relaxed in terms of its nightlife.
Yes, you can wear shorts, tshirts, and loose clothes around the beaches of Gokarna. However, while visiting temples or any places of religious importance, you must take care not to wear anything revealing. Some temples also require men to wear a dhoti and women to wear a traditional Indian attire. Make sure to check that before traveling.
About Aishwarya Shete
Aishwarya Shete is a content writer at India Someday. Her passions are writing, photography, and more importantly, food. She hopes to travel the world someday and document it through her pictures and words.
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