Exploring Gokarna in one day

While on our way to Goa from Bangalore on our Goa Workation, we decided to drive via Gokarna. Spending a night at Gokarna, visiting its major attractions within a day. So, in case you want to spend just one day in Gokarna, we have this perfect one day Gokarna itinerary for you. Although we highly recommend you stay in Gokarna for a longer time. Because this peaceful and laid back destination deserves much more of your attention.

When you stay here longer, you get to experience the peaceful laid back lifestyle. You can also take several moderate to challenging treks around the beaches of Gokarna. Particularly the trek to Paradise beach and half moon beach. Also, you get more time at hand to interact with the locals and try out local cuisines. Last but not the least, apart from the most famous temples of Gokarna, there are so many lesser known temples with beautiful architecture. So when you stay longer, you get to explore them all. And understand the cultural and historical significance of the place much more.

Having said that, for now, let us start with our tips exploring Gokarna in a day, based on our own experience.

History of Gokarna

Gokarna is one of the most holy places of the Hindus. There is a very interesting legend behind it. The wise king of Sri Lanka, Ravana worshipped Lord Shiva at Kailash Mountain and bore extreme hardships to please the God. When finally God Shiva appeared, Ravana asked for the main Shivling (the Atmalinga) as his award, which he had promised his mother – a devotee of lord Shiva. Shiva gave him the Atlmalinga but warned him that during his way back home, if the linga was put on the ground, it would establish itself there and not move. Ravana carried the Shivlinga back home.

While he was crossing what is currently known as Gokarna, Lord Vishnu hid the sun to create the illusion of dusk. And then lord Ganesha appeared in the disguise of a brahmin. Ravana told him to hold the Shivlinga while he performed his evening rituals. Lord Ganesh promised that he would call Ravana thrice, and only in case he didn’t get a reply back, he would put the Shivlinga on ground. Although when he called, Ravana ran to receive the shivlinga, but Ganesha had already put it on the ground. He was almost vanishing from the scene with his cows when Ravana chased, and got hold of one cow’s ear. That’s how the place was named “Gokarna” meaning “Cow’s ear”.

After that Ravana tried to lift the Shivlinga but it won’t buldge. Thus he named it Mahabaleshwara (Means “extremely strong”). And that’s why the temple that is formed around the Shivling was named Mahabaleshwara Temple.

As for the vibe of the place, it is very different from some of the other beach towns that we have visited in India including Pondicherry, Kumarakom and Mahabalipuram. It is much more peaceful, religious, relaxing, laid back, cultured and yet so inviting and modern!!!

How to reach Gokarna

One can drive to Gokarna from Karwar, Goa, Bangalore or Mangalore. Self driving seems to be the best possible option. Although there are trains and buses also regularly plying to Gokarna. The trip is long and time consuming. I always planned to visit Gokarna on a road trip of coastal Karnataka – one of the best road trips to take in India. Although that didn’t happen, opportunity presented itself when we planned a workation from Goa. We planned to take this route:

Bangalore -> Hubli -> Gokarna -> Palolem (Goa) -> Benaulim (Goa)

We stayed in Hubli for one night, Gokarna for one night and then explored Palolem, again staying there overnight in a beach hut. This is how our trip to Gokarna materialised.

Exploring Gokarna in one day

We arrived in Gokarna a little before noon. And stayed overnight at Stonewood Nature Resort. And, we have written this itinerary with a similar timing in mind. If you don’t want to stay overnight, you can also do a day trip to Gokarna from Karwar or Udupi. In that case, we recommend you start as early in the morning as possible and then visit the places in the same order as mentioned below. If you are interested to stay overnight (which we recommend), reach Gokarna by 11:00am, request an early checkin, or, if that is not possible then at least drop your luggage safely at the hotel. And start exploring Gokarna.

Major Place to visit in Gokarna

Om Beach

12:00 pm

Perhaps the most famous of all the beaches of Karnataka, and also Gokarna, is the Om Beach. The reason for its fame is its “Om” shape. The sound of the word “Om” is considered the substratum of creative sound that sustains the Universe. And the symbol of Om is considered one of the most holy symbols of the Hindu Religion. As you visit the Om beach, the shape of Om is so distinct and standing out that you can’t miss it. And it definitely leaves you wondering if it is just a coincidence or a miracle of nature that this symbol is instilled in a beach which is right besides the holy town worshipping Shiva!!!! Om Namah Shivaya!

Coming to the geography of the beach, like most other beaches at the north coast of Karnataka, it is a rocky beach. With lots of coral formations. You drive uphill to Om beach, park in the parking area alongside the road. And then take a flight of rocky stairs cut out of the hill to actually reach the beach. Don’t forget to take a few moments to appreciate the views from the top before you climb down the beach.

I found Om beach to be slightly commercialised. With a few beachside shops selling cloths and snack items. And a few vendors roaming around in search of potential customers.

The whole stretch of Om beach is about 2 km. Partially sandy and partially rocky. You can walk from one side to the other, find a secluded and peaceful spot to sit and enjoy the sunset, watch the boats  come and go. And enjoy the overall atmosphere.

Namaste Cafe, Om Beach, Gokarna

One of the most famous eateries on Om beach is the Namaste Cafe. Almost everyone who comes to Om beach definitely visits this cafe. And after I myself sat here for a lunch, I understood why. You can simply enjoy the awesome food, the music and watch the sea – with its waves crashing against the rocks. I could do that non stop for hours. What about you? Also, later I noticed that they do have a whole resort as well alongside the cafe. So, one can actually stay right at Om beach in their inn. They also have a yoga farm – Namaste Yoga Farm

Half Moon Beach and Paradise Beach

1:30 pm

The two small and secluded beaches of Gokarna are Half Moon beach and Paradise Beach. These are accessible either through moderate to difficult level trekking through the mountains or via a boat ride from Om Beach. If you are exploring Gokarna in a day like us, then boat ride from Om Beach is your best bet to visit the Half Moon beach and Paradise Beach. Because it will save you time. A boat ride will take 45 mins to 1 hour wherein you can get to these beaches, stop for sometime and then hop back on the boat. And come back to Om Beach. And don’t forget to negotiate and get a better deal by booking the entire boat in case you are in a big group of 10 or more people.

Although the views that you get of the beaches from the sea are definitely worth the boat ride. However, you really don’t get to enjoy the serenity of these beaches given you have very short time to spend there. So, if you are staying in Gokarna for longer, we highly recommend you trek to these beaches. Or, if you are not a trekker, strike a boat ride deal where they can drop you on the beach. And then pick you up after few hours. Pack your own picnic bag and essentials. For, there are very less beachside shops here. And in low seasons, they often remain closed.

Kudle Beach

4:30 pm

A more commercialised beach of Gokarna is Kudle beach. You can head here on foot from Om beach. Or, take your vehicle, park in the parking area on the hill top and then walk down to the beach. Again, rocky terrains lead to the sandy beach. This one is a “C” shaped beach, particularly characterised by finer sand, lesser rocks and dense palm grooves. It is considered one of the most beautiful beaches of Karnataka.

Sunbathing, relaxing and swimming are the most popular things to do on Kudle beach. However, surfing, kayaking and banana boat options are also present.

There are many more food stalls on Kudle Beach compared to Om Beach. Little Paradise and Pizzeria Kudle View are two famous ones that serve multi cuisines including Indian, Chinese and Continental.

After visiting the beaches , pay a visit to the beautiful temples of Gokarna, in the below order. Afterall, a visit to Gokarna will not be complete without visiting the beautiful temples of this holy town.

Sri Ganesha Temple

6:00 pm

Also called the Mahaganpati Temple, this is the temple of Lord Ganesha. This temple is located very close to Mahabaleshwara Temple. Legends say that one should visit The Maha Ganpati Temple before visiting the Mahabaleshwara Temple. In order to get blessings of Lord Ganesha. And then they get proper blessings of Lord Shiva as well.

Sri Mahabaleshwara Swamy Temple

6:30 pm

Sri Mahabaleshwara Swamy Temple is one of the oldest and most famous temples of Gokarna. It is a 4th century temple, built facing the beach of Gokarna. A shiva temple, it is considered as sacred and holy for the Hindus as the temple of Varanasi in North India. And that’s why it is also known as “Dakshin Kashi“. This temple is one of the seven sacred Muktikshetras in Karnataka. In fact, it is considered so holy that it’s believed that even a glimpse of this temple showers immense blessings on the devotee.Sri Mahabaleshwara Temple is the temple where the main Shivlinga called Atmalinga is believed to be residing.

Bhadrakali Temple

6:30 am

This temple is dedicated to Shiva’s wife Uma. And is another must visit temple after Sri Mahabaleshwara Temple. This temple is characterised by multicolor architecture, very similar to other temples in South India.

Places to visit in & around Gokarna (if staying longer)

Some more of the legendary and holy temples that you can visit in Gokarna if you have more time at hand : Tamra Gauri Temple, Mahalasha Temple, Venkatramana Temple, Kotikeertha (the holy pond), Gopala Krishna Temple, Sri Pattevinayak Temple, Sri Kalbhairav Temple. Also, you can take a day trip to the magnificent Murudeshwar Temple from Gokarna.

The surroundings of Gokarna are characterised by tropical hills and dense rainforests. Vibhuti Falls is an enormous falls located at around 1 hour of driving distance from the town of Gokarna. A half day picnic trip is a perfect way to explore these falls. Apsarakonda Falls is another waterfall located only 6km from the main town, near a hill cave.

Located among the ever green forest of the Sahayadri mountains are the Yana caves – the famous limestone caves, a must visit from Gokarna if time permits.

Mirjan Fort and the coastal town of Karwar make for two perfect destinations for a day trip from Gokarna.

Summary of our trip exploring Gokarna in one day

Where to stay in Gokarna

Luxury stay options :- SwaSwara, CGH Earth, Viraz Valley

Moderate budget options :- The Regulus Resort, Kudle Beach , Stone Wood Nature Resort, Red Earth Gokarna

Homestay options:- Jungle Tree Guest House, Greenland Guest House, Gokarna Stops Cafe & Stay

We stayed at Stone Wood Nature Resort and liked the resort. It is newly opened, nearly 4 km from Om beach & Kudle beach. The campus is not very huge but it is full of plantations and lots of greenery. You will hear chirping of birds all along and it is completely peaceful.

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