
If you wish to experience spirituality and nature in sync with each other, Gokarna in Karnataka is one of these. There are many beaches in this town which can be considered among best beaches in Gokarna.
Some of the best beaches in Gokarna are Gokarna Beach, Kudle Beach, Om Beach, Half Moon Beach, and Paradise Beach among others.
Best beaches in Gokarna
Anyone who visits this tourist town aspires to relax, be one with nature want to spend quality time in a neat and unexplored location. We have picked some of the best beaches in Gokarna for you which you must explore when you are in this tourist town in Karnataka. In addition, you will also find hotels near beach in Gokarna here and all your boarding and lodging needs shall be dealt with suitably.
Gokarna Beach
This is among the best beaches in Gokarna. It is a white sand beach and the greenery around the same will leave a distinct impression in your mind. What makes this a must-visit among beaches in Gokarna is that it has the Mahabaleshwara temple in its vicinity.
Devotees who come to this famous temple too take a dip at the Gokarna beach before heading to the temple. The view of surrounding green hills also makes it a unique beach which will definitely leave you awe-inspired.
Moreover, you will find that Mirjan Fort and beaches like Om Beach and Aghanashini River are in its vicinity.
The beach is located in Gokarna village in Ankola in Karnataka.
Om Beach
When you consider the best beaches in Gokarna, the name Om Beach comes to mind instantly. People who have an interest in adventure activities like jet skiing, parasailing, surfing, and beach trekking will find Om Beach of interest. Those looking for spiritual insights can also plan a visit to Om Beach as it looks like the” om” symbol.
As two landmasses meet here, the shape seems like a sacred om symbol. Sunsets and sunrise are also unique here and this also makes Om Beach a true retreat.
December to February can be the best time to visit Om Beach as the temperature is between 20 to 30 degrees and you can easily enjoy sunbathing during this duration.
Image by malay_majithia from Pixabay
Half Moon Beach
This is another of the best beaches in Gokarna. This beach is separated from the Om beach by a cliff and if you visit the half-moon beach, it is sure that you will have a mesmerizing view of the Arabian Sea.
Another unique fact about this beach is that you will find many typical huts alongside the beach. This makes the half-moon beach distinct from others. It is aptly named Half Moon Beach because when you look at it from a distance it will look similar to half-moon.
You will be one with nature here as you can do a lot of star gazing here during the night. In addition, you can enjoy swimming, canoeing, paddle boating, and camping here.
Om Beach is the starting point for trek to Half Moon Beach. A narrow trail from the Southern end of Om Beach will take you to Dolphin Café. Twists and turns from this café will lead to Half Moon finally. This is a solitary beach and if you are the one who loves solitude this is one of the best beaches in Gokarna for you.
A word of caution though, the currents are strong here and it is advised that swimming should not be done at this beach.
Paradise Beach
Paradise Beach has seen it all. The white sand beach which Paradise is; makes it one of the best beaches in Gokarna. This beach had a large presence of hippies once and weed culture used to be prevalent here. However, that is all talk of the past now and the government put a stop to all this.
This beach is 150 meters long and most of it is rocky. Rest has whitish sand which gives it a unique ambiance. Till 2019, pitching tents were not allowed here; however now you can rent out tents from locals here and spend a quality night here.
Swimming, kayaking, night camping, beach, and night trekking are some of the activities that can be done at this beach.
Kudle Beach
The tinge of sunlight on the swaying waves of Kudle Beach creates such a mesmerizing view that you would like to sit by the beach for hours together. The beach has hills on three sides and on a moonlit night, the view is so clear that you can walk to the beach in natural light only. This beach is a perfect retreat for yoga lovers and you may end up spotting some dolphins too if you spend quality time on this beach.
A range of adventure activities like kayaking, jet skiing, and banana boat rides are also available at Kudle Beach.
Belekan Beach
This is one of the beaches in Gokarna which is situated on the outskirts of Gokarna. It has a rocky setup and pristine golden sand which makes it popular among travellers. You can hire a boat here for a small go-around and explore the beach. This beach is located in Belekan village and a visit to this beach will also give you an insight into the rural life of Karnataka.
Image by Bishnu Sarangi from Pixabay
Hotels near beach in Gokarna
Well, your trip to Gokarna will be fulfilling and mesmerizing only when you spend some quality time here. For the same, a range of hotels near beach in Gokarna can be your best bet.
Zostel Gokarna
Zostel Gokarna is a good option for those seeking some solitude and adventure! This property offers an amazing sea view, has modern amenities like Wi-Fi to keep you connected with the outdoor world, and offers you the choicest of cuisines.
Apart from Zostel, there are numerous properties in Gokarna that suit all budget ranges and you can definitely make a round of some of these including Hotel Green, Gokarna International Beach Resort, and Stonewood Nature Resort among others.
Which is best time to visit Gokarna
Monsoons
The vibrancy of Green makes Gokarna unique during the monsoon months. Cascading waterfalls, beaches full to be brim, and seashells washed ashore give Gokarna a unique look during these months. The only drawback during these months is that you will have to adjust your schedule according to the weather. Hotels and restaurants will also offer you a discount in these months.
Post Monsoon Months
The golden period to visit Gokarna is during October and November. The weather is pleasant and sunny and you can enjoy all the outdoor activities. Swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and kayaking are some of the activities that are available during these months.
March to May
Weather is usually warm during these months and as temperature increases, prices fall and those on a tight budget can consider visiting Gokarna during these months.
Is Gokarna Safe for Solo Female Travellers?
Gokarna is generally considered a moderate safe place for everyone including solo female travellers. However, solo female travellers should take some precautionary measures to be safe here.
These can be listed as:
- Avoiding isolated places, especially during dark hours.
- Respect Local Culture
- Keep your belongings secure
- Have awareness of your surroundings
How to Reach Gokarna
You can travel to Gokarna by road, rail and air route.
Gokarna by Air
Dabolim airport in Goa at a distance of 3.5-hour drive is the nearest airport to Gokarna. This airport is at a distance of 106 Km from Gokarna and you can travel by taxi further to Gokarna.
Gokarna by Road
Gokarna is connected by road to all the major cities including Bangalore, Mangalore, and Goa. You can choose to travel as per your location and convenience.
Gokarna by Rail
The most well-connected railway station to Gokarna is Ankola which is at a distance of 20 Km from Gokarna. Trains from across the country pass through this station and you can book your train ticket to this station.
Gokarna is a beautiful, pristine place that offers peace, ambiance, and an opportunity to explore oneself if you are the one who loves solitude. Plan a trip to this small town and experience nature in its true sense.
Featured Image by Bishnu Sarangi from Pixabay