Gokarna
Discover Gokarna
Gokarna is a small pilgrimage town on the coast in the Karnataka state of India. It's a conservative Hindu pilgrimage town, home to several temples and festivals. The town is full of locals and pilgrims, and doesn't have much in the way of facilities for tourists, other than a handful of guesthouses and local restaurants. Gokarna means cow's ear in Sanskrit. One of the Hindu epics states that "aatmalimga" of the God Shiva is in the shape of a cow's ear in the Mahabaleshwar temple and the town gains its name as Gokarna.
What to Experience in Gokarna
Famous Beaches
Taste of Gokarna...
It is next to impossible to find some accommodation during the peak season. So, book in advance. (This might be outdated, since there are many guesthouses in Kudle Beach these days.) Gokarna is a pilgrimage town first and foremost, so it's best to keep this in mind - remain quiet and respectful of local traditions, ask permission (and remove your footwear) before entering any of the temples, and if you must consume alcohol here, do it on the premises of your guesthouse (if you're staying at one of the beaches), not in town. Anyone carrying Cannabis should be particularly careful. It is common to see Sadhus sitting in a haze of ganja smoke, but don't assume that it's OK for you to do it too. Locals will report you to the police if they see you doing it or smell it about you and the police will treat you politely but firmly and won't accept baksheesh particularly during Shiva Ratri. Expect a term in jail with absolutely no sympathy from your consular officials. There seems to be an "agreement" with the police and the restaurants, however, not to hassle the locals. Use caution at all times, of course. There are several other temples near Gokarna. Murudeshwara Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a 45-min to 1-hour drive from Gokarna.
Festivals & Events
Experience the vibrant festivals and cultural celebrations of Gokarna.
Visit one of the four beautiful beaches to the south. The beaches are pretty clean, but ask locally about swimming, as the currents can be very strong. Accommodation in huts or shacks and food are available always on all the beaches from ₹100 (basic bamboo hut on Kudle beach with mosquito net and electricity, outside shower and toilet) to ₹500-1500 (small cottage-type house with all necessary amenities on Om Beach) per night in the peak season. Om beach, due to its popularity, tends to be a bit more expensive. Same as Kudle, it has several restaurants that call themselves cafés on this beach. Enjoy the sea, sunlight, beer by sitting in any of the cafés near the beach. Don't fall for the dolphin sight-seeing gimmick from the speed boat vendor. All you get is a 10-min ride and a distant glimpse of something in the water that might be a dolphin. To get to the beaches beyond Om (Half-moon and Paradise) generally you have to walk from Om.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsGokarna is connected by rail through Karwar, Ankola, Hubli, Mangalore, Kumta and Margao. The Konkan Railway and many other trains pass through Gokarna - Kumta (35 km) and Ankola (20 km) are the nearest major railway stations. Gokarna Road (GOK) is the station nearest to the town itself, on the Konkan Railway. Train No. 16513/14 Bangalore City- Karwar Express (4 days a week) & 16523/24 Bangalore City- Karwar (Triweekly) Express have at halt at Gokarna Road, along with Mathsyagandha Express (Daily) (Mangalore Central to Mumbai Lokamanya Tilak Terminus) , Marusagar Express (Weekly) (Ernakulam Junction to Ajmer ) & Poorna Express (Weekly) (Pune to Ernakulam) Connections to Gokarna town (8 km away) are available by There are regular government buses going from both Kumta and Ankola to Gokarna for about ₹10-15. From Gokarna bus stand, the bus stop to get off is Madangeri junction. From Bangalore, depending on the day of travel, there are anywhere from 1-4 buses operated by KSRTC....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
The most common way to get around, as the town is small and compact. Getting to the beaches is best on foot, although there are some rickshaw and boat services described below. Also a convenient way to get around Gokarna. Bicycle rentals are available. Visit one of the four beautiful beaches to the south. The beaches are pretty clean, but ask locally about swimming, as the currents can be very strong. Accommodation in huts or shacks and food are available always on all the beaches from ₹100 (basic bamboo hut on Kudle beach with mosquito net and electricity, outside shower and toilet) to ₹500-1500 (small cottage-type house with all necessary amenities on Om Beach) per night in the peak season. Om beach, due to its popularity, tends to be a bit more expensive. Same as Kudle, it has several restaurants that call themselves cafés on this beach. Enjoy the sea, sunlight, beer by sitting in any of the cafés near the beach.
Where to Stay
It is next to impossible to find some accommodation during the peak season. So, book in advance. (This might be outdated, since there are many guesthouses in Kudle Beach these days.) Gokarna is a pilgrimage town first and foremost, so it's best to keep this in mind - remain quiet and respectful of local traditions, ask permission (and remove your footwear) before entering any of the temples, and if you must consume alcohol here, do it on the premises of your guesthouse (if you're staying at one of the beaches), not in town. Anyone carrying Cannabis should be particularly careful. It is common to see Sadhus sitting in a haze of ganja smoke, but don't assume that it's OK for you to do it too. Locals will report you to the police if they see you doing it or smell it about you and the police will treat you politely but firmly and won't accept baksheesh particularly during Shiva Ratri. Expect a term in jail with absolutely no sympathy from your consular officials.
Money & Budget
The small shops in the town sell religious items, psychedelic T-shirts and clothes for cheap. Trance music CDs and if you spin fire, (cotton) pois are available as well. Malas (prayer beads), incense, cheap jewellery and religious paraphernalia are sold in dozens of stalls along the main road and gathered around temple entrances. It is next to impossible to find some accommodation during the peak season. So, book in advance. (This might be outdated, since there are many guesthouses in Kudle Beach these days.
Safety Information
Glimpses of Gokarna
island near body of water under white sky
a tall tower with a statue on top of it next to a body of water
people on beach during daytime
Aerial View of paradise beach of Gokarna
grass covered mountain island during day
silhouette of people riding boat on sea during sunset
silhouette of people on beach during sunset
This is the picture taken from my goanna trip with my favorite person. this is the oldest building seeing in goanna. Picture captured by Canon 6D with 50mm Lance Picture color correction for Lightroom application also.
A view of a body of water from a hill
gazebo in forest
island near body of water under white sky
a tall tower with a statue on top of it next to a body of water
people on beach during daytime