GOKARNA

Sparkling blue water, fine brown sand, great sea food and no maddening crowd – sounds like a perfect holiday destination, doesn’t it? The beaches of Karwar, Gokarna and around are exactly all that and more. These beaches are the lesser known cousins of the more popular ones in Goa but are equally beautiful. They are frequented by Indians and foreigners alike. The innumerable beach shacks cater to all the tourists. They serve some brilliant breakfast and sea food cooked in Western flavours along with the local fare. For all the activities and all the things to do in Gokarna, you can go for a hike along the beach, join some kids playing a game of soccer on the beach (you will find them if you are lucky), find a shack selling some unique musical instruments and craft your own tune, head for a massage or stretch your legs beside a shack, either ways you will enjoy the solitude.

Not too far away are the rainforests of Dandeli which happens to be a great bird watching location. For all you adventure seekers, there is also the very famous white water rafting on offer. We believe Gokarna and North Canara are India’s best kept beach holiday secret. We recommend you set apart at least 3 days along the coastline of North Canara which will offer you the most complete coastal experience.

THINGS TO DO IN GOKARNA

There are quite a few other things to do in Gokarna and around apart from soaking in the sun.

  • Beaches of Karwar: These relatively peaceful beaches are perfect for those of you longing for a solitary walk. Also, there are many adventure activities like Kayaking and Jet Boating, offered by some of the hotels around the beach.
  • The Karwar market: A small little market which primarily sells fish along with other fresh produce. Visit the market for a lesson on sea dwelling creatures, which are usually caught and sold fresh.
  • Beaches of Gokarna: Gokarna is home to a quartet of lovely beaches: Kudle Beach, Om Beach, Paradise Beach and Half Moon Beach. A great way to experience all of them is to trek along the coast line. Alternatively, if relaxation is what you seek, you can just do nothing at one of the innumerable beach shacks. You could also take a boat ride from one beach to the other. The choice is yours!
  • Dandeli river rafting: This adrenaline filled activity is not for the faint hearted. We raft our way through the rapids of river Kali surrounded by lush evergreen forests. This activity is carried out by professionals and adequate safety gears along with some quick tips before the rafting are always provided.

USEFUL INFORMATION

  • The beaches of Gokarna are an overnight journey from Bangalore/Goa (Panjim). You can book a seat on one of the private buses on Red Bus.
  • The Kudle and Om beaches in Gokarna have many beach side shacks that provide accommodation at all budgets. Namaste cafe on Om Beach is a mid-budget accommodation with clean beds and toilets.
  • Amara homestay in Dandeli is a quiet homestay in Dandeli. Go there to have some lip smacking local cuisine and treat yourself to some amazing Indian hospitality.
  • The best time to visit the beaches is from October to February. It gets too hot and humid from March till May and the monsoon hits the West Coast from June till August.

Want to know more about the pristine beaches of Gokarna?

Read on in our blog!

Stories from the road!

Among the most important things to do in Gokarna is to laze at the beach
Gokarna - one of the many pristine beaches in India
Amongst things to do in Gokarna, watch the sunset
Sunset in Gokarna, over the Arabian Sea
The list of things to do in Gokarna is incomplete without a visit to the beaches
Majestic bird's eye view of Gokarna beach and its inlands
Murudeshwar - One of the many things to do in Gokarna
Lord Shiva's giant statue at Murudeshwar, near Gokarna