Gokarna, a tiny town in central Karnataka, is roughly 5 hours distant from Goa. The city is regarded sacred by Hindus due to the presence of several respected temples, particularly those devoted to Lord Shiva. The Mahabaleshwar and Ganpati Temples are the two most prominent temples. Gokarna is a mini-Goa or, more accurately, Goa’s hipster equivalent. After the turmoil of the metropolis, its four significant beaches, Om Beach, Kudle Beach, Half Moon Beach, and Paradise Beach, are what you need. Spend some time resting on the beach, enjoying one of their excellent Ayurvedic massages, or participating in a yoga session — everything here is an unforgettable pleasure.
The cabins along the beach serve superb continental and Indian cuisine in a relaxing setting. However, there are many beautiful sites to explore in and around Gokarna. Make time to appreciate the gorgeous sunsets and bright sunrises that the seaside town offers! The small town is located in the Uttara Kannada district, Kumta taluka. The geography of Gokarna is ideal, with the Aghnashini River to the south and the Gangavalli River to the north.
You may get to Gokarna using one of the following options:
- By Road
Many government or private buses travel to Gokarna from major cities such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Pune, Goa, and Mangalore. Private cabs may also be hired from these cities to get you to Gokarna.
- By Air
Dabolim terminal in Goa is the closest international airport to Gokarna (about 150 kilometres). Hubballi terminal in Hubli, on the other hand, is the nearest domestic airport to Gokarna (about 145 kilometres). You may catch a train, bus, or taxi to Gokarna from the Dabolim air terminal, whereas from the Hubballi air terminal, you can catch a bus or a cab to Gokarna.
- By Rail
All trains travelling on the Western Railway lines or the Konkan rail lines stop at Gokarna Road station. As a result, Goa, Mumbai, Pune, Mangalore, and Bengaluru are well serviced by this train route. Gokarna is 6 kilometres from the Gokarna Road train station, and you can catch a vehicle that will take you there. However, due to the station’s low capacity, not all trains may be able to stop at Gokarna Road Station. Ankola and Kumta are the main train stations where you may get off; you may take a bus or a cab to Gokarna.
Best Time to Visit Gokarna
Gokarna can be visited at any time of year. However, the months of October to February are best for visiting Gokarna as the temperature is pleasant and the humidity is at its lowest. Summer lasts from March to May, and it is far too hot to enjoy a day at the beach. The monsoon season lasts from June until early September when the beaches are closed or too deserted and untidy. If you want to see the bustling temples, the best time to visit Gokarna is around the Shivratri in March and the Ganesh Chaturthi in August.
Gokarna is well-known for its seashore and temples. It can be easily completed in three days. However, there are many fascinating places to explore around it, such as Murudeshwar, Vibhooti Falls, Jog Falls, Yana Caves, and Mirjan Fort. If you intend to see all of these locations, a 6-day journey is perfect.
