Murudeshwara is a beachside pilgrimage town on the shores of the Arabian sea in Uttara Kannada. This place is one of the Pancha kshetras of Karnataka namely Dharmasthala, Dharneshwara, Gokarna, and Nanjangud. All the above temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva. Apart from this, Murudeshwara is also noted for a huge Shiva statue that sits on the shore overlooking the sea. History Of Murudeshwara As per the legends, how this temple got originated dates back to Ramayana times. Lord Ganesh played tricks and put the Atma Linga on the ground, which was to immortal powers to King Ravana. But when Lanka king Ravana tried to lift the Atma linga from the ground giving all his energy, tiny pieces flew in all directions. After an unsuccessful event, he became angry and threw the holy cloth which was used to cover the Atma Linga and it fell on Mrideshwara in Kanduka Giri. Later Mrideshwara was renamed Murudeshwar. Murudeshwara Temple Murudeshwara is an ancient temple perched on top of Kanduka hill which is covered by the sea on 3 sides. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and the God represented in the form of Rameshwara Lingam. The whole temple is modernized except for the main shrine that is built using stone. Another specialty about the temple is the Rajagopuram at the entrance which is 249 ft. It is the 2nd tallest gopuram in the World. And there are 20 floors with lift facilities to reach the top of the Rajagopuram. You can’t afford to miss the panoramic view of the Arabian sea, nearby town, and seashores that are bound to take your breath away, from top of the Gopuram. Maha Shivaratri is one of the most popular festivals that is celebrated in a grandeur way. The whole town comes alive with a
Murudeshwara is a beachside pilgrimage town on the shores of the Arabian sea in Uttara Kannada. This place is one of the Pancha kshetras of Karnataka namely Dharmasthala, Dharneshwara, Gokarna, and Nanjangud. All the above temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Apart from this, Murudeshwara is also noted for a huge Shiva statue that sits on the shore overlooking the sea.
History Of Murudeshwara
As per the legends, how this temple got originated dates back to Ramayana times. Lord Ganesh played tricks and put the Atma Linga on the ground, which was to immortal powers to King Ravana. But when Lanka king Ravana tried to lift the Atma linga from the ground giving all his energy, tiny pieces flew in all directions. After an unsuccessful event, he became angry and threw the holy cloth which was used to cover the Atma Linga and it fell on Mrideshwara in Kanduka Giri. Later Mrideshwara was renamed Murudeshwar.
Murudeshwara Temple
Murudeshwara is an ancient temple perched on top of Kanduka hill which is covered by the sea on 3 sides. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and the God represented in the form of Rameshwara Lingam. The whole temple is modernized except for the main shrine that is built using stone.
Another specialty about the temple is the Rajagopuram at the entrance which is 249 ft. It is the 2nd tallest gopuram in the World. And there are 20 floors with lift facilities to reach the top of the Rajagopuram. You can’t afford to miss the panoramic view of the Arabian sea, nearby town, and seashores that are bound to take your breath away, from top of the Gopuram.
Maha Shivaratri is one of the most popular festivals that is celebrated in a grandeur way. The whole town comes alive with a lot of colorful lights, huge processions, and fireworks. You can witness thousands of devotees visiting this place during Maha Shivaratri.
Temple Timings:
Morning 5 Am to 1 Pm
Evening : 3 Pm To 8 Pm
Shiva Statue Park In Murudeshwara
Shiva Statue in Murudeshwar is the 2nd tallest statue after the Kailashnath Mahadev statue in Nepal. This statue is 123 ft into the sky. And, it is built in such a way that sunlight always falls on the statue and it glows all the time. Try visiting the small cave at the base of the Shiva statue that narrates the whole story of Atmalinga with statues.
Above all, the view of the sun running down the horizon behind the Shiva statue is an absolute treat to the eye.
Timings: 8 Am to 9 Pm.
Murudeshwara Beach
It is a pristine beach with silky sand of seashore that extends up to 3 kilometers. With palm grooves along the shores, serene surroundings, lofty hills, and a lot of greenery around make this place an ideal picnic spot for travelers. The beach is shallow and it is perfect to take a swim without any worries. You can spot birds like seagulls and kingfishers flying on top of your head. Apart from this, you can experience activities like banana boat ride, parasailing, and water scooter ride.
Evenings are usually busy at Murudeshwara beach. You can see flea markets, small shops, and street food vendors occupying the beach. It is the best place to shop for local goods and have lip-smacking street food delicacies.
Murudeshwara Fort
This fort which is right behind the temple was built during the Vijayanagar Empire and was renovated by Tipu Sultan. There are paintings, stylish artworks, and a lot of carvings on the fort wall.
Netrani Islands Or Netrani Gudda
It is an uninhabited island that is 20 Km away from the temple and it takes about 90 minutes to reach through boats. Netrani islands are home to wild goats and pigeons, hence this is also known as” Pigeon islands”.Usually, when you look at this island from the sky it appears it appears in the shape of a heart.
Clearwater and visibility range up to 25 to 30 meters make this an ideal place for scuba diving and snorkeling. The best time to experience scuba diving is from December to January. This place is suitable for all kinds of divers be it amateurs are experts. Netrani Islands is the perfect place in Karnataka to experience and explore rare and beautiful marine life underwater. Climate, water, currents, and environment everything in here is ideal for underwater diving. Not just that even the services offered here are top class, safe, and reliable.
You can spot Napoleon wrasse, cobia, stonefish, blacktip sharks, great barracuda, stingrays, butterflyfish, triggerfish turtles, etc.
Where And What To Eat In Murudeshwara
This place hosts a large number of eateries and restaurants that serve authentic local cuisines to travelers. You have to definitely go to Naveen restaurant that is built a few yards into the Arabian sea. And this restaurant is possibly one of the best places to witness the dramatic sunsets. You will get idlis, vada, dosas, ghee roast, Upma, Kesaribath, Bisibelebath, rice, sambar, rasam papad, etc
Even though it is a temple town, a little far away from the temple, there are restaurants that serve you some delicious seafood. You gotta try Bhatkal biryani, fish fry, fish thali, kingfish Rava fry, prawns thali, prawns, Anjal masala, pepper chicken, etc. For seafood Nayak Fishland, Naveen beach resort, and sea lounge restaurants should be on top of your list.
How To Reach Murdeshwara
It is a very popular Pilgrimage center in Karnataka. So, you will be finding plenty of government as well as private bus services from Bangalore to this region. Moreover, It drops you off right next to the Murudeshwara Temple. You will even find frequent bus services from different parts of Karnataka.
Uttara Kannada is the largest district In Karnataka and is one of those places where 80% of the land is covered with lush green forest. It is a picture-perfect destination. tucked between the Arabian sea in west, Western ghats in east, and Goa in North. This place is filled with a rich history, abundant natural resources, and diverse geographical features, which makes it popular among travelers. Adorned with beautiful beaches, waterfalls, historical locations, Islands, pilgrimage centers, unique rock formations, and lofty mountains this place is sure to impress and excite any individual. Apart from this, there are many activities you can indulge in like white water rafting, trekking, beach hiking, rock climbing, boating, swimming, etc. In this post, you will be dealing with Places you can visit and things you can do while in Uttara Kannada. The coastline stretches for 140 odd kilometers, so whenever you are here, do not miss out on local seafood delicacies. Especially try eating Prawn Masala, Pomfret, Kingfish, Fish Thali, Goan Fish Curry, and Fish Fry Gokarna, Dandeli, Joida, Yellapur, Murudeshwara, Karwar, Kumta, Ankola, and Sirsi are some famous must-visit places in Uttara Kannada. Karwar is the headquarters of the Uttara Kannada district which is also known as North Canara. To witness full glory and get most out of the tour, try heading to Uttara Kannada post-monsoon from September and March. Best Places To Visit In Uttara Kannada Karwar Karwar is a laid back coastal town, located 15 km from Goa border, in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, Popularly known as the “ Kashmir of Karnataka ” by the locals. This place is all about picture-perfect landscapes, untouched islands, pristine beaches, scenic sunsets, sandbanks in winter, lush green mountains, historical sights, lip-smacking coastal delicacies, and serene surroundings. Besides this, it is surrounded by beauties like
Uttara Kannada is the largest district In Karnataka and is one of those places where 80% of the land is covered with lush green forest. It is a picture-perfect destination. tucked between the Arabian sea in west, Western ghats in east, and Goa in North. This place is filled with a rich history, abundant natural resources, and diverse geographical features, which makes it popular among travelers. Adorned with beautiful beaches, waterfalls, historical locations, Islands, pilgrimage centers, unique rock formations, and lofty mountains this place is sure to impress and excite any individual. Apart from this, there are many activities you can indulge in like white water rafting, trekking, beach hiking, rock climbing, boating, swimming, etc. In this post, you will be dealing with Places you can visit and things you can do while in Uttara Kannada.
The coastline stretches for 140 odd kilometers, so whenever you are here, do not miss out on local seafood delicacies. Especially try eating Prawn Masala, Pomfret, Kingfish, Fish Thali, Goan Fish Curry, and Fish Fry
Gokarna, Dandeli, Joida, Yellapur, Murudeshwara, Karwar, Kumta, Ankola, and Sirsi are some famous must-visit places in Uttara Kannada. Karwar is the headquarters of the Uttara Kannada district which is also known as North Canara.
To witness full glory and get most out of the tour, try heading to Uttara Kannada post-monsoon from September and March.
Best Places To Visit In Uttara Kannada
Karwar
Karwar is a laid back coastal town, located 15 km from Goa border, in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, Popularly known as the “ Kashmir of Karnataka ” by the locals. This place is all about picture-perfect landscapes, untouched islands, pristine beaches, scenic sunsets, sandbanks in winter, lush green mountains, historical sights, lip-smacking coastal delicacies, and serene surroundings. Besides this, it is surrounded by beauties like the Arabian sea, Western ghats, and river Kali, which elevates this destination to the next level.
A small holy town of Karnataka and an emerging travel hotspot; Gokarna is one of the excellent holiday options for unwinding yourself and deserves to be on the bucket list of every travel enthusiast.
A very touristic place centered around temples on the coast of Karwar, this hidden gem presents the ideal blend of serenity and magnificence that helps you relax and rejuvenate both your mind as well as the body.
Gokarna is mainly known for its immaculate beaches, historic temples, delectable food, and astonishing landscapes and is a heaven for pilgrims, beach lovers, and hippies.
Dandeli is a splendid town situated on the banks of the river Kali in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. Popularly known as” Adventure Capital Of Karnataka “ sits at 1551 ft above sea level amid the greenery-filled Western Ghats. With striking streams, diversified wildlife, exquisite nature, numerous trekking trails, and daring water activities make this a dream destination for nature-lovers and adventure freaks.
Banavasi is the oldest town of Karnataka and the first capital of the native Kannada empire Kadambas. This is a laid back temple town near Sirsi in the Malenadu region of Uttara Kannada. The place is set amidst thick forest, an ancient village, and river Varada flowing around it on three sides. Earlier the Banavasi was known with many names like “Konkanapura”, Vaijayanthipura”, “Jayanthipura”, “Vanavasika”, etc.
Blessed with pristine nature, ancient temples, paddy fields, wild rivers, and tumbling waterfalls this is Sureshot heaven for travelers.
There is something in Uttara Kannada for all kinds of travelers, be it adventurer, nature lovers, shutterbug, leisure seeker, backpacker, etc. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and start exploring.
If you think any other place can make it to the list of must-visit places in Uttar Kannada, then leave them in the comment section below.
Apsarakonda is a small village that is tucked in one corner near the coastal town Honnavar. This beautiful village always receives you with a pleasant climate, a lot of greenery, clear sky, and serene surroundings. As you step into Apsarakonda, you will get a feel as if you have entered a no man’s land. Indeed, calling Apsarakonda a paradise would be an understatement. This blog throws light on Apsarakonda Falls Trek and the beach. Apsarakonda Falls Undoubtedly, one of the most beautiful falls that sits a few meters away from the Arabian Sea. Water plunges down like a thick froth from a height of 10 meters and forms a tiny natural pool. It appears like water flows down through the roots of the peepal tree, but water actually flows through a hidden cave behind a tree. Falls are surrounded by plenty of greenery in the form of trees and hidden caves. The pool here is shallow and contains crystal clear water which makes it absolutely safe to take a dip. While you are here all that you hear is the chirping sound of birds and the sound of water gushing down. Apsarakonda Falls Trek You need to trek for 15 odd minutes in a well-defined path that will lead you to Apsarakonda falls. After you park your vehicle, there is a small garden and there you should take a path that leads downwards to reach the ancient Narasimha temple. You should descend the concrete steps that are placed behind the temple. Once you reach this point you have to walk a few yards downwards. And try to follow the sound of water crashing to the ground then you arrive at the falls. Pond of angels Apparently, locals believe that angels used to fly down to Apsarakonda falls to take baths
Apsarakonda is a small village that is tucked in one corner near the coastal town Honnavar. This beautiful village always receives you with a pleasant climate, a lot of greenery, clear sky, and serene surroundings. As you step into Apsarakonda, you will get a feel as if you have entered a no man’s land. Indeed, calling Apsarakonda a paradise would be an understatement. This blog throws light on Apsarakonda Falls Trek and the beach.
Apsarakonda Falls
Undoubtedly, one of the most beautiful falls that sits a few meters away from the Arabian Sea. Water plunges down like a thick froth from a height of 10 meters and forms a tiny natural pool. It appears like water flows down through the roots of the peepal tree, but water actually flows through a hidden cave behind a tree. Falls are surrounded by plenty of greenery in the form of trees and hidden caves. The pool here is shallow and contains crystal clear water which makes it absolutely safe to take a dip. While you are here all that you hear is the chirping sound of birds and the sound of water gushing down.
Apsarakonda Falls Trek
You need to trek for 15 odd minutes in a well-defined path that will lead you to Apsarakonda falls. After you park your vehicle, there is a small garden and there you should take a path that leads downwards to reach the ancient Narasimha temple. You should descend the concrete steps that are placed behind the temple. Once you reach this point you have to walk a few yards downwards. And try to follow the sound of water crashing to the ground then you arrive at the falls.
Pond of angels
Apparently, locals believe that angels used to fly down to Apsarakonda falls to take baths and relax in the olden days. Hence, this falls is called “ Apsarakonda” which means “pond of angels” in the local language. Considering the beauty falls possess, no wonder the angel came down to relax here.
Pandavas Cave
On the other hand, you can spot huge and attractive caves near the falls called Pandava caves. As per the legends, Pandavas of Mahabharata stayed in these caves during their exile period. Do not enter the caves as there are poisonous snakes inhabiting inside it.
If possible try carrying your own food, as you will not find any eateries other than a small canteen that serves local food.
You can pay a visit to Umamba Mahaganapathi and Ugra Narasimha temples which are tucked in caves from time immemorial. As per legends, these temples were established by saints who used to meditate here, thousands of years ago.
Note: Not many facilities, except for basic washroom and a canteen.
Apsarakonda View Point
There are a beautiful lush green garden and a viewpoint on the lofty cliffs of Apsarakonda. The tourism department has made sure that the gardens are well maintained and they have set up benches to sit and enjoy the picture-perfect landscapes. Above all, the view of the river joining the sea, Apsarakonda beach, the Arabian sea which never ends, and of course the sunsets are absolutely stunning.
Apsarakonda Beach
With zero crowds, smooth sand under your feet, the paradise of greenery around you, and beach all for yourself, what more can you ask for? In other words, Apsarakonda is an isolated beach with no evidence of people, shops, eateries, or shacks for that matter. Above all, there is a cute little backwater pool that opens its mouth to the big blue Arabian sea. You can even take a dip in these sweet backwater pools and laze around doing nothing, On top of this, do not miss out on sunsets that cast a golden glow on everything that is around you.
You can take a narrow path from the main road that leads you to the beach. If you love adventure, then try to hike down the cliff to reach the beach.
How To reach Apsarakonda
Coastal town Honnavara is just 8 km away from Apsarakonda village. Hence,.you can either hop into a bus which is less frequent or aboard an auto-rickshaw from Honnavara. Otherwise, you can take a bus to Kasarkod beach and stroll towards Apsarakonda for 1.5 to 2 Km, there are signboards to guide you.
A small temple town named Gokarna is located in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. Gokarna is a Hindu pilgrimage destination. These days due to the advent of foreigners, hippie culture also prevails in this region. Additionally, if you want to dig deeper into Gokarna then you would probably require a travel guide or a local person. It is one of the best offbeat places to enjoy your time peacefully relaxing and chilling on the beautiful beaches of south India along with a small touch of tradition and culture added to it. This place has got so many things to offer right from nature, sightseeing, trekking, seafood. Beaches, temples, water, and other activities. Goa is just a 3 to 4 hours ride from Gokarna( ie 150 km away) so a lot of people hop into this place. A contrast nature in the lifestyle of both these places can be observed clearly. Goa is more of life, party, entertainment, and a little crowded compared to Gokarna which is traditional, peaceful, and relaxing. There is the historical significance of this place related to Hindu mythology which takes us back to the days of Ramayana. We will get to know about the story in the paragraphs below. Note: The word Gokarna means cow’s ears.it is believed that Lord Shiva emerged from the ear of a cow (mother earth) in this place, hence the name Gokarna. Om Beach Gokarna How to Reach Gokarna Reaching Gokarna wouldn’t be much of a problem as major cities of south India are just a few hour\'s journeys from there. Therefore, no need to worry as there are multiple transport facilities available. Rail Route The nearest railway stations would be Gokarna and Ankola railway station which are 14 and 25km away respectively. Some trains won’t stop at Gokarna so
A small temple town named Gokarna is located in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. Gokarna is a Hindu pilgrimage destination. These days due to the advent of foreigners, hippie culture also prevails in this region. Additionally, if you want to dig deeper into Gokarna then you would probably require a travel guide or a local person.
It is one of the best offbeat places to enjoy your time peacefully relaxing and chilling on the beautiful beaches of south India along with a small touch of tradition and culture added to it.
This place has got so many things to offer right from nature, sightseeing, trekking, seafood. Beaches, temples, water, and other activities.
Goa is just a 3 to 4 hours ride from Gokarna( ie 150 km away) so a lot of people hop into this place. A contrast nature in the lifestyle of both these places can be observed clearly. Goa is more of life, party, entertainment, and a little crowded compared to Gokarna which is traditional, peaceful, and relaxing.
There is the historical significance of this place related to Hindu mythology which takes us back to the days of Ramayana. We will get to know about the story in the paragraphs below.
Note: The word Gokarna means cow’s ears.it is believed that Lord Shiva emerged from the ear of a cow (mother earth) in this place, hence the name Gokarna.
Om Beach Gokarna
How to Reach Gokarna
Reaching Gokarna wouldn’t be much of a problem as major cities of south India are just a few hour\’s journeys from there. Therefore, no need to worry as there are multiple transport facilities available.
Rail Route
The nearest railway stations would be Gokarna and Ankola railway station which are 14 and 25km away respectively. Some trains won’t stop at Gokarna so get down at Ankola. Both these stations are connected to major cities likes Bangalore, Mumbai, Goa, and Mangalore.
Furthermore, the train from Bangalore will cost around 450 INR.
From railway stations either you can take an autorickshaw or there are plenty of local buses. In a bus, it cost around 40 INR and in Autorikshaw it might cost around 150 to 200 1NR.
Road
Major cities like Bangalore, Goa, and Mumbai are well connected to Gokarna. You can reach by taking a taxi or bus.
If you are traveling in a group I would suggest you take a taxi, it might cost you 10 or 12 INR /km. Prices make vary depending upon the luxury and number of people in the group.
We can travel in private and public buses to reduce cost if one or two people are travelling rather than taking a taxi.
Private buses from Bangalore will cost you around 700 to 1000 INR and will vary based on luxury you opt or based on seasons.
Public buses (KSRTC) are also available it will cost 500 INR / seat from Bangalore.
Also Read: How to Save money while traveling
Air
The closest airport to Gokarna is Dabolim airport in Goa which is 150 km away and Mangalore airport which is 230 km away.
From the airport to Gokarna you can take a taxi which will cost 3000 INR: can take a public or private bus which will cost around 300 INR/ person: train which will cost around 150 INR/ person.
Places to visit in Gokarna
These are some of the best things to do in Gokarna
Mahabaleshwar Temple
The temple was established during the 4th century CE and the main god worshipped here is Lord Shiva.
There is a small and interesting story of how this temple was originated: it takes us back to the Ramayana era. As a result, we can see a lot of religious people coming to this temple.
It is believed that the Srilankan king Ravana had performed immense penance to get “Atma Linga” from Lord Shiva as that would make Ravana very powerful and above all, no one can defeat him.
Lord Shiva impressed with Ravana gave him “Atma Linga” with an instruction that it should not be kept on the ground as it might lose its power.
Lord Ganesha played a trick on Ravana and made sure “Atma Linga” is placed on the ground in Gokarna. Ravana used all his might and tried to lift the “Atma Linga” but was not successful so he named Lord Shiva as Mahabala( one with great strength). The “Atma Linga” was called Mahabaleshwara and later after a few years temple was built.
One of the most famous pilgrimage place of Indians.
Never miss out on this place when you are visiting Gokarna.
This temple provides one of the simple and the best food to have with a touch of the authentic taste of that region. The temple food meals are absolutely free but you have to be present there at 1 pm.
The temple management gives free meals to a limited number of people.
Temple timings: 6 am to 12 pm and 5 pm to 8 pm.
Kudle Beach
Kudle Beach Sunset
If anyone wants to witness one of the most beautiful sunsets then you need to hop on to Kudle beach. Beach stretch with a cliff makes this place look very beautiful and picturesque. As a result, people always carry a camera along with them.
There are a lot of water activities like boat ride, dolphin spotting, and banana ride on this beach.
Best place to have your meal and stay. Kudle beach is less crowded compared to Om beach. Also, never miss out on a big glass of tea with a banana pancake and ice Nutella these things are very delicious and mouthwatering.
Om Beach
Om Beach
This beach is the most popular among the crowds and it is about 6 km from Gokarna\’s main town. You can either trek or take a boat ride from Kudle beach to reach Om beach. The boat ride will cost you 10 TO 20 INR.
Om beach forms the shape of Om( a mystic syllable or Hindu symbol), hence the name.
The long white sandy stretch with small rocky structures makes it an amazing view. Sunset from this beach is a breathtaking view.
There are many fun activities like fishing, banana ride, parasailing, speed boating, etc makes this beach more entertaining and keeps people engaged.
We can find plenty of good restaurants and stays on this beach If you are a party freaky, you can find at least 1 or 2 parties at the weekend.
Half Moon Beach
This beach forms the shape of a crescent, hence the name. We can reach Half Moon beach by trekking or boat ride from OM beach. Trekking from Om beach would take around 1 hour. It is a small beach with 2 restaurants, There are no stays available here.
We can’t find any water sport activities in this area, hence we can barely find any tourists here. This place is very quiet and peaceful.
Paradise Beach
This is the last beach among 4 major beaches present in Gokarna. As the name suggests it does look like a mini paradise on earth. The water and the beach here looks very fresh and clean. As a result, we can see plenty of people camp here overnight, the view of the sky with plenty of stars looks wonderful.
The beaches here are very deep so be careful if you are swimming.
There are no restaurants or stays here so always carry food and tent if you are planning to stay here overnight.
Nirvana Beach
Go for a night walk on the Nirvana Beach to witness the shimmering Phytoplankton’s which turn the sea blue and is caused by a natural phenomenon called Bioluminescence
Yana caves
This is a small village in the Kumta forest, which is 50 km away from Gokarna. Yana caves are an unusual karst rock formation. Yana cave is a part of Sahyadri mountains of western ghats and surrounded by thick forest and streams. You need to trek for 3 km within the forest before reaching this place.
We can also find Vibooti waterfalls 8 km away from Yana.
How to reach Yana from Gokarna?
We can take a bus or a taxi from Gokarna. Yana comes in between Gokarna and Sirsi. You need to take a Sirsi bus from Gokarna and inform the driver where you need to get down because many buses won’t stop there without you requesting. The bus ticket would cost around 50 INR.
Mirjan Fort
This fort is located at a distance of 20 km from Gokarna. we can see architectural elegance and glimpses of the battle that took place in the Mirjan fort.
There are plenty of private and public buses are available to reach Mirjan Fort and it would cost 20 to 30 INR for a bus ticket from Gokarna.
You can even rent a bicycle, which will make us travel more responsibly and it would cost around 50 to 100 INR/ day.
Fort Timings: 8 am to 6 pm.
Things To Do In Gokarna
Beachside Trekking
Gokarna Beach trekking
It will be one of the best trekking experience. we will trek through four major beaches Kudle, Om, Half Moon, and Paradise beaches along the cliff. You can either start from Kudle or Paradise beach. It will take around 3 to 4 hours to complete the trek. The difficulty level will be easy to moderate.
Best time to trek will be early morning or during sunset time, it will be a magnificent view from the cliffs. You can notice one side with lush green trees and another side with a beach; you can notice boats, fishing, lots of people swimming Sunset, and other activities while you are trekking.
Always wear comfortable clothes because sometimes you will have to do a little jumping here and there.
These are very easy treks so don\’t spend much of money on guides.
Water Sports Activities In Gokarna
You want to take up any ride always be careful about scams because there are people who would charge 2 to 3 times the actual price. It is better to ask hotel managers where you stay, they will guide you in a proper way and sometimes even arrange everything for you at a lesser price.
Pro Tip; always bargain and ask many people before you take up any activity as some people try to charge a huge amount.
There are package activity tours available, it will reduce the cost
If you are good at talking a local language Kannada it is always an added advantage. Therefore, if you have any knowledge about the local language use it as much as possible. Furthermore, water activities in Gokarna for cheaper rates wouldn\’t have been possible with the local travel guide.
Water Activities in Gokarna
Banana boat ride
Bumper boat rides
Jet Skiing
Speed Boating
Parasailing
Snorkeling
Surfing
Dolphin Spotting
Fishing Trips
What to Eat at Gokarna
Fish fry
This is a coastal region so seafood like prawns, fish, crabs are very famous. Beaches here are lined up with the best cuisines of the world like Indian, Italian, The Mediterranean, English, French, Mexican, etc along with local and authentic Karnataka style cuisines, hence you need not worry about food no matter which part of the world you belong to.
You can try prawn masala, pomfret fish fry, and Kingfish. The cost will be around 150 to 300 INR / meal based on what you order. Seafood is very good at Om beach.
Furthermore, you can eat at any restaurant in this area as it tastes the same in almost all the restaurants.
Never miss out on banana pancakes and ice Nutella these are very delicious and mouthwatering and it might cost around 100 INR.
Where to Stay at Gokarna
Gokarna Stays and shacks
There are plenty of room stays, shacks, and a hostel in Gokarna. If you want to cut down on stay cost then you can opt for hostels. On average accommodations here might cost 400 to 500 INR / person.
Accommodation costs will be varying based on seasons.
Best Time to Visit Gokarna
You can visit this place any time of the year, it remains the same throughout the year. Maybe if you are concerned about heatwaves you can avoid summer from( March to May) as it is very hot. As a result, we can see a constant number of tourists and travelers coming to Gokarna.
The best time as per my suggestion will be to visit from December to February period.
Conclusion
Sunset view From Om beach
For the people who are stuck up with their hectic scheduled work: who want to escape the actual reality of life and who wants to buy some time for themselves. I suggest these places gotta be on top of your list.
There will be a huge crowd during New Year and Mahashivarathri so avoid going there at this time. As you might not get accommodations and you might lose the sole purpose of visiting Gokarna.
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A small holy town of Karnataka and an emerging travel hotspot; Gokarna is one of the excellent holiday options for unwinding yourself and deserves to be on the bucket list of every travel enthusiast. A very touristic place centered around temples on the coast of Karwar, this hidden gem presents the ideal blend of serenity and magnificence that helps you relax and rejuvenate both your mind as well as the body. Gokarna is mainly known for its immaculate beaches, historic temples, delectable food, and astonishing landscapes and is a heaven for pilgrims, beach lovers, and hippies. Things to do in Gokarna: We have come up with a list of the most adventurous and revitalizing activities that you can enjoy with your friends or family and are the musts to do things when in Gokarna. Beach Trekking Gokarna\'s main attraction is not only its beaches, where people come to destress and soak up the sun but is also known for Beach Trekking. The delight of trekking combined with phenomenal views of the Arabian Sea on one side and rocky hills on the other gives you a unique and unusual experience of a whole new level. Gokarna has 5 main tranquil and pristine beaches all connected, which can be trekked and explored allowing you to enjoy the cool breeze and meander from one beach to another. You can hear the humming of waves as you trek through these beaches and will be smitten by the breathtaking landscapes as you move into dense forests and is a paradise for trekking enthusiasts. The trails are very well marked making it easy for trekking. The total trek distance from Paradise Beach to Gokarna Beach is around 16 kilometers. Popular Beaches in Gokarna The small sleepy town of Karnataka, Gokarna has its coastline fringed with some
A small holy town of Karnataka and an emerging travel hotspot; Gokarna is one of the excellent holiday options for unwinding yourself and deserves to be on the bucket list of every travel enthusiast.
A very touristic place centered around temples on the coast of Karwar, this hidden gem presents the ideal blend of serenity and magnificence that helps you relax and rejuvenate both your mind as well as the body.
Gokarna is mainly known for its immaculate beaches, historic temples, delectable food, and astonishing landscapes and is a heaven for pilgrims, beach lovers, and hippies.
Things to do in Gokarna:
We have come up with a list of the most adventurous and revitalizing activities that you can enjoy with your friends or family and are the musts to do things when in Gokarna.
Beach Trekking
Gokarna\’s main attraction is not only its beaches, where people come to destress and soak up the sun but is also known for Beach Trekking.
The delight of trekking combined with phenomenal views of the Arabian Sea on one side and rocky hills on the other gives you a unique and unusual experience of a whole new level.
Gokarna has 5 main tranquil and pristine beaches all connected, which can be trekked and explored allowing you to enjoy the cool breeze and meander from one beach to another.
You can hear the humming of waves as you trek through these beaches and will be smitten by the breathtaking landscapes as you move into dense forests and is a paradise for trekking enthusiasts.
The trails are very well marked making it easy for trekking. The total trek distance from Paradise Beach to Gokarna Beach is around 16 kilometers.
Popular Beaches in Gokarna
The small sleepy town of Karnataka, Gokarna has its coastline fringed with some of the most captivating, appealing beaches, and strolling through them will leave anyone feeling refreshed and energized.
Getting a glimpse of the surreal sunset, meandering through the white sandy beaches and hearing the humming of waves, soaking your feet in clear blue water that is spread as far as you can perceive with your eyes are some of the beautiful things that you can experience in these beaches. Here is a list of some of the best beaches in Gokarna.
Gokarna Beach:
Gokarna Beach is a wide and long open beach, which is present in the main town and is quite famous and preferred by the pilgrims. One can witness the lush green Western Ghats on one side and the Arabian Sea on the other when you walk up to this beach.
The Gokarna beach is located at a close distance to Mahabaleswara Temple and it’s a religious practice according to which pilgrims usually take a holy dip here before visiting the shrine.
This beach gives you some of the most alluring sights of the sea and the surrounding hillocks and has gained fame recently as a surfing site.
Om Beach:
Deriving its name because of its shape that resembles the sacred letter “OM”, this majestic beach with pristine water and sparkling white sand is only 7 kilometers away from the main town. One can stand on the rocks or walk along the coast of this beach to get an actual glimpse of the Om shape.
Om beach is a great place for all water sports enthusiasts and you cannot miss indulging in water sports here. It’s well known for sports activities like banana boat rides, Skiing, Snorkeling, Surfing, and Parasailing. You can also spot dolphins from Dolphin’s point near Om Beach.
Tourists can respite, dine and relax at several places near the beach or can enjoy their stay at the bamboo huts which are comfortable and classy. Om beach is a perfect and trending place witnessing a large number of travelers every day.
Kudle Beach:
About 6 kilometers from the town Centre and located at a walkable distance from Om beach is the Kudle Beach which is the most popular beach among tourists. The main attraction on this beach is the white sand fringed with palm trees.
This beach is lined with a lot of cafes, shacks, and guesthouses and is quite famous for its scrumptious seafood. Beach shacks are highly recommended if you are looking for an affordable and memorable stay in Gokarna.
You can witness a lot of liveliness in this beach with musicians playing guitars, people practising yoga and martial arts, volleyball players, and tourists lazing around the beach, making it one of the happening places of Gokarna.
Best place to have your meal and stay. Kudle beach is less crowded compared to Om beach. Also, never miss out on a big glass of tea with a banana pancake and ice Nutella these things are very delicious and mouthwatering.
Half Moon Beach:
Another unruffled beach of Gokarna is the Half Moon Beach which comprises much of Gokarna town and also known as the Crescent beach. It is in the shape of a half-moon and hence its name. This secluded beach gives a quiet beach experience, ideal for people longing solitude.
This attractive cove could be reached either by trek from Om beach or by motorboats from other Beaches. The trek is quite tiring as it involves steep ascents and descents through a rugged path.
It’s an absolute treat to the eyes to watch the roaring waves splashing against the glittery sand and spotting some playful dolphins from this place. Don’t forget to click Instagram worthy pictures and selfies when you are at this place.
Paradise Beach:
A small beach that can be either reached via trek or boats as you head south from the Half Moon beach is the Paradise Beach, also referred to as Full Moon Beach. Surrounded by small hills and islands, this beach is a pollution-free and most unspoiled beach of Gokarna.
As the name suggests this tiny protected cove is a paradise for people yearning solace from the hustle of city life. The calm and beautiful landscapes surrounded by huge palm trees offer a surreal experience to the visitors.
Paradise Beach is a perfect place for you if you want to engage yourself in the true hippie culture.
Relish in a variety of Local Delicacies
Dotted with innumerable shacks on its beaches and good local restaurants, Gokarna has a lot in store to offer for foodies and seafood lovers. Whether you are craving for Indian or Continental food, these food places serve you the best.
If you are looking for authentic and vegetarian Indian delicacies then Prema Restaurant tops the list. Don’t forget to try the famous \”GADBAD\” and homemade ice creams here.
Do visit Namaste Café on Om Beach and you will fall in love with the ambiance of this place. Famous for its seafood, few lip-smacking dishes to try here are Seafood Lasagna, Prawn Pizza served on a banana leaf, and Ice Nutella.
Moreover, this cafe is beautifully lit in the evenings, and dining here with the captivating sea view and hearing the soothing music of the waves in the background is one of the best things to do in Gokarna.
Mahabaleshwara Temple:
The City of Gokarna holds a few ancient and historical temples that are dated back to the 4th century. One of the primary things to do in Gokarna is to visit the holy and sublime Mahabaleshwara Temple, a masterpiece exhibiting the brilliance of Dravidian architecture.
Also known as Dakshina Kashi, this temple is famous for its Shiva Linga (Athma Linga). Gokarna gained its initial recognition because of this temple.
It’s a common belief that whoever gets a glimpse of the deity here which is over 1500 years old, would bring them good fortune. This pilgrimage is indeed an incredible place for those seeking a spiritual retreat with the Almighty.
Yana Caves:
Located in the Sahyadri Range of Western Ghats, Yana is a small village situated in the forests of Kumta and is about 52 km from Gokarna. Yana Caves are known for the unusual and unique rock formations also called Karst.
Additionally, this hidden wonder houses two magnificent rock formations composed of black limestone which are known as the Bhairaveshwara Shikhara(120 metres) and the Mohini Shikhara(90 meters) surrounded by lush green forests. You need to trek for 3 km within the forest to reach this place.
Vibhooti Falls:
The other attraction which is 8kms away from Yana is a small perennial waterfall surrounded by gigantic rocks and limestone deposits called the Vibhooti Falls. You need to trek to reach this multi-tiered waterfall and the water here is crystal clear.
There is a popular belief that the water that flows from Yana is the sacred ash (vibhooti), and hence the name Vibhooti Falls. The best time to visit this place is during the monsoon and you must include this place in the itinerary.
Mirjan Fort:
Built-in the 16th century by the Pepper Queen Chennabhairadevi, Mirjan fort is located on the banks of river Aganashini in Mirjan village and is 22km from Gokarna. This fort was built with laterite stones spread over an area of 10 acres.
The fort which stands tall amidst the clear blue sky was once a primary center for spice trade which was later seized by the British who turned it into their armory. Currently, it is preserved by the Archeological Survey of India.
This monument which is a site for many battles in the past remains an epitome of architectural elegance and a reminder of our rich history. You can even rent a bicycle, which will make us travel more responsibly and it would cost around 50 to 100 INR/ day.
Shopping in Gokarna:
You can find a lot of tiny shops and local markets in Gokarna bustling with tourists. At flea markets, you can pick up some imitation Jewelry, souvenirs, brass lamps, religious items, clothes, a few handmade products and trinkets made with beads and seashells. furthermore, don’t forget to put your bargaining skills to good use here that can fetch you a fair deal.
Shivaratri Festival in Gokarna:
Maha Shivaratri is usually the main festival celebrated in a grand affair in Gokarna. Thousands of pilgrims throng this place in February or early March to participate in the festival celebration that is held in the main Mahabaleshwar temple.
The main attraction of this festival is the two huge temple chariots bearing the idol of Lord Shiva and the lingam is drawn through the streets of the town, by hundreds of pilgrims with the help of thick ropes and conclude the nine-day festival. Kartika Mahotsava in November is another festival celebrated with great fervor here.
There will be a huge crowd during New Year and Mahashivarathri so avoid going there at this time. As you might not get accommodations and you might lose the sole purpose of visiting Gokarna. If you still want to visit, make sure you do the booking for your stay at least 2 months prior,
Phytoplanktons in Nirvana Beach:
Go for a night walk on the Nirvana Beach to witness the shimmering Phytoplankton’s which turn the sea blue and is caused by a natural phenomenon called Bioluminescence. This electric blue effect will give you a feeling of small LED lights glowing in the water. Very few beaches in the world showcase this wonder of nature.
Heading to Nirvana beach and catching the sight of glistening Phytoplankton’s is an out of the world experience and ranks high on the list of top things to do in Gokarna.
As the name of the beach suggests, this is a place of nirvana for nature lovers.
Yoga
Gokarna is considered to be one of the best places in south India to do yoga. There are plenty of yoga retreat centers and in many centers, they also teach for free, You can notice a lot of foreign crowds coming here for of learning yoga.
If you are looking to escape from the monotony of life and wish to spend your vacation soaking in natural beauty then Gokarna is the destination perfect for you to visit next.
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