10 Amazing Places to Visit in Gokarna
Gokarna brings together the essentials that make this place stand out from the crowds. The land blessed with magnificent secluded beaches, sacred Hindu sites, natural scenery and outstanding atmosphere. This pilgrimage town lies on the coast of the Arabian Sea in Karnataka. Considered as one of seven the most important pilgrimage centers in India, it attracts thousands of travelers every year.
Whether you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, want to improve your yoga practice, have an authentic experience, reconnect with Nature or just chill out on the blissful coast, Gokarna has lots of places to offer!
Here is a list of 9 the best places to visit in Gokarna!
1. Om Beach
Of all the places visited in Gokarna, this perhaps was the one, that I loved the most. Well-known for it’s unusual shape resembling the Hindu symbol Om. A perfect place to stay away from crowds and unwind. Om beach offers a full spectrum of beach cottages and bungalows to suit every taste and pocket. Every evening, you will fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves and wake up to the same melody. Don’t forget to spot adorable dolphins, which like to appear in the morning, jumping and playing close to the coast.
2. Kudle Beach
Kudle beach is probably the most visited place in Gokarna. This lovely cove lined with colorful cafes, restaurants, yoga camps and affordable accommodation attracts lots of holiday makers and backpackers every day. It lies between the main beach and the Om beach, surrounded by green hills. It is easily accessible from the main town by hiking or you can take a rickshaw.
3. Paradise Beach
When thinking of the best places to visit in Gokarna, I couldn’t miss Paradise beach!
As the name suggest, this slice of paradise set about 45 min walk from Om beach is a secluded spot untouched by human hands. This is a place to completely disconnect with the World and spend a perfect day! There are few local vendors, who sell drinks, fresh fruits and small snacks. The trek is pretty challenging, so be ready for an adventure!
4. Half Moon Beach
Half Moon beach lies halfway between Om beach and Paradise beach. This little slice of paradise is accessible only by hiking, as there is no connecting road. The trail provides some of the best views over the coast and Arabian Sea. The hikes takes about 20min, but believe me the view of the coastline from the top is worth the effort. There are few small restaurants set along the coast, so you can stop for a lunch and enjoy the local vibes. This is definitely the best place to relax and swim!
5. Mahabaleshwar Temple
View of the Mahabaleshwar Temple
Mahabaleshwar Temple is a famous Hindu pilgrimage centre in Gokarna. It is a perfect example of Dravidian architecture, where the Shiva Linga is worshipped. In fact, the religious significance is as high as the Shiva temple in Varanasi. It is made out of white granite rock and it contains a 1500 years old carved stone image of standing Lord Shiva.
6. Maha Ganapati Temple
This little temple is set on the east side of the well-known Mahabaleshwar Temple. It is believed that Maha Ganapati Temple should be visited first before going to Mahabaleshwar Temple. You can find here over 1 meter tall black stone statue of Lord Ganesha.
7. Gokarna’s Markets