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“Bag packing every year twice, thrice, or more, running out of passport pages, collecting air tickets, railway tickets, sitting in the uncomfortable buses, travelling at night, waking up to see sunlight, and having a sigh of relief.” Do you too dream your adventure travel bucket list like this? Well, most of us do because “Traveling” is not a word, it’s an emotion. Each one of us has a desire to travel the world, one place at a time. Some love to travel to exotic places while some to calm, more peaceful places.
Are you the latter one, craving to breathe in the sandy air, feel the sand beneath your feet, and listening to the rushing sound of sea waves? But at the same time, looking to be at a calmer place in solitude? If you said yes then there is nothing better than visiting Gokarna, Karnataka. Gokarna is one of the budget travelling places that one must go to experience solitude and peace. In this blog, we will be sharing the top 15 places to visit in Gokarna to revitalize yourself and experience the magic. Scroll down to know more about these exciting places in Gokarna. Lose yourself in the magic of places as you scroll down.
Top 15 Places to visit in Gokarna
There are a lot of places that one visit in Gokarna. Every place has its importance and reverberation. You can visit these places with your family, friends, and even go on a solo trip too. Check out these amazing places to visit in Gokarna, Karnatka while looking for a budget travelling in Karnataka.
1. Mahabaleshwar Temple
Situated at a distance of 500m from the Gokarna Bus Station, Mahabaleshwar Temple is the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage place. It is considered to be the second after Kashi’s Vishwanatha Temple in Varanasi. Many people come here to perform the death rituals just as people go to Haridwar, Uttrakhand.
The Mahabaleshwar Temple is nearly 1500 + years old, representing Dravidian architecture. The temple is carved beautifully with highly skilled labor and is made up of white granite stone.
If this excited to visit Mahabaleshwar Temple in Gokarna, then you must visit this place. Maybe it is the call of God to bless you!
How to reach Gokarna?
Via Airport-From the nearest Dabolim Airport which is 12 km away from the city, you can take a taxi to visit the temple.
Via Bus-You can take public transport and reach the temple via bus. The temple is 500 meters away from the Gokarna Bus Stand.
Best Time to Visit Mahabaleshwar Temple
October to March
Timings for Temple
6 AM to 12:30 PM and 5 PM to 8 PM.
Entry Fees
No entry fee
2. Om Beach
Located at a distance of 6km from the Gokarna Bus Station, Om beach is among the most famous beaches of Gokarna. Situated along with the Arabian Sea coast, Om beach looks beautiful and calm at the same time. The beach is shaped as two crescents joined together, when viewed from the top. Hence the name is Om beach.
The place has a lot to offer. Blessed with a tropical environment, the beach offers a variety of things and activities to do. One can enjoy dolphin spotting, some water sports such as water skiing, surfing, parasailing, and much more. The place is open for bonfires and camping too.
How to reach Om Beach?
Om Beach is 6km away from the Gokarna bus station. You can hire a taxi or auto to come to the beach.
Best Time to visit Om Beach
October to March.
Entry Fee
No Entry Fee
Timings
6 AM to 6 PM
Bonus Tip
There are two more beaches that you can visit i.e. Half Moon Beach and Paradise Beach. These beaches can be visited by boat or by walking across the hills on the northern end.
3. Gokarna Beach
Gokarna Beach also known as The Sunset Beach is one of the most important and famous beaches of Gokarna. Situated 800 meters away from Gokarna Bus Tstaion and 300metres from Mahabaleshwar Temple, Gokarna Beach is the best place to see the sunset.
The beach is famous for water activities and is majorly a spot for sightseeing. You can spot various Indian pilgrims after they visit Mahabaleshwar Temple.
The beach has few restaurants too, to eat and enjoy the sunset view. The hills provide a beautiful panoramic view of the city and the beach.
How to reach Gokarna Beach?
You can walk or trek to the beach from the Gokarna Bus Station which is 0.8 km away from the beach. Also, you can take a taxi from your hotel to the beach.
Best Time to Visit Gokarna Beach
October to March
Entry Fee
There is no entry fee for the beach visit.
Timings
The beach is open throughout the day but make sure to not stay for long when waves are high, especially at night.
Bonus Tip
If you are visiting Gokarna Beach, don’t forget to visit Lord Rama Temple too. The temple is situated on the hill towards the northern side of the beach and is a great place to visit.
4. Kudle Beach
Kudle Beach is among the top four beaches of Gokarna. The place is a good place for scenic beauty and enjoying a cool breeze. The beach is adorned by many small cafes and restaurants.
How to reach Kuddle Beach?
The nearest airport is Dabolim Airport in Gokarna, which is 3 hours away from Kuddle Beach. You can take a taxi from the airport to reach the beach.
Best Time to Visit Kuddle Beach
September to May
Entry Fee
No Entry Fee
Timings
The best time to visit is for sunrise and sunset.
5. Murudeshwara Temple
Murudeshwara, another name of Lord Shiva. Murudeshwara is a beautiful town in Gokarna, holding the world’s second-largest statue of Lord Shiva. A place is a mystic place for all the pilgrims and Shivates.
The thing that amaze people here is the location of temple on Kanduka Hill and water covering the temple from its three sides.
How to reach Murudeshwara Temple?
Via Airport- The nearest airport is Dabolim Airport, which is approximately 5 hours away from Murudeshwara Temple. You can take a cab from the airport to reach there.
Via Bus- The place is well-connected with the road. You can take a public bus that drives in the city to reach the temple.
Best Time to Visit Murudeshwara Temple
Anytime throughout the year.
Entry Fees
No Entry Fee
6. Yaana Caves
Yaana Caves are also among the pilgrim spot in Gokarna. The continuous job of nature- the harsh winds, waterfall, rainfall, and rock formation around it has given Yaana caves a mystical and magical appearance.
Yaana Caves are ideal for trekking too. If you are looking for the best places to visit in Gokarna then it is the one.
How to reach Yaana Caves?
The nearest Airport i.e Dabolim Airport is 5 hours away from the Yaana Caves. You can take a taxi from the airport. But most of the traveling to Yaana caves has to be done by walking.
Best Time to Visit Yaana Caves
November to February
7. Bhadrakali Temple
The temple is one of the oldest religious places in Gokarna. The temple is situated right at the entrance of the city and the city center is at a walking distance from the temple. Facing this temple there is another temple i.e. Shankara Narayan Temple. You can visit both the temples and take blessings from God as these places in Gokarna are the best places to visit for religious people.
How to reach Bhadrakali Temple?
You can take local transport or a cab from the airport to reach the destination.
The place has well- connectivity with roads and trains, so you can also take a bus to reach the temple.
Location
Main Rd, Gokarna, Karnatka
Best time to visit Bhadrakali Temple
The temple is open throughout the year. But the best time to visit Bhadrakali Temple is between October to March as the rains are heavy in Karnatka in the rainy seasons.
Timings
5 AM to 12 PM
8. Mirjan Fort
The fort is a trademark of cultural glory. The Mirjan Fort is situated on National Highway 66 which is 11 kilometers away from Gokarna. The marvelous architecture of the 16th century makes this place a popular tourist attraction. It is one of the best tourist places which is located 11 kilometers away. The fort is a historical marvel blessed with the abundance of nature. The fort was built in the 16th century, by Nawayath Sultanate. It was then taken over by Vijayanagar Empire.
How to reach Mirjan Fort?
Via Railways– The nearest Railway Station is Kumta Railway Station. You can take a train and reach here.
Via Bus– There are many buses available directly from Bangalore to Mirjan Bus stop.
Via Airport– The nearest airport is Goa Airport which takes around 3.5 hours to reach Mirjan Fort. You can take a cab or taxi to see the beautiful Fort.
Best time to visit Mirjan Fort
The Best Time to visit Mirjan Fort is from July to October. The fort looks beautiful with lush green surrounding just after the monsoon.
Timings
8 AM to 6 PM
Entry Fee
No Entry Fee
9. Sathodi Falls
Sathodi Falls is formed by the culmination of various streams. It is a calm, peaceful and quiet place. The place is the perfect fit for trekking and picnic.
How to reach Sathodi Falls?
The falls are at a distance of 3-4 hours from the Dabolim Aiport. You can personal taxi to reach here or can take local transport from your hotel. The taxi will leave you at a distance. So, all you have to do is to walk through the path for few meters.
Best time to visit
July to November
Timings
8 AM to 6 PM
Entry Fee
No Entry Fee
10. Apsarakonda
Apsarakonda is a mesmerizing, unexplored town on the coastline with really beautiful deep blue waters. It is considered that the Pond of Angels as people believe that angels descended to earth from heaven to bathe here. The place is as beautiful as its name. The sunrise when comes from above makes a rainbow in the water which makes it look astonishing.
How to reach Apsarakonda?
The town is at a distance of 5 hours from the Dabolim Aiport. You ca a personal taxi to reach here or can take local transport from your hotel.
Best time to visit
July to September
Timings
8 AM to 6 PM
Entry Fee
No Entry Fee
11. Ganpati Temple
Ganpati Temple is one of the oldest temples in Gokarna. It was built in honor of Lord Ganesh succeeding Ravana in taking away the Atmalinga. The Ganpati Temple is few meters away from Mahabaleshwar Temple.
How to reach Ganpati Temple?
Ganapati Temple is about 800-900 meters away from Mahabaleshwar Temple. You can walk the path or take an auto-rickshaw to reach here.
Best time to visit
October- March.
Timings
8 AM to 6 PM
Entry Fee
No Entry Fee
12. Kotitirtha
Kotitirtha is the scared water body in Gokarna. As the name suggests it is the blend of several thousand springs. Being near many temples, especially Mahabaleshwar, many pilgrims take a dip in the water before entering the temple.
How to reach Kotitirtha?
Kotitirtha is near Mahabaleswar Temple . So, you can just walk from the temple to see this beautiful water body.
Best time to visit
The water body is open throughout the year. But it is not advised to be here in monsoons.
Timings
12 PM to 8 PM
Entry Fee
No Entry Fee
13.Unchalli Falls
Located 36 kilometers from Sirsi and 54 kilometers from Jog Falls, Unchalli falls is in the Uttar Kannada district of Karnataka. The beauty of the fall can make you stunned. It is one of the best waterfalls in Karnataka. The Unchalli fall is created by 116m deep drop Agnashini river. The river creates a plunge in this spectacular waterfall.
How to reach Unchalli Falls?
There are many options available to reach Unchalli Falls. You can take a taxi to the destination and then trek/ walk to this beautiful Unchalli Falls. The nearest village is 2km away from the falls. You can trek to reach the falls as the place does not have too steep slopes or valleys.
Best time to visit Unchalli Falls
July to September
Timings
6 AM to 6 PM
Entry Fee
INR 5 per person, INR10 for two-wheelers, and INR 40 for four-wheelers
14. Anshi National Park
Anshi National Park is also known as the Kali National Park. It is the home to many wild animals mainly Bengal Tigers, black panthers, Indian Elephants, and much other distinctive flora and fauna. The park is preserved in its natural habitat and gives a sense of relief in nature.
How to reach Anshi National Park?
The only way to reach Anshi National Park is to board a taxi to the destination.
Best time to visit Anshi National Park
October to January
Timings
6 AM to 6 PM
Entry Fee
No Entry Fee
15. Tamragouri
Tamragouri is a beautiful temple nestled inside the complex Mahabaleshwar Temple. It is the temple of Goddess Parvati and is one of the most sacred and pilgrim places in Gokarna. The idol generally is not visible to the visitors. It is visible once every 40 years after performing some rituals for the deity. If you love visiting such places and have so much patience to witness the sacred moment, then you must visit Tamragouri Temple.
How to reach Tamra Gouri Temple?
The nearest airport is Dabolim Airport. You can hail a taxi to reach here as the place is just 3 hours away from the airport. Various buses too are available directly to reach the temple.
Best time to visit Tamra Gouri Temple
The temple is open throughout the year. So, you can visit anytime.
Timings
8 AM to 6 PM
Entry Fee
No Entry Fee
Conclusion!
From pilgrim places to trekking, waterfalls, and national parks, Gokarna has all the places one wishes to visit. If you are planning for a budget traveling while visiting all of them, then Gokarna is your go-to place.
Enjoy your traveling and do let us know which place made you feel amazed.
Happy Travelling!
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