Gokarna – The crown jewel of Indian beaches.
When it comes to travel destinations in India, the first place that beach lovers would think of is Goa. With a Portuguese influence, good beaches and nightlife it has been the hotspot for travelers across the globe. As a local Indian, would I like to go to Goa? Maybe yes, but If I am given a choice, I will pick Gokarna over Goa any day. ะะฐ ะดะฐ ะฟัะพัะตัะตัะต ััะฐัะธััะฐ ะฝะฐ ะฑัะปะณะฐััะบะธ, ะผะพะถะตัะต ะดะฐ ะธะฝััะฐะปะธัะฐัะต ะฟะปัะณะธะฝ Google ะัะตะฒะพะดะฐั ะพั ััะบ.
How to reach Gokarna?
There are multiple ways to reach Gokarna from various cities in the state of Karnataka and Maharashtra. But the easiest way by far is taking a flight to Panjim, the capital of Goa and then 156 km by road to Gokarna. If you happen to take this route might as well enjoy the renowned nightlife of Goa.
Is Gokarna one of the best travel destinations in India?
For me, hands down, yes! It has some of the most beautiful beaches that are not crowded. If you are looking for a quiet, peaceful, serene place, look no further. Imagine staying in shacks on a beach, waking up in the morning and the first step you take is on the sand.
The town of Gokarna is a Hindu pilgrimage spot. The temple of Mahabaleshwar is dedicated to lord Shiva and is a must visit place for staunch devotees. When I entered the town, the rustic feel of the place with foreigners and locals going along their daily life at a slow pace is what caught my attention. Though there is enough hustle and bustle this is not the place you want to stay at unless that is your kind of a thing.
It has a local beach which is known amongst surfers. But if you are looking to spend your vacation in a time warp you need to move further away. Around six km from the town is the Aum beach. I have seen people trek the distance but you can also ride a tuk tuk to reach the place.
From here start the beaches which slow down the time. Pristine and clean waters, soft sand, few people and immense peace of mind.
The Aum beach as the name suggests is in the shape of Aum the Indian holy symbol. The other two beaches – Half moon and paradise beach are a trek or a boat ride away from here. I would suggest the trek since it gives you some really splendid views. The path begins at the far end of Aum beach, please do not attempt it if the weather is not good since it can get a bit risky in some patches.
The beaches are on the west coast so the sunsets are absolutely stunning. If you are lucky enough you might get to see bioluminescence as well late in the evening.
What to do at Gokarna?
I used to enjoy walking down the middle of the town. The vendors hawk their wares, anything from colorful batik wraparounds to Tibetan singing bowls. People haggling over the prices, cows walking on the street, it’s got an energy of its own. The town is an ideal place to spend some time and buy souvenirs. You can also visit the local pilgrimage spots but make sure you find out about the rules beforehand. The Mahabaleshwar temple is pretty strict in its age-old heritage and rituals.
Once on the beaches, I would suggest keep your phones away, get off the grid, read a book and just relax. The place is meant for that, unwinding and letting go of your worries and daily cumbersome routines.
The shacks provide some really good food, especially the fresh fish and some chilled beer to wash it down with. It is easy to get carried away and indulge in drinking, but please be careful and do not litter the beaches. Since it carters to travelers from across the globe the quality of food is good and suits all pallets. So do not worry that you might get only spicy food ๐
If you request the shack owners they can light up a camp fire for you on the beach. Our group was fortunate enough to meet a bunch of people who were having a small singing session and we had a blast in the twilight singing away into the night.
If you are the more adventurous kind, I have known a few people who have set up their own tents on the beaches for their stay. But again, please find out more about it since I personally haven’t done it.
Where to stay?
There are shacks available on the beaches and depending on the season the prices vary. Some of the known names are Namaste cafe, Shilled out shack, Kudle ocean front shack and Sangam shack.
I was foolish enough not to book in advance and hence had to stay in the town and come down to the beaches everyday ๐ So, make sure you book well in advance and make the most of your time on the beach.
Best time to visit?
It is best to Visit the place from September to February. From March the heat starts picking up and the beaches are hot and Humid. From June it rains for three months sometimes extending a bit to September.
Yes, India is crowded because of the sheer numbers we have, but this place is exactly the opposite. I do not know how long it will stay this way, and sincerely hope it doesn’t turn into a touristy spot like most other travel destinations in India. Have you heard about Hampi- The UNESCO world heritage site?
