GOKARNA: 5 REASONS YOU MUST EXPLORE THIS HIDDEN BEACH TOWN

Gokarna is a beautiful coastal town on the West Coast of India and North of Karnataka. Literally meaning “Cow’s ear”, it is believed by many that Shiva emerged from the ears of a cow here. If you are a water baby, a beach person, and would love to visit religious spots as well, then this gorgeous beach town is your hard stop.

Here are 5 reasons you must visit this hidden gem of Uttar Kannada:

• Must visit in Gokarna- The most popular beaches here are Kudle and Om beach. Kudle is an idle destination for foreign tourists to stay and bathe in the gorgeous location. You can enjoy the picturesque beauty of the blue water with the hills on both the sides and surrounding dense greeneries while taking an auto-ride or walk from the hilltop. Om beach is ~1.5 km from Kudle and you can take a walk down to avoid excess expense (PS: Do not forget to carry an umbrella, hat, and sunglasses as the sun is very scorch). Enjoy your choice of meal at the Namaste café with the scintillating front view of blue waters and floating boats, Shiva shaped cliff, and a hilly backdrop. The trekkers chalk their route by feet through the hills to reach the other lesser crowded beaches- Half Moon, Paradise, and Nirvana from there. If not a trekker, one can avail the boats/ferries parked at Om beach (charged me INR 600 per head), you can take a ride into the above beaches and also click your shots by the beach and enjoy in the waters. **Please note that Paradise beach is a rocky beach and known for its violent tides, hence swimming there is prohibited. If you have time then do take a drive down to the Yana Cave (~47 km or 2 hrs drive) and Murudeshwar Temple (~6 km or 15 min drive).

• Proximity to other popular tourist locations- I had traveled to Gokarna by KSRTC Bus from Bangalore which was about a 9-10 hours journey overnight and you reach there early morning. It is very well connected by road from other locations like Mangalore, Mumbai, Kochi, etc. The best part is you can complete your Goa trip and drop by this spot as it is only about 4-5 hours by bus from Panaji Bus Stand.

• Budget and Time friendly- For all those folks who are looking for a short but money-worthy get-away on a weekend or other days, then this blue-watered dreamy looking beach town is your Go-To option. 2 days is all you need to explore the major beach spots without any rush. You have several cottages and hostel facilities available at various ranges of tariff at the beach shores of Kudle and Om which could be booked from any of the travel booking apps. I had booked from the Make My Trip app.

• Serene and breath-taking beaches- Rare combination of having the best of both worlds, Gokarna is located in the West Coast and the Western Ghats. Gifted with the views of glittering Arabian Sea blue water and hills cladded with dense forests being part of one of the biological diversity hotspots of the world, it is a treat to all the beach lovers and adventure junkies to trek and camp along the beach routes.

• Beachwear friendly - India is the abode of a large number of water-studded divine locations to visit but when it comes to donning your swimwear and bikini to take a dip in those oceans and sunbath by the shore or get that perfect shot for your Instagram handle, you do not have many options in India. Kudle beach is then your ideal location where most of the tourists relax in their bikini and swim trunks to simply marvel at the scenic beauty.

***Sweetlin’s Tip: Based on my experience, I recommended you choose to lodge at any of the places at the Kudle beach because of the ambiance, tranquility, and beauty this beach offers.